We met at Otterspool Way late as usual, but had a good excuse this time, still suffering from jet lag as just got back from LA.
Waiting for us was Steve, Bill, Len and Rob. Weather was cold but at least it was dry and so we set off straight away, good journey there and so arrived at about 10 30am.
Not many bikes had arrived maybe because of the cold weather so naturally our first stop was the cafe for a nice hot cup of tea and coffee,
Was well disappointed with the price as small cup of tea cost £.50 and for a coffee £2.00.
Brian had two cups and he was still not satisfied, what a rip off!
Met Steve, Karen and their grandchildren for a good chat as I had not seen them for a long time,
Was very pleasantly surprised when coming out of the cafe to see the field was getting filed up with so many fantastic bikes, old and new. It took us ages walking around the grounds and also there were quite a few stalls selling so many interesting things.
We met up with many Busy Bee members namely Dave Scott, Derick, Harry, Laurie,
Ian, Frank, Geoff, Dee, Alison and Terry throughout the day. We even bumped into our Club president Peter Mayne who told us about the little shop just outside the show which sells everything. So off we went to the back of the shops was a deli and you can buy brilliant rolls, sandwiches, teas, coffee, meats etc., at very good prices? The weather was getting warmer but colder so tables and chairs were put outside for people to sit on, a great little find.
The weather was getting colder after a good wander around and chatting to so many interesting people. We saw a board in the next field saying food and drinks so we walked down the path and there was a club house which was lovely and warm. It was a meeting place for families and a play area for children where they could meet other families and enjoy food and drinks which were reasonably priced.
Quite a few bikes also found the place and like us spent about half an hour warming up with a very large mug of hot tea. When going back to the show quite a few bikes had gone home.
The wind had picked up so Brian and l decided to go home before it got any worse.
On the way out we saw lan had lost his house keys and was looking very worried. Luckily when we arrived home he phoned to say someone had handed them in thank goodness also in the purse was his money as well.
Thanks to the honesty of our fellow bikers it all ended well for Ian. A very pleasant day out although could have been a bit warmer but cannot grumble as we have been so lucky with all the sunny weekends this summer. Let’s hope next year will be as good.
Pat Beasely
Can’t believe it is that time of the year again. Just a few days earlier l was in the shed sorting out tables, chairs and other stuff. While Pat was concentrating on food and all the utensils and table ware that would be required for the journey.
I collected the van on Saturday evening around 5 O’clock, Steve came around to help with loading up of the van. As it is usually a very early start say around 4:30am we normally boil the water in the canister so that we can have teas on the go quickly.
This time we left home at around 5:40am arriving in Brighton just after 7:15am. We immediately claimed our space on the side walk. It is very important to arrive early as each year other clubs tend to take over your bit of the pitch. Thus leaving us with less space for the gazebo and the van.
By 9am our gazebo was up and tea on the go ready for the Bee’s members to arrive.
The weather was quite warm again this year. The whole place was soon buzzing with loads of people and bikes of all makes started rolling in. The noise was quite loud and great to hear.
One could distinguish between classics to twins to Morden engines. They were all parked up on Madeira Drive for all to see and admire. Some great bikes old and new were on display.
Also, there were the usual selling all sorts of biker related gear and much more. There were the regular club stands such as the Ace Cafe London, 59 club, AJS, and the Matchless just to mention a few. Rock & Roll group playing on the Ace Café stage in the distance.
Our club stand was well attended once again as is every year and Vinnie’s samosas were a great success.
Thanks to Vinnie who spent quite a long time cooking them for everyone and Steve for keeping the kettles topped up with hot water all day long so that teas and coffees can be enjoyed.
This is also a great place to meet and speak to quite a few members who we only see here once a year. We would like to welcome to our club three new members who joined up on the day. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all our members and friends who support us all year around. We really enjoyed the day with great company.
With the weather being so good we decided to stay a bit longer and went for fish & chips supper before going home.
Very good journey back with not much traffic and so arrived home in the light. What a brilliant day out and we always look forward to this event each year.
Brian Beasely
This was the 50th year of the Busy Bee Cafe closing from 1968 to 2018
Could not have wished for a better day as the sun shone all day and it was a very pleasant day.
The Hilton Hotel done us proud as always but it was Nicola’s turn to serve us food and drinks this year. She did this so well all day long without a break and kept all the members happy and content. The BQ was first rate.
The turnout this year was very good with some splendid bikes on show. Quite a few of the original Busy Bee boys and girls who use to meet at the cafe in the 60s also came even though some had made the journey by car. This is mainly because they no longer ride or own a bike or through health reasons.
Thank you to all that helped to make this year so special. The bike show was well attended but unfortunately some bikes were out of view as Hilton hotel had a function on and as a result the car that we use was occupied by hotel guest. For this reason we may have missed few bike for judging purposes. Please try and park nearer the front next year so that we can all enjoy these wonderful bikes.
Results of all the winners this year in the following categories were:-
Maroon Triumph sprung HUB speed twin 1st British
One of ladies by the name of Hiroko who attends our re-union every year.
Velo Evv 821 was 2nd
Trident X U E 488H was 3rd belonged to Graham
Club member trophy went to Dave Geary for Enfield Constellation
Steve received Aldenham trophy for his Yamaha 250
50 trophy went to Melvin for his Ariel Arrow.
And finally Reunion trophy went Richard Viner for his Triumph
Our raffle was very successful with some great prizes and we raised a total of £200.
Well done every one for your generosity. It was lovely to see many old and new faces.
Brian and l always enjoy this show and as you the members and friends make this show a great success. Looking forward to seeing you all next year, happy biking and ride safe.
Pat and Brian Beasly.
