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It is with deep regret that we hear of the death of Doug Yareham at the age of 86. Doug was hospitalised a few weeks ago following a fall and died on Thursday, 10th June.

Ken Platts writes:

Doug was one of the stalwarts of the TT scene in the Eastern region. He was a long time member of the Victoria CC, of which he was General Secretary, and was for decades involved with Eastway, ECCA, and the VTTA East Anglia Group. Many of you will be aware of “the huts” in North End Road , Ugley, which were for many years packed with cyclists from the London clubs who rode out to compete on the famed E1. The Victoria hut is one of the few remaining huts, and Doug was instrumental in keeping the hut going. This maintained the link with the glory days of time trialling on the E1. For many years now it has been the HQ for a highly successful series of 10.2 mile TTs, organised by Doug and wife Christine. The series has many categories, and although not on a “fast” course has attracted large fields, due to the hospitable atmosphere of the events engendered by Doug and Christine. Prior to this series Doug had promoted extensively in the region. Doug was not only a promoter but an active racer himself riding both solo, and tandem with Christine. His racing came to end 9 years ago when he was involved in an accident while riding the ECCA 10 mile TT championship on the E2. He suffered serious breaks to his leg which required a long convalescence. Doug was a huge supporter of the VTTA East Anglian group, a fact acknowledged in 2013 by the award of the Gordon Irons Cup for outstanding service to the Group. He will be greatly missed. We offer condolences and our deepest sympathy to Christine and the family.

In the Leo 30, youth and age alike set new records. Bethany Spencer of Kettering CC set a new junior women’s record of 1:16:03 and rounding off the list of record-breakers was Chelmer’s redoubtable Pete Horsnell, laying down a new mark of 1:37:26 for all the other 91-year-olds to aim at. Pete didn’t, however, make it into the Chelmer CC’s team of the Harding brothers and Ian Cardy which took team honours.The H F Neville 30 mile Cup went to fastest man on standard and fastest East Anglia Group rider on standard, Cambridge CC’s Andy Grant, who took his second group trophy in a row with 1:04:38 and, with Martin Reynolds and Chris Dyason, secured a second successive team win on standard for Cambridge CC. (I’m writing the report, so I get to choose the photos. This one’s by Davey Jones and features my new bike.)

Andy Grant

[And as webmaster I get to add a photo of my new club colours! 😉 Photo also thanks to Davey Jones.]

John Golder’s second 2021 promotion in a row, the fabled Leo 30, incorporating the East Anglian VTTA 30, was banished by roadworks from its regular record-breaking home on the E2. Not to be thwarted, and despite a cold and strong northerly crosswind, it proved the speed potential of the brand-new 30 mile variant of the F2, with a gift downhill start from the flyover above the A428 between Caldecote and Cambourne, before three laps of the fast F2A/10. (all photos, thanks to Stuart Field) In the main event, 27 year-old George Fox, (below;) doing a great advertising job for George Fox Cycling Solutions, edged out by just 2 seconds previous winner Matt Smith (Drag2Zero) who was giving him 16 years and was easily fastest veteran on actual.Ian Greenstreet and Rachael Elliot suffered a rare tandem defeat by Glen Taylor and Mark Arnold, whose 58:28 gave them the win by 20 seconds.

East Anglia Group’s programme of events got under way on Saturday with the E2/10 in wet, windy and cold mood for the first Group 10 of the year and the Charlie Clift Shield, last competed for in 2019.

As current holder, I was very happy to pass it on to anyone brave (crazy?) enough to ride in those conditions, which a surprising number were. My bike stayed in the car. Andy Beaman made an excellent job of his debut as an event organiser and I have never seen marshals so mob-handed at Four Went Ways. You were all heroes and deserve our warmest gratitude – with the emphasis on warmth.

Winner on actual and standard with an indecently quick 19:45 was CC Islington’s Ronnie Stone, seen below riding too fast for Davey Jones’ shutter speed (or maybe Davey was just shivering uncontrollably).

Next weekend sees the Group Circuit 25, with 2-up and AeroCoach Series road bike events attached, on the E33/25 at Stetchworth. It’s a Nugget promotion, so naturally, at the moment, the forecast looks much more promising.