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.

We arrived at Otterspool Way just before 9 AM where Vinnie, Sam, Bob, Danny and Steve were waiting. Sam had trouble starting his bike so we did not depart until 9:10 AM.

Steve took the lead and we all followed at steady pace on M25 then onto A127 and finally onto A130 all the way to Transport museum. Short distance before Canvey Island Brian noticed Bob’s side pannier came open and told him to pull up into the petrol station while the others carried on completely unaware. Once at the petrol station I went and got a bit of string with that we tied the box securely before resuming our journey.

As we got at the turn off point on A127 Vinnie, Sam, Danny and Steve were waiting. Now that the gang was complete we were soon back on the road and arrived at the transport museum. It was only 10:15 AM and the whole place was buzzing which is an indication of the event’s popularity. After parking up our bikes at the usual place we headed straight for hot drinks.

We all started looking at the stalls where Vinnie bought an old oil can and Sam being a big kid like he is bought few toy cars and a clip to hold his back wheel. Bob was also very pleased with his purchase of couple of old toy buses. With shopping done we made our back to the bikes to store our rich pickings. As the sun was out it felt quick warm so we took the layer of to make us more comfortable walking around in. Meanwhile Dave Scott and Derik turned up and we got chatting before heading to the bus stop.

When we got to the bus stop there was a long queue consisting of many Busy Bee members. We all jumped on the shuttle bus which took us to the sea front. Sam was feeling very hungry as usual so we found a café with enough seating places for all of us. After lunch we went to inspect all vintage and classic buses and vehicles. Inspection done we got back on the shuttle bus to the museum for another cuppa before deciding to head back.

We all needed fuel so decided to stop at the first petrol station but our wires got crossed and ended up getting lost within five minutes. Brian and Steve went first followed by Bob who turned off at the first petrol station followed by Vinnie. We waited for them for fifteen minutes before heading for home. We all got separated leaving Canvey Island and went home via different routes. After such a perfect day we all got drenched few times with heavy rain clouds on the way home.

A great day out with such a big turn out by the Busy Bee members.

Pat