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
