Thame scooterists get a soaking for charity
THE autumnal, seasonal weather, impending dark clouds and the sudden onslaught of rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of approximately 68 Scooterists and pillion passengers who met in Thame on Sunday, October 13, for the Red Kites Scooter Club (Thame) Inter County Ride Out (ICRO).
Thame Red Kites Scooter Club prepare to leave for their ‘rideout’ in the rain
Throughout the year, various clubs in neighbouring counties take it in turns to host a monthly rideout, with scootering friends and buddies travelling from Beds, Bucks, Herts, Oxon, Northants and other surrounding counties to catch up, share news, show their Scooters and discuss technical and engine matters – amongst other things.
Meeting outside the Swan Hotel was the perfect location; with plenty of room to park the Scooters (the fair had left only hours earlier) and everyone soon warmed up and dried out in the cosy pub, run by the ever helpful Rich and Nic – who along with their happy staff kept up a steady and speedy supply of hot coffee/tea and bacon baps – hugely welcome!! We can’t thank you enough…. http://www.theswanhotelthame.co.uk/
The rideout departed at 12.00 noon (or thereabouts) and originally had been practiced and routed to take in the delights of all the surrounding villages before ending up in Great Kimble (mere miles away) and originally, we had thought the scenic scoot from Thame via Milton Common, Tetsworth, Postcombe, Aston Rowant, Kingston Blount, Chinnor and Longwick would be ideal…on a dry day !! However, after numerous discussions regarding the state of the roads (very slippy) further rain clouds and the distance that some Scooterists had already travelled (and some were drenched – despite the waterproof protection) it was sensibly decided to head directly to our destination pub; The Swan at Great Kimble and forewarn them, that we were on the way…cold, wet, and desperately seeking further refreshments.
The Swan at Great Kimble had not long been taken over by new Landlord Alex and his welcoming and friendly staff – and what a fantastic welcome we received. The marquee had been left standing in the beer garden, following their successful Beer Festival only the weekend before, and even better – the heating was on – full blast – with plenty of room and pegs to hang up soggy wet waterproofs and jackets. Furthermore, the BBQ was in full swing and the marquee bar and inside bar was coping extremely well with thirsty scooterists and their families – I dare you to try their hot chocolate with whipped cream…and…mini marshmallows – divine ! Scootering tunes were playing in the background and everyone had a chance to mingle and chat, warm up, enjoy the food and have lots of friendly banter before anybody began heading home…some only needing to travel a short distance, with others a couple of hours journey away, and one intrepid scooterist heading to Yorkshire that very afternoon! http://www.kimbleswan.co.uk/
A successful donation took place for Aimee’s Fund – with all proceeds going to Keech Hospice, on behalf of the Varney Family, which is a very close and loving cause to many of the Scooterists present, made even more poignant on this particular day, as Aimee’s Dad and younger sister took part in the rideout and were warmly greeted by good friends. We raised £73.51 on the day. At each ICRO hosted by other scooter clubs over the last few months, a collection of loose change and generous donations have been made and the Just Giving fund has just passed the £18,000 mark – which is a loving testament to Aimee and her family and Fiancee. Donations can still be made on this link: http://www.justgiving.com/Laura-Varney2
We also sold raffle tickets on behalf of Wasps Scooter Club (London) who are once again raising money for the British Legion Poppy Appeal to coincide with their annual Ride of Remembrance taking place in London on Sunday, November 10, with all proceeds going directly towards the Poppy Fund. The prize is a restored GP200 Lambretta, supplied by AF. These tickets sold extremely well…who wouldn’t want a ‘Lammy’ for Xmas – and given the golden opportunity for just a £5 raffle ticket – Billy Bargain !
In addition, the Red Kites were also selling tickets for their End of Season ‘ Do’ which is again taking place this year at Thame Snooker Club on Saturday, November 23, with DJs Mike Collier and Dave Deans spinning the discs. Tickets are £5 each with a charity raffle currently being organised and arranged. This year, the club are donating all raffle ticket sales to two charity choices; Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance which is hugely supported and recognised, especially by those who regularly travel on two wheels, and Thomley Hall Centre a local recreational facility for disabled children and their families and friends. We are hoping once again to “sell out” and cannot thank the snooker club and staff enough for their continuous support to our club.
Overall, a wonderful and very happy day (despite the British Weather !) with all scooter riders safely heading back to the warmth of home and making the most of the last few scootering days left available to us before the Autumn/Winter season keeps the majority of us off the road (on two wheels at least). The free time will give us plenty of opportunity and time to spend the winter months tinkering and sorting the scooters out for the new 2014 Scootering season ahead. Thank you to everybody who braved the weather and joined us – with huge thanks for all who took part in donations and purchases for charity – we salute you !
Contributed by Serena Chamberlain
