Velocette Owners Club - Chelmsford Centre
From the Chair
February 2024
Hi all. hope your keeping well?
Its February already and I've still not completed all my jobs in the garage. have you?
David, our secretary, sent out a mail on 18th January, regarding both the AGM and the Post Christmas Lunch. Quick as a flash nothing happened! Please let David know if you are interested in attending the Lunch on the 8th March, and let him or me know if you wish to raise any issues at the AGM. (6th March) Incidentally all the committee posts will be up for re election, so should you wish to contribute to our club please take one step forward!! (Don't all rush!)
I've had a request from the Suffolk Norton Owners Club, to meet them at their location, The Shepard & Dog, Stowmarket. We've been there before. I suspect this will be later in the year, around September o'clock, and this will be just one of many, I hope, of our run outs for the year. If you have any associations with other clubs or institutions, see if they would like to arrange a meeting. It's good to meet other organisations and see what they get up to?
Stephen has kindly donated a folder containing "Velocette Technical Articles" that were formally printed in Fishtail, back to very early editions. This folder would be of interest to members who are relatively new to Velo's and wish to carry out various "Upgrades"? This folder will be held as part of our centre's "Assets" and can be "Borrowed" by centre members but MUST be returned. On a similar note, can anyone remember who "Borrowed" the centre's CD of the Velocette Engine Build?
The Sunday H&G meetings are still active but the numbers are down during the inclement weather. Just a reminder that these meetings are Always on the second Sunday of the month. If in doubt, go to the web site for confirmation. (Roy, on your return, please could you update the basic info available on the site, thanks.)
https://vocessex.wixsite.com/chelmsford
I've just had my Lucas RITA electronic ignition refurbished by A.O Services. (Al Osbourn) He will service, repair and fault find on these systems, that fit not only our Velo's but Norton, Triumph, BSA twins and various Triples too. If you wish to make contact ask me for details.
Once again I've had superb service from Nick Payton. Not only does he have new and second hand spares he's very free with his technical advice. Use him or lose him!
Well that will do for now.
Hope to see you at the H&G or out on the road.
January 2023
The Chelmsford Centre of the VOC will have its AGM on Wednesday 1st March in the Horse & Groom starting at 20.00Hrs prompt.
Norman has provisionally booked our Post Christmas lunch for Saturday 25th March for 20 people at The Castle, Great Leighs, CM3 1NE.
The time is 12 AM Midday and as previously we can choose from the menu on the day and pay individually.
Norman suggests we contribute, from centre funds, £5 per head for members and one guest, up to a maximum of 20 persons. First come first served, but let Norman know ASAP.
Norman will need the members to let him know if they are coming and if they are bringing a guest by contacting him on 01371 810373 or normanarchard@btinternet.com
Those of you that attended last year will know the format and the type of menu, e.g. typical good value pub food, ordered at the bar, paid for by yourselves including drinks so you shouldn't forget what you ordered in the short timeframe allowed to cook the meal!!!
Hopefully, being a mid day event, we should attract the more myopic members?!
November 2022
Hi all, hope your keeping well?
I trust your all making the most of the late, warm weather. The Sunday meeting at the H&G was not best attended despite the bright sunshine, but at least 4 of us enjoyed a pint sat outside on the bench, with what felt like about 100 cross country runners in various stages of undress! The carpark was rammed packed with cars but we managed to find space for at least 2 Velos!
There was a great gathering for Rob Urand's funeral, with our centre well represented. During his eulogy the story of Rob greasing his rear drive chain with "Link Life" on the kitchen gas stove was related. This, of cause, ended with the kitchen catching alight and the house becoming smoke bound. (All whilst Sandra was out!) On her arrival home Rob explained that there had been a "Miss Hap" but nothing to get excited about! This did lighten the proceedings. God bless you Robert, you will be sorely missed.
Following up on my tyre info last month, I read on the Norton web site that Avon, who were brought out by Goodyear some short time ago, MAY well be closing their manufacturing plant here in the UK in the coming year? The next nearest production plant is in France, I think? So, If the closure goes ahead not only will our tyres cost more due to import duties, we may have the delay of getting the stock to the UK. Time will tell, but if you were thinking of getting a new Avon tyre for your bike, now's the time!
