BIKEY'S FINAL BASH

On a beautiful sunny Saturday in June we held the last Bikey's Bash, for a number of reasons it has to be the last.

We held our first one in August 2009, just a few months after Brian died in North Devon Hospice. I mentioned to Issy that I thought I would do a cream tea, never dreaming that when Issy said "Will you let me do it?" that it would get to be such an event!

I wanted to do something to help the Hospice for all the love and care they had shown Brian, and indeed all the family.

Well, the heavens opened that day! A number of people crammed inside and some hardy souls braved the elements and huddled under umbrellas intended to shield them from the sun.

We were ready for that the next year as I purchased a gazebo. We haven't had a wet one since of course, although it has sheltered folks from the wind! Each year has been a lovely tribute to Brian - those of you who knew him will know he was always cheerful and smiling, even in the face of terminal illness, It has certainly been a labour of love from all those in the team. Thank you for all you have done, especially to those who didn't have the privilege of knowing him, it has been very special for me and the family.

My particular thanks go to Issy and Alan, it wouldn't have happened without you, your hard work and generosity. Anyone who was lucky enough to win one of Issy's hampers will know all about that! Thanks to the whole team: Marion who sold many draw tickets, Margaret who slaved away in the kitchen, Kath and Brian who served, to you all who brought prizes and a special mention of Ethel who always produced a work of art with her knitting needles, you are a wonder to us all. And of course thanks to Sharon and Chris, and Geoff and Karen who travelled long distances to be here. To neighbours who cheerfully came loaded down with chairs and tables, and to Richard who did all sorts and to you all for coming. We raised this year £1,150.

After Brian died we had the opportunity to start a Brian Hillier Living Memories Fund. Set up by the Hospice, any money given is credited to that fund for the badly needed cash so that others can benefit from all they do in that fantastic place. I have just been given the up to date figure for that fund and it stands at this time at £7,845.22p. The large part of this is of course, money raised through The Bash, what a memorial, I don't think Brian would have believed it!

My thanks to the couple who came on their 'Bike', that was special and Brian would have loved it.

Di

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BIKEY'S BASH - CREAM TEA
SATURDAY 8th JUNE 2013

On Saturday the 8th June we shall be holding the 5th Bikey's Bash at 9 Berrynarbor Park, Berrynarbor. We shall start at around 2.00 p.m. until 5.00 p.m.

The first of these events was held a few months after Brian died and we have had one each year. All profits go to the North Devon Hospice who gave him such loving care and are credited to 'The Brian Hillier Living Memories Fund' and the Hospice uses this for their costs, It is a lovely way to keep reminding ourselves of what a special person he was. The event is named as it is because of Brian's love of motor cycles - he was always known as Bikey to his Grandchildren, We have raised quite a good sum of money over that time.

The afternoon only happens because there is a fantastic team who are always willing. It starts with Issy and Alan. Issy works as a catering manager in the NHS up in Warwickshire. She talks nicely to her reps who provide the goodies. She has also worked very hard for the past two Easters when they choose a Hospice to support and raise as much cash as they can in an Easter Draw [lots of chocolate!] The winner of this competition gets an extra £50 from the Board. Issy doesn't let us down, her chosen Hospice is the North Devon and she has won both years. So, the wonderful news is that our fund for this year currently stands at almost £400 before we have the Cream Tea. We should love to surpass last year's total which was over a £1,000.

The delicious CREAM TEA is the highlight, but we have a super prize draw, the First prize being Issy's stunning hamper of goodies and lots of other lovely things too. We sell cakes, and there is a beautiful knitted doll made by Ethel's talented hands, We want you to guess the name of this lovely 'Miss'.

Sadly this will be the last time we shall hold this event. Please come and make it go with a bang for our last effort.

My thanks to all the team who will be delighted to make you welcome, and take your cash!

