MEMORIES OF OUR PRESIDENT GEOFF ROLLS

I think most of you are now aware that our president, Geoff Rolls, sadly passed away at home on Thursday 5th January aged 91.  Although Geoff was a keen scramble and grass track supporter in the fifties it was not until the early sixties that he became involved in trials.

At that time Edgar Stearn was trying to plan a route around the Bourne area for the first Brian Stonebridge Trophy Trial.  Reg Holland (Ben’s Dad) who was on the Matchless Club committee at the time and lived in Longstowe advised Edgar to visit Mr Rolls at Copy Yard Farm.  The meeting proved very successful for not only did Edgar secure the use of the green lane running through the farm but also the farm yard, duck pond and its surrounds for sections.  This continued for over 25 years until the course moved to Abington.  The annual visit by over 150 bikes prompted Geoff’s son David into the sport and Geoff providing transport and support for his talented son.  When David progressed onto the National scene Geoff was ferrying all over the country making many friends and soon became a well known face at Centre and National events.  His annual vocation became the Scottish Six Day Trials where he regularly spectated and met many friends even when David was not participating.  He regularly observed at South Midland and Eastern Centre events until well into his eighties and was a great supporter of the club allowing us to store equipment at the farm.

In recognition of his long association with Cambridge Matchless he was made Honorary President in 2004.

Unfortunately due to failing health Geoff was not seen very often at events over the last two years but I know that it will be many years before he is forgotten.

The funeral will take place at Cambridge Crematorium (situated on the A14 approx. 1 mile north of the junction with of the M11) at 12.45pm on Wednesday 25th January.  Donations in memory of Geoff can be made to The Countryside Restoration Trust at the service or sent to Jeremy Rule Funeral Services, 12 Church Lane, Royston, Herts. SG8 9LG.

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TO STOP OR NOT TO STOP that is the question?
The debate rolls on with fors and against from both riders and organisers.  Some South Midland clubs including Nene Valley and Berko have already decided to go non-stop for 2012.  However I am told Milton Buzzard and Luton are retaining stop permitted.  It is likely that the Centre Trials Sub Committee will allow clubs to run as they wish which means it is possible that not all championship rounds will run under the same rules.

Following a long discussion at last weeks’ committee meeting it was agreed that the Valentine Trial next Sunday 22nd January will be run under rules TSR 22B i.e. Non Stop.  A decision as to how we run for the rest of the year will be made depending on the success or otherwise of this event.  Riders and Observers will be briefed before the event regarding the definition of a stop.
To quote:-  A failure is considered to have occurred if the machine ceases to move in a forward direction.

It is up to the observer to decide if forward motion is maintained and they will be advised that if there is any doubt they should err on the side of the rider.  Arguments with the observer will not be tolerated and could lead to exclusion.  I hope that riders and observers will participate on Sunday with an open mind and we will welcome feed-back following the event.

Brian Stonebridge Trophy Trial 26th February
There will be significant changes to the course this year but it will still be approximately twelve miles with most if not all sections only ridden once.  Regs are now available on the club website and will be published in the February TSM.  There is an entry limit of 120 so get your entry in to avoid disappointment.  Please note there will be two routes only plus 50/50.  This trial is not suitable for beginners or inexperienced youths but is a round of the novice, intermediate and 50/50 centre championships.  AT LEAST ONE STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE MUST BE SENT WITH ENTRY FOR RETURN OF PROGRAMME AND FINAL INSTRUCTIONS.  If you require results by post please send 2 envelopes.  At least 25 observers are needed to make this event a success.  If you can help out please contact me.  Closing date for entries is 20th February.  No late entries will be accepted.

Annual Dinner and Prize Giving
This will be held on Friday 9th March at the George and Dragon, Elsworth and we would like to see as many members, family and friends as possible.  Menu’s and reply form attached, to be returned to Mick Roberson. 

Please can holders of annual cups return them ASAP for engraving. (MARK BANHAM Stonebridge.  GLEN LEWIS Valentine, Skillful Riding & Rose & Crown, RICHARD CARPENTER Birds Nest & Vic Miller, SIMON NUNN Reg Radford, Wally Houghton & Ken Wood, GLENN OR NICK Tony Leake Cup, CRAIG WILFORD Gordon Price, JOHN HAYDEN Preston Cobb).

 A donation to the ACU Benevolent Fund will be made in lieu of any awards not required by award winners.  Please let me know if you would prefer this asap.

Annual General Meeting
Provisional date is Thursday 15th March.  Further details to follow later.

See you all on the 22nd January.  The gate to the farm will be open from 9.00am.   NO vehicles to enter before this please.

Colin and Margaret