Hi folks. I hope you are making the most of our summer to get out and about, attending some of our events or maybe headed over to Europe. If you are going to Europe in the near future be aware of some legislation changes that have happened or are due shortly. Did you know it is now (sensibly) compulsory to wear long sleeves and trousers, gloves and boots when riding in Belgium? How about that filtering will soon be banned in France along with any GPS that is capable of storing speed camera locations? Or even that intercoms and any other device using earphones or speakers is soon to be banned in Spain? These and lots of other differences that are emerging across Europe need to be borne in mind. For more info take a look at the (not so catchy) web site http://survivalskills.wordpress.com/2011/06/21/new-anti-motorcycle-legislation-sweeps-europe/
Anyway that is enough depressing stuff. What happened in July? Well, one event I managed to get to with Sarah was the joint lunch with the Midland Section at Hartford Marina on the 10th. There was a great turn-out of over 20 people from both sections and it was great to meet new members as well as some of the usual suspects from across the border!
We also had a great time "Getting Acquainted With Wivenhoe" on the 30th courtesy of Mike Davies. Not only was Mike the perfect host but Wivenhoe is a lovely village with some lovely shops and pubs and some beautiful views. Thanks to Mike and to all the members that made the day a success.
I hope both of these events can be repeated next year in some form, but that is up to the new committee. This leads me nicely to…
There is just over a month to go until our section AGM on the 9th October. As well as the business side of things this is also another good opportunity to catch up with friends and chat about where you have been during the summer or to plan next year. Time is almost up for nominations to be on the committee for the next year, so please call Mark Weavers on 0845 003 6880 or email him at eastanglia.secretary@bmwclubuk.net for more information or a nomination form.
What else is happening in October? On the 2nd we have the Copdock Show, and this really is an excellent "end of season" event (for those of us that have an end of season). Mark Dutton is organising our presence here as usual, and he would love to hear from you if you want to lend a hand on the Club stand and bring your bike along for display. Mark's contact details are elsewhere in the Journal.
We also have the Autumn Camping Weekend at The White Horse, Edwardstone. Jon Price is running this one and you can enjoy camping at the back of a lovely pub with its own micro-brewery. Their beer is wonderful and the food is also very good. Please contact Jon for more information and to reserve your space on 07859 150174 or email jondprice@mac.com .
Last month I promised more information on our Christmas meal kindly being organised by David Massey. It is on the 12th December at the Flying Fortress, Mount Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP31 2QU. It will be a carvery meal with dessert and coffee and with a little financial support from section funds we can offer this at £10 per person, a substantial saving over the usual rate of £16.50 per person. Numbers will be limited and you must pre-book and pay by 31st October to secure this rate. After that date you are welcome to book directly with the venue (space permitting) and pay the full price. Please make cheques payable to The BMW Club and send to:
David Massey,
12 Honeysuckle Close,
Haverhill,
Suffolk.
CB9 9EH
I hope to see you soon, and keep on riding into the autumn!
Matt Butcher