After the downpours that occurred during the Day, the roads dried up and the club managed a successful evening Ride Out. Travelling away from The Cricketers Pub at Fordham towards Marks Tey and onto Copford, passing a few old haunts of Club’s previous venues. Amazing how many Roads seem to get closed due to “Road Works” these days and so early in the evening, but we took alternate arrangements, which only looked to extend the pleasant ride back to the Cricketers. Thanks to Paul and his shining White AJS steed for leading the ride. I have never seen a white AJS, but apparently, they did make them in that colour – Paul advised it was his father’s favourite colour. After settling down for the meeting with the staple diet of Cheesy Chips, Colin went through the evening’s communication to a packed audience of 34 of which we had 4 guests. A couple of apologies were received. Peter, who finally has his operation and we wish him well and a safe return to the fold. George outlined the changes that are occurring in the Club management, which is starting to assist Colin after many appreciated years of running the Club. Our Ride out Insurance was discussed and a group of us are reviewing the cost and conditions – more to come on this. Several future rides were mention, one on the 5th Aug to Walton and a Framlingham Bike show on 12th Aug. The Coach trip to the National Motorcycle Museum has generated a lot interested for the month of September. We will present cost and actual date in August meeting.
On a rare sunny Wednesday evening at the Cricketers Pub , a good number of members turned up for our June Club night. There were 34 attendees of which 18 of us set off for a pre-meeting ride out around the Essex and Suffolk countryside being led by Nick and Caroline -amazingly some of the pot holes had been filled in since our last jaunt, which was nice. Some of our usual members were missing on the night as they were at the Isle Of Man TT - Watching, not Racing we believe. Colin gave his usual whimsical address and announced that we have a new Treasurer. Kim has kindly offered to take on this responsibility and we all congratulated her for volunteering and contributing to the clubs continued success. Our Green lane section has nothing planned as yet, but a call to Sean can remedy that as he happy to arrange an off-road event. There is the potential for a coach trip to the National Motorcycle Museum, dates to be suggested but September seems popular and we will send details via Colin's usual email updates when we have them.. At the end of the evening, we all raised a glass to our friend and member Gordon Levett who sadly passed away recently. He will be greatly missed.
It is with deep regret that we have to report the passing of Gordon Levett – a staunch supporter of the North Essex Section AMOC. Gordon has given unbroken Service since he joined in 1995, holding various roles within the Club. His knowledge of the East Anglian roads was second to none and he loved to lead our ride outs at a brisk but safe manner.
A BSA man at heart and a classic Porshe 911 car owner – Gordon always had good quality equipment and was well maintained. Current Section Members are indebted to Gordon and the late John Lay for the healthy state the Section it is currently in. Both are greatly missed.
The May Club Meeting Survey Results are now available: Survey Results
The results on the question of a Coach Trip to Sammy Millers or National Motorcycle Museum was a resounding YES. However, most preferred the National MotorCycle Museum, so we start to investigate costs of Coach Hire or Self Drive depending on numbers - More to Come.
The evening got off to a good start with the Ride Out of 17 bikes leaving the Cricketers with the sun shining and a cold wind on our backs. The route took us into the Essex countryside, winding through the country lanes whilst avoiding some large and deep pot holes. After about 30 mins all 17 returned to the Pub, smiling but a bit cold and in need of refreshments and the usual Cheesy Chips. The meeting was called to order by Paul and with a good turnout of 39 members, Colin kicked off by giving his address of the “parish notes”, during which the usual banter and humour resounding around the room. George was next to stand up and raise the members awareness of the benefits of being a member of the BMF insurance scheme as it covers circumstances that can occur during the ride outs. We have renewed for this year but will discuss further on the merits of the scheme against the cost. He also brought to the attention of the group the potential need for member to step up and become involved in running the club, for the club to continue to prosper and have a future, members will be needed to take on key responsibilities – more to come. Nick then gave an address on the current upgrades to the Web-Site and the inclusion in the online Monthly Survey the question of whether members are interested in an organised coach trip to Sammy Miller Museum and/or the National Motorcycle Museum. Results of the survey will be available in 2 weeks. Finally, Shaun has offered to lead a day time ride out on the 25th May, leaving the Tesco Garage in the Hythe at 09:30, heading to Manningtree and onto to Walton – all are welcome. On a final note, it has been suggested that we have a Photo Shoot session, taking a picture of each member with a name board as a useful aid to our lapses in memory but also for future members to see the members of 2023.
Many thanks to Paul and Kim for organising an excellent evening ride out to Poverty Island for Fish and Chips. 6 bikes and 2 pillion passengers departed The Cricketers on time and made good speed on an interesting route. The only casualty was Paul’s rear light lens which fell off in Layer de la Haye.
At The Mica venue in Mersea – Bernie had saved us a nice parking area where Keiith P had already parked up 2 of the Triumph Thunderbirds that he is restoring for Paul. These are outstanding and a credit to all involved!!.
