Hi All,

Day one, twenty five bikes led by John Beckinsale arrived at Norton Heath café via tree lined lanes, not without some prize winning potholes. Amazing some that had already started out with breakfast were eating huge sausage or bacon sandwiches, this was only the coffee stop ? On to The Fox at Matching Tye where the lunch was preordered and demolished like they hadn’t eaten lately, crikes! They are gonna want a nap next. Dave Bradley returns to his bike to unlock his and Pam’s helmets but discovers he had snapped the lock shut but had no key to unlock it. Efforts with a pair of pliers had no effect when the chef appeared with a battery angle grinder. On to the Blue Egg for afternoon ‘tiffin’, coffee cake, ice cream, well of course they were hungry by now. We returned to The Museum of Power camp site where the locals split off for home and the campers their caravans.

Day two, my ride through yellow fields of rape seed to the coffee stop at Rayne Station. The riders using route sheets were already there queuing at the serving hatch when my tour of fifteen arrived. The one shot coffee machine was going into meltdown and their home made cake was disappearing at an alarming rate. (Meanwhile Cliff and Roy drift past on their old Indians.) The tour are all happy nattering in the sunshine and they might be there now if I hadn’t said, “let’s ride on for lunch “. Using the end over end system to good effect we made progress and then the unthinkable, ‘ Road Closed ‘. Having checked the route three times prior to the day there was no mention of road closures. The route sheeters unbeknown to us had blagged their way through, there’s no stopping the Kent posse. While me, the Essex yokel, settled for the six mile diversion. It’s twenty five degrees. At Bures Eight Bells the food arrived fast due ‘again’ to preordering. Not bad considering there was almost thirty of us. (Outside Cliff and Roy drift past on their old Indians.) My helmet is locked to my Velo it seems I’ve lost my keys. In the absence of an angle grinder Pam finds them, phew ! All fed and watered we head away from the Suffolk border back to the safety of Essex. Head for home ? not yet matey we have to call in at Abberton reservoir and guess what they are hungry by now. A chimps tea party put paid to the cake display. Campers from Kent, Suffolk, Norfolk and Lincolnshire returned to the Museum and the locals returned home.

Day four, a short day today. A local lap of the lanes and into Coleman’s fishery for brunch and then on to Stowe Maries WW1 aerodrome for cake

and coffee ( Cliff and Roy and their old Indians didn’t go past) . That night fish and chips were brought to the campsite. Camping Week ? it was just a bloody ‘blow out’.

Many thanks

Dave Iszard

Hi All,

The Fox Inn has asked for lunch to be pre ordered although no deposit is required. They also want us to give them two weeks prior notice of our meal requirements. If you want lunch on Tuesday at the Fox Inn, Matching Green, see the menu Bluebell Fox Inn lunch menu.

Please let me know ASAP:

Send your meal choices to Dave Bradley by email: dc_bradley@talktalk.net or by text or whatsapp to 07808 294139 You can either circle your choice on this form and email it to me or just send a text stating your choice

Hi All,

Hi All,

Hi All,

This is the updated Bluebell entry form. The paragraph at the bottom of page 2 now includes the reduced entry fee of £8.00 for our VMCC visit to the military museum for groups of 10 or over.

Thanks, Dave Bradbury

Bluebell 2025 entry form v2

Hi Everyone,

It was Peter Coleby's funeral today. His son-in-law requested a BSA Gold Star to accompany the funeral procession which took place today, he writes:-

My father in law was Peter Coleby who raced in the 50’s and 60’s and was a self employed engineer in Walthamstow. He did a lot of one off pieces for bikers right up until 3 years ago , then aged 87. He rode and was great friends with George Bacon, a Romford based rider, and Dennis Butler who was a Honda & vintage bike dealer in Sawbridgeworth in case someone might know them. As I said he rode Bultacos and these are a few pictures of him.

Clive Tooby rode his BSA Gold Star at the funeral and his bike was the star of the day. I was a bit concerned as he went between the hearse and the limousine and they did the 8 mile journey at probably just over 20mph as he had said something to me about riding it slowly being difficult but he managed it. TG. Also it rained from about 10am but stopped just before we set off at 10:40 and then remained dry I would imagine until he got home. It made the day that little bit extra special so thank you ever so much for putting me in touch with him. We had a lot of whatsApp conversations on Sunday and I sent him lots of info regarding Peter and he was genuinely interested in his motorcycle history.

