The Felixstowe Chapters off to Mallory,

Come on Chaps, pack your tents and head for Mallory in July, it’s a blast.

I’ve been the last couple of years and thoroughly enjoyed it, Peter and Trevor are old stagers at it and it’s great fun.

Beer, Rock n Roll and a Race Track what else do you need?

Three pictures of a previous Matchlessness’ at Mallory attached 

Peter on his his lovely P11 and Trevor finally “getting” the Triton he chased all session….

The first year I accompanied Trevor and Peter and just watched,

Last year I took my G3LS and had a whale of a time, I did two sessions, I’ve already booked for two more this year.

There’s rumours flying around that I’m the only one that can get all the way round Mallory without changing gear or braking except for the hairpin LOL (Laughing Out Loud)

All the best and hope to see you there………………

Graham Parker, Peter and Trevor  (Felixstowe Chapter of East Suffolk)

January Section Report

The East Suffolk section’s traditional activity over the Christmas period in order to end the year on a high note is always their Cold Turkey Run and the 29th December saw well-muffled riders assemble at Spencer’s Garage for a quick freshener. The earlier snowfall before Christmas had cleared by then and Jim led off for a brisk trundle through the lanes via Snape and Wickham Market to meet up with the four-wheeled supporters who were waiting at the Turk’s Head. Although the Cold Turkey run did end at the same pub once many years ago, this was the first time since we started meeting there earlier in the year. Apart from one not-too-satisfactory occasion at our former base, when the landlord at the Horse and Groom was trying to do food, we’ve not previously had the advantage of finishing at our own headquarters, but at the Turk’s, the setting was ideal for us, as the combined party filled the meeting-room to enjoy the warmth and a good meal. Whilst the weather was ideal for the run, with the roads just a bit damp, the forecast was for more wintry weather later in the day, so members didn’t linger too long after the meal. As it turned out, the timing of the event was really very fortunate as, like the rest of the country, the area was covered by thick snow for weeks afterwards and as a result, both the January meeting and the visit to the Observatory at Orwell Park, had to be cancelled. A party enjoyed a tour of the Observatory a few years ago and the event, which is organised by Mick Barritt, will now be a later date. The postponed AGM is now on 8th February, when there will be an opportunity to make suggestions to incorporate in the Spring programme. Soon after the meeting, on the 14th, there will be the annual jumble at Great Blakenham. Just how members justify their absence from their nearest and dearest on St Valentine’s Day to go and sift through old bits of motorbike will be up to them!!

December Section Report

East Suffolk members turned out in force at the Great Blakenham bike jumble, where there were many more traders than previously, probably due to the later date. The November date is probably better as it doesn’t compete with other bigger events, like Netley Marsh. Some bargains were there to be had but there’s an increasing problem of sorting British spares from Japanese bits. A larger party than usual enjoyed the Saturday pub lunch in November, which returned to familiar ground in the village of Orford at the Jolly Sailor, where they again reserved us a back room. Plans were hatched for a car-full to go to Kempton Park to help to source parts for some folks’ winter projects. Richard’s camper was the transport for that and they apparently came back happy, with a complete engine/gearbox for Maurice’s lightweight amongst other treasures. A classic trial was being held at Boxford at the beginning of December, and a few members wrapped up warm and rode over there. Conditions were good and not too muddy, despite the recent wet weather, so everyone had a good day out and they stopped off in Needham Market afterwards for some food. At the Turk’s Head the following evening, the December club-night was the now-traditional mix of quiz, buffet supper and a raffle. First, though, Richard announced that arrangements had been agreed with Roy Bellett for next year’s eastern counties inter-section meet to be at Sible Hedingham and an advertisement will appear shortly in the Jampot. After a few other items of business were disposed of, Jim Lomax, who had won the quiz last year, was this year’s inquisitor. In a hilarious half-hour, with banter and wit from all sides, his questions covered not just bikes, but Brooklands, the TT and transport generally. As usual, the marking process gave rise to more laughter as members tried to offer barely-acceptable answers, but Jim was having none of it. Eventually, the winner of the Quiz Cup was declared to be Albert, so he will get the dubious honour of setting the quiz next year! After the buffet, Albert in turn had the great pleasure of presenting the new splendid Clubman of the Year Cup to Dave Cook for his tireless work in planning and leading the section’s runs. Already, he’s planning runs for next year, so with that to look forward to---A Happy New Year. See you riding.

