Red Kites on two wheels party for charity

HOW does a bunch of scooter enthusiasts partying to Soul, Ska, R&B and Northern Soul come to benefit two worthy charities? When the Red Kites Scooter Club of Thame holds its End-of-Season social with like-minded friends at The Snooker Club, in Wellington Street, Thame, and raises £600 from a very generously sponsored raffle.

From left to right: Sam Gee, Christine Collier & Serena Chamberlain

Red Kites member, Serena Chamberlain, explained: “Each November, ‘the Kites’ organise an event to mark the end of the current Scooting season (for just a few months) and use the opportunity to not only party with like minded souls and friends, but also to raise a few pounds for local causes, as suggested by members of the Scooter Club at our annual A.G.M.

“This year, there was a unanimous decision to support both Thomley Hall Centre  following an article in the local media, and also Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance,  particularly after an adventurous trip home from London one day on the scooters, and seeing first hand the good work of Air Ambulance.

“All proceeds from the charity raffle were split between both charities, with each well-deserving and meaningful charity receiving £300 each. The Red Kites are looking forward to arranging visits with both Thomley Hall and TVACCA for the official cheque handovers, and having the opportunity to meet staff and children at Thomley, and meeting with the Air Ambulance crew and having a photo shoot at Benson.

“Special thanks must go to all the bar staff at Thame Snooker Club, especially Craig Connell – and in particular Paul – who continues to show our scooter club massive support, and top marks for keeping all the Scooterists happy at the busy bar!

“The DJs for the evening were Mike Collier and Dave Deans who each played a blinding set, with sounds from the scooter scene keeping the floor pumping, and everybody had a fabulous time. The charity raffle included some fantastic gifts, in particular a signed copy, including cover artwork, of the book ‘Time, Trouble and Money’ written by a fellow Scooterist and Author, Mark “Brad” Brough. Scooter gifts were donated by Maggie Mattioni – designer and owner of Peggy Jane http://www.peggyjane.co.uk/ and clothing was supplied from http://www.hipsteruk.co.uk/ and http://www.skinheadandska.co.uk/. Kind donations for the Air Ambulance were given by the Double Diamonds Scooter Club (Princes Risborough), Alan “Biggles” Newton and The Falcon http://www.thefalconthame.co.uk/ where the Red Kites meet every Wednesday from 8pm. Huge thanks once again to Steve Winfield and Airways Flying Club, based in High Wycombe http://www.airwaysflyingclub.co.uk/ who very kindly offered one lucky winner a trial flying lesson for 30 minutes in a CESSNA 152 aircraft….top raffle prize !!

“There were many friends who travelled especially to attend this evening, and the local pubs and Travel Lodge did a roaring trade for guests staying over in Thame – especially for those who sampled the local hospitality (and food/liquor) before heading to the Snooker Club.

“Once again, the evening was a total success with an awesome atmosphere, and all of the Red Kites would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the local Scooting Scene for showing us such fabulous support and friendship (as always) and helping us to raise money for charity in the process; we salute you and thank you immensely…one love !!”