On the WhatsApp forum there has been discussion about fitting Indicators to our Velo's. Some of us were able to point Tim in the general direction, and I have to say that if you use your bike at night, or in inclement weather, making yourself more visible is only a good thing. I have just changed to an Audible flasher relay on the Mss to assist me remembering to cancel said flashers.
If you are laying up any bike for the winter, there has been much talk on the Velo Forum regarding protection of the "Bright work" on the bikes. It would appear that a substance called ACF50 comes highly recommended, and as used on aircraft protection, should not harm the base metal. Personally, I just ride them as much as I can then give them a rub down with the "Sporting Life"!
Now would be a good time to look out your battery charger too. Every little helps!!
I've just been to view the estate of a deceased member, some of you long term club members may remember Alan Allen. His two 350 cc Cammie's (1940 & 1948) will be up for sale soon and there are numerous Cammy and VM / VR spares available. If you are interested, please let me know and I'll pass your contact details to the executor.
Its time to think about our centre's AGM and post Christmas dinner. I would propose the AGM be held at the H&G in early March 2023. Rob, can you call me so we can agree a date please. I would also suggest we try a Mid-Day Post Christmas Lunch? It may encourage a few members out who don't like driving at night, to attend. Late February would be our usual time? If you wish to comment on any of the above, please contact me direct.
Well, that will do for now.
Hope to see you on the road soon.
Cheers
Peter.
October 2022
Hi all hope your well?
We had our final "Mid-Week" ride out last Tuesday. with glorious weather and 6 Velos and, as ever, Graham acting as "Tail End Charlie"
Nigel took this opportunity to join us on his very original Pre-war? Kss. we knew where he was because we could see his smoke trail.
Unfortunately, whilst traveling along the B1115 (Yes that's right Jeff!) we hit a "Diversion" at Bilderston. There was no further information or guidance as to where to go from here, so we ended up at Needham Market. OK I thought. I know my way from here to OneHouse, just behind Stowmarket, where we were booked into the "Shepard & Dog" pub for lunch. Only one further problem. On arrival at Stowmarket, we hit another "Diversion"! This time it took us through the local housing estate, before meeting up with the road I knew. On arrival at the pub, I was surprised to see we were two men down! To cut a long story short, Graham and Nigel, had wandered onto the A14 heading towards Burry St Edmonds after losing site of the main team at a set of traffic lights. With the aid of the mobile phone and a bit of seeking out local knowledge they made it to the pub. I hope they all enjoyed it, and I for one will not be putting my bike away just yet!
Whilst the programmed ride outs have finished. there's nothing to prevent anyone arranging an "Off the Cuff" ride out with the aid of our "WhatsApp" system. Also please think about next years adventures and lets see if we can include some Points of Interest for our destinations? If you wish to be included in the WhatsApp Groupe, please contact Rob Morris, with your mobile phone number, and he'll sort you out.
I had to purchase a new tyre for one of my bikes and I selected the Avon Road Rider Mk11. I was astounded to find the cost has now risen to £100.00. With 4 bikes, all having similar tyres and using them on a rotational basis, (The bikes not the wheels, silly!) this adds up to a lot of "Disposable Income" being used at a very financially tight time! Is it time to start "Rationalising" my hobby?
Its good to see the monthly Sunday meetings are still well attended, even if I do attend in the car whilst undertaking "Grandad" duties! So far, we are still congregating outside and admiring all the various machinery, but we will soon be huddled around the corner table, in the bar, talking about our recent escapades or what we plan for next year.
Once again "Fishtail" informs us we have a new member allocated to the Chelmsford Centre, but due to the GDPR (Or something like that!?) I'm not privy to his location or contact details. If you come across a member who may wish to receive this dribble, please ask them to Email me direct, and I'll put them on our list. Similarly, if you wish to un subscribe please let me know!
The clocks will be going back next week, so now's the time to sort out your electrics! Remember, it's always good to ride with at least Pilot light on! There are some very good LED lamps available for both 6- & 12-volt systems.
Well, that will do for now.
Hope to see you on the road soon.
Cheers
Peter
July 2022
Hi all, I hope your enjoying this spell of good weather? Don't forget, it's never too hot, or too cold for that matter, it's just that these extremes of temperature require managing by us!
