It’s New Years Eve and I’ve been reflecting on the passed year in the South Essex Branch, I think it was a good year and I’m sure we all look forward to 2012 for an even more successful year. The Branch held its Christmas dinner on the 3rd December at the Hollywood, Thundersley. A good time was had by all, although Terry wasn’t feeling too good that night but soldiered on. Many thanks to Alan Buxton for organising it. Branch meeting on the 14th December saw a good turn out for a mid winter meet, although most member came in cars. Usual bangers and mash including some vegetables (going up market), a good chin wag about bikes, and meeting new members. Adam was one, he had only joined a few weeks earlier and hadn’t even received his first copy of Nacelle, so Jim gave him a spare one he had in his bag. Adam has acquired a Tiger Cub and a T100 Daytona from his Dad and is looking forward to re-commissioning them as they haven’t been on the road for a while.
Alan King and the lovely Jackie graced us with their presents; I’ve not seen them for a few months. Alan Buxton was on holiday somewhere exotic the other side of the world. The meetings at the Shepherd and Dog seem to work ok, I think a lot of us think of it as our local, many thanks to Ali and his staff for always making us welcome.
Boxing day, the weather was mild and dry so a small band of us took a ride to the Pied Bull in Farningham, Kent. I rode the Orange Beastie (T25) there which was ok as the others were on older slower bikes. First time over the Dartford Bridge for me on the T25. There were loads of bikes there although not as many classics as I thought there would be, but some interesting specimens including a nice T120 Bonnie. A ride around the lanes near Brands Hatch on the way home was very pleasant.
A couple of little rides out for the winter; Bike Jumble at the British Legion Hall, Witham, organised by the Maldon BMCC on the 22nd January and the Numbfinger Run, organised by the Battlesbridge Museum on the 12th February, heated grips come in handy for this one!
How many more blades will they put in a razor? I got one for Christmas and it has 5 and a battery to make it vibrate??

STONEY