Well, sincere apologies for missing the December deadline. My only excuse is that Xmas was upon me, feeble? Yes it is!

Our Xmas ‘do’ at the Grange was very good with excellent food – thanks go to Dennis who arranged it.

Early in December Fiery One & Barry (the Banned) organised a ‘Scenic Derbyshire run’. The weather was kind to those hardy souls who took part & it was reported as being one of the best of the year. Plenty of narrow lanes, hills, fords (???) & an excellent food stop. Well done to both of you & members are enquiring about the next one??

You may remember some of us had a weekend away in November. This was brilliant enjoying the NMM on Sat & going off road karting on Sunday. You could say it turned into a dirty w/end as ALL of us had to be pressure washed afterwards to clean up. We had a village pub not 5mins from our digs that served a fine choice of real ales. Unfortunately MC disgraced himself again having to be carried back but, thanks to Fiery One, was up with the larks the following morning ready for his brekkie – I must say that this is a first for him!!

By the way, have you seen the new Rotary race bike? Wow, what a machine, fabulous.

The weather over the xmas break wasn’t very good was it. I only got the Trident out a couple of times cos its been so bloody wet, miserable! Moving on to this year on Wednesday 17th Jan we held our AGM. Quite a few members turned up for this including Fred & Sylvia. Glovebox kicked off with a short summary of the years proceedings (well, short for him!!) stating that he had received good reports from others outside the York Rose especially over our Concours. True to his word he then stepped down from the Chairmans role & Steve Boyes volunteered to fill the void. Thanks to Steve & good luck, I’m sure you’ll do a sterling job. Oh, I should mention that in future Steve will referred to by his pseudonym which is Bananaman due to the colour of his steed! Also thanks go to Glovebox for keeping a steady hand on the tiller over the last year. Not only did he keep his gob in check, he did so with the rest of us. Good job mate!

Keith stepped down as our runs sec & as there were no other takers we opted to go for ASG’s suggestion that we take it in turns on a monthly basis. Many thanks to Keith for doing what can be a very tiresome job in trying to keep everyone happy. Unfortunately Animal couldn’t be with us be he retains his position as web co-ordinator but we have agreed that these duties should be shared so I am to assist. All other positions stay & I must say that this year has been one of subtle changes within the club for the better & appreciation of a good job done must go to all ‘on the committee’.

Yearly prize giving – Clubman of the Year is our secretary Rich (MC) who has not only attended most events but also been heavily involved with those ‘subtle changes’ already mentioned. Congrats mate, you deserve it.

The recipient of the Betty Grindle Memorial Bowl is Steph (ASG). Who not only filled the gap as treasurer when Dennis went on his jollies but did a brilliant job in setting the York Rose Landmark Challenge sorry, Contest! (don’t wish to confuse this with the ‘other’ challenge).

Breakdown of the year goes to Dennis who, during the Route66 suffered a couple of not too insignificant problems.

The winner of the Tricliff Trophy is Steve Pawson without whom Dennis would still be in the good ole US of A! Steve picked up the pieces & got Dennis back on the road again.

Well done! The winner of the York Rose Landmark Contest is Steve Boyes, congrats to him for achieving an extremely high standard. We did issue a ‘creativity prize’ for the best photo & this went to Pete Lomas. All in all it was felt that the York Rose had a good year attending a variety of events the majority of them bike related & managing to involve new members although we realise we need to encourage more of them.

We discussed the coming year & voted that the Concours stays ‘as is’ at the Carbrook, We will however look into the possibility of holding another event to mark our 25th anniversary.

Reckon that’s about it folks apart from that I will endeavour to get runs & events in the Nacelle but please, PLEASE let me know of anything you wish including. If you haven’t got internet access someone out there will give you my contact details if you haven’t already got them. Oh, keep an eye out on our website

Ttfn

Rubbermick