Major milestone for University Motorcycle Club in 2025
By: UEA Alumni team
UEA graduates Keith Tucker (BIO75) and others were kind enough to submit this nostalgic document on the UEA Motorcycle club. They also request involvement from lost members of the group - see their last paragraph.
This year sees the 50th anniversary of the UEASU Bike Club - as it separated from the University Car Club in 1975 and became a fully fledged university club/society in its own right. Back then, there was a significant membership of active bikers, who not only used their motorcycles as (relatively) cheap transport from their residences to the university plain or into Norwich, but who also rode them just for the sheer pleasure of being on two wheels. There were regular meetings and ride-outs on a Tuesday evening, and the support of like minded souls shared their knowledge to keep these motorcycles ‘on the road’ within a student budget. One of the major events during this period occurred in 1980 when the UEA Bike club hosted the national rally of university motorcycle clubs in the ‘village’. Whilst memberships came from across UEA’s faculties (and even a few from the Norwich Art College) it was quite surprising to many that the largest proportion of club members were from the School of Biological sciences.
A group of motorcycles out at the National Rally of University Motorcycle Clubs in the UEA University Village in 1980.
During the period of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s some strong and lasting friendships were formed within the club, and indeed more than just a few marriages have occurred as a result. After a break of several years, a small group of ex club members started to meet up on an annual basis, one year in Norfolk, the following year somewhere else in the UK, then back to Norfolk again. Rather than these reunions shrinking over time, they have actually grown steadily over the last few decades as an increasing number of people have been joining in, rekindling old friendships and reminiscing about old times.
And so, as this year sees the 50th anniversary of the formation of the UEASU Bike Club, we have a plan to commemorate this major milestone with a reunion event hosted at the Angel Inn, Larling NR16 2QU, from 19th to 22nd June 2025. This venue is able to cater for camping, caravans and motorhomes by arrangement, and there are several B&B’s nearby. Group breakfasts and a dinner are being organised, and there will be trips out to old haunts. It is also hoped to include a visit to the University campus amongst the activities, which will predominantly be arranged for the Friday and Saturday dates.
A 2013 UEA Bike Club reunion on campus
The hope is that as many of the ex bike club members as possible will be able to come along, and it would be fantastic to hear from anyone who was in the club during this period but who may not have been in contact recently. Not everyone is expected to still be riding motorcycles and all who can join in will be made most welcome. It would still be great to hear from ex members who cannot attend - simply contact the UEA Alumni Office who will put you in touch, or apply to join the UEA Bike Club group on Facebook.