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All of us in the Eastern Centre can bask - just a little – in the glory of Dennis Slaughter`s  well deserved recognition by the “establishment”. “Dennis MBE” - it sounds pretty good to me  and how often do motorbike and motorcyclists of all varieties  get much of a fair deal nowadays?  Yet, by the same token, Dennis`s “gong” was awarded to him alone, as due regard for his own achievements and total loyalty to his club and their most famous venue – Cadders Hill at Lyng - surely one of the most eminent motocross circuits in the land.

Essentially, the man himself, is a great character whose life has been centrered around his cherished sport.From his own successful racing days in scrambles and grass track over fifty years ago, he then turned to the organisation of meetings and then the administation of the sport at both Centre and National level as it  evolved into motocross . For years he was an active member of the ACU moto-cross committee and   became its Chairman,  thereby seeing the sport into the 21st Century. This is not to consider also, his role of mentor and sponsor to up-and-coming riders. It has been a great record and when regarded in this light, surely well merits his award. 

I hope Dennis won`t mind me recalling earlier days at Lyng – in the 1960`s. It was a long trek for myself and colleagues from Essex, to come up to Lyng and race around the famous circuit.. What was notable was that Dennis performed the role of “checker” and circuit clearer between each race on his Greeves. It meant we all had to wait on the line whilst he did his lap – without a helmet. As he came down the hill, he would give a brisk nod, which meant: “all clear”.

I must add the prize money was paid in cash  in those days –out of little wage packets and from a large table ,poised precariously on the camber of the starting  straight . On one glorious occasion,I won 7/6d  - which is 37p in today`s currency. Mind you - it bought nearly two gallons of petrol!