1. Section President officially opened the meeting – then passed to the Chairman for his yearly report
2. Chairman presented his yearly report – thanked all committee members and ride leaders and then passed to the Treasurer to present the section accounts
3. Treasurer went through the accounts – highlighted that for the first year we were showing more outgoings than incoming. It was pointed out that we had made a couple of exceptional purchases (e.g. projector) and that without this we would have been roughly flat. A debate began over the merit of either raising the cost per ride to two pounds or reducing the subsidy down to fifteen pounds – this was politely referred to the AOB section. Richard Parker then proposed the accounts be adopted and Mick Grimes seconded.
4. Chaiman advised Richard Parker will be the new Webmaster and that all items for inclusion should in future be forwarded to him.
5. Chairman asked for AOB and we debated the merits of increasing the cost per ride or reducing the subsidy as outlined above. After discussion it was agreed to maintain at current levels as it was felt that the subsidy had been in part been the inducement for the increased number of rides in 2024. We will review again next year to see if the levels are still merited.
6. The annual donation to charity was raised and Dave Iszard commented on the fact that the committee felt any donation should be made to a smaller local charity. This was endorsed by members and Little Havens proposed as the recipient, however in view of the current section account balance the donation should be reduced to two hundred and fifty pounds. Put to the members present and supported unanimously.
7. There being nothing further the President closed this element.
8. All current serving committee members were then officially stood down.
9. Chairman confirmed that he is prepared to stand again as was the Treasurer and the Secretary and asked if there are any other proposals – none put forward.
10. Chairman confirmed that George and David Smith, Rex Croft and Dave Coatsworth were all happy to serve again as committee members – there were no further proposals from the floor.
11. The elections were proposed en-masse by Mark Gelsthorpe and seconded by John Ruth. The Chairman welcomed everyone and closed the meeting.

PHOTOS OF THE AWARDS ARE IN THE PAST EVENTS SECTION: AGM AWARDS

Happy New Year! Slightly later just so I could add that in!

Lets hope that we have loads of fun, great weather and reliable bikes - oh and obviously health, wealth and happiness!

I hope that those of you that attended the last club night enjoyed the film show, please let me know either way and if it gets the nod of approval maybe we will try it again this year.

My modernish winter ride (2007 Suzuki DRZ400SM) has been put back on the road for the mucky season, but it is turning into a bit of a prima donna. The rear light fitting and indicators started playing up. Onto ebay and a shiny new one piece unit was purchased and fitted. It looked great in the garage but none of my "friends" could see it when we were out riding and after a lot of muttering and complaining I was cajoled into getting another new one at great personal expense. Honestly the things I do to keep my mates happy! Two new tyres and tubes were fitted only to have the rear go flat after a couple of rides. A return to the fitters for a new tube revealed the old one had a small hole in the tube only visible with a bit of manipulation (ooh err missus!) Not to worry "I'll fit the new tube I've ordered in especially" says the mechanic. Unfortunately though it had shrunk in the post, and what was supposed to be a 17" was now only a 12" - how many of you have suffered shrinkage issues?? Any how a quick patch and its all back together again now and holding air. Next job is to replace the leaking front fork seals - I suppose I could do it myself but its such a faff, its booked in next Tuesday! :) This bike riding is getting expensive!

Enough of my ramblings lets get down to business:-

January's club night 8th January 2025 at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words.iterative.tougher.recital) 19.45 for 20.00

Januarys club night will be our annual AGM - all of the current committee members have begrudgingly agreed to stand again (after I let them out of there full nelsons) but we are always looking for fresh ideas and new members to step up. All roles are up for re-election so if you are unhappy with what we are up to; feel that you could do better; or just feel like putting something back in to the section, then please let me know. To help entice attendance, once again we will be laying on a selection of free nibbles, and the much trailered and awaited free raffle. We are going to try and get everything competed even quicker than last year so that the merriment can resume.

February's club night 12th February 2025 at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words.iterative.tougher.recital) 19.45 for 20.00

Still work in progress - I'll confirm shortly

Any other business

I am delighted to advise that Richard Parker (of Garelli buzz box and Moto Morini fame) has very kindly agreed to take over our website admin from George Smith. Please let Richard have any future items for inclusion - his email is richard@rjparker.org - our thanks go to George for all his hard work keeping it updated until now, and good luck and thanks Richard.

I am attaching a diary for 2025 rides. In 2024 we had probably the largest number of rides ever (17) and my thanks go out to all the ride leaders and tailenders that made it so successful.