Di Hillier

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BIKERS OF BERRYNARBOR

The first ride-outs of the season were a little disappointing in that for two of them , no-one turned up except me! And the trip to Hartland Quay was enjoyed by just Darren and myself.

It is good to know that Tim's Norton is back on the road and looking and sounding great. He is 'running-in' at the present time, and I am sure there will be many memorable rides in the future.

Due to health reasons, I cannot be sure of leading rides for the foreseeable future, so there are no plans made. We shall ride when two or more contact each other to arrange something, but we should like to extend this offer to any visiting Bikers who would like to share a ride with one of us through the lovely countryside which we can enjoy all year round. The initial point of contact is 882388.

Brian

We're gunning for you, Brian, and send you our very best wishes.

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BIKERS OF BERRYNARBOR

Well it's Spring again, so we had better lay some plans for the ever youthful Bikers! With the better weather coming it is time to dust down the bike and plan for some pleasurable riding. Some of us have had the odd ride out on our own during the winter, but it will be nice to get together again in a more sociable manner. So, here are some proposed dates:-

We especially welcome new riders, regardless of machine type or size. Advice is always available for the less experienced and our aim is just to enjoy ourselves in the company of like minded people. There are no fees, and each rider is responsible for his/her own safety.

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BIKERS OF BERRYNARBOR

Our annual Christmas Dinner was held at The Lodge and a most enjoyable evening was had by all. Eleven attended and the food was well up to the usual high standard to which we have become accustomed from Phil and Lyn.

So another year has gone by and we are all still in one piece and still riding our bikes! Tim is now back on the road with his Norton, and very nice it sounds too. We enjoyed some good riding through the year, breakfast runs are always fun once the effort has been made to get up early! But what of the year ahead?

Really we need more members, not everyone can be available for all events, as we have other commitments. So here is a personal invitation to any other rider in the village or surroundings to get in touch with us and at least give group riding a try. The size and age of machine does not really matter, what is important is to share our sport and to ride with and talk to like-minded people.

Notices of events will be put up in the Post Office window and during the winter months rides may be organised at short notice so that we can take advantage of any suitable weather conditions.

I wish you all a safe and pleasurable New Year.

Brian

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BIKERS OF BERRYNARBOR

There is nothing to report this time as we have not met recently. However, we shall be holding our Annual Christmas Dinner on Friday, 10th December at The Lodge Country Hotel and it is hoped to have a Breakfast Run in the New Year. Watch out for a poster in the shop giving details.

Brian

Talking of bikes, Derek and the village have for several years now hosted the Atlantic Classic Motorcycle Club's national event at Sloley Park. It was, therefore, a lovely surprise when Derek called recently with a cheque for £50 from the Club for the Newsletter. This generous gift is much appreciated. Graham Brown, the Club Chairman, has asked me to convey seasonal greetings to all readers from his Club's members.

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BIKERS OF BERRYNARBOR

August and September have been quite quiet really, although some members have enjoyed impromptu rides and several of us attended the Classic Scramble at Sloley Park.

The 7th September was a lovely day and three riders set off at 6 o'clock for an evening ride across Exmoor. The countryside looked absolutely wonderful, and with little traffic about we enjoyed a most pleasant 90 mile trip. Sadly, this will be the last semi-light evening, but we hope to arrange a Breakfast Run in the near future. Watch the poster in the Community Shop window for up to date information.

Brian

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BIKERS OF BERRYNARBOR

June was a rather quiet month really, mainly due to members having other commitments. The proposed day run on the 19th had to be cancelled, or rather postponed, as we hope it will take place in September, and the Breakfast Run kindly organised by Steve, fell foul to weather and lack of numbers.

The only planned event in July was the Evening Run across Exmoor. Check the Diary for future dates -in addition to those listed, there are a couple of Hill Climbs which we could attend if there is sufficient interest.

We still hope that visitors will join us when they can, and we also look forward to new members from Berrynarbor.

Diary: