Category: Charity

1. Bikers Are Revved Up And Raring To Go!

   Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 16th May 2017

   

   It’s not long now before a bevy of bikers descend on the Erskine Estate in Bishopton for the annual Erskine Motorbike Meet.

   Last year’s event was the biggest Motorbike Meet yet, with nearly 800 bikers taking part in the parade and over £12,500 being raised for the veterans of Erskine. This year’s event takes place on Sunday 28th May.

   Recently a number of bikers, cadets, military personnel, officers from Scottish Police, representatives of Paisley 2021 and Milly the biking dog, visited the Erskine Estate in preparation for the big day.

   Erskine supporter Heather Clissett, who organises the event, got the group together to promote this year’s event. She said: “The Erskine Motorbike Meet has grown larger than we could ever have hoped, in its 11 years.”

   “We hope all who visit the bike meet, know how much their loyalty to, and respect for, Erskine's veterans means. We are so grateful and appreciative to them for never failing to turn out and we hope they realise how much it means to all at Erskine and the respect we have for all our two and three wheeled visitors."

   Anyone who has attended the popular event will know the parade of bikes and trikes, which begins at Park Mains High School in Erskine at 12.40pm, is quite a spectacle. The bikers take around 20 minutes to make their way along the seven mile route to The Erskine Home where there are lots of attractions on offer for an entertaining afternoon for bikers and visitors.

   This year’s entertainment includes fairground rides, Port Town Rockers, Kennedy Cupcakes, UK Garrison, Irvine Marine Cadets & Sea Cadets display, Glasgow Science Centre buskers, Pin Ups Vintage, Paisley 2021, a photo booth and lots of street food. There is also military support on the day including 7 Scots who will have a deactivated weapons display, the Royal Artillery with their light gun display and 225 Medical Regiment with their ambulance.

   There are a number of first’s this year at Erskine Motorbike Meet including a Boccia Bowls match with Bikers v Veterans. Playing a game against our veterans is Rigbys Guardians MCC Scotland – who promote and preserve the memory of murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby. The group also raise money for veterans’ charities including The Lee Rigby Foundation that was set up in Lee’s memory.

   There will be music from Balaklava Pipes and Drums and The Band of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Association. There will also be two luxury cars – provided by Met Wedding Cars – so this year Erskine veterans will be able to take part in the bike parade in the comfort of a luxurious wedding car!

   The Erskine Motorbike Meet takes place on the Erskine estate from 1-5pm. Entry is £5 per bike and £2 per adult (free for children) with parking available at HP, Bishopton, PA7 5PP which is a short walk from The Erskine Home or you can hop on the shuttle bus kindly provided by McGills.
   
   

   28th May 2017
   Erskine Motorbike Meet
   
   Annual event to support the veterans cared for by Erskine with 100's of bikes taking part. Starting with a parade from Park Mains High School to Erskine's grounds for 1pm official opening. Live music, food, demonstrations, stalls and much more. All welcome.

    

   venue: Starting with a parade from Park Mains High School, PA8 6EY at 1240 to Erskine (Hospital) Bishopton, Renfrewshire, PA7 5PU 
   price: £5 per bike donation to Erskine on the day. £2 per adult (free for children) with parking available at HP
   tel: 07814 984082 
   website: www.erskinemotorbikemeet.co.uk 
   facebook 
   twitter 
   e-mail: [email protected]

    

   Erskine is a family. Our strength lies in the very special blend of dedicated care, compassion and understanding we offer to our residents and their families. When Erskine was founded in 1916, our aim was to care for Service men and women who had been injured in active service. Today, care remains the cornerstone of our philosophy. We not only care for our veterans – we care about them.

   As Scotland’s foremost provider of care for veterans and their spouses, we provide unrivalled nursing, residential, respite and dementia care within our four homes across Scotland. Our person-centred care is tailored to the needs of each individual veteran.
   Erskine's proud history also extends beyond its provision of medical and nursing care by employing and promoting all employment opportunities for veterans and offering housing to veterans and their families in 44 cottages within Erskine estate.
   
   As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to maintain our commitment to care for Scotland’s veterans – without donations we simply cannot continue this work.

2. Have you got your NABD 26 tickets yet?

   Posted on 8:00am Thursday 27th Apr 2017

   If not, there is still time...
   Tickets will be available if you order by phone 0844 415 4849 up to 3pm Friday 28th April.
   Or if you go online www.nabd.org.uk up to midnight Saturday 29th April.

    

   New venue for 2017 - You've Been Nabbed 26 will be held at The Royal Cheshire Showground, Flittogate Lane, Tabley, Knutsford, WA16 0HJ on 5th - 7th May 2017.
   
   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.

    

   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 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!

   The NABD is a registered charity, established in 1991, that helps and supports disabled motorcyclists.
   
   The You’ve Been Nabbed rally is the main annual showcase/fundraising event of The National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD).
   
   www.nabd.org.uk
   
   
   

    

    

    

    

    

3. Important updates for YBN 26 - Directions and other important information

   Posted on 8:00am Tuesday 25th Apr 2017

   You've Been Nabbed 26 (5th – 7th May 2017)
   The Cheshire Showground, Tabley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0HJ

   The entrance to the Showground is on Pickmere Lane adjacent to the end of Flittogate Lane. (Not far from Junction 19, M6). Please note that the postcode above will take you to the wrong end of Flittogate Lane.

   For several very valid reasons we have been asked by the Police and the Highways people at Cheshire East Council not to use the Windmill Pub junction of the A556 and Pickmere Lane for event traffic coming from the M6 junction 19 roundabout.

   If you are coming from the direction of the J19 M6 roundabout you should follow the ‘NABD’ signs along the A556 then fork right onto the A559 into Lostock Gralam for a 3/4mile, then turn right onto Hall Lane. At the first crossroad turn right onto Pickmere Lane the Showground Entrance is on the right two-miles along Pickmere Lane.

   Please Note: There is no right turn permitted into Flittogate Lane off the A556.

   If you are travelling on the A556 from the direction of Davenham & Chester you can turn left into Flittogate Lane then follow it to the T-junction at the other end and the entrance is 20 yards to your left.

   These routes will be signed with “NABD” directional signs.

   Be Aware- There are quite a few speed cameras on the A556 in both the Manchester and Chester directions.

   The site will be open for Traders and Marshals only from 12:00 noon on Thursday, May 4th.

   The rally will officially open to the public at 12:00 noon on Friday, May 5th.

   Please remember that NO ALCOHOL OR GLASS BOTTLES will be permitted through the gate (don’t panic the bar prices will be cheap). Please respect this – anyone found with alcohol NOT purchased at the rally will have the items confiscated or be asked to leave the rally.

   The enclosed tickets must be handed over for entry to the event. No refunds will be made before, at or after the event for any reason.

   Please remember no dogs will be permitted on site (except licensed disability assistance dogs, by prior arrangement only).

   If you wish to leave the site at any time please ensure you collect a pass-out from the gate or you will be charged for re-entry.

   Car passes can be purchased at the gate (previous restrictions have been lifted). Caravans/mobile homes still need to purchase passes via the NABD office or website. Blue badge holders do not need a car pass, however, they do need their blue badge with them when entering with their vehicle.

   We reserve the right to check vehicles for alcohol and/or dogs when you enter the site.

   See www.nabd.org.uk for tickets and other info:

   Ride Safe, Arrive Safe, And Party With A Purpose!

   Rick Hulse
   NABD Chairman

4. 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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5. 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.