Report on September 2007 activities

Hello Folks,

It's me again for this month so I will try and give you a report but don't shout at me if it is not up to Mark's standard.

The September monthly meeting took place on the second Sunday as it was delayed due to the Blackpool Light Parade. We welcomed Kevin and Sandra, and Steve C-P's wife Pat. This meeting was followed by a ride around North Wales organised by Pete. The ride went via Prestatyn to Betws Y Coed and then returned over the Denbigh Moors and onto Mold. It was a good 'spirited' ride by those who took to the Moors.

On the following weekend, Colly and Stevie hosted a mid-month social at Maison C-D, where the usual pot-luck prevailed and everyone had a good chat. Thanks to Colly and Stevie for hosting the event and apologies for food stains on the floor of their new conservatory.(managed to get it in, Colly!)

The next day a contingent of NWW bikes attended the Pet Food Run at Stoke on Trent. The report following the event stated "Organisers of the event, which supports 10 animal charities, estimate that 5,000 bikes and scooters of all shapes and sizes took to the road for a spectacular event, which started with just 200 machines in the late 1990s. That was a record in itself but it was also expected to raise £5,000 and collect tonnes of food from the watching crowds to top the previous best figure and help pets. The parade was led by city Lord Mayor Bagh Ali in the civic limo."

Christine Prescott forwarded to me the next report:-

"On Saturday September 29th, North Wales Wings supported the Welsh Air Ambulance Fund-raising day at Criccieth.

The run to Criccieth started from Beaufort Park Hotel, at the ungodly hour of 8am as the sun was rising and the sky was red on the horizon. More than one of the group said they had found out what 8am looked like!!

The route, well planned by Pete, took us to Ruthin, onwards to Cerrigydrudion and then to Pentrefoelas.

From there to Ffestiniog, to Porthmadog Bridge and then Criccieth. The route gave a fantastic ride through scenery which was dramatic to say the least. The castle, which juts into the sea, lay in sunshine as the group arrived in time for the agreed 10 am start.

Pete, Nigel & Joanna, Allen & Christine, Dennis, Peter & Diana set up the display in the town, guided by Owen Pritchard of the Welsh Air Ambulance. Biggles, Amber Legs and Teddy Bear had travelled in Pete's specially adapted trailer and they kept an eye on everyone all day.

Kevin & Sandra, Dave & Pam and Paul & Steph, arrived later to make 6 bikes and 2 trikes in total. Young and old alike enjoyed sitting on the bikes and having a photo call by our very own Candid Cameraman - Nigel. It is not allowed to approach people with collecting boxes but you can 'rattle the cans' and Joanna was very pro-active in touring the town, exhorting people to 'go and see the bikes up the street' and taking any money offered. The weather held, Owen commented on the good humour of the Wingers and North Wales Wings did what they do best, that is, fund-raising for a worthy cause; promoting Gold Wings; fostering friendship; riding through beautiful scenery and in general having a good-time.

The homeward ride was coastal for those who lived at the West and Central parts of North Wales and via Trawsfynydd to Bala, Ruthin and back to Mold for the rest. As usual, Nigel captured the essence and spirit of the day and has put the pictures on North Wales Wings web-site."

During the course of the day, in memory of Joy who passed away at the end of August, Pete Rowe handed to Owen a cheque for £125 towards the Air-Ambulance.

I am also led to believe that the public of Criccieth were most generous in their donations to the appeal.

I am pleased that the team enjoyed themselves as I think we may well be having more such events in the calendar.

Preparations are now in hand for the AGM and I am looking forward to helping the new members of the 'Committee', whoever they may be.

Keep the shiny bits up .............. Dave T