E.A. Section For March 2010

Our first cafe meeting in January was at the Tiptree Jam Factory Tearooms, which was an excellent opportunity to stock up on some of the more unusual jams and preserves they sell in the on-site factory shop. It will be good to get out on the bike this year with the inclement weather that we have been having recently. I hope by the time you read this it will be warming up and you have had a chance to decide to join the section on some of the interesting events that we have provided for you.

I have plans to make the annual pilgrimage to Beddgelart, which will be all over by the time you read this, and will be looking forward to sharing a glass of beer or two in the Saracens Head. Paul Brown tells me that this rally has got a real problem finding a camp site in 2011 in close proximity to the village because the Forestry Commission wish to dispense with the camping option on their site and build wooden cabins instead on the land.

Easter at Douai event (2nd - 5 April) is another first for the section to be provided and arranged by Matt Butcher who is organising this trip which is just about in France being only 75 miles from Calais. Matt aided and guided by the very capable Sarah is pleased with the uptake and I thank those that have booked and wish that they have a super time. This is Matt's first attempt at organising an event for the section and I am quite sure he has all the basics covered. If you have no plans for Easter yet and wish to go and support him and Sarah. Tel: Matt 01621 892146

The National AGM (17 April) is being held in Bangor, North Wales. The weekend event has a choice of accommodation nearby to suit all requirements. For more information: Tel: Rhys Jones 01286 881076

The Spring National Rally at Axebridge, Somerset (28th - 31st May) seems to be providing a sizeable amount of pre-event publicity both on the forum and in this journal. The organisers are very happy with the uptake and would like to achieve as many members as possible for this 2010 May Bank holiday event. Paul Brown has even mentioned that if there are no pitches left members wishing to turn up and pitch tent without contacting the organisers maybe turned away. This is normally the case at many sites. Full does mean full! My advice is like holiday camp owner Fred Pontin used to say "book early". Tel: Paul Brown 05603 168734

White Horse 2010 - 18th - 20th June. For those members that like a jar or two, Cliff Batley is heading up an this event. It will be advertised in the near future but just pencil in the date if you like really good beer:

Moving on to July, this is a very busy month with three section events - more news about these and you can see up to the minute information about any event on both the forum and the section web site.

A bit of good news for September's Blackbull Rally is that the pub has new management. This well supported rally will now be able to provide a welcoming centrepiece rather than the ex-prison warden's frosty smile worn by the hosting tenants of 2009.

Safe Riding!

Mark Dutton (01206) 212244 or (07703) 179062 EA Social Secretary