As there was no planned club run this coming Sunday we looked up at “What’s on” section of our website and came across this meet called “Classic Motor Show at Old Warden Aerodrome”. Once decided we informed all the regular club night attendees of this pending run.
Meet Danny half between my place and his at 9:30 then made our way to Otterspool Way where Sam & Chris were already waiting. Not long before Pat and Brian turned up. We waited till 10 am in case anyone turned up but was not to be. Few of the members were talking about making their own way there especially when they lived not too far from the venue.
Brian led the way by setting of along A41 then on to A1/M in the direction Hatfield and on toward Henlow then a left at Biggleswade to Old Warden. The journey took about an hour and soon we were making our way through the front gates passing a long line of cars and suddenly we saw young Bob at front. After paying the entry fees we went to park up.
We made a bee line to the restaurant for a well-deserved cuppa! Despite the weather not being as warm as it should have been there was a good turnout. There were lots of club stands displaying classic British and vintage cars, hot rod and custom American cars. There were the usual Trade stands and we even got to see model air crafts flying display.
As we were walking about we bumped into even more members. The sun was trying to break through the clouds throughout the day which was very pleasant. We went back and forth to the restaurant for more hot drinks and a spot of lunch.
Alas it was time to head back the same way before it started raining. We all had a lovely day out with a 100 mile round trip.
This has been always a special club run not only because it’s the last club run but also it is for such a worthy course. I believe Busy Bee and Linda Wilsmore from the Ace Café have been supporting this particular animal home for over 15 years.
The format for the day is as follows:-
We meet at the Ace Café for 10am and wait for everyone to bring food and presents for the animals. Then around 11am a member of staff arrive with a small van from the Mayhew Animal Home to pick up the donations.
We pose for a quick photo shoot in front of the Ace café before jumping on our bikes and heading off to the animal home.
The Mayhew in not too far from the Ace. They are based at Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green. NW10 6BJ. Tel: 020 8962 8000. This is a very short ride to the Mayhew.
We park up outside the home and immediately we are greeted by the staff. All the snacks together with hot and cold beverages are laid out on the table. All the staff are so friendly and welcoming.
After a quick snack we are invited in small groups to take a tour of their fantastic facilities. We are also given an opportunities to see at all the animals. All the staff are aware of each and every animal in their facility with regards to why they are there and what treatment they are receiving.
This year we were also given a tour of the operating theatre as it was recently refurbished. I was amassed to see so much equipment and medicine required. They also provide and educate owners and offer many treatments free of charge or at a substantially reduced cost.
After everyone has a good look around we go back to the main reception for more drinks. Here Pat presented a cheque for £120 on behalf of the Busy Bee Club. We would like to say thank you to Steve-V, Ian, Chris, Pat & Brian, Steve-E, Johnny and everyone for their generosity.
And most of all to the staff of the Mayhew Animal Home for their total dedication and what a fantastic job they are doing with such limited funds.
Have a Wonderful Christmas and see you in the New Year!
We all met at Otterspool Way on very warm summer’s day. It was a good turnout and a nice run through Radlett, London Colney then on to M25. We always stop at a nice biker’s café. www.busybeemcc.com Spring 2016 pg. 20
I can never remember where it actually is so I just follow the rider in front. They do really nice bacon sarnies. Then onwards through Malden to the Museum of Power with its mighty water pump.
They demonstrate the power by running it on compressed air for a short while. It used to supply water to the whole area. There is a nice tea room and a large show field for all the exhibitors to park up and do their various things.
I was quite attracted to one group who appeared in fish net stockings, tight corsets, high heels and false eyelashes. So I wondered over for a closer look (only for journalistic reason of Course). On enquiring who they were I was told “we were the local women’s institute” who were performing as a dance group. They were really good and it was getting very hot (by that I mean the weather).
The main gang sat under the trees outside the café and I retired to a grassy bank under a big trees with a bit of breeze as I needed a rest. It was time to leave and lot of us made our way back home in different ways. I rode back with Brian through A12, M25 then on to M1 to Luton.
This is yet another one of the club rides I had never taken part in since joining the Bee’s. As explained in my editorial this year was rather a stressful time but somehow I managed to make my excuses and made to this meet.
On this club run everyone makes their own way to the museum and as it was my first time Steve V. kindly offered to meet me not too far from the museum. I followed him through very narrow and bendy country lanes avoiding oncoming traffic, pot holes and ducking the over grown hedges along the way. I was told that this was the back road as I cannot imagine larger vehicles such as the buses would be able to negotiate the bends. As my bike was still at Danny’s for the duration of the summer I drove by car and parked www.busybeemcc.com Spring 2016 pg. 19
in the car park and then jumped in Steve’s combo through the main gates and right into the museum where they directed us to our reserved spot on the grounds.
Steve started unpacking his table/bench setup and other such items as Busy Bee banner hence he was on the combo.
Not long before Brian, Pat and others started arriving. I got the feeling that same members arrive here each year from their body language and the talk. The sun was out and we started venturing into various Barns, Cottages, Sheds and Shelters. Each of these storages facilities housed so many interesting exhibits dating back to 18th and 20th centuries. There was even an Iron Age house.
As everything is in the open as the name suggest there was no danger of overcrowding and every one can enjoy walking around at their own pace. This was one of the most amazing and very informative place that I had been to in a very long time. Here one could see a snap shot of how people used to live through the ages. There is quite a lot of exhibits of life during the war and to see how little people had during those very difficult times. They also invited various motorcycle and car clubs to come and display their prized vehicles on the grounds for the visiting public to view. They even sold old fashioned Victorian Lemonade at one of the food and snacks barns. There was also an opportunity to try your hands at making bread the old fashion way. Also for small fee you could have ago at making colourful candles.
So if you have not been here before I urge you to join us this year and I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Another awesome day in a beautiful settings and the sun shining what else could you ask for?
A lovely sunny day we had a very smooth ride down to Jacks Hill. Steve had left earlier in the morning to help with organising bikes in the car park. There were already lots of classic bikes in the car park on show when we arrived at Jacks Hill Ton up day. This has always been such a success every year and it was no different as Chester always over sees the pre organising of this day.
After a great breakfast and a coffee we had a walk round the car park to look at all the bikes on show. Chester was busy signing his books and selling to the public. George and Bob turned up as the whole place was now buzzing with bikes and people. Richard Steve’s son turned up just after George when the judging of the bikes had begun. Shaun was doing a great job as D J and Sue presented the trophies which are sponsored by the Busy Bee every year. Trophies were awarded in three categories and the winners walked away happy. It always nice to see great smiles on their faces. The sun kept shining all day and it was soon time to home. Another great day at this yearly event.
