20th October 2005 :: Report by Michael Eustace

A host of famous riders from Suffolk, who competed in motorcycle scrambles and trials in the fifties, sixties and seventies, turned out to reminisce and look at various memorabilia on display.

Event organiser, Dave Cordle, from Bramford, had brought along a whole host of brochures, race programs, photos and videos, all of which belong to the Ipswich MCC’s extensive archive of memorabilia.

One memory, which was at the centre of much discussion for the historic riders, included recollections of the scrambles held at the nearby Shrubland Park at Coddenham. One rider who gained a lot of success at the circuit included Dave Bickers, himself attending the reunion.

Coddenham-bread Bickers, who won the European Scrambles championship in 1960 and 1961 aboard a works Greeves scrambler, featured regularly in the televised Saturday afternoon BBC Grandstand scramble’s during the 60’s and was a among a host of riders who, subsequently, became household names overnight.

Other guests who rode at the famous Shrubland circuit included Tony Crouch, Eddie Cordle, Peter Smith, John Runnacles, Peter Davy, Dennis Howard, Tim Robinson and Trevor Harvey.

Many of those riders still ride competitively today, none more so than Tim Robinson and John Runnacles.

Tim Robinson, who owns Offton Motors in Ipswich, was a very successful rider for DOT Motorcycles during the sixties and still competes in classic trials events today. Whilst John Runnacles, from Burstall, who competed aboard a Greeves at Shrubland Park in 1965, still competes regularly in classic scrambles today.

If you missed this event then all is not lost, another event is planned for March where guests will be encouraged to bring along their classic machines for display. For more info contact Dave Cordle 01473 462274.

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