Last Month we lost one of our most enthusiastic trials riders, Ben Chaplin. After a long illness he passed away peacefully in his own bed at home. Ben started riding around 1970, and soon obtained Expert status, not only competing at center level, Ben also did many nationals as well. He always rode for the Stowmarket Motorcycle club. And In fact he was a member of the Club for more than 50 years.
Ben worked for many years as a mechanic at Rouses Garage opposite the entrance to Shrubland Park and followed the achievements of Local rider Dave Bickers with interest. As he did in later years of the career of local trials star Jack Sheppard.
Every year Ben would keep a record of all Eastern Centre Trials Results and work out on a points basis who was the overall best Eastern Centre rider.
In his later years he pursued his other hobby " photography " and most Eastern Centre riders will have in their photo collection one or two taken by him !
Our thoughts are with his wife Kate at this sad time.
Ben Chaplin's cremation service will be at Seven Hills Ipswich on Tuesday 1st July at 2.15pm.