November Section Report

In East Suffolk, the start of the darker months of the year brings the consolation of Saturday pub lunch meets in place of evening club runs, and October’s venue was the Chequers at Kettleburgh. Despite a dreary, drizzly day, Robin nevertheless turned up stoically two-wheeled, on his shiny Bullet. It was a welcome chance to catch up on the latest excitements in Richard’s story of helping in clearing the estate of a deceased neighbour. This has included numerous dismantled bikes and cars and has filled his life for weeks, as Maggie confirmed ! The pub hasn’t been visited before on these occasions, but will certainly be on the list in future. By coincidence, the organisers of the excellent Kettleburgh jumbles had organised one for following day, so all the great and the good of the section were back there again on the Sunday to enjoy the barbecue and root in the rust. One of the outstanding attractions is the man with all manner of secondhand tools and engineer’s equipment, ideal for kitting out your workshop. The November clubnight packed the Turk’s bar and back room and after the business news was out of the way, Club calendars were distributed, courtesy of John Lay’s visit to Kettering. There are plans afoot to get several members to the International in Ireland next year, and Jim and Maurice are looking into the transport. Any members wishing to go should get in touch with either of them, since one or two places remain. With its now-traditional form of a quiz (with questions set by Jim after his victory last year), supper and raffle, the December club meeting is always a lot of fun and this year will also feature the presentation of the new Clubman of the Year cup. Some of the members are planning runs to a couple of pre-65 events again during the next month, the usual one at Boxford and the annual Eastern Thumpers classic trial at Thorrington, where they hope to find a rather less muddy area to park their bikes, after the experience of the last visit! Finally, the committee hopes to see you on the last riding event of 2009, the annual Cold Turkey Run, this year on Tuesday, 29th December. It’s not too long and finishes up at the Turk’s Head, so that riders can thaw out and have a bit of good grub. Keep well and take care.

October Section Report

The East Suffolks celebrated the end of the summer programme’s evening runs with the Glow Worm supper at the end of September. It was at the Westerfield Swan as usual, with all the regular runners and their ladies present. Thanks to all those who devised the routes, all great runs. How do they do it? Top men, every one. A dozen or so members rode up the A12 to the Henham Steam Rally, another regular date in the calendar, which seemed to be even bigger than ever this year. There were plenty of tractor and car bits and supplies to be found but there was hardly any bike jumble. At the Copdock Bike Show at the Suffolk Showground in early October, though, the organisers had allocated a big separate jumble area with quite a bit of interesting stuff in amongst it. In the Club Stand Hall, the Section’s “shopfront” display attracted lots of attention all day. Ten machines were in this year’s line-up, which ranged from Robert’s pre-war G2 to Pete’s late P11 and included several recently completed bikes. In the show awards, Colin Taverner was pleased to get a runner–up award with his lovely 1927 AJS. The sponsor of the Roy Stock Shield, for the best machine of the marque on the section stand, was there to award it to John Fisk for his tidy G80, this year’s winner. Thanks, as ever, to the loyal band of members that help with setting up and dismantling afterwards. Meanwhile, Dave Cook and Andy Poulson went off to the Alternative Jampot, held that same weekend in Lincolnshire, and they’ve reported that they enjoyed a super rally, with good journeys in both directions. Dave is an aircraft enthusiast, so he found the visit to the Aviation Centre for the Saturday run particularly interesting, although we gather that with the wind making straight-line riding difficult, it sounds as if there was always a possibility of involuntary take-off ! October clubnight was again just about a full house and an opportunity to present Pete Ranson with a bottle of wine for his success with the Bits-in-the-Bags last month. The new trophy for Clubman of the Year was displayed, with its solid hardwood plinth beautifully crafted by Andy. Richard outlined the ground rules before dishing out the voting slips, which are due to be returned by November clubnight, with the presentation planned for the December meeting.

