With the loss of Derek Clampin after a short illness at the age of 94, the Eastern Centre (Region) of the Auto-Cycle Union has lost not only a long-time trials competitor but also a former centre president and administrator.
Derek had been a member of the ACU for 70 years, all of them under the banner of the Castle (Colchester) Motorcycle Club.
Derek’s competitive career began in 1948 when he entered the Royal Enfield Cup Trial on a borrowed 350cc Ariel and finished second.
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He bought a new BSA B32 for £162 10s, and one of his favourite events was the famous Beggars Roost Trial in Devon. In his early days he took his girlfriend Jean, who later became his wife, on the pillion from Colchester to the venue, and then removed the lights and changed sprockets to compete in the trial.
He rode successfully in Eastern Centre trials, and after being runner-up in the 1952 centre championship, took top spot the following year.
During the 1950s Derek represented his club at Eastern Centre board
meetings, and was eventually elected to the centre’s competitions committee.
Read more in the December issue of OBM – on sale now!
