Report on November 2007 activities

Bore Da! Croeso at Esgyll Gogledd Cymru! - Good Day!  Welcome to North Wales Wings!

Hi there!

November kicked off with a ride-out, after our monthly meeting, to Betws–y-Coed to show Steve Curry –Pearce the Wonders of Wales. Steve lives in Stoke-on-Trent and had bemoaned the fact that recent runs had been out of Wales. So, today was the day when all would be revealed and Steve, with a happy smile was escorted, on his happy yellow 1800, by Nigel & Joanna; Paul & Jan; Dave & Jan T; Dennis; Kevin & Sandra; Dave & Jan S. By all accounts, Steve enjoyed the ride.

Salvation Army Manchester 10th Anniversary Motorbike Toy Run on the 10th  was joined by Nigel & Joanna (Marshalls), Dennis, Paul& Jan, Dave E, Paul & Steph, Steve C-P, and Mark & Loopy. I understand that some Cheshire, Lancs & Lakes and Pennine Wingers also braved the cold to join the convoy from the Salvation Army Wilmott Street Centre for homeless men in Manchester to the Trafford Centre. The event, which attracted over ???? bikers, helps to raise money and new toys for needy children in the North West of England. It ended with a Carol Service and presentation of toys inside the Trafford Centre. Judging by the pictures on our Web site, a good time was had by all in spite of the cold. There were bikes of all shapes and sizes, some decorated with tinsel and balloons and breakfast was served to warm up the ‘early starters’ Pete, our Mr Runs said” Had a good day out. Nigel led us successfully to starting point, the run itself was very well organised and went without a hitch. The Carol Service at The Trafford Park was quite nice, but the best part of the day was the ride back. Dennis led us back using side roads and byways .Yes a golly good ride”.

Sparks were flying on the 17th at what is arguably the best rendezvous in town - Chez Mackintosh. This was a ‘BRANCH’ meeting as the plan was to have a bonfire of all the ‘BRANCHES’ left over from their recent tree felling (get it! Blame Allen for that one! groan, groan..)  There was a very good turn out and Joanna with her usual TLC set the scene with ovens fired up, hotplates standing and Slo -cookers waiting for the goodies which make up our ‘pot-luck’ supper, where we all bring a savoury or sweet dish and whatever we want to drink. After starters we de-camped outside to watch Fire Warden in Chief –David Mackintosh – push a lighted torch into the centre of the bonfire which made a lovely whoosh and roar of flames and sparks high into the sky as he kept it fuelled with bonfire fodder. Some of the  men got really into the swing of things and – like little boys again – played with fire and got very black as they stoked the fire and moved branches round  be set alight. Nigel and his sons had worked hard to prepare all this. After we had had a pick and mix of all the dishes including forbidden fruits in the shape of puddings (look at the grins of delight from the men as they snaffle an extra portion when they think that their better half is not looking (Dave??) The evening was rounded off as we sat in comfort to watch the video which the German Wingers had sent. As you will remember from earlier reports, they visited in the summer and NWW took them on a tour of our beautiful mountains and valleys. It reminded us of how lucky we are to live in North Wales as at times you could be forgiven for thinking you were abroad. Well, our German friends were!