So Johny Alan's run last month turned into a bit of an endurance! Enforced road closures and diversions led to congested roads, and every turn John took to avoid the situation, so did everyone else! I think this led to an issue with Nick's clutch, but after letting it cool down, he managed to get home. New clutch plates have since been fitted.
It would seem that a lot of roads leading to small villages are having "Utilities" work carried out, something to be aware of when planning your next run out.
I think Mark deserves a "Mention in Dispatches" as he rode his Mss to the international Norton OC Rally in the Czeck Republic. He had a trouble-free journey there and half way home, only to have the "Fibre Wheel mag gear" strip in Germany! (If only he'd taken a spare!!!) Well done Mark, hope the bike's back home now?
The following run out was to meet the Suffolk Norton Owners Club at Stowmarket. With 6 Velos and two Nortons we set of in fine weather, and managed to negotiate Sudbury one way system without getting split up! On our arrival we not only met the Norton crowd but several members of the Norfolk VOC. (Word Travels as well as Velo's!) It was nice to see some fresh faces on the run. Well done, Bruce, hope to see more of you in the future?
The ride home was not so successful! Shortly after leaving the pub, I stopped to retrieve my lose handlebar mirror and on resuming the ride it appeared we were two men down? The main team stopped in a layby whilst I retraced our steps back to the pub without success? We'd lost our two tail men! Bugger! So back I went to the main group and we continued on our way home, with Johny leading the last stint via the "Wibbly Wobblies" Later that evening I had a call from someone who shall remain nameless, but comes from "North of Watford"!, to explain his "mate" had left his glasses back at the pub! and they had returned to find them. Once found they decided they couldn't find the way home I was leading so went back the way they came!!! At least we all got home safely. Well done everyone. It was an excellent meeting.
I didn't make the July H&G meeting due to family commitments, but this time of year is renowned for Holidays and "Other Events" so attendance will be variable. Some may say it's even too hot to travel? (See opening paragraph!)
Don't forget our next Run Out on Tuesday. See the web site for details
I had an enjoyable morning at David's place, assisting him start his Rob North BSA. Not only had he rebuild this fabulous machine to extreme high standards, he even made the bloody starter!!! Once you've given it a "Shake Down" at Cadwell Park perhaps you'll start on the Mk2 Cammy Vello?
I'm pleased to say that I've got my "Pretend Clubman Venom" back on the road, and took it to the Stowmarket meet with pleasing results. The only issue I found was a faulty speedo trip meter. I've since taken this up to Ian Bartrum near Beccles, Suffolk, who's repaired it and now I'm awaiting a chance to give it a test! I'll keep you informed.
Once again I've encounter excellent service from the VOC Spares Scheme and Nick Payton, so let's "Use them or Loose Them".
Is it me, or have Petrol Prices Peaked? I can now buy E10 Esso (For the car), on the A12 near Copdock, for £1.85/ Ltr and E5, 99 octane, is £1.97/Ltr (Still cheaper than a pint at the H&G!)
Rob has got the WhatsApp group up and running but there's always room for more members. Remember this is a service to benefit all who are active in the club and our centre. Thanks Rob.
Don't forget "The Muesum of Power" show in August, See Rob Morris for details but be quick! And of cause the Copdock show on September 4th Let me know if your attending please.
There were two mentions of centre members who have reached continual membership of the VOC in the latest edition of "Fishtail" Patrick and Rob U for 40 & 50 years respectively. Well done Lads, wear your badge with pride.
Well that's enough from me. Keep enjoying your ride. You never know when it may stop!
Cheers
Peter
Minutes of VOC Chelmsford Centre AGM
held at The Horse & Groom on Wednesday 6th April 2022 at 20.00Hrs.
Apologies for absents
Election of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Web Master
The existing members holding these positions were all re-elected, on mass, with no one contesting
any positions .So
Chairman. Peter Merrick
Secretary Rob Morris
Treasurer Norman Archard
Web Master Roy Neil
Report of centres finances.
Norman reported the funds stood the same as at our last AGM in 2020 at £185.57. There has been no expenditure or contributions to these centre funds, any shows the centre has attended have been self-funded.
Last year’s events were down on previous years due to the pandemic but we did manage ride outs on most of our scheduled months. The season ended with an award winning stand at the Copdock show held in October.
The meeting went on to discuss the following topics.
