Throughout the year 2017.
December 2017
Deb provided a table quiz, whereby you were required to name the chocolate or sweet based on the clues provided - no prize but just a little fun whilst waiting for the food to arrive. The staff worked hard on the night and served a lovely menu, hot, tasty and plentiful.
Bob thanked us all for attending and presented, yet again, the attendance cup to Joe, with Bob in second place and Graham Reid close behind in 3rd place. Dick, a new club member joining in 2017 also gave a very touching thank you to us all for welcoming him into the club.
The evening ended with Joe's quiz which included identifying items in sealed bags......always great fun.
Thank you to all who helped this be such a great evening, you know who you are, and thank you to all of our guests - we hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did and we look forward to seeing you in 2018.
Another successful DGR organised by Russ. A lovely ride of about 150 + bikes all riding in the spirit of the great event raising money for Men's health. The ride set off from Highfield to Purbrook fort with a couple of refreshment stops along the way. Congratulations to Russ and his team for another great event.
A fun day out on the Isle of Wight
23 September 2017
Bob, Gerry, Joe, Andy and Debs enjoyed the trip across the water on a lovely September Saturday to the Wight Lightning Run. We were greeted by Charlie and Wendy for registration and a lovely cuppa and a bag of pick and mix sweets - very nice but very naughty. And a nice surprise to see Graham and Ann for the rideout as they were staying on the Island for a few days. We enjoyed a beautiful ride of approx 30 miles to the steam railway where we had a few hours to mingle, and enjoy the surroundings which included a bird of prey and a cider and cheese show. Back to camp at about 3pm, time enough for another chat and a leisurely pint before the early evening ferry back to Portsmouth.
August 2017
What a great camping weekend we've just finished. We've had so many complements that I honestly believe that it has been our best yet?
As visitors arrived, most were welcomed by Pat and Deb on registration duties, selling raffle tickets and getting food orders ready for Saturday evening's skittles do in the pub.
Whilst we were able to set up in the dry, Friday afternoon had several showers but that brought many of our visitors into the marquee for a welcome cuppa and a cake or biscuit. Thanks to many of "the wives" and to Madison (Pete's daughter) for their baking contributions - most welcome and very much enjoyed by all.
Friday evening, most went to the pub to make a choice from the menu of wonderful food from the Milburys. Most of us then retired to the skittles alley to take part in a quiz for £1 each and put together by Joe with all proceeds to be donated to Hants & IOW Air Ambulance. As is usual in these situations - always some friendly banter and controversy but great fun and the winning team won a bottle of wine, and some Hants and IOW Air Ambulance goodies.
Saturday morning saw at least 30 bikes set off on a beautiful ride out, organised and led by Joe. It didn't all go quite to plan, with the drop off system breaking down somewhere but we all ended up where we were supposed to be and it just added to the excitement of the day. Unfortunately we had to leave Ian from Thames Valley waiting for recovery after his second front tyre (on different bikes) puncture over the last couple of months.
The "half way" stop was at the John O'Gaunt Pub at Horsebridge where all enjoyed a break before the uneventful return to camp for tea and cake and the judging of "best bike" by Louisa and the award being presented to David Drew for his Rocket 3.
Thanks to Joe for a great ride through some beautiful countryside.
Saturday evening saw us take to The Milbury's for a game of skittles which took an hour before the tasty basket food was served. Despite some not getting the chips that they had ordered or salad that they didn't want, it was all generally well received.
We then went on to the raffle which was well "commanded" by Pat - no "putting back" prizes - pick the next ticket, pick your prize and return to your seat - so very efficient proceedings! Thank you all for of your prize contributions.
We then had a game of "Killer Skittles" with an all female final between Lynne and the eventual winner Ann, who left merrily with her winning bottle of wine.
Waking up to a sunny Sunday morning allowed about 12 bikes a pleasant ride down to Stokes Bay for an ice cream. Unfortunately another front tyre puncture; this time for John Morgan but Joe had a spare inner tube to hand and so was able to get John sorted ready for his trip back home, via the camp.
So in summary, a great weekend, with some great laughs and great company.
Thanks to all for their help in organising - you know who you are. And to all of our club members and visitors that made it such a successful and enjoyable weekend.
July 2017
As we reported last month, sadly Thursday 20th July was our last meeting at the Boldie. It was quite an emotional evening for all and as Roy highlighted, we have been meeting there since September 2002. The Club said farewell to Jim and presented him with a card signed by us all; we also collected some money to add to the pot already collected by the pub and punters to send Jim and his good lady wife on a short break to Jersey.
July 6th saw Pat and Ade's rideout, leaving from the Churchillian on Portsdown Hill shortly after 7pm. 9 or 10 bikes left for a very pleasant ride down some lovely lanes on a lovely summer's evening.
All was going well, until Andy had to pull up briefly, with Ade and Joe stopping as well to assist. We soon caught up with the rest of the group who we thought had stopped to wait for us, but had actually stopped as Pat's triumph had decided she didn't want to run anymore. The rest of the group made their way back to the Boldie whilst Pat and Ade worked successfully on the triumph. We all followed on shortly after, only to see Bob wave from the roadside as we passed him; we later discovered that he was awaiting recovery from Roy in his van as his Gold Flash had died on him....see Pete....it's not just you?!
A shame about the short disruptions to the group, an evening that I think we were pleased to have all escaped alive for one reason or another?! But other than the news about the potential sale of the Boldie, a very pleasant club night with the car park packed with bikes and pleasant socialising.
Thanks to Pat and Ade for the ride out.
June 2017
1st June saw Graham's rideout, meeting from the George and Falcon. Expected departure time was 7.15 pm but delayed by Andy's A10 not starting. Eventually after efforts from all trying to start it, and a clean up of the jets by Joe and Ade, she started and departure was 8 pm. A pleasant, albeit long, run up Old Winchester Hill, Petersfield way and arriving at the Boldie at about 9.30pm......we'd missed the chips and some visiting new members - apologies but look forward to meeting you next time. Thanks for arranging Graham.
21st Several of us travelled separately to the Hinton Arms to celebrate the Summer Solstice and meet up with our friends form the Thames Valley BSA Branch. Unfortunately Ian missed out on his pint, owing to a puncture of his front tyre, so he enjoyed the scenery from the road side, whilst awaiting recovery. A lovely evening for a ride out though, in a lovely setting and great company.
Next evening run - 6th July - Pat and Ade heading off from the Churchillian, Portsdown Hill at 7pm..
April 2017
We've continued to have a great turn out at club nights. Thursday 6th April, we had 30 or so members/partners attend and with several bikes in the car park too, which is always great to see.
We're looking forward to the first pre-club night rideout led by Bob on May 4th and hoping for a nice day to encourage riders - it's always nice to ride together.
Create Your Own Website With Webador