September Section Report

The final evening run on the East Suffolk Section’s programme finished at the Butley Oyster after a spirited sprint to keep up with Brian, with three contingents eventually sharing experiences after the marshalling went pear-shaped. The following weekend’s West Suffolk Mystery Run unfortunately remains a mystery to this scribe, as he missed it and didn’t ask about it at the time! Details later, perhaps. Then, off we all went to the Jampot--a record number, about half the Section members on two wheels or four. What a magnificent rally HoE arranged, with that lovely woodland setting to camp in .By combining the awnings of two campervans with Peter Haddon’s gazebo, a successful social/working area was produced. It has often been said that the Jampot is the best place to break down, surrounded as we are by expertise and people with the right tools, and one member certainly seems fated to test the theory. In Cornwall; his twin suffered a duff coil and we collectively sorted that out then, this year, it blew a head gasket on the way to Oundle. The lads duly descended and had him mobile and ready for the next day’s run. The three rally runs were all really enjoyable, and the marshalling was efficient. The party was delighted to find that two members, Brian and John Fisk, had collected yellow rosettes at Old Warden and sent them off to the Concours line-up after a communal polishing session. It was the first Jampot that John has been to, as he only joined the Section earlier this year, and later, his weekend got even better in the evening when he won the first raffle prize, worth £200. Early in September, a run was arranged to go up to the classic bike races at Snetterton, that route always a joy with swinging bends and deserted B roads. As it was a blustery cold day, it was perhaps no surprise that only the hardy, keen ones amongst us turned up at the start but nevertheless, enjoyed their day. Clubnight was a full house again. Thanks again to Mick D, who baffled many with his Bits in the Bag. With 100% correct answers, Peter Ranson was declared our Champion Groper--but even he didn’t identify the jokers-- three musket balls. Since moving Section HQ to the Turk’s Head, everyone has taken to arriving much earlier, possibly to do with the chip-van!!

August Section Report

The East Suffolk Section’s Sandlings Run in May was in support of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, so as they were holding an Open Day near Darsham on 18th July, Albert led a run to hand over a cheque. The plan was to arrive at the shooting centre where the event was being held about the same time as the helicopter, “Anglia 1”, for a posed photo. As its arrival was delayed, the party happily occupied the café for a few coffees and cake. Everyone streamed out when the helicopter eventually appeared, but just as it landed there was an emergency callout to Skegness. With barely time to shuffle into a windblown line for a photo, the “chopper” lifted off and went, so the presentation was in front of the clubhouse. Since it was lunchtime by then, some of the group enjoyed a run through the lanes via Westleton for a bite on the way home. It was Jack’s turn to lead the evening run at the end of the month, and his 350 set a cracking pace on a well-chosen route to finish at Knodishall’s Butcher’s Arms. Chris and Maureen went there direct and arrived first, which was lucky because, with no customers till then, the landlord was all set to close early! Traditionally, the August meeting is a barbecue at Grundisburgh, so since the Section’s just moved to the Turk’s Head, an extra clubnight was arranged for the week before to keep the pub happy. With another lovely sunlit evening, it was again an impressive line-up of club machines, including Pete’s Rickman Constellation for the first time. Good to see John Smith who’d ridden from Clacton, first long ride since his operation. Despite a day of grey clouds, the barbecue the following week, hosted by Albert and Sylvia in their garden at Grundisburgh, was as usual well attended and a great success. Albert and Mick D did the hot job, whilst Chris and Celia helped Sylvia keep the supplies coming, with lots of tempting desserts to round it all off. A run to the Museum of Power at Langport on 9th was on a perfect bike-riding day and after the Suffolks joined the Presidential and N.Essex sections on the Club display, there was a lot to see—lots of bikes and all the museum machinery too. Richard attracted applause by dropping his bike on the grass, stoutly claiming that was what BMW rocker boxes were for!!