It was agreed to continue with our regular second Sunday of the month meeting at the Horse & Groom (H&G) at Gallywood, and continue with our monthly ride outs between May and October. These will be held on the third Tuesday of the month and leave from different starting points. It is advised to keep an eye on our web site regarding any club event in case it has to be amended at short notice.
The following list of events was agreed with a few outstanding dates awaiting volunteers to take the lead. Don’t be shy please contact the chairman if you think you can fill any vacancy?
Visit the Cambridge centre May 1st Meet at the Sugarloaves Sible Headingham to leave at 11.00 Hrs
Run out led by Dave Izard May 17th Meet at the Bungalow Diner, Marks Tey to leave at 10.00Hrs
Show off your Velo June 12th Horse & Groom Mid-day. Nick Roundtree to arrange.
Run out led by Rob Urand June 21st Meet at H&G to leave at 10.30
Visit Suffolk NOC July 2nd Meet at the Sugarloaves, Sible Headingham to leave at 11.00 Hrs
Run Out led by Johnny Allen July 19th Meet at Bungalow Diner, Marks Tey to leave at 10.30
Museum of Power show. August 7th Lead organiser required. No Organiser no club stand there!
Run Out led by Norman Archard August 16th Meet at Bungalow Diner, Marks Tey to leave at 10.30
Copdock Show September 4th Peter Merrick to organise club stand. Display machines required.
Run Out September 20th Lead Volunteer required!!!
Run Out led by Peter Merrick October 18th Meet at Bungalow Diner Marks Tey to leave at 10.30
John Chisnall is endeavouring to arrange a meeting with the Norton “4” so keep your eyes peeded to the web site for further information.
Dave Izard has agreed to liaise with the VMCC and arrange a Rid Out with them. Further details will be circulated when available.
There are no weekend events or major tours arranged so far, but if anyone does want to plan an “Adventure” let me know and I’ll publicise it in our monthly “VOC Updates”
One thing I didn’t discuss at the meeting, was a suggestion, from an absent member, regarding forming a “WhatApp” group to encourage social intercourse and help on technical matters regarding our Velo’s. If any of our centre members has the technical ability to set up such a group, run and mediate such a system, please let me know and again I will publicise this via our Updates.
The meeting came to an end with no further questions, and the chairman thanked all 10 of those attending for braving a Wet & Windy Wednesday night out at the pub!
Peter Merrick
Chairman, Chelmsford Centre of the VOC
January 2022 continued
Hi all, just a few important updates.
Firstly, I must apologise for exposing all the members E-mail addresses by not sending the last Up Date via the Bcc option. I'm expecting a visit from the GDPR police any time soon!
Secondly, Norman has made the arrangements for the next Chelmsford Bun Fight (VOC Centre Dinner!)
Please see his attachment explaining the format. The venue is "The Castle" a (Pie & Pint chain establishment) in Great Leighs CM3 1NE As can be seen from their web site (see link) the menu is varied and the prices very reasonable, and what's more as you order at the table you won't have to remember for too long what you just ordered!!! Please let Norman Archard know if you wish to attend, his E-mail address is on the attachment, ASAP please.
I would also like to remind everyone of the centre AGM to be held at the Horse & Groom on WEDNESDAY 9th March starting at 20.00 Hrs. Agender to be sent out prior to this meeting. This is different from my last Update as I got my days mixed up.
Many thanks
Peter
January 2022
Well Happy New Year to you all, I hope the festive season went well?
There was a good turnout at the H&G just before Christmas, if only to pass around the Christmas Cards and save on the postage!
Ann Morris brought along Alan and he was very pleased to see everyone. Well done Ann you're doing a grand job of looking after Alan. I understand it can be "Challenging" at times!
Whilst I didn't organise any formal run out over the Christmas period, I did get the opportunity to ride out to Frinton, meet the Grand Children, then to the Cafe in Walton, and back home via Harwich, (On a road that Johny Allen took us on some time ago.) It certainly blew away the cobwebs and the weather was bright, but chilly!
Whilst I understand this bloody Virus isn't going away any time soon, I feel we still have to make plans and endeavour to lead our livers with some sort of normality all be it with extra precautions. As such I spoke to Dave, the Landlord, and provisionally booked our AGM in the bar of the H&G for Tuesday March 8th at 20.00 Hrs. (We need to have this formality to comply with National VOC regulations and we haven't had one since March 2019!) I understand that some members will not feel comfortable with meeting in a bar, so I'll send out an agenda beforehand and any members who don't wish to attend can contact me prior to said meeting and raise any issues, or better still volunteer to lead a run out so we can have a better planed run out list for the coming year. I'll put something together for the next update.