It was nice that Bernie brought his daughter Carla and Keith his wife Liz which swelled our numbers to 10 Members and 2 Guests. Please remember that any Wives, Partners, Family etc are always welcome to join in at any of our events.
Fortunately we were allowed to consume our Fish and Chips in the Bar area as it was bitterly cold outside. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable event and many thanks again to those who organised it and to all who joined in.
This Sunday’s Pre65 Scramble has been moved from Maylandsea to Marks Tey due to the course at Maylandsea being water logged.
It will be Club Night next Wednesday with your chance to speak up and tell us how to improve our Club or better still – to offer to take over and move us onwards and upwards!!
It was good a turn out for the April Club night with 31 members and a spattering of riders despite it being a bit cold and rainy. Colin gave his usual entertaining and informative address, including his traumatic experience with trying to get his good lady wife to the hospital after a fall and breaking her femur. Gordon was noticeable by his absence due to illness and the whole club wished him well and a speedy recovery and return to his club duties. We also saw Bernie make a triumphant return to Club night after a period of illness, it was good to see his cheery face and his subs collection skills were still as sharp as ever. Nick gave us a speech on the details of the Club website and changes he is making to give the members more value from its use. Including adding a Survey section so members can vote on when and where they would like the Ride Outs to take place. More to come on this subject. It was good to see such a positive response for volunteers to lead the Evening, Daytime and Pre meeting Ride Outs in April and May. Thanks go to Paul/Kim, Shaun and Nick/Caroline, we look forward to some miles on the dry tarmac after what seems like a long winter. Keep watching the web-site for further info on future events.
Good to see you all at the clubnight ,Wed 3rd March. After getting off to a shaky start this year,(i do apologise for the cancelling of the rides) , lets hope we can get going properly this month. The daytime ride will be on Friday 17th, leaving The Cricketers at 10-30 for a mystery tour of The Shotley Peninsula with lunch at a venue, yet to be decided! The Green Laners will be on their way to Oxfordshire as I write , and the Pre 65 scamblers have what will be their last meeting at Marks Tey, because of the sale of the land. I understand there was a survey amongst you regarding venues for rides, and we will be taking note of the comments before organisng the next ones. Volunteers leaders are of course always welcome. We need to thank Nick for his help withy the website. The list of potential venues for rides is in the pipeline. I will try to keep you all up to date with all the news. I look forward to seeing you on the 17th. Gordon
Good to see you all on Tuesday, and I hope you all had a nice evening. As ususal Col;in and George brought some humour to the occasion, and brought you all up to date with the UEC decisions made on your behalf. Ive got the easy bit, although choosing a suitable finishing point for a ride this time of the year is a bit trickey. Anyway, the next daytime ride will be on Friday February 24th, leaving the Cricketeers at 10-30 am,finishing at Pin Mill for lunch. I hope to put a list of suggested rides up for the rest of the year on this site in the next few days, so keep an eye on it and we will be able to discuss them at the March club night which will be Wedensday 1st March. Gordon
Firstly I apaolgise for cancelling the ride on the 20th, but with an aging membership and the very cold weather, we decided to eer on the side of safety.Hopefully the revised run this Friday , 27th , will be a bit warmer! Secondly, thanks to Nick for his work on bringing our website up to date, something which was way beyond my capabilities,and indeed, most of us. I shall make sure it is kept up to date with the club activities for the new year. The next clubnight is February 1st,and I hope to see you there. Gordon. PS those with dual membership, its the Hadleigh Club AGM on the 31st of January.
After our annual meal in December the rest of the month was quiet on the biking front. We renewed our subscription to the BMF, which as well as some insurance cover for us, does a very good job on behalf of all motorcyclists country wide in looking after our interests. For example, Cambridge is considering banning motorcycles from the city. And there is the danger of driverless vehicles recognising motorcycles. Considering the irresponsible cyclists and electric scooter users ,we need all the support we can get. We gave out the club awards on our January club night, and once again Paul Davis collected the Russel Reeve award for most miles on a classic motorcycle on club events. Vic Sayer collected the Alan Jones award for his inspiration to us all by keeping riding despite one or two nasty accidents riding off road. George Clarkes efforts on the clubs behalf were recognised with the Ralph Davis award. George has been a great help to us and its a real asset having him with us. And last but not least , the John Lay award which was given to Nick King and Caroline for their work both in organising bike rides,and collecting the money for our annual dinner, always a daughnting task. As relative newcomers to the club we are greatful for their help and support. Indeed this website may well look a bit different in weeks to come thanks to Nick.The annual run to The Victoria Eals Soham, for lunch and then on to Andy Tiernans, is scheduled for Friday 20th, leaving the Cricketers at 10 am , weather permitting. The next club night is February 1st. Keep an eye on theis website and look out for Colins E mails. See you soon .Gordon
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