The age-old conflict between Mods and Rockers has always divided a generation of youngsters in Beccles.

 

However, for members of the Waveney Scooter Club the debate over who was “cooler” in the 1960’s has been and gone and most now dedicate their time; aspects of their life and hard earned money on scooters. 

 

It was in March this year that three local enthusiasts put their heads together and decided to form their own club and bring back to Beccles the culture of the 1960’s.   Before they had come up with a name “Waveney” was used to identify where the club were from and the name stuck seemed to stick with other local clubs.   Waveney Scooter Club was officially on the map.

 

The club meets weekly and since starting they are already using their third choice of pub!  The first shut down (much to everyone’s disappointment); the second was not user friendly due to parking restrictions.  The current meeting place being the Butchers Arms, Beccles is proving popular because they do complimentary food each week for club members.  Before you ask where, the Butchers Arms are on his body!!

 

Back in the 80’s there were a number of scooter clubs in Beccles.  Along with Lowestoft and Gt Yarmouth, Beccles was the place to be.    There were the Waveney Vikings and Pink Pigs to name a few.  The club are currently trying to trace back the history of these clubs and find some former members (probably pensioners by now!)

 

John Sutton (Johnny Dangerous) Sarah Burgess (Chalky) and Graham Beamish (Bod) decided the club would be aimed at just Lambretta and Vespa owners and enthusiasts TAGS not invited.  In just eight months they have attracted 22 members who come from all over the Waveney Valley area.  The youngest member is just 15 and the oldest one being old enough to know better! (you know what they are saying Jem).

 

The club has been very active this year attending Skegness; Camber; IOW; Mersea and Hemsby in force!  Their last club do “Pre Hemsby Bash” was a total sell out.  Local Ska Band Last Orders played along with Dj’s Two Stroke Dowse; Two Stroke Craig and Jonny Dangerous (man of many talents!).  Dowse and Craig of Two Stroke on the Pier notoriety are always crowd pullers and following the do, Dowse went on to play at the Hemsby Winter Warmer.

 

The club is run by the club members for the club members.

 

Plans for 2007 include a bigger and better club event and a trip to Europe, not forgetting all the UK Scooter Rallies.

 

Waveney Scooter Club are part of the very successful East Anglian Scooter Alliance www.eascoot.co.uk. 

 

Finally, Sarah; John and Bod would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported them over the past 8 months.