The first meeting of the year saw 8 members in attendance, including a new member David, who's currently restoring a late ridged MAC. Hope to see you again David. I had feedback from the Auto Jumble at the British Legion Hall in Witham, earlier in the day, as "Not worth the £2 entry fee!" said one enamoured member!!. Personally I have too much "Jumble" already so glad I saved my entrance fee!
I hear yet another Viceroy Scooter is on the work bench seeking restoration. Good luck with that Colin, they are more scarce than Thruxtons!
Well I better get this mail out as its been sitting in my Drafts box for too long.
Hope to see out out on the road soon.
Cheers
Peter
July 2021
Hi all, it's that time again!
Well, we had a good turnout again at the H&G last month. It was good to see some faces that have been shielding during the lockdown. I know there are various "Health" issues with several members, and we wish them well in future treatment.
Graham took me to the "Bike Night" meeting on Bently Green. We travelled "In Cognato" (Well in Graham's Scamp actually) after changing a wheel that was posing as an egg! It certainly shifts and being exposed, as you are, with your bum just inches off the floor the sensation of speed is immense! Thanks again for the ride Graham.
The general mix of bikes on the "Green" is vast. From classic Brit and Japs to cruisers and custom bikes. There's something for all to admire. If you fancy a trip there one Wednesday evening let me know, it's only about 6 miles from me. We could even have an impromptu meeting there?
Simon got in touch with me the other week as his oil tank had fractured and was leaking. It looked like it had been repaired before but this is a common problem on Venom/Vipers. And just to prove a point I spotted Ian's Viper also had the oil tank support bracket broken. Whilst new or good second hand oil tanks are hard to come by, Jason, at CW Classics, made a superb repair, including modifying the support bracket to run up the back of the tank, and had it back the next day! Can't say fairer than that. Has anyone got a spare Oil Tank for sale?
Dave Issard led us on our last run, and it was HOT. (The ambient temperature NOT Dave!) Dave amended the length of the run to suite the conditions with two stops for refreshments. It was excellent, with 7 of us, 6 Velo mounted, sitting down to coffee and cake and chewing the cud. A very pleasant day out. Thanks Dave.
It's encouraging to report that on all the recent runs, and meeting at the H&G, most if not all the Velo's have arrived and departed with little or no fuss. This is either down to much better maintenance, advanced technologies hidden within our bikes or the operatives having a better more sympathetic attitude to their machines? (That will be the kiss of death for starting at our next meeting!)
Several of us took a run up to the "Founders Day" meeting at Stamford Hall. Again, it was a Hot Hot day! It's a brilliant day out with very diverse collection of old bikes. One that really caught my eye was, I think, a BSA A10 engine mounted across the frame of a Sunbeam S7! It maintained the Sunbeam gearbox and shaft drive. (Or was the drive from a Russian Urial?) Truly the art of the "Special" builder is not lost.
It was good to be back at Stamford Hall and it brought back fond memories of our many runs there for the Annual VOC Rally. The last few were camping on site until the river Avon nearly flooded us out of the field! The stop at "Jack Hills Cafe" was also a meeting point for other Velo's, and to be entertained by the elegant staff asking if we required "Beans or Tomartas!". Oh the good ol' days!
Below is an abbreviated message from Velo HQ regarding this years Annual Rally
"Hello fellow Veloist's,
Yes, we’re currently on for a VOC Rally over the weekend of the 14th and 15th August! The main gathering will be on Sunday 15th.
The venue is:
Lichfield Rugby Union Football Club,
Cooke Fields,
Tamworth Rd,
Lichfield WS14 9JE
It’s a different venue, but the rally will be much like previous years except that due to all the uncertainty, the only thing we won’t be doing is a formal concours event. This will release volunteers from this task and enable folks to meet up and chew the Velo’ fat with acquaintances."
The rest of the mail informs you of the camping and members BBQ for the Saturday evening but from my past experience I can't see many of our Chelmsford members up for camping. (OK Prove me wrong!) If you require further information on this or the autojumble on the Sunday, please give me a call. I am also aware this date coincides with the VMCC 75th anniversary festival at Cadwell Park. Ivan will be a busy man over this weekend!
