Category: Charity

1. Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards to attend Prescott Bike Festival – Sunday 9th April

   Posted on 8:00am Tuesday 28th Mar 2017

   British sporting hero Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards will be heading to the slopes of Prescott Bike Festival to support the Blood Bikes. Prescott Bike Festival is the charities biggest annual fundraiser and takes place at Prescott Hill Climb, Cheltenham. 

   Festival Organiser Gordon Downie said ‘We are delighted that Eddie is coming to Prescott Bike Festival. Eddie is a fearless man who has overcome huge sporting and life hurdles, the whole country loves Eddie. I’m sure that he’ll enjoy meeting like-minded people who, like him are pushing the boundaries in pursuit of their dreams. Although not a biker, throughout his sporting career Eddie had his fair share of spectacular crashes and has undergone extensive surgery. It’s heart-warming that he’s coming to support our fundraising event which provides a vital lifesaving service to the NHS’.

   Prescott Bike Festival prides itself on its diversity and celebrates engineering excellence; from rare, classic, modern, customised to hand built bikes and those of historic significance, this year the organisers have secured the most diverse motorcycles yet.

   Crowd pleaser Matt McKeowen will be returning with the World’s fastest shopping trolley powered by a Chinook helicopter engine (holds record speed of 70.4mph/ 113.298kmh), plus his latest project, the World’s Fastest jet powered Hearse called ‘Dead Quick’. Kevin Scott brings his bonkers record-breaking Monowheel, which earned a place in the Guinness World Records along with fellow Monowheel engineer Tom ‘The Atom’ Anable.

   Iconic motorcycle builder Allen Millyard will take to the hill on the award-winning Flying Millyard motorcycle (powered by a 5-litre V-twin aero engine) and returns with no less than eight of his amazing creations – all of which will be in action.

   Bike Fest’s excellent showcase of Paddock Specials include over 100 examples of rare machinery where you can meet the owners, watch them fire up and see them run. From David Jefferies 2002 hand-built 570cc Vertemati Supermoto race bike, an original Joey Dunlop TT race bike, James Toseland’s 1998 Honda CBR600 World Supersport Bike, through to a 1914 Triumph LX126 one of only eight in the world which also participated in the very first London to Brighton pioneer run to David Hailwood, son of TT legend Mike ‘the bike’ Hailwood with his legendary fathers 1966/'67 500cc Honda RC181.

   There’s plenty of attractions off-track to keep the whole family entertained too. You can take a thrilling passenger ride in anything from a Formula Two or Watsonian Squire Sidecar to a Morgan Three Wheeler, watch the jaw-dropping ‘On the Edge’ Trials Stunt Show, and hear the ever popular George Formby tribute act from the motorcycle film, No Limit? The Orchard main stage will host several Rock n Roll and rockabilly bands and dancers throughout the day and over 100 quality trade exhibitors.

   Plus NEW for 2017 - An Ettore Bugatti’s ‘Motocyclette perfectionnée’. The Bugatti Trust new exhibition is dedicated to the Bugatti family’s exploration of bike and motorcycle design and engineering. Exhibits range from Carlo Bugatti’s 19th century bicycle design to Ettore Bugatti’s type 72 single cylinder 10 ½ cc cycle motor engine he created in the 1940s. The Bugatti Trust will be open from 11am till 3pm on the Sunday of the Bike Festival free and is free of charge to all Festival goers.

   Prescott Bike Festival 2017

   Motorcycle parking free, plus motorcycle side stand puck and Helmet Park.

   All proceeds go to the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and regional blood bike group Severn Freewheelers, one of 27 blood bike groups around the UK that provide a free out-of-hours courier service for medical essentials.

   Book in advance to save £2 over the on-the-gate price, adult admission only £13, while under-16s go free. For tickets and more information, visit: www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk
   
   
   

   About Blood Bikes and Severn Freewheelers:

   Severn Freewheelers the local branch of Blood Bikes celebrate their tenth anniversary of operating in the county. Founded in 2007 the motorcycle based charity, provides a free delivery service to hospitals and medical centres throughout the county; moving vital medical supplies, blood and pathology samples as well as transporting frozen human milk from the donor to the milk processing banks. This has been a real lifesaver due to the necessity of very premature babies having intolerance to anything but human milk. The bikers selflessly give their free time in all winds and weathers to help save lives throughout the country.

   Severn Freewheelers is a life-saving service run entirely by volunteers and it part of the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes. All riders are trained in the movement of medical essentials and have one common goal – to alleviate suffering and reduce the funding pressures on the NHS.