July Section Report 

Recent weeks in East Suffolk have been brimming with activity, one week having well-supported runs on successive evenings. These were the ever-popular (because Mick the Money pays!) fish’n’chip run to Aldeburgh, then the next evening a run, along with the North Essex lads, to see Ed Abbott’s amazing workshops where they build and tune the engines for Saab rally cars. For other evening runs, Pete Nicholls led in glorious sunshine to finish at the Rose, Crowfield and Andy’s route to the pub at Bedfield took many folk onto unfamiliar roads. It was at Crowfield that The Gaffer entertained the throng with a graceful slow-motion capsize when, as he turned in, his wheel hit a pothole and stalled the bike. I have to mention this, since Jack would otherwise accuse the scribe of selective reporting! To support Jim Lomax, who’s chairman of the Hadleigh bike club, a contingent rode across to their show and joined with the North Essex section to establish an AMC display in a corner of the field. We didn’t win any awards but Peter Haddon won a four-foot high teddybear in the draw. It couldn’t have gone to a better man--nobody else would have known how to get it home. However, he was delighted, taking it home for his grandson in the section stand’s tow-car. The next event, the breakfast run to Sizewell, turned into an epic before we’d even left Wickham Market. After an impressive 8a.m. exit, waved off by the elderly gents collecting their Sunday papers, Little Peter’s bike glided to a halt after a hundred yards. Collective analysis, resulting in a change of plug, got the engine going and off he rode again. There were two more short-distance bursts, each with the usual flow of technical expertise that included a fuel tap changeover and carb jet strip. By this time, the run-leaders had returned (with even more technical expertise) but the next time it petered out (sorry!), nobody could get it going so it was left for collection later and Peter finished up on Richard’s pillion seat. After all that, the party were more than ready for their coffee and bacon rolls at the Beach Café. The inaugural clubnight at the Turk’s Head attracted a record number of more than 20 bikes and on a warm evening, most members sat outside in the garden. The landlord initiative of organising a fish’n’chip van each Monday, the chef’s night off, resulted in a steady stream of happy customers

June Section Report

In East Suffolk it’s been a busy time since last month’s report. News reached us from headquarters of a local village show near Bury on 17th May, with a request to support it. We haven’t ridden to that area for a while so enjoyed a good run to what was mainly a tractor-oriented vintage show. Good fun--and with free coffee all day too. Bank Holiday weekend brought first, the Kettering Open Day, two carloads going across to join the throng there. All credit for the organisation, with lots happening, a lively jumble and lots to see. The local press gave a big write-up of our Sandlings Run on the Monday, with thirty-five riders setting out in the sunshine with map and route card. No one got lost and the run raised £150 in total for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. At the finish in Hasketon, the pub had laid on a wide range of barbecue food in the garden and impressed our members to the extent that several remarked that this would be a good alternative if ever our regular haunt, the Doom’n’Gloom, should close. At the June clubnight, however, on learning that the latest landlord was leaving after only 2 months, it was agreed unanimously that, with things continuing to be so unsettled, this might be the opportunity to make the change. So from July, our home will be the Turk’s Head. A run to Framlingham was arranged at short notice on 7th of June when it was realised that there would be some other clubs heading there. It was a glorious day to be out on the road, and ten riders met North Essex members and the Velocette Owners Club on the Castle Green. On arrival, they found a contingent of Morgan cars lined up, so there was plenty to look at, but we understand most of the party concentrated on staying in the cool shade of the trees. Two evening runs, both well supported, went to the Sorrel Horse at Barham and to Bramford during the last month. At the start of the run to Redgrave on June 13th we were pleased to meet member Roy Potter. Roy lives in Wortham, near Redgrave, and had ridden down to ride back up with us. The Fenrunners arrived soon after we got there, to share the sunshine and food outside the Cross Keys, but where were the Norfolks?

May Section Report
The East Suffolk section’s summer programme seems to have started off in fine style with an event every few days. Jack organised the season-opening Treasure Hunt, and an eager crowd assembled at the Doom’n’Gloom to try their luck, including newly-joined member Ted Draper and Rosemary from Yoxford. After an enjoyable tour of the local beauty-spots, the result was declared to be a tie between two members, but as one was on a BeeEmm (boo!!), Jack exercised his organiser’s right to dock him points and declared Peter Ranson the winner. Incidentally, it’s intriguing that whilst some sections seem to have a problem with runs being dominated by BMWs., our Section has only one known owner. A few evenings later, Jim led the First Evening Run to finish at one of our favourite pubs, at Swilland. Ed Abbott on his WD Matchless in full military kit, along with Graham and Richard all rode the Ipswich Transport Museum run on 3rd May, whilst several other members elected this year to cheer them on from the roadside, before going to look at all the bikes and vehicles on the front at Felixstowe. At the start of the run to the Henham Park “Wings and Wheels” the following Sunday, Brian came along with his short-stroke AJS newly refurbished in candy blue. The show had lots of interesting machinery to see with equally interesting owners to talk to. The flying display included a glider performing aerobatics, both under tow and after casting free of its tug. Part of the glider’s routine whilst being towed was a low level flypast whilst flying inverted, and that really impressed the crowd. At the May clubnight, it was good to welcome another new member, John Fisk, an Ajay singles man, from Bungay. We look forward to seeing both John and Ted on runs and events in the future. Detailed arrangements were made for the run to Gt Welnetham show and for other coming runs. The start (omitted from the published programme) for the run in June to Ed Abbott’s Saab-tuning workshop at Wix will be at 7.30 from the A12/A137 layby. When heavy rain and gloom descended two days later, the evening run to Stradbroke scheduled to be led by Mick B had to be abandoned at the last minute, Richard and Albert splashing their way to Spencer’s just to check nobody else was daft enough to think of going!!

