16/09/2025
John Read RIP
It is with great sadness that after a long illness, the club sadly shares news of the passing of John "bowler" Read, one of our life presidents, a long term Director and previous Chairman of the club.
John was originally a Rendlesham club member, which later became the Woodbridge club. He played a huge part in the purchase of the Blaxhall facility, and took on many roles at the club. For many years, he was the motocross clerk of the course, and played a big part in bringing British Championship meetings to Blaxhall in the 1990's and in the early 2000's. He was also the voice of grass track racing, where he was well known as a commentator, and was always available to observe at the club's trials, as well as assisting at enduro meetings.
John served on the Eastern Centre committee, as well as the Centre's competition committee for many years, and was always available to help at other Eastern centre clubs motocross, trials and enduro events.
Many will remember John as the man with the tatty bowler hat, present at the start line or around our events you could see and certainly hear him, his input to off road motorcycle sport was second to none, which should never be overlooked.
Outside of the club and the sport he lived most/all of his life in the village of Knodishall with his family, he was an electrician by trade in his younger days & he enjoyed his allotment with a few livestock, then on the way home a regular Ale in his local The Butchers arms and a game of darts and a chin wag.
He will be sorely missed.
RIP ‘The Brown Bowler’ John Read
