Message from ‘Arfa’

Sherwood Rally
All those who have requested Sherwood Rally Tickets for Sept 2nd ~ Sept 5th and have not paid, please bring your monies, cash or cheques payable to the 'Hatters Chapter' to the NEXT MEETING IN AUGUST.

Arthur Arrowsmith
Activities Officer.

A brief review of the Normandy trip, a more detailed review will appear in the Hatters magazine.

Our TOP SECRET orders were issued well in advance and on Wednesday 16th June the 8 participants on 6 bikes assembled at Knutsford services for the first part of the exercise, the road move to Portsmouth ferry terminal. Blue sky and a warm morning ( a first for a Hatters tour of Normandy I was told) as we left with Don and Maggie leading and Paul acting as tail gunner, the route being M6, M6toll, M42, M40, A34, M3 and M27. No real issues on the way down apart from loosing Ron and Paul on the M42 and being unable to stop the rest of the group continued on to Warwick services for a scheduled stop. Ron and Paul arrived shortly after us, Ron’s bike having cut out on lane 2 of the M42 with a fuel problem, one which would raise its head sporadically during the trip. We arrived at the ferry terminal, fully fuelled for the next day, in plenty of time for a meal and a few drinks but as we were to find out over the next few days, luck can play a big part in the success or failure of any operation. Our luck was about to change. Paul thought it best we found out about check in procedures before heading off for food and just as well we did, the ferry we were to get had been cancelled due to industrial action in Caen. Options- go home, get hotel then go home, get an alternative ferry. After a call to Matt Limb and a brief discussion the third option was taken, a later ferry to St. Malo was arranged but there were no cabins only recliner seats and the arrival time was 0830 hrs, which was the time we were due to start our battlefield tour, and we still would have 120 miles to ride to get to Caen.

Day 2 and after a crossing with not much sleep we arrive in St. Malo. The bikes were spread all over the garage decks so disembarkment took longer than expected. The revised plan was to ride directly to the Café Gondrée, rendezvous with Matt and decide what to do from there. On arrival, about two and a half hours later, Matt had arranged coffee and croissants and the next stage of the days action was discussed. We would not be able to complete the full day’s programme so we concentrated on the area around Pegasus Bridge. First we rode to Breville Ridge and had the actions of the 6th Airborne Division explained, then on to Ranville and the British cemetery and back to Pegasus Bridge to hear about assaults on the morning of D-Day to capture and secure the Bénouville and Ranville bridges by a glider borne unit of the 6th Airborne commanded by Major John Howard. After this it was back to the café for drinks and a photograph with Arlette Gondrée, who now runs Café Gondrée, and was a small child living in the home when it was liberated, then to the hotel in Caen to freshen up and get something to eat.

Day 3, meet in the car park opposite the hotel for a 0900hrs departure. Slightly overcast this morning and today’s itinery was to cover the British landings on Gold beach, the Mont Fleury battery and to trace the footsteps of CSM Stan Hollis, who received the only VC awarded on D-Day, from the beach to the battery. The sun was now breaking through as we headed for Arromanches and the site of the Mulberry harbour, used to supply the troops from Britain, and many of the concrete pontoons are still present today. There was the opportunity to visit the Musee du Debarquement which had an amazing moving model showing how the unit worked. From here it was to the German gun casements at Longues Sur Mere where we had lunch before moving on to Omaha beach, the landing beach for the1st and 29th US Divisions and where the most casualties were suffered. A walk on the beach, looking at the cliffs and German defenses, you could not imagine how the young soldiers must have felt on that morning of 6th June. Climbing the path from the beach we arrived at the US cemetery at Colleville Sur Mere with time to reflect on the operations of that day. Time now to head back to the hotel before making for a local restaurant for a meal and England v Algeria, at least the food was good.

Day 4, our last day on the battlefields and it’s raining. Meet in the car park, packed for home, at 0830 hrs for the 75 mile ride to Utah beach, landing beach for the 4th US Division, and inland around St. Mère-Église for the parts played by the 82nd US Airborne Div. (All American) and the 101st US Airborne Div. (Screaming Eagles). The weather had now changed for the better, brilliant sunshine. It was a bit of a stop/start day, from the beaches it was a short ride to the first key point of the day, the point where paratropers first met with soldiers from the beach landings, hence securing the first road inland. Next a monument dedicated to “E” Company of 101st Airborne at a field near Brecourt Manor where, although completely outnumbered, they captured a German battery (Band of Brothers). The church at Angoville au Plain and memorial to two 2nd Battalion 101st Airborne medics who worked, saving many lives, in the church. Two key bridges at Chef Du Pont and La Frière were visited, the second having a memorial park dedicated to the American Airborne troops. Finally it was to St. Mère-Église with time to visit the church and museum. We followed Matt back to the car park opposite our hotel and said our goodbyes, Matt had a 230 mile drive to Calais, we had a 10 minute ride to Ouistreham so enough time for a coffee before leaving for the ferry terminal. Fish and chips at a café near the terminal then check in for the crossing, we now had to sit and wait. Boarded the Mont st. Michel at 2200 hrs. and stuffed the bags in the cabins before heading for the bar. A much better crossing that the outbound, we would soon be back in the UK.

