Arrived at Battlesbridge at 9 AM in the sunshine to find Paul and Bill waiting to help erect gazebo. In spite of the bad weather reports threatening rain, by 10.00 riders were arriving on display bikes. We had a good cross section of machines from 1904 to 1996 with examples from England, Japan and Italy showing that we are a broad church not just a bunch of old geezers on Brit bikes.

Lot's of visitor's visited our stand. Dave C and myself had a little competition on who's bike got the most interest, his Suzuki GT750 or my Ducati Elite 200. In the interest of friendship a draw was declared.

Although there were a few rain showers this didn't dampen our spirits and a good time was had. Our new member Peter Shorter brought his 1904 Rex and won Rosette for best pre 1930s bike. See separate article below.

Time to dismantle the gazebo in the sunshine, thanks to Dave S, Paul and Rex for your help. Time to go, Dave on his BSA, Rex on his Triumph and me on the little Ducati. Sun is shining no need to put on over trousers for a twenty minute ride to Canvey. Halfway home rode into torrential rain thunder and lightning. By the time I got to Canvey the roads were flooding and I was wondering if Ducati made canoes! Happy to report we all got home safe with no mechanical problems. Just goes to prove that Italian bikes are as reliable as the best of British.

Ron Harris did a major restoration on the 1904 (1905 model year) Rex in the very early 1960’s. He heard a dealer in Chelmsford had it and after much pestering got hold of it, we think it was originally from Wales but as it predates vehicle registration it is not possible to be sure of it’s very early life. It was in a very rough state but complete and with virtually all original or from the period parts there. After restoration he rode it London to Brighton in the snow and then let 2 other friends do it in later years, it wasn’t used on the road after 1967 but did get started very occasionally up until about 20 years ago. He is an aircraft engineer by trade (now retired but still working into his 80’s) and the quality of his work shows everywhere.

Peter Shorter

Photos 13 and 14 show the Rex in the 1960s. Photo 9 shows previous owner Ron Harris visiting our stand on his 93rd birthday to view his old motorcycle. Photos 4-7-9-15 show the Rex at the Battlesbridge event plus Peter getting a 1st Rosette for best pre 1930s bike .To get a good perspective when Ron was born the Rex was 27 years old.

George Smith

Your comments are welcome. To be add your comments please email georgesmith42@outlook.com or add to FB and I will paste and copy for members that do not do FB

PETER SHORTER

Lovely meeting some of you today and thanks for organising it and being so welcoming. Sorry I had to rush off, my van ride wanted to be home for the GP.

PAUL O'LEARY

Nice to meet you and well done for winning the award

DAVE ISZARD

Thanks to George, Dave, Paul Rex for managing the Essex section stand at Battlesbridge We had the best part of the day dry. A good spread of bikes and age difference. Unlike Some I got home in the dry.

RICHARD PARKER

Sounds like you all had a good time despite the weather.

DAVE SMITH

Had a smashing time at Battlesbridge (in the sun and rain) thanks to all who got tent up as I arrived in time to look like I helped. Parked BSA next to Dave C's GT 750 giving people something to lean on as they admired the big Suzuki. Nice to have met Peter Shorter and Ron Harris to hear some of the History of the Rex and look forward to hearing it's future adventures. Nice day sitting around talking bike thanks to all involved. Left for home in sunshine that shortly became torrential rain but BSA never missed a beat and even lights still working when I got home both soaked and sunburnt. Thanks all.