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FAB All-Day Barbecue 27 June 2010 |
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Shows
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Following two very successful bike shows, in 2008 and 2009, the FAB organising team decided that this year we would try something a little different. The idea behind the All-Day Barbecue is that clubs, groups or individual riders, and the general public, can drop in and have a coffee, something to eat and a chat without the huge pressure of organising a formal motorbike show.
Last year Snodland Scouts had assisted with refreshments and were again approached to run the barbecue, to which they readily agreed. As with the previous year, the Scouts are raising funds for their own scout building and therefore all moneys they take from refreshments will go towards their building fund. All other moneys collected on the day will be donated to Kent Air Ambulance.
Having contacted many of the local clubs we received a number of confirmations and were confident that the day would be well supported. Indeed, the East Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists had organised their Sunday ride-out to Snodland and arrived at 11am with 23 bikes.
The day itself was forecast to be the hottest of the year so far and by 7.30am when the first club arrived to set up their stall it was getting very warm. By 10am the Scouts' tea urn was hot enough for tea and the day's activities began.
The riders started arriving slowly at first and then with the addition of the ESAM there were around 80 bikes on the car park and many more people chatting and enjoying the morning sunshine.
Unfortunately, due to the fact that there was some sort of football match occurring during the afternoon, some tennis being played at Wimbledon, the Kent Air Ambulance having an event in Marden and various other events on the same day, we didn't get as many people attending as we would have liked however, those who did attend enjoyed themselves. Comments made included that we should have had an ice cream van, more stalls and clubs, something we will take on board for next year.
Many thanks to the following;
Snodland Town Council for letting us use the facilities
Snodland Scouts for superb refreshments
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, Kent Branch, for turning up to display their superb bikes
KB and Andy Collyer for organising the day
Kevin Rimell, Nic, Sharon, Dave, Janice, Stewart, Jan and George for turning up early to help set up, ferry bikes to the venue and generally helping out
ESAM for riding from Battle to see us, Yamaha Cruiser Owners Club, GL & CX Owners Club for popping down
And to everyone else for turning up on the day |
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Events
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Over 100 guests, and the vast majority of FAB members, made the most of a wonderful celebration of the clubs' 5th anniversary on Saturday 8th May 2010. We were superbly entertained by the Electric Beatles, who played three sets between food and refreshments being served and the traditional raffle. FAB members and guests danced, sang along and tapped all manner of body parts to a selection of 60's, 70's and 80's music, and enjoyed a barbecue supper as well as copious amounts of beer! Brief announcements were made by Secretary, Kevin Bush, and Chairman, Kevin Rimell, who declared that since FAB's formation the club has raised in excess of £10,000 for charity and local good causes, which was received with much applause. Special thanks to all FAB members who helped set up the hall on Saturday afternoon, and helped put things away on Sunday morning, to chef Dave and his crew who cooked and served the barbecue, to Jeanette and her team for laying on the cold buffet and to the Working Men's Club and bar staff for looking after us so well. Here's to the next five years!! |
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Trips
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18 FAB members, including riders, pillions, marshals, helpers and a number of the kids, enjoyed a superb day for the second FAB Mystery Tour on Sunday 13th June.
Dave Shep had again organised a 50 mile route taking in much of the Kent countryside, and many places where a motorcycle didn't ought to go!!
We were blessed with bright sunshine and warm weather for the start at 10am. Off first was Roy G on the Kawasaki 750 Ninja, followed by Shaun on the GS500, Nick and Rees on a Suzuki GS550, Grieg and Shannon on the trike, Paul and Lynda on his Tiger, George on the Deauville, KB on the Beemer and finally Kevin and Sharon on board the GSX1400.
Somehow Roy missed an early turn and ended up going a different way, although Shaun and Paul caught up with him later on, George raced off and overtook a number of the riders in front and ended up at the first checkpoint 3 minutes early. Shaun, Nick and KB clocked in right on time and set off for checkpoint 2. Sadly Roy and Grieg didn't appear and had apparently taken alternative routes!
The route continued and included many narrow lanes and gravel strewn paths which didn't suit some of the bikes although George appeared to be in his element. The second checkpoint confirmed that part 2 had taken its' toll and many riders were now behind time. Again, Roy and Greig failed to appear although Grieg did finally turn up just before the marshals were leaving for the final destination.
Ultimately it became clear that the destination was to be the Wagon & Horses pub at Charing. George got there first with Nick, Shaun and Paul following shortly after. KB arrived soon after and then we waited for the others to arrive, finally seeing Kevin and Sharon turn up a while later. Greig followed marshals Janice and Hannah to the pub. Unfortunately Roy didn't make it.
We were delighted that Jan's Mum and Dad were able to join us for lunch which was enjoyed by all, after which Dave announced the result;
5th Place went to last years' winner Paul Willis
Joint 3rd Place went to new entrants Nick and Shaun
2nd Place (again) was awarded to KB
Winner was George Chandler, Highways Engineer Extraordinaire - and we suspect that he used his extensive knowledge to navigate much of the more awkward parts of the route!!! Well done George.
Many many thanks to Dave Shep for organising the day, to Ellen for helping Dave organise the route and for doing the route paperwork, to Jan, Ellen, Janice and Hannah for marshaling, to the Wagon & Horses pub at Charing for their hospitality and to all FAB members who took part.
Join us next year for another great event. |
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Trips
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A good number of FAB members enjoyed a super sunny evening and some lovely fish and chips in Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, with entertainment back at Snodland Working Men's Club once the bikes had been put away.
We were joined for the first time on a ride-out by Greig on his trike, and he looked the part, as did all, with St George flags festooning the trike.
Many thanks to Dave Shep for leading the run, to all who supported and to the Working Men's Club for laying on entertainment. |
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