April Section Report

In East Suffolk at the end of March, it was definitely a spring day at last for the final pub lunch on the winter programme. Among the crowd dining, the riders outnumbered the others for once, a sure sign of sunshine. Chris and Maureen were there first, on their Harley, then Brian and Celia followed by John and Ann, both on Triumphs. It wasn’t until Mick and Chris and Pete arrived on machines of the marque that it became a credible meeting of AJS and Matchless owners and we felt we could go in! It seems that the pub is under the same management as the pub where the May charity run will finish, the Turk’s Head at Hasketon, where the chef has offered to provide a barbecue. Lets’s hope the sun shines this year after the last two meets in succession were so wet. The first organised riding event of the year was the trip to the eastern counties inter-section meet at North Weald. Just a handful set off from the Ipswich end, many members saying they thought it was too far. The party swelled after meeting the North Essex contingent in Colchester and it was a great run down in the sunshine. We all agreed that North Weald was an interesting place for the event and enjoyed watching the flying along with catching up with the gossip. On the return trip, John discovered the limitation of the range of the G80CS but fortunately, soon after we stopped, a local resident offered to provide a welcome can-full. Apart from Richard wobbling in on his lightweight, the first time it’s been seen to move under power in recent memory, the clubnight in April was notable for the welcome return of Maurice after his recent illness. The landlord has located the Section’s framed badge, to our relief, and it’s back in place on the wall in the meeting-room. There is talk of the pub having some major work done, if planning permission is forthcoming. This sounds as if they want to incorporate our separate meeting room with the bar, unfortunately. If that means that they close for a few weeks and we have to meet elsewhere, members will be kept up to date. Finally, a plea to any local members who intend to come to the Sandlings Run—it would greatly help the planning organisation if they could confirm to Albert or Richard.

March Section Report

East Suffolk members almost took over the top-floor dining-room for February’s pub-lunch at Felixstowe Ferry, with a record number enjoying the views of the river along with the excellent food. The bright sun had encouraged a well-muffled Colin, Jim and Mick D (with Chris on the back) to ride there, so the rest were made to feel guilt and inadequacy by all this two-wheeliness and immediately rushed off home to finish their fettling. Perhaps. Turning now to what we’ve done lately and what we’re planning to do, most of the faithful were to be seen at the Blakenham Jumble sifting the useful from the rusty tat and some bargains were indeed there to be had this year. The March clubnight was another packed assembly at the Horse and Groom, now under new management (again). We’re worried that they seem to have mislaid our framed section badge in the course of the changeover and hope the manager’s found it by now. A lightweight-riding new member, Josh Gibbons, was welcomed to the fold and was soon deep in discussion, so we look forward to seeing him again in the future, and on some of the runs. Former members John and Ann Smith dropped in too, enjoying themselves so much they’ve re-joined. Storm showed a pair of recently- delivered twins con-rods from JSL, close inspection having raised several concerns about finish and accuracy that he was most unhappy with. It’s certainly to be hoped they can be resolved at that price!! Richard reminded folk about the last pub-lunch, on 21st at Henley. April will see the start of some busy times, with the run into Essex to the Squadron Inter-section Meet launching the new spring programme. In view of the extra distance, it’s vital we leave promptly at 9.30 from the A14/A137 layby, so be warned. What is usually regarded as a shakedown event, the Treasure Hunt, happens some weeks later, on 19th, so those who are bringing their newly-overhauled machines out blinking into the daylight can get a run without being too far from base. Jack, who won the award last year in a snowstorm, is out at this moment, we understand, looking for freshly gravelled lanes to test the unwary. The first evening run is led by Jim on 22nd, ending at the Moon and Mushroom, Swilland, Note, evening runs are now on WEDNESDAYS since some pubs have been found to close on Monday.

