The winter has been mild so far, if a bit wet, and I have managed a few trips out on the bikes between the showers.
Missing the pot holes requires constant vigilance as very few seem to have been repaired after last winter.
I managed to get to the December club night and some old photos belonging to Paul Davies brought back a few memories. The photo competition was a bit low on quantity, if not quality.
John invited us for a drink at the Alma on Dec 23rd and five of us turned up for a natter.
The November lunch meet at the Crown, Wormingford was well received and as a result it was decided that the annual Christmas meal would be held there on the Wednesday of the usual clubnight, January 8th, just for a change. Some twenty odd people turned up, and afterwards John presented the club awards for 2013.
The Reeve Family Cup was presented to Chris McIlroy for the most attendances at events and runs on a bike of the marque.

The Clubman’s Cup was awarded to Russell Reeve for his efforts in organising the visit to the Cromer Lifeboat Station. With refreshments provided on the way by his son, and access to the boat not normally permitted, it was first class day out, even if John was late!

The Ralph Davies Trophy was awarded to Colin Smith for his dedication in keeping the sections finances in good order, and his recording of attendances to every event.
Last but not least, I received the photographic award for a picture of the Ace Cafe visit a couple of years ago. Let’s have a few more photos taken this year!
Presentations were made to Dot, Jane, and Julia for their contributions over the year,as were John and Margaret .
Dot for organising the successful lunch meetings each month,Jane for birthday greetings and keeping an eye on Colin, and Julia for allowing her kitchen to be taken over for committee meetings.
It’s fair to say that without John efforts the section would struggle to keep going and that without Margaret fielding the telephone calls, he would be in trouble!
The proposed programme of events for 2014 is on the way.
I was dismayed to see the 60 mph speed limit proposals. I am sure you can remember the 50mph weekend limits of the sixties. I seem to remember no one paid much attention at the time.
It’s interesting that the rest of Europe have higher limits than us already, cheaper diesel, and we are supposedly trying to compete with them for business.
It’s good to see that the BBC can find money for the Sports Personality of the Year, highlights of cricket from Australia,(were there any?,)but none to broadcast Moto GP this year!
Television highlights have to be Guy Martin and his record attempts. There is no question he is a good bike racer, but these efforts really demonstrate that he is one determined, tough, and fit cookie.
Talking of cyclists, why is it that these flashing lights have not been stopped? And some of the front lights now available are so bright there must be some legislation regarding dipping them to oncoming traffic in the pipeline.
And why is it that they all have a mental block about looking to see whats approaching from behind before making outrageous manoeuvres that leave the rest of us road users taking avoiding action.
Considering how difficult the motorcycle test is now, it’s a pity there isn’t one for cyclists!
I attended an interesting talk about Christy and Norris, the Chelmsford engineers, and another on the design oflatest Aston Martin. I see there is one coming up on the De Havilland Rapide restoration, the design of the new Triumph Trophy, and the new land speed record contender.
Lots going on this time of the year.
By the time you read this, some of us will have attended the Hadleigh Club Christmas meal and taken part in what has become the annual visit to the Victoria at Earl Soham to kick off the year’s events.
Hope it doesn’t turn cold!