Initially this was an Ace Café Run for many years. A few of us used to go along with them. Gradually the Bee’s members has increased in volume and now we make at least 50% of the group.

We always meet at the Ace for around 9:30am to 10am to grab our first cuppa of the day and wait for everyone to get together. The Mayhew van usually arrives at 11am. This year the weather was good and as result the turnout was also up.

The Thursday before at the club night the members donated generously to a grand total of £160 which the Mayhew received with much thanks.

Luton weather was very foggy when I started off this morning and I hate the fog as visibility is reduced dramatically and thus making it unsafe to be on the roads. The worst kind of wet fog which mist up my visor immediately and so you are either left with open visor or keep wiping it constantly.

Just South of Hemel it started improving rapidly and by the time I reached the Ace it was clear. Bob Brooks had the same trouble as me but from a shorter distance as he lives in St Albans. Vinnie, Johnny, Bob Brooks, Brian, Pat, myself and a couple who have been coming every year but don’t remember their names.

The van turned up a bit late and was duly loaded with a dustbin full of donated pet food from Ace customers. There was that obligatory photo shoot in front of the van and the Ace Café in the background. With that out of the way we all jumped on our bikes and made a short ride to the Mayhew animal home.

On arrival we were informed of cat flu at the home and therefore it was put on quarantine. As a result we could not see or touch cats. However the dogs were in the clear and so we got a chance to see and play with them. With hot and cold drinks together with snacks and biscuits laid out for us. It was time to present the cheque to the staff by Pat and more photo opportunities. It is a nice feeling to do something for such a worthy course.

We were soon on route back to the Ace but I did not go and turned right on the North Circular Road and shot up the M1. What a lovely day and very worthwhile getting up for!

Ian

I text Sam & Johnny on Saturday to inform them of pending toy run on Sunday but the boys were very doubtful if the weather was going to improve as Saturday was wet and gloomy the whole day. Quick check on the internet and the forecast was for dry and sunny. I text both of them but they were still not convinced.

Come Sunday morning sure enough the sun was out but it was quite cold. We had visitors till 2am and I was very tired due to lack of sleep and therefore considered going by car to the Ace. Another factor was that I have had a frozen shoulder for some time now and was not sure if it would affect my riding. After having missed last two toy runs I was determined to make it this year. I text the boys but only Johnny replied and he wanted to make sure that I was going on the ride and not just to the Ace. He too had a late night drinking session and almost did not make it.

Arrived at the Ace and there was no sign of anyone from the Busy Bee. After a short time, Brain turned up followed by Ian and Bob arrived by car as he had to exchange an item at the Ace Café that his son had bought previous week. People started bring all kinds of toys that got segregated into age groups before loading them into the van. Dee was in charge and she was riding shot gun in the front seat of the van.

We all set off in a big group with Unity Riders providing escort which they do each year. The convoy slowly headed onto North Circular Road towards Hanger Lane and then onto A40 to St. Mary’s hospital Paddington. Staff brought children down to the car park where they received presents and a chance to take photos with so many Santa Clauses in fantastic outfits. Some of them even sat on the bikes to take pictures.

Then onwards to Royal Brompton hospital with more of the same. Next was St. Thomas’s where we tend to spend more time as it is the last hospital on our run. It is always a great satisfaction to see smiles on kids’ faces when they receive those presents. They also like to take photos with their favourite heroes then it was back to the Ace.

Arriving back, we all got separated in the London traffic. Brian, Ian, Dee and I had hot drinks and Johnny decided to head home. Ron once again announced that it was his last run and we all started laughing and making jokes. Just then he got one of the unity rider to stand up who introduced himself and stated that he was taking over from Ron next year.  I guess he did really mean it this year. This was most satisfying and rewarding ride of the year and I am glad my shoulder held out but it was getting quite tough towards the end.

Vinnie

Our first Christmas party at the new venue and it was a resounding success. This opinion is based on record number of tickets sold and very positive feedback received from everybody who attended.

The venue was half the size of our former home but with the extra sitting places just outside the hall in the conservatory and the bar area it felt specious. These areas were ideal for those of us who wanted to take a break from the music to catch up and chat. We had booked the same band as last year who played all our favourite music and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Due to the venue being smaller the music was not so loud and that made it even more enjoyable experience.

Pat, Judy, Steve and Brain worked really hard to purchase, prepare and bring the food to the venue as they do every year. Catering for eighty plus people is no easy task and they did a great job. Also Carol, Judy, Heidi and little Abbey went round selling raffle tickets and they too did an excellent job in raising more money than ever before. Pat donated most of the food as part of her birthday celebrations and the monies went towards the cost of this year’s Christmas party.

We also had few new faces this year who normally would not come to our Christmas party. This is purely to do with the new venue as the old venue was in such a bad state of repair that they would be embarrassed to bring their partners along. We had old Bob and his lovely wife Shirley as well as Brian Jobson and his wife and even Bob Norman decided to join us this year. It was lovely to see you all and we hope you enjoyed yourselves.

We would like to wish everyone a Wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year !!! Look after yourselves and keep warm over the coming winter months.

Vinnie & The Busy Bee Committee.