| | Biker News - Regularly updated
Category: Charity
-
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.
![Roughleys Bike Show 2017]( "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.
-
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.
-
 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
 
-
3 years ago, Claire Elsdon arrived into Capetown, having left London a year earlier alone on her Suzuki DRZ 400s to ride the length of Africa. Along the way, her understanding of how high quality motorcycle maintenance can play a major part in reducing the soaring road traffic death toll in Africa was born, along with her appreciation for the importance of giving opportunities to women to learn practical skills, which they can earn a sustainable living from for their families. As a result, earlier this year she moved to Tanzania to set up Africa's first motorcycle maintenance workshop staffed by female apprentices, called Pikilily.
The good news is that Pikilily now has a workshop space near Lake Victoria in Mwanza, Tanzania, just a stone's throw from town. This workshop will provide a place for women apprentices to learn their very first motorcycle maintenance skills and before too long, open the gates to paying customers, enabling them to earn an income. 
Many of Pikilily's customers will come from the 4,000 motorcycle taxi drivers in Mwanza, who are in great need of a reliable, safe & good value motorcycle maintenance service - impossible to find at present. Consequently right now, poor maintenance is costing riders precious time and take-home pay, but also sadly too often, their own lives and that of their paying passengers.
Claire and the team can't wait to help and get started in our workshop but first, they need to raise some money to make it possible!
They need to raise £500 to complete the refurb of the workshop. This would pay for watertight roof on entire premises, secure door and metal grill window to store room plus gates to main entrance, levelling and concrete the floor smooth in apprentice working area, fitting seating and working space in training room/office area and painting the Pikilily mural.
In addition, they need to raise the funds to pay the next 12 months worth of rent - its £50 a month.
They need tools, materials and equipment to equip each of the 5 workbenches in the apprentice area. The list is long but to give you an idea, a spanner would cost roughly £5, pliers £10, brake bleeding kit £30, set of torque wrenches £50.
Ideally they would also like 2 small motorcycles on which to train the ladies in motorcycle maintenance. Such motorcycles retail at around $1000 each.
To say thank you, a "Wall of Thanks" will form the backdrop to their work area. Names, countries and messages of support of those donating to this campaign will be written on there, nestled around the Pikilily logo mural, reminding apprentices each day of their friends across the globe who helped make this community project possible. The wall will appear in the regular workshop vlogs that Claire has been putting out since the start of the campaign.
If you would like to donate, here is the link - www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pikilily
www.pikilily.com 
-
A great turnout for The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in Manchester
See more here
Great bikes and lots of very dapper folk @ Youles Triumph Manchester.
25th September 2016
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
 For one day a year, however, thousands of Distinguished Gentleman (and genteel ladyfolk) in hundreds of cities worldwide press their cravats, starch their tweed and sit astride their classic-styled motorcycles to raise funds for prostate cancer research and awareness.
It’s a day all about spreading merriment, while raising awareness of a really important issue, that affects 1 in 8 blokes across the world. The fundraising supports research into Men's Health by bringing together dapper riders of classic machines, cafe racers, bobbers, custom motorcycles, trackers and undefinable two-wheeled creations.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a celebration of the art of being dapper and the style of classic custom motorcycles. What does that mean, you ask? Think: Monocles, jaunty trimmed moustaches, silk vests, crisp shirts and tailored suits. Ride: Café Racers, Bobbers, Flat Trackers, Scramblers and quirky, undefinable two-wheeled machines. The styles of bike should be reflective of classic motorcycle nature. Think 1970's and the decades before them. Do: Bring your finest manners, neatest beards and a sense of fun and adventure.
Pay: Nothing to ride (entry is free); but please consider helping our charities by getting your friends and family to sponsor your involvement. Or buy a patch, cap or tshirt. Every little bit helps. Dapper for a Cause: Where we’ve come from and where we’re headed.
In 2014, there was 20,000 smartly-dressed gentlefolk in 258 cities across 57 countries.
In 2015, there was 50,000 smartly-dressed gentlefolk in over 500 cities across 90 countries; straddle the saddle in the name of men’s health.
In 2016, there was over 55,000 smartly-dressed gentlefolk in over 500 cities across 90 countries; straddle the saddle in the name of men’s health.
venue: Thousands of riders in 500+ cities across the globe will ‘join the gentry’ on a ride to raise money for the Prostrate Cancer Foundation. Please note below are UK and Ireland events. Lots more listed on the website and facebook - Manchester event
website: www.gentlemansride.com
facebook
|