   Severn Freewheelers deal with around 300 calls per month locally and rely solely on fundraising to operate, please find below some facts/details on how they support the NHS throughout Gloucestershire, Hereford and Worcestershire and North Wiltshire.

   www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk

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2. Great news for Roughley's Bike Show 2017

   Posted on 11:30am Friday 17th Feb 2017

   Sky are now supporting the show and its three charity beneficiaries.
   
   Rick Hulse (Chairman of NABD) wrote to Jeremy Darroch, the CEO of Sky TV, on Wednesday and has received the email below.

   Dear Mr Hulse
   
   Thank you for your email of 15 February about Roughleys Bike Show which takes place close to the Sky Contact Centre in St Peter’s Square, Stockport over the August Bank Holiday.
   
   I was sorry to read about the challenges experienced in recent years securing a suitable location for this popular charity event and I apologise for the concern caused by Sky’s enquiries regarding support to find a suitable alternative venue.
   
   From your note it is clear that St Peter’s Square is the ideal location for Roughleys Bike Show, and Sky is pleased to support the event taking place there again this August. For context, I understand that our local management were concerned about the safety of Sky staff as fire evacuation points are compromised during the event, and were trying to find ways to stay open to support our customers. They were seeking to work with the Council and the organisers to explore alternative options.
   
   However, as you have said, it appears that the best solution is to hold the event where you have done so in the previous couple of years. Consequently, we will close the Sky Contact Centre in Stockport again this August Bank Holiday and Sky will make alternative arrangements to support our customers from other contact centres.
   
   Thank you also for making me aware of the impressive achievements of the NABD over the past 26 years, helping more than 11,000 people with disabilities to enjoy the freedom and independence of motorcycling. I understand that Roughleys Bike Show is also a long term contributor to the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and the Together Trust. I appreciate that the continuation of the excellent work by all three charities is reliant on donations, like those they receive from Roughleys Bike Show. As a gesture of Sky’s support of the event, and to say sorry for any inconvenience caused, we will be making a donation to the three charities of £1,500 each.
   
   Yours sincerely
   
   Jeremy Darroch

    

   Rick has written back to Mr Darroch to express the thanks of Roughley Bike Show and the NABD for his speedy and most positive intervention.

    

   He has asked that any petitions or protests in connection with this issue are brought to a halt, as this is a most amicable and pleasant result.
   
   
   

3. Roughley Bike Show has received a 'formal objection' from Sky

   Posted on 10:00am Thursday 16th Feb 2017

   After finally finding the perfect place to hold the popular August Bank Holiday Roughleys Bike Show, held in St Peter’s Square, Stockport for the last two years, there has been a complaint from Sky customer Contact Centre, which could force the organisers to move the event outside of area...

   It seems the main objections from Sky (whos' offices rear face St Peter’s Square) are that their Access and Evacuation routes are compromised, footpath blocked and the dedicated smoking area will be blocked and not usable. 
   
   As St Peter’s Square was redeveloped to encourage outdoor events in Stockport and for people to come into the town, stopping this major charity event will just have the adverse effect to this plan. 

   * At a Stockport council meeting, the objections were raised, where Councillor Sheila Bailey said: “It is only once a year and we have had various struggles finding a location. We have listened to Sky, but we do not think it is a reason to not hold an incredibly popular event that raises a huge amount for charity. Maybe Sky should join in and have a stall at the event, I very much hope Sky will get behind this. It is hard to find a location for the event, St Peter’s Square is ideal as it is big enough, doesn’t affect residential properties and is easy to get to.”

   Roughleys Bike Show has taken place in the town centre since 2000, raising up to £10,000 for worthy causes, including NABD, The Rainbow Trust Childrens Charity and The Together Trust. It started on Stockport Market Place, was forced to move to the former Quick Fit site on Wellington Road North in 2013, then Heaton Lane car park in 2015 (both now unavailable), until the event was held in 2015 in St Peter’s Square, Stockport.

   Prior to the 2015 event Greater Manchester Police expressed concerns associated with anti-social behaviour and requested evidence from the organisers showing how they would manage the event and control visitors and participants before they would agree not to object. This evidence was provided and the events held in 2015 and 2016 have been well managed and controlled.

   In 2015 and 2016 both Sky and Stockport Plaza, (both of which are adjacent to the square), expressed concerns regarding sound levels and requested evidence from the organisers to show how they would manage/mitigate the impact of this issue. In response to this the event organisers met with representatives from both Sky and Stockport Plaza and despite some remaining concerns, both organisations agreed not to object to the event.