We desperately need a run leader for Tuesday 17th August. Please contact me ASAP and I'll post it on the Web Site. No leader, no run. Please help me out on this! If a run is organised, I'll Email you all.
Hope to see some of you at the H&G this Sunday, weather permitting. The pub should be back to some form of normality, let's see what they have to offer.
Don't forget that Copdock is only 6 weeks away. Let's try to meet up and hand over the tickets. Give me a call to arrange a meeting.
That will do for now.
Keep your nuts tight and your nipples greased!
Cheers
Peter
June 2021
Good day to you all. A bit late this month but how time fly's when your busy?
Johny Alen led us on a brilliant run out to Andy Tiernan's place in Framlingham, last month. The weather was dry and warm, such that we even managed to take Lunch in the garden of a local hostilely! Rob made a guest appearance after having a date with his Mother in Law cancelled, he jumped on his Velo and made a mad dash to meet us. We heard him go past us whilst sat in the pub garden, only to hear him again, 5 minutes later, after obtaining directions from A.T. Well Done, Rob, 10 out of 10 for effort! (He even managed a "Pudding" from the menu!)
Several of the bikes at Andy Tiernan's place looked a good investment, and one of our adventurous souls even put a bid in on one of them. But be warned, all that sparkles in not gold!?
Our next monthly meeting is Tomorrow, Sunday 11th July. Not too sure of the weather, but I'll be in attendance as I have to use the car AGAIN! Hope to see some of you there?
Dave Issard has volunteered to lead our next run out . Meet at the Marks Tey Bungalow Cafe 10.00Hrs Tuesday 20th July. Roy has already put this on the Web Site Program. Please let me know if and when you will lead the next run out!
I am now in receipt of the passes for the Copdock Show. Sunday 19th September 2021. As stated, previously, priority for tickets will be given to those who braved the weather in 2019, but I still need to hear from some of you to confirm your attendance. It would be good to have 8 bikes on our stand, and it's confirmed our stand is in the same location e.g. Under Cover. Let me know your intentions ASAP.
I took a run down to Battlesbridge Classic bike Meet last Sunday. I'm sure the field is getting smaller! There were fewer bikes and very little auto jumble stalls. Maybe it was down to the poor weather, but I think this meeting has had its day now? (The band in the tent were good!)
I know several of you have visited Alan Morris recently, and I took round some old photos that he had developed, "in his lunch hour" whilst he was employed by TV Times. He could remember some of the names and even the locations of the pictures, but his speech was difficult to understand all the time. Perhaps it will be better once he has a full set of teeth!? He's doing fine if a little unsteady on his feet at times. He's had a few "Altercations" with his mobility scooter too. He keeps Anne on her toes! He'll be 87 in August, perhaps we could arrange a VOC Visit? Let me know your thoughts.
Some of the "Lads" went to a Moto Morini Track Day at Cadwell Park on 30th June, with their Velo's. I was intending to have a run up there but looking on the circuit web site it stipulated "No Spectators" It's alright if you ride a bloody horse at Ascot, but not a motorbike! Once again there is little consistency in these" Covid Times" Anyhow. How did you Lads get on? The weather wasn't too good here? Did your Velo's behave? What about giving a report on the next "VOC Update"?
I had to inspect the numbers on a restored Kss, on behalf of the VOC registration officer, last week. It was fairly local and the restoration has been carried out sympathetically, keeping the 1939 patina and not too over restored. Unfortunately, the owner, who has had the bike for over 35 years, won't be riding it as he has the onset of Parkinson's Dieses. This brings home the point of Using your bikes NOW whilst you still have the ability and enthusiasm to do so. Tomorrow may be too late!
On that happy note I bid you farewell!
Ride safe, but most of all, Ride!
Cheers
Peter
May 2021
Hi all, hope your keeping well?
We had a good turnout the other Friday at the Horse & Groom, but unfortunately there were no tables available for us to occupy, and no table means no food or drink and NO Toilets!
