
History was made late last month when The North Essex Section AMOC had 3 riders entering.
258 has Julian Smith astride a 1967 360 Greeves Challenger, 25 has Vic Sayers - 1972 410 AJS Stormer 510 has Steve Toy - 1969 380 Greeves Griffon.
Vic Sayers returned to the track after a 28 year break but had to share Julian`s Greeves after the recently rebuilt AJS developed problems. Sadly this bike also developed clutch trouble during the meeting, leaving just Steve to enjoy the support of several North Essex Section members present. Steve took a heavy tumble in his last race but being a tough guy is sure to be back.
Vic had good support from family and friends who came down from the Romford area. Hopefully they enjoyed the day as did those who attend regularly.
Colin Smith, Treasurer North Essex Section AJS and Matchless Owners Club
I'm sorry but I forgot to mention the Alma is holding its annual Beer Festival at the end of the month Starting on Thursday 25th May and it finishes with a classic car and bike show on Monday 29th. We usually have several of our bikes turn up on the day and its a nice way of supporting Derick, our landlord who looks after us so well throughout the year. Do come along if you can, there are usually some nice cars and bikes to see.
Once again we had a good turnout for our two rides in April, the first, Mersea Myths, a trip to the excellent Fish and chip shop in Mersea, organised by Colin, it was meant to show that not everyone on Mersea Island had plenty of money, but the general opinion was that the trip did nothing to dispel the rumour! There is a video on the site for those who missed the trip.
The second, to the David Silver Honda Museum in Leiston, was equally well attended. Organised by John Swann it was an excellent day out and the museum is really worth a visit. With some 150 bikes on display starting in the fifties and up to the Fireblade a really amazing display. Lunch in the shadow of the Sizewell Power Station went down well.
The section riding trips finally made a start in March, with a successful trip to the Victoria, which had been postponed a couple of times because of the weather, and also to Duxford. Thanks to Kevin and Peter we had the chance to witness a classic car auction as well as looking a some of the museum exhibits. Another trip will have to be made to do the Museum justice.
There are lots of events lined up in the next few weeks and details can be found in the Events section. We are getting record numbers both for our club nights and the ride outs and Colin and I would like to thank you all for you support. Anyone with any ideas for runs, or events you think we could attend do let us know. In the mean time we hope to carry on in the same vein and hope to see you at some of them. Safe riding Gordon
Please note that the Lunch Meet is now on April 1st at the Wooden Fender Ardleigh, to avoid the Mothers Day weekend .
Good to see such a good turnout last night despite the weather, and better still, some brave souls on bikes. The evenings briefings were kept as short as possible, and it was good to see contributions from both Phil and Julian bringing a bit more excitement to the proceedings. Good to see Phil back on his feet and we hope to see him back on a bike before too long.
The bike rides have not got off to a good start this year, mainly because of the weather and it's not worth taking unnessesary risks. However during the discussions last night, we have two rides confirmed for March and the information is available in the events page. I apologise for putting one up twice, operator error!
PS Kevin very kindly sent a calender to Russell and it was very well received. Colin and I will hopefully pay a visit once the warmer weather gets here.

A good turnout for the February club night, and a chance to present the Allan Jones Trophy to Julian Smith for his outstanding season in the pre 1965 scramble series. This year, Steve Toy is going to have a go so there is a lot of section interest so do try and get along to some of the local events. Vic was reunited with the Photographic award, now sporting his name for 2016.
The weather forecasts have disrupted the planned ride to the Victoria, and I'm afraid the planned ride on the 10th has had to be called off, as I'm not keen on riding in snow. There was some mirth as I described my breakdown at the Alma, having turned up just in case anyone had missed the cancellation. The lad from the RAC did a good job getting it going. And I must thank Dereck for his hospitality while I waited.
The new year is upon us and the presentation evening is over. From the response we have had , it would appear that the evening went down well and that the venue was very good , despite some misgivings before hand. Indeed it looks like we may well return next year as everyone liked the food, and the atmosphere.
The award winners were all well deserved and quite easy to nominate for a change. Vic did well winning the photography award as well as that for the most impressive journey of the year. Julian had a good year with his scrambling results , but this year could be different as Steve is about to join him with his recently purchased Metisse.
As I write the weather has been good to us in the daytime while a chilly at night. I am hoping it will hold out for our trip to the Victoria next week.
It's been a busy few weeks for our section, tinged with some sadness at the news of the sudden loss of Bill Bullen. Several of us attended his funeral, some on bikes, and he will be missed by us all. The fact that we never knew what bike he would be on next time we saw him will be one of my lasting memories.
The November club night quiz proved to be popular and thanks to John Walsh for arranging it. Could it become a regular event?
We have had a few rides including a trip to Gt Yeldham for the trophy engraving, and another to Landguard Point, Felixstowe. We have a ride to Lowestoft on Thursday 15th December, weather permitting. I hope to do the annual winter run to The Victoria towards the end of January, a date yet to be decided.