February Section Report

East Suffolk members’ first pub lunch of the year was at the Cherry Tree in Woodbridge. In addition to the usual crowd, new members Chris and Maureen and Colin and Kathy were there giving a first sighting of the tidy lightweight Colin’s just acquired from Andy’s. Many of the section bikes are off the road at the moment- in one case because the date for the annual MoT renewal coincided with the start of the snowy bitter weather, so that bike still has to be “legalised”. Some folk have been working hard in their sheds. Brian’s late short-stroke single is due to appear soon, we hear, fully re-built in proper AJS candy blue and Robert is putting the final touches to the basket-case lightweight he took on a few months ago. Meanwhile, Richard has been busy in the Secretarial shed completing re-assembly of the lathe he bought some time ago as a retirement project. As we hoped, there was a phenomenal turnout for the February meeting when Club President Roy Bellett visited us with Karen. We enjoyed hearing from him about progress with plans for the various events and developments in the Club. The programme for the spring and summer months is ready to be distributed, promising to be the busiest yet. Fingers are crossed for good weather at the end of May when the Sandlings Run is scheduled again and it was agreed that the East Anglian Air Ambulance is the charity we’ll support with it. One disappointment was for the loss of the camping weekend that was going to be coupled with meeting the neighbouring sections at Redgrave. The meet will still be on, but access to the field behind the pub isn’t now available, the landlord who was there last year having moved on. Roy’s visit was also a chance to sort out details of the route to the Annual Inter-section Meet held for many years at Finchingfield. After a less than enthusiastic welcome there last year from a new landlord, this year it will be at the East London & Essex section’s base at North Weald airfield. The run leaves at 9.30 on 5th April, from the A137 layby. Before that, though, there’ll be your chance to enjoy the last meet on the winter programme at the Cross Keys, Henley on 22nd March, and then it’s time to be out and about on the P&J!

January Section Report

When East Suffolk members mustered at Spencer’s for their annual post-Christmas jaunt, the Cold Turkey run, there was keen interest in Jim’s mount, which on closer inspection had a Triumph twin engine nestling neatly in its AMC frame. Alan Jones had chuffed up from Essex on his Guzzi to join in, this time with the screen on for the winter, reporting that whilst it certainly keeps the draught off, it does affect the handling. Richard led the party off to cover a brisk 25 miles or so, then to the finish at the Westerfield Swan, where several family and non-riding members joined for a natter and a bite of lunch. At the January clubnight, a healthy turnout ensured democracy for the Section AGM. Albert dealt with the business part in brisk style, with brief reports from the officers that so impressed the members that there was an urgent clamour to re-elect them immediately. Not one to miss an opportunity, Mick the money-man quickly took out his notebook and tin to collect the annual subs with, this year, a slight reduction for members electing to get their communications by e-mail to save the expense of stamps and paper. Unfortunately, the position regarding the continued operation of the pub is again in doubt, as the current landlord (our 4th), is leaving at the end of February. We shall know more by the next meeting, but it was decided it might be wise to check out one or two other venues in case. There was some useful discussion with several suggestions for the coming year’s programme. With the cost of the Felixstowe run in May having risen recently, Dave Cook proposes to organise a ride out instead, finishing at a vantage point to watch the run pass and then to go directly to Felixstowe for something to eat. During the summer, the committee are planning to set a date for a group to do the East Coast Challenge, visiting Stowmarket, Southwold, Sheringham, Stalham and Swaffham in the one day. Also, with this year’s Jampot having returned to the end of August, there will again be the opportunity to have the barbecue at Grundisburgh that everyone used to enjoy instead of the regular meeting. In February the Section will be hosting a visit from Roy Bellett, the president and Karen, so we hope for a full house for them. That’s it for now—take care.

Second Monday each month 8:00