Unfortunately, I've just spoken to Dave, the Landlord of the H&G, and once again all the tables are booked this Sunday lunchtime.(He only has half a dozen in a limited out door space and limited to 6 people per table!) So, If you do wish to attend, (It's the second Sunday of the month?) I suggest we keep to the Left of the pub, as we did last Friday, and keep ourselves in groups of 6 or less. (Seemed to work last Friday!) BUT. Once again there will be no beer, no food and NO toilet facilities. The restrictions are changing on May 17th but Dave hasn't been informed of exactly what "Covid" restrictions he has to conform with following that date? However, our June meeting should be back to some sort of normality. (If there ever will be such a thing?)
With the easing of restrictions, I suggest that we re start our Third Tuesday of the Month Run outs. To this end I will start the ball rolling by leading a run out on Tuesday 18th May, leaving the Horse & Groom at 10.30Hrs. It will be a relatively short ride to one of the cafes at North Weald Airfield. (The Red Bus or Wings) There's always something going on here to keep us entertained and there are toilets available too. All the above is Weather Dependant whilst we are limited to sitting Out Doors. Please let me know if you wish to lead a mid week, Run Out, we have 5 more days available, and I'll arrange for it to be put on our web site.
In the not-too-distant future (June or July?) I will endeavour to arrange our belated AGM. I'll try to arrange a space in the H&G once things are back to some sort of normal, (Dave said to call him nearer the date) and here we can establish a program for our centre events, among other things.
I was asked if the "Show off your Velo" will be happening this year? Well, do we have a volunteer to arrange this? It would be nice to keep this event on our calenda and perhaps we can get Alan Morris along to present the cup?
I've sent a message to the organisers of the Copdock show, and quick as a flash, nothing's happened! It's been announced that the show will be held Sunday 19th September this year and as soon as I get more information, I'll let you all know. It would be good to have a club stand there again. Please let me know if you wish to display your bike on our club stand.
It's also been announced that the "Diamond Races" in the Isle of Wight have been postponed again. Oh well you'll all have to take your holidays back on Canvey Island!!!
My bike insurance is due imminently, and on the renewal notice I was informed that the bikes were insured last year at "Current Value". Apparently, I had not sent the requisite photos of each bike to have their value agreed! So, take care when buying your insurance, read the small print and shop around. I had to smile as the quote also allowed for 60 days "Green Card" insurance cover. Who is traveling abroad in this current climate?
Still working in your shed / garage. Don't forget to set some time aside to ride your bikes, you'll have plenty of time to tinker with them when they stop selling Petrol!
Do keep an eye on our web site https://vocessex.wixsite.com/chelmsford as any changes to our schedule or proposed run outs will be listed here. And don't forget those photos for Roy either.
Hope to see some of you on the road.
Cheers
Pete
April 2021
Hi all, hope your keeping Covid free?
First some good news. Alan Morris is home.
Alan came home Friday 12th February as expected, but even then, it was late in the day before he got home. Ann said it was like "Picadilly Circus" in the house over the weekend with all the visits from the relevant attendants. Hopefully now it should have settled down a bit. I was hesitant to phone Ann and she did explain that the phone was "Red Hot" from all the well-wishers, but when asked if I could speak to him , Alan was "Unavailable"? I think it will take a while for him to become comfortable in his new surroundings?
Johny Allen contacted me the other day regarding the Kop Hillclimb event later in the year. If you remember Johny was keen to attend this event last year, but some pesky little virus put a stop to this! It would make a good full day out and may be worth a weekend away. It's programmed for September this year and with the average age of our centre well over 70, we should all be vaccinated by then! (See link below)
https://www.kophillclimb.org.uk/
Another event Johny brought to my attention was in the Isle of Wight Diamond Races. It's a cross between the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT race meeting and it's scheduled for October this year. (Again, see link below) And just like both those meeting mentioned above , you don't need your passport! Anyone fancy a Seaside Holiday, (In October?)
You may think I'm being a little "Previous" in my planning for events for the new biking season, but it would be good to "Hit the Road Running" as and when we're allowed out again!
In that vein I would like to prompt you into committing individual members to individual ride outs starting from the third Tuesday of each month from May to October. Most of you know the format, and I know getting you lot to volunteer is like Herding cats! So please make my life easier and put you name forward. When planning a ride out you may wish to take into consideration where we stop and any activity you arrange?
