Derek Clampin's 60/30 Dinner
On 2nd Feb there was a meal was held at Colne Valley Golf Course to celebrate Derek's remarkable acheivement of being a Castle (Colchester) club member for 60 years, 30 of which have also been spent as the Eastern Centre President.
As well as being a celebration, the event was also used to raise money for the Essex and East Anglian air ambulances with, amongst other things, a game of heads and tails which was eventually won by Mick Wheaton.
An after dinner speeches were made by Mr. Colin Dormett from Cornwall, who told of times he had shared with Derek, and 'Sidge' Kenny, who recalled the service Derek had given to the Eastern Centre, culminating in his being given an honorary membership of the Auto Cycle Union. He then presented Derek with a small gift.
In addition to other monies raised for the air ambulances on the night, a raffle was drawn which helped swell the total by £255.
There was then a surprise for many of the guests as local road race sidecar driver, Derek Yorke, took to the stage with his friends, Dave Beckford, Roy Green, and James O'Driscol (Four in Accord), to entertain the guests with their own individual style of harmonica music.
The evening closed with Derek expressing his surprise and thanks at the high number of attendees, including Mr. Frank Carter, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ACU.
Alan Foskew
Photos by Mick Wheaton
