The Club held its Annual Presentation Dinner at the Colliers Arms in Cymmer on Saturday 15th November. As ever the Dinner was very well supported by members and their guests in a very social atmosphere. Members were delighted to welcome Life Member Tony Gammon, who has not attended the Dinner for some time. Tony was there to present the trophy he has recently donated to the Club, as was Judith Thomas and her son, and soon to be daughter-in-law, to present the Dudley Thomas Trophy.
After members and guests had enjoyed a wonderful three course meal followed by sparkling wine and mince pies M.C.’s for the night Jeff Matthews and Tony Rees kept the presentations moving at a brisk pace ably supported with the presentation by Gwyn Humph and Club President Gerald Clements.
A new prize winner for the Club was Thomas Stoddart who picked up the winners trophies for both the Club Thursday night events making him the winner of both the Dudley Thomas Trophy and the Tony Gammon Trophy. Another newcomer to the prizes was Simon Kinsey, who needed a large van to carry his haul home. Simon has deservedly won the Club Longmarker Trophy, 50 Mile Champion, 12 Hr Champion and the prestigious Club BAR Champion.
Other prize winners, more used to collecting awards at previous dinners, were Dan Taylor for the 10 ml Champion, Hill Climb Champion and the Short Distance BAR. On top of these Dan also won the Roadman of the Year riding as a 3rd Cat.
Steve Bennett kept up his excellent record of winning Club Championships by taking the Club 25 and 30 ml Champion. The Club 100 ml Championship went to Gary Flower yet another relatively new member of the Club who is ensuring that Acme Wheelers maintains it long standing tradition of success in time trialling competitions.
The Chairman’s Award went to our youngest new member to reward him for his hard work and determination to improve on the bike. In his first season of riding, Alec Morris has improved his fitness and bike skills while riding with members on the Club Runs and fully intends taking these skills on the Schoolboy racing scene next year, so good luck to him and all the prize winners for next season.
The final award of the night went to someone who has never said NO when asked to do something for the Club in the few short years he has been a member. Chris Thomas makes up in enthusiasm for what he lacks in bulk and is a worthy winner of the Clubman of the Year Award, presented the by Club President. Chris was overwhelmed with the Award and just as we would have expected couldn’t understand what he had done to deserve it. Well done Chris.
Many thanks to all those who worked so hard to ensure the event was a success and to all the members and guests who supported the night. We hope for even bigger things next year.