2025 Events Calendar - updated 10th Jan 2025

Its starting to fill up nicely but please take a look and let me know if you would like to lead a ride in 2025. The provisional dates are based on what was run in 2024, but please don't let that put you off, If you would prefer a different day of the week or date just let me know and I am sure that we can accommodate it.

It doesn't need to be a massive "Iron butt" type run either - we need a mix of longish and shortish rides, and don't forget that you can claim twenty quid towards petrol money for checking out and planning the route. All you need is a coffee stop, a lunch stop (with afternoon tea if its a full days ride) joined together by nice roads simples!

If you are a little nervous feel free to chat to me or any other committee member, or even a previous ride leader to understand exactly what is involved. It really can be a lot of fun and in need I am sure we can pair you up with an experienced ride leader to help out with your planning.

You will note that I have included a couple of meet ups with two of our local neighbours. Martyn and Angus (the respective secretaries) will also be sharing with me their full diaries in case any of you feel like joining them or scheduling another meet.

That's all for now folks - hope to see you at the AGM for the free grub and raffle.

Cheers

Simon

Hi All,

Here is my final missive for 2024. First of all let me start by saying "We was robbed!" - I am of course referring to the excellent Beckinsales quiz night when the Strauss mafia beat us to first place by a single point! Despite my strongest protestations the quiz master refused to accept one of our answers and we were left crying into our beer :(

Begrudging congratulations to team Strauss - we are already plotting our revenge for next year!

A great night nevertheless that was really well attended - thanks go out to John and Ann for all the behind the scenes hard work that they put in to make it such a success.

Decembers club night 11th December 2024 at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words.iterative.tougher.recital) 19.45 for 20.00

This will be something a little different as we are planning a picture night so bring along your popcorn and nachos (well hot chocolate for some!) George has been busy with his credit card and has managed to source a smashing "old bike" related DVD.

January's club night 8th January 2025 at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words.iterative.tougher.recital) 19.45 for 20.00

I hereby give notice that Januarys club night will be our annual AGM - all of the current committee members have begrudgingly agreed to stand again (after I let them out of there full nelsons) but we are always looking for fresh ideas and new members to step up. All roles are up for re-election so if you are unhappy with what we are up to; feel that you could do better; or just feel like putting something back in to the section, then please let me know by the end of December. To help entice attendance, once again we will be laying on a selection of free nibbles, and we are going to try and get everything competed even quicker than last year.

As further enticement we will also be holding a "free raffle" - yes you heard that right a "free raffle". John has been busy scouting for interesting Knick knacks.

Any other business

I am attaching a provisional diary for 2025 rides. In 2024 we had probably the largest number of rides ever and my thanks go out to all the ride leaders and tailenders that made it so successful.

Please take a look and let me know if you would like to lead a ride in 2025. The provisional dates are based on what was run in 2024, but please don't let that put you off, If you would prefer a different day of the week or date just let me know and I am sure that we can accommodate it.

It doesn't need to be a massive "Iron butt" type run either - we need a mix of longish and shortish rides, and don't forget that you can claim twenty quid towards petrol money for checking out and planning the route. All you need is a coffee stop, a lunch stop (with afternoon tea if its a full days ride) joined together by nice roads simples!

If you are a little nervous feel free to chat to me or any other committee member, or even a previous ride leader to understand exactly what is involved. It really can be a lot of fun and in need I am sure we can pair you up with an experienced ride leader to help out with your planning.

You will note that I have included a couple of meet ups with two of our local neighbours. Martyn and Angus (the respective secretaries) will also be sharing with me their full diaries in case any of you feel like joining them or scheduling another meet.

2025 Events Calendar

Photo Competition

There is still time to register your vote for the Photo competition - George will be bringing along copies for you to look at next club night, along with some voting slips. You can either vote there and then or email them to me or any other of the committee or hand them personally to one of us either at club night or on any of the runs where there are usually one or two of us present. If you don't know who we are just ask, but for clarity any of me, Dave Iszard, John Beckinsale, George Smith, Dave Smith, Rex Croft, Ray Spearman or Dave Coatsworth will gladly accept your entries.

It looks like we already have a clear favourite but there's still time to change that!

The results will be announced at the January AGM and there will be a worthy prize for the winner.

It just remains for me on behalf of myself and the other members of the committee to wish you a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year and thanks for all you participation and support in 2024.

That's all folks

Cheers

Simon