Thankyou also to the members that respond to this drivel. It's nice to know there is life out there. Patrick went to great lengths to tell me about his new Honda and how it has "Contactless Ignition" Quite exceptional for a little "Step through" He also explained about how the Remote Control "Fob" could affect people who have heart "Pace makers" fitted. Mobile Phones could have a similar effect on this medical implant too. (Note to self, must get a younger set of mates!)
It's about this time we have our centre's AGM. Obviously with the current situation as it is this won't be happening any time soon. So, unless anyone has any objection, I suggest the existing committee remain in place until such time as a meeting can be held in relative safety!
That committee being. Peter Merrick Chairman
Rob Morris Secretary
Norman Archard Treasurer
Roy Neil Web Master
If you have any suggestions or constructive comments on how, or what direction you wish the Chelmsford Centre of the VOC to proceed, please let me know and I'll bring them to this forum for further discussion. Following the news tonight, it shouldn't be too long now before we can enjoy a pint at an outside venue, as long as there are outside venues remaining in operation after such a long shutdown! Ive not been in touch with Dave from the H&G but I hope he will resume his establishment when the time comes.
Roy Neil came up trumps with the relevant information about the picture of a Chelmsford VOC meeting, used on the revised National VOC web site. I passed on his info to the editor of "Fishtail" and that's how it's in this edition. Thanks Roy.
We still need some photos, preferably Velo related, for inclusion on our web site. If the same pictures remain on the site all the time it makes the site look boring and unkept. Please look out some old or new photos, related to Velos, and particularly the Chelmsford centre, and pass them direct to Roy or myself.
There's still plenty of activity going on in my garage, (and my life in general!) not all Velo related, but it keeps me occupied and challenges the old grey matter. Let me know what you're up to and if you have conducted any "Up Grading" on your Velo that may be useful to others? (Pictures too?)
With Spring poking its head out this week and the rain having washed all the salt away, now's a good time to get your bikes up to scratch.
Keep your tyres and your ego inflated, and I'll see you on the road soon.
Cheers
Peter
March 2021
Hi all, Hope you're still Covid free?
Well, is that a light I see at the end of the tunnel or is it an express train heading directly for me? As my glass is always half full, I'll go with the former!
I hope you've managed to take your bikes "Around the Block" in the last few weeks, just to "Shake them Down" Well before you go too far don't forget to check the obvious, such as Tyre pressures, Oil, both inside and Out! and brakes. I took the liberty of looking inside the headlamp shell last week. What a mess! Years of water ingress, old insulating tape and dodgy connections. It took the best part of a morning to sort it out. I fitted a new LED pilot lamp at the same time. They are quite cheap now and powerful enough to use as a day time running lamp. Your tool kit should also be given a coat of looking at. Not only does it suffer from water ingress, but have you got the appropriate tools in there. (And I don't mean your mobile phone!) But on that note, if you've changed your insurance recently your "Breakdown and recovery" numbers may have changed. Are they in your phone?
One of our club members is looking to get his Velo back up and running and has sought help in this project. He would like further assistance to transport his bike to the willing assistant, so if you could help with bike transport it would be much appreciated. Let me know and I'll pass on the details.
I took the liberty of digging out some old photos, taken by Alan Morris, thus Velo related, scanned them and sent them to Roy. He's currently in the process of adding a couple to our web site. If you've got some old photos of our centre, and I know there's a few Older members out there who had "Box Brownies" in the day, pass the photos on to Roy for us all to see.
I was inundated with two offers to lead our run outs later this year! Clearly members either no longer wish to have these events or are happy to just follow along and let others arrange their entertainment! (That should generate some discussion!) I realise we can't go out "On Mass" just yet but it would be good to have a "Cunning Plan" as lockdown eases! I'm at the end of the phone should you wish to discuss further?
Like many of you, I've been reading more often than pre Covid. (Yes Dave, I can!) As such I have acquired quite a few magazines! I subscribe to "Real Classics" and find the articles readable but like so many mags, many of the articles / subjects are repeated, but it helps pass the time! Perhaps at one of our upcoming meetings we should have a Magazine swap? (No Health & Efficiency mags please!) I'm sure there are a few wives that would like to see the back of some of these magazines!!
Well. With the clocks going forward this weekend, and spring being in the air (Watch the weather take a turn for the worse!) we'll get an extra hour before we have to turn on our Miller lights!
Keep the wheels moving and yourself motivated
Stay in touch.
Cheers.
Pete.