   On the list of potential alternative locations is Whitebottom Farm (through Etherow Country Park), where it is stated "A different bikers event with music has previously been successfully held at this location. It might be possible for Roughley’s to consider combining with this event or simply run their own event at this site." 

   Following the creation and the £3 million+ public realm improvement scheme on St Peter’s Square, to bring vitality and footfall to this quite part of the town centre, it is surely wasted if events are then not allowed to go ahead, especially such a successful and popular charity event and so we hope that the council allow permission for Roughleys Bike Show 2017. 
   
   
   
   Read more

   * 'Formal objection' from TV giant Sky seeks to switch off major Stockport charity event

   Stockport Council gets top marks for St Peter’s Square

   
   Update 17th February 2017
   Great news for Roughley's Bike Show 2017.
   Sky are now supporting the show and its three charity beneficiaries.
   
   Rick Hulse wrote to Jeremy Darroch, the CEO of Sky TV, on Wednesday and has received the email below.
   
   "Dear Mr Hulse,
   
   Thank you for your email of 15 February about Roughleys Bike Show which takes place close to the Sky Contact Centre in St Peter’s Square, Stockport over the August Bank Holiday.
   
   I was sorry to read about the challenges experienced in recent years securing a suitable location for this popular charity event and I apologise for the concern caused by Sky’s enquiries regarding support to find a suitable alternative venue.
   
   From your note it is clear that St Peter’s Square is the ideal location for Roughleys Bike Show, and Sky is pleased to support the event taking place there again this August. For context, I understand that our local management were concerned about the safety of Sky staff as fire evacuation points are compromised during the event, and were trying to find ways to stay open to support our customers. They were seeking to work with the Council and the organisers to explore alternative options.
   
   However, as you have said, it appears that the best solution is to hold the event where you have done so in the previous couple of years. Consequently, we will close the Sky Contact Centre in Stockport again this August Bank Holiday and Sky will make alternative arrangements to support our customers from other contact centres.
   
   Thank you also for making me aware of the impressive achievements of the NABD over the past 26 years, helping more than 11,000 people with disabilities to enjoy the freedom and independence of motorcycling. I understand that Roughleys Bike Show is also a long term contributor to the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and the Together Trust. I appreciate that the continuation of the excellent work by all three charities is reliant on donations, like those they receive from Roughleys Bike Show. As a gesture of Sky’s support of the event, and to say sorry for any inconvenience caused, we will be making a donation to the three charities of £1,500 each.
   
   Yours sincerely,
   
   Jeremy Darroch"

   Rick has written back to Mr Darroch to express the thanks of Roughley Bike Show and the NABD for his speedy and most positive intervention.

    

   He has asked that any petitions or protests in connection with this issue are brought to a halt, as this is a most amicable and pleasant result.

4. The You've Been Nabbed rally is moving to a new venue for 2017!

   Posted on 9:00am Monday 19th Dec 2016

   It will be held at The Royal Cheshire Showground, Flittogate Lane, Tabley, Knutsford, WA16 0HJ on 5th - 7th May 2017 

   The You’ve Been Nabbed rally is the main annual showcase/fundraising event of the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD).

   The new rally site has hard-standing on two sides so it should not be as vulnerable to being churned-up in wet weather as the old Astle Park site was on two recent occasions. The new site is also much easier to secure, though our traditional professional security company will still be providing cover on the site.

   There are three separate marquees, each boasting live on-stage entertainment, disco and licenced bar. Unlike many other events the marquees are liberally furnished with tables and chairs (because creature-comforts are important!) though wide clearways are maintained to allow easy access for wheelchair users.

   The event also has excellent toilet facilities throughout the site that are constantly maintained and hot showers are also available on site.

   The huge ‘Adult’s Only Marquee’ plays host to eight live bands over the weekend, with a full-blown world-class stand-up comedy road show on Saturday afternoon, filling the marquee with laughter for four solid hours and there are ‘exotic dancers’ on Saturday night, and a well-stocked bar offering a comprehensive range of canned beers, wines and spirits much cheaper than pub prices (and cheaper than most other rallies too).

   The ‘Family Marquee’ plays host to six live bands, over the weekend, and an excellent disco plus a smaller bar offering a comprehensive range of soft drinks, canned beers, wines and spirits (also at low prices).

   The ‘Real Ale Marquee’ plays host to nine very diverse music acts ranging from solo singer/songwriters to duos and outright legends, with a bar offering a vast range of traditional real ales and ciders that would put many a real-ale festival to shame.

