I arrived at Bill's workshop at 8.45 to get my little Ducati out of storage and check it was behaving (it was). Rider's started trickling in and our host Bill Cullen began offering tea or coffee but this became overwhelming as 21 riders arrived and he gave up. We had two guests arrive from Leytonstone, one on a Moto Guzzi 125 and one, our only lady rider on a Tiger Cub. Well done them. After a good chat and a look at Bill's many motorcycles it was time to move out. Bikes fired up and time for the Essex chapter of Hell's Grandads and one Hell's Grandma to head for the Museum of Power.

A pleasant ride with no one lost and no incidents. a good start. Arriving at the M.O.P. to be greeted by our chairman Dave Iszard, limping about and suffering from strained back muscles. I am sure he got lot's of symphony? and I wish him well. I then discovered that the screws had disappeared from my rear light and was hanging by the wires. Secretary Simon to the rescue and soon ready for the road. This is the second time Simon has repaired the electrics on one of my Ducati singles, Is he now the go to Italian bike wiring expert. Having finished refreshments and visiting the you know where time to head for the lunch venue. Unfortunately Steven Back suffered a puncture on the Bantam ( is he jinxed) and had to retire with tailender Rex stopping to help, with Richard Parker taking over Tailender duties.

Arrived at the Chequers Inn to be greeted by smiling bar staff and told that we had reserved seating. The meals turned out well presented, if a little to much for some of us and I believe everyone received what they ordered. Full marks for the Chequers staff. A good chat with friends and time flew by, soon it was time to head home.

I hope everyone enjoyed the ride and I noticed that there are now more tiddlers coming on my rides and getting in the sprit of things. This will be the last 'old and slow ride' I organise as I will be moving to Norfolk soon. I did ask for a volunteer to take over and was met by deafening silence. Perhaps I will try to convince my son David to take over to keep what has become something a little different on the Calander.

George Smith.