Eric Eckert, the oldest member of the Clarence Valley club was bestowed the honour of cutting the cake. Eric turned 85 on November 1. (Eric is pictured with Vicki Toscan). Image: Lynne Mowbray.

Lynne Mowbray Around 70 members of the Clarence Valley Ulysses (motorbike riders) branch celebrated their 20th anniversary on Friday, with a special dinner and photo slide show held at the South Grafton Bowling Club. A speech given by former long term member and organiser of many major ride events Lynne Cairns, touched on the many enjoyable times and comradery had by the members, over the last 20 years. “We are a group of people from all walks of life with a common interest of riding bikes and just having fun – and it was just good clean fun,” Mrs Cairns said. “A few of our members have ridden on which is really very sad, but we should always remember them and be happy for all the fun times we had with each other.” Special mention was given by Mrs Cairns to Clarrie Cullen, Sam Darke and Bob Lovell who were instigators in forming the Clarence Valley branch, back in 1997. “In the minutes of that first meeting, it actually lists those attending and we have 10 of them here tonight,” she said. “That’s fantastic for 20 years on.” Mrs Cairns said that the 20th anniversary of the club was not the only thing being celebrated. “We have another special occasion to celebrate; Eric Eckert the oldest member of our branch living in the Clarence Valley is turning 85 on Wednesday November 1”, said Mrs Cairns. Mr Eckert said that he has been on many rides with the club over the years, including a ride up through the centre of Australia in 2006. “I lost my wife just after I joined the club 17 years ago,” said Mr Eckert. “After attending a ‘Show and Shine’ event, I got my bike back out, polished it up and got back on it and since then I have met a lot of people,” he said. Mr Eckert has only just stopped riding his beloved Ural side car bike and said that his most memorable moments over the years were ‘all the good times had with his friends’.