   When you consider that canned beers and spirits are very reasonably priced at £1.50 and the real ales and ciders are just £2.50 per pint, you can see why the NABD has an excellent reputation for not treating bikers as ‘cash cows’. When you add to this the surprisingly eclectic range of live music and other entertainment on offer you can see why this event has become universally recognised as the best-value-for-money rally in the UK.

   In addition to the huge amount of marquee-based entertainment the YBN rally features an iconic Bike & Trike Show (this year sponsored by Back Street Heroes magazine) running throughout the afternoon from 12 noon until 6:00pm showcasing an enormously diverse range of machines from the sublime to the idiosyncratic with 12 highly coveted trophies up for grabs. Please note, all Bike & Trike show entries must be ridden in.

   The Custom Bike & Trike Show takes place within a huge circuit-style arena formed by the marquees and more than 50 assorted trade stands with 10 catering units offering a wide range of cuisines, a shooting range, and a 24 hour ‘Holy Joe’s Café operated by the Cheshire branch of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA).

   The hardest things to describe about this event are the marvellous party atmosphere and the wonderful level of camaraderie amongst the 3,000+ people in attendance. To understand these things you just have to attend.

   It is a common misconception that you have to be an NABD member or a disabled biker to attend this superb event but in truth everybody is welcome. This is a fully inclusive event and we don’t care how you get there, whether by bike, trike, car, van, campervan, train or Shanks’s Pony; just so long as you get there.

   The proceeds from this event are essential to the continuing existence of the NABD so come along, bring your friends; help us to celebrate 26 years of the NABD in style and party with a purpose!

   The You’ve been Nabbed rally has earned itself a fine reputation as the undisputed best-value-for-money weekend event on the UK motorcycling calendar, with tickets costing just £30 in advance, or £35 at the entrance to venue, for a weekend that is absolutely bursting with entertainment and activity.

   Of course, weekend camping is included in the price of the ticket as is motorcycle and trike parking. Car parking does cost extra, though it is free for people who have a blue disabled parking badge.

   The cost of car parking for people without a blue badge has been halved to ten pounds for 2017 in response to many requests from event regulars; however, cars without blue badges will have to remain in a designated car-parking area and will not be permitted onto the camping areas at any time.

   A full list of prices is available at www.nabd.org.uk

   The entrance to the showground is on Pickmere Lane adjacent to the junction with Flittogate Lane. Less than 1.5 miles from Junction 19 of the M6 motorway (turn right at the Windmill Pub 100 yards from the M6 roundabout and follow Pickmere Lane (B5391) to the showground entrance on the left just after Flittogate Lane).

   www.nabd.org.uk

   Regular updates will be posted on the website and at www.facebook.com/YouveBeenNabbed26

   The NABD is a registered charity, established in 1991, that helps and supports disabled motorcyclists.

   

5. Hapless Biker’ Donates Royalties to Blood Bike Charity

   Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 1st Nov 2016

   Kevin Turner, author of the Hapless Biker series of travel books, will be donating his royalties to Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes (SSBB), his local group of life-saving riders, for all book sales from 1st November 2016 to 30th April 2017. Kevin’s publisher, Veloce Publishing, will match the author’s sales royalties, essentially doubling Kevin’s donation.  

   Kevin’s books, Bonjour! Is This Italy? and From Crystal Palace to Red Square tell of his adventures throughout Europe, Scandinavia and into Russia, first riding a Suzuki SV650S and then on his ’02 Kawasaki Ninja.

   Explaining why he’d chosen to donate to this worthwhile cause, Kevin said: “I really wanted to do a charity ride or a sponsored adventure, but I have twin boys that have just turned two and finding time for a big ride was out of the question. But I realised I could essentially recycle my past journeys in the sense of donating the sales from my books; it’s not quite as exciting as getting out on the road but at the end of the day, it’s about supporting my local Blood Bikers, not going on holiday.”

   SSBB is a volunteer service, providing emergency transportation of blood products, for free, to NHS hospitals across Shropshire, Staffordshire and South Cheshire. 

   Nigel Howells, Fleet Manager at SSBB said: “Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes rely on donations to maintain our machines and support our riders. Our riders embark on mini-adventures every time they head off on a potentially life-saving journey; although we like to think we’re a little better prepared than Kevin seems to be! We’re delighted to accept this donation; we’re sure readers will enjoy Kevin’s entertaining books while at the same time supporting our life-saving work.”

   If you’d like to support Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes and enjoy a good read in the process, Kevin’s books and e-books, Bonjour! Is This Italy? and From Crystal Palace to Red Square are available to buy from Amazon.

   You can find more information about them on Kevin’s website.

   www.haplessbiker.com