Last Saturday we had our annual Busy Bee Christmas Party and what a success it was too. As usual Pat, Brian and Steve did the shopping, prepared the food and transported it to the venue. They then laid the food on the table for all of us to enjoy on the night. The display was truly comparable to a 5 star establishment.
Our regular band called “Cruisin & Mooses” played Rock n Roll music for the members to dance the night away. Some of the members commented that the band was not too loud this year and therefore every one enjoyed the music even more. I think the selection of right kind music also played a big part.
Well done to Carol for selling the most raffle tickets even though Brian’s name kept popping up. There were lots of prizes up for grabs.
On behalf of the committee we would like to thank each and every one of you for turning up and supporting your club and hope you all had a lovely time.
And finally, as usual a big thank you to Pat, Brain and Steve for clocking on so many hours of overtime at this and other club functions throughout the year.
Before you put your bikes away for the winter months and plug that trickle charger of yours there are three more club runs.
Wishing you all “A Very Merry Christmas & A Wonderful New Year” !!!
Keep on biking, stay warm and look after yourselves through the winter months.
Out of the garage weather looking good so on the bonny to the ace café.
Left home around 10:30am Brian and l thought that there would not too many Bee members there as so many usually have other commitments at this time of the year. The car park was slowly filling up with bikes, Brian was up buying drinks when Chris arrived soon as few more
Bee members started turning up. lan, Max, George, even Dave Geary who we have not seen for a while had come along. Our table was soon full and so we chatted before going out to
the car park to look at the bikes . Bob, Brian Norman and Emil were already outside looking at the bikes. lan got interested in the white Jag (old police car) he had a good old chat to the guy
who owned it as he was also dress in police uniform. After yet more cups of teas and coffees more
good chat with friends it was time for home. A great day out.
When I got down to Otterspool Way there were quite a few of members waiting opposite in the layby as J&S bike shop has now closed down. There must have being eleven of us by the time we set off along A41 onto M1 till junction 9 and then onto A5 all the way to Milton Keynes. We all rode together at a steady pace and arrived nice and early where we were directed to park at our usual place. They even supplied us with bits of timber for our side stand in case the ground was too soft.
After settling down we made our way to purchase our tickets which entitled us to a voucher for a free hot drink and biscuits. After a quick drink we split up and headed in different direction to look at all the classic cars and motorcycles on display, as well as few trade stands and then on to the main exhibits which is the museum.
I have been here before but still discover few items that I had missed on my last visit. Also the museum tries to add new displays. After a little walk about we made a bee line for more hot drinks and freshly made sandwiches, soups and other food prepared by the volunteers. The sun was trying to break through the clouds and as a result it was getting a little bit warmer.
By the time we headed back we came across more members like Bob, Peter and others. There was a chap dressed up as a Stig walking around and so we naturally had to pose for a photograph. After some more banter and drinks it was time to head back.
Johnny volunteered to kick start Ian’s Classic when the side stand broke and in the process knocked the bike next to him which almost had a domino effect to the rest of the bikes. This could have been very embarrassing situation.
With the day saved we all headed back. Another great day’s club ride.
Brian collected the van on Saturday afternoon so we could load up the night before.
Gerry and Bob had come over from Wales for the weekend so we had plenty of help with loading the van. Judy had been staying the weekend before so she could come to our reunion as well as Brighton Burn-up so it lovely to have help with all the food. Steve arrived very early Sunday morning. We set off in the van with Judy, Gerry and Rob following us behind on their bikes. We had a very smooth ride down and arrived about 7:30am only to find we had not been allocated our usual place there was not enough room for the gazebo, van and the bikes. After a bit of a wobbly and one hour later we were allocated a bit more space after one of the stand had not turned up. So all was well in the end.
This year with Gerry and Rob we had a lot more help with getting the gazebo up and setting out the tables and chairs. It was not long before the food was set out and the kettle boiled as we waited for the members to arrive.
Vinnie arrived with San and Johnny and out came the frying pan. Vinnie started to fry the samosas which he had brought himself. With a little wait all the members started tucking into freshly cooked samosas. They proved to very popular. By lunch more members and friends started to drop in. Laurie, Ian, Gordon, Berry, Max, Dave, Roger, Sue and many others. Steve was kept busy boiling water for teas and coffees. The whole place was buzzing like a bee hive as many bikes roared past our stand.
As it was fast approaching 5pm we stared to pack-up everything into the van before heading towards a local café for dinner. After well-earned dinner we set off back home and arrived quite late. A wonderful day to meet up with so many of our members and just taking in this great atmosphere of the day.
A very tiring and enjoyable day and all well worth it.
As I had been pre occupied with my extension works and hence not visited club nights or been on the club ride-out. Brian called me to remind me of the upcoming Bee’s club reunion. He mentioned that so many people were away and that the turn out would be lower than past years. I immediately texted the members whose mobile numbers I had to remind them.
Sunday came and the day started slightly overcast. The last time I rode my bike was approximately eight weeks ago so when it came to starting her up it was a struggle. Thank god for my trickle charger that Danny had left plugged in.
When we arrived at the Hilton Hotel, the Busy Bee gazebo was already up and quite a few members had turned up. By this time the sun was breaking through the clouds. We all started chatting with each other and more members started turning up. Before long there was quite a good turnout.
Trophies were handed out for various categories and Pat did her usual raffle to raise money for the club funds. It turned out to be a great day especially with so much rain we have had in recent days and a break for me from the stressful building works. Safe biking and catch you on the next one!
