Paignton Bike Festival
30th April to 2nd May 2010
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Organised by BMAD (Bikers Make a Diference), a charity fund raising group of bikers in Torbay and as a preliminary event to their weekly Wednesday night meetings on Paignton sea-front throughout the Summer, there is held an annual Bike Festival on the three days prior to the first May Bank Holiday, occupying the Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday and situated on Paignton Green, adjacent to the pier and sea. As last year, England 14 decided to provide a presence to widen our profile and to encourage any new potential members that might cross our path during the event.
As British weather is known to be variable, a suitable shelter was required and loaned by Chapter member Roger Hopes, in the form of a quick-erect Khyam hexagonal tent, which proved to be a godsend as the weather did indeed let us down somewhat, being cool, breezy and showery throughout. We were very grateful Roger. We managed to make it a little more hospitable with garden chairs, a small, portable gas ring for tea and coffee, biccies (thanks Kath) and a coolbox for the Budweiser and milk! Concession stands provided the bacon sarnies and cheesy chips!
The Chapter were allocated a similar pitch to last year, adjacent to the British Legion Riders Branch, with whom we have a close association, the Christian Motorcyclists and National Association of Bikers with a Disability. We were next to the display arena where, twice a day there were displays by a Tigers youth motorcycle display team, Steve Colley champion trials rider and Jamie Squibb, stunt rider, all of which were well worth seeing more than once. Beyond the funfair area on the Green was the main display area with numerous vendors of food, motorcycle clothing and accessories, along with tattooists, the Army, Afghan Heroes, motorcycle customisers, the Devon and Cornwall Police with their Harley in full Police trim and liveried Yamaha R1 and Honda Fireblade attracting much attention. Harley Davidson, Victory, KTM and Ducati had their own products on display, with Ducati demonstrators available, however the wet weather put a dampener on that side of things so they called it a day after Saturday. Local dealers GT Motorcycles, Bridge Motorcycles and Damerells also had a presence. Prizes were available for visitors motorcycles displayed. Shame about the weather as many bikers had travelled from around the Country to stay at nearby campsites or local hotels.
Chapter members in attendance were President Pete and myself, Pat Sturman throughout, with John Rolfe Friday evening, Glynn and Ruth Kettleborough Saturday and John Cooke, Sunday, along with their bikes. John Rolfe visited again, as did Barry Lock, Aaron Bevan and Sarah with son Theo (he’ll break a few hearts when he grows up Aaron, just as well he gets his looks from his Mum!) and colleague of John Cookes, Louise and boyfriend Martin, who were staying in Paignton for a few days. An ex-boss of Petes from his MOD days, Sharon Taylor, now ACC of Devon and Cornwall actually stopped for a while to talk about old times with the Pres’ and give him a hug. My bosses never did that Pete!
Despite the weather, the weekend was entertaining and enjoyable and contact was made with old friends and a couple of possible Chapter recruits, although time will tell. We were able to explain to a few enquirers who we were and I certainly enjoyed looking round the displays which made the presence worthwhile. I can recommend a visit to England 14 members, either to assist or just to view the Festival. Come along next year!
Pat Sturman
Chapter Editor
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