Day 5, back in Portsmouth and we all got off the ship together. The weather is still good for the journey home so, again with Don leading the way and Paul bringing up the rear we headed home the reverse of the outbound journey. Breakfast at Sutton Scotney services followed by a steady ride home, with a couple of short stops, until we reached Sandbach services where we were held up by an horendous accident.

For me, an amazing experience, a great group of people, 856 miles covered and far too much to take in in one visit, so it must be revisited.

Thanks to Don and Paul for their organisation of the trip and to Matt Limb OBE TD for the insight he gave into one of the biggest days in our recent history.

Photos to follow.

Ross

Cider Rally 2011
Dear Hatters Member,
We have just returned from one of the most successful Cider Rallys, we won best attendance, best paint job and Chapter Challenge as well as the Bingo on the wet Sunday afternoon.
As you are aware bookings for the Cider Rally are at a premium regarding accommodation in the ‘Chalets’. If we want to reserve the same as this year’s rally, we need to book early and you need to pay for the event by the 1st of September 2010. Bookings made by October Meeting.
If you wish to attend next year’s event, please complete the booking form below and return it to me. Payment for the Cider Rally 2011 will be £100 per person for chalet full board and rally ticket. Camping and rally ticket with on-site food is £76 per person and Camping and rally ticket without on-site food is £46 per person (these prices are subject to change).
If you wish to share with another person, please indicate their names on the form.
CUT AND RETURN TO
ARTHUR ARROWSMITH, CARTREF, 14 BAXTER ROAD, SALE, CHESHIRE M33 3AL
............... .................................. .............................................
NAME.......................................................................................................................................................
SHARING WITH: ......................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................
ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED: CHALET OR CAMPING..........................................................................
Accommodation type: Single. Double/Twin/Triple................................................................................
ONSITE FOOD REQUIRED (CAMPING ONLY)............................................................................................
Bike Reg................................................
T-SHIRT SIZE: PLEASE CIRCLE SMALL /MEDIUM/ LARGE/ EXTRA LARGE/ XXL / XXXL

28th-30th May 2010 Spring Bank Holiday

ACCRINGTON MCC “OFF YER SPROCKET 10 Anniversary Rally 28,29,30(ends),May .Fantastic site. Indoor bar/disco, ENLARGED CLUBHOUSE! This years bands!!!! The one and only rally favourites "V8" (Sat) and WRECKED(Fri) Toilets/showers with disabled access. Well drained camping!!. Silly games Featuring the new "Sprocket Head Challenge" & bike show. Friday- Saturday rock disco.Badges for first 200 pre-book Tickets £12-00 pre-book £15 on the gate. N.B. Children over 10-16 years of age half ticket price,under 10s free. Children under 18 must have adult supervision. CARS NOT WELCOME hence £20-00 extra pre-book only.(Disabled with blue badge exempt) See website also on www.accringtonmcc.org.uk
Send SAE with cheque/PO payable to Accrington MCC to Treasurer:16,Wilfred St, Accrington, Lancs, BB5 2HY. Map with ticket. Buy online via PayPal also.Ring Rob Rally Sec 07732 612078 or Mick 07525 050659 for details.email- rallyinfo@accringtonmcc.org.uk

Thurs 3rd June Sail from Hull to Zebrugger
Fri 4th arrive at event around lunch time after approx 220 mile ride
Sun 6th an evening sail back to Hull
Mon 7th arrive back at Hull

Cost of chalet approx £160
Bedrooms 2, 1 dble, 1 twin, and pullout bed in living area
Sleeps 4-5 person

Anyone interested must pay the full amount for the chalet on reserving *non returnable* and organize their own ferry’s nearer the day when times of sailings will be given.

I have reserved 5 chalets so if you are interested give me a call and I will allocate the chalets on first come/paid basis.

Cheers Trev.B 07748966730

Ratty’s Spain Trip write up by Gillian Cox.

January 2009 - no license, no bike, no real thoughts about motorcycling….
September 2009 - full license, Harley-Davidson Motorcycle and riding across Spain with
some mad mad Hatters!! How did that all happen?????

Well it all happened so quickly. Earlier this year I had to take a week off work so I decided to use the week to take some motorbike lessons. I managed to pass my test after the 2 day course and armed with a full license decided to get a motorbike – it just had to be a Harley Davidson. So I got myself a 1200 Sportster low in April 2009 and started “livin’ the dream”

I joined the Hatters Chapter and went on few ride outs. Everyone was very kind and tolerant with me and I have learned so much. I then heard about the Spain trip and just had to go. I love Spain and the chance to go there with my bike and a bunch of experienced riders was just too good to miss. So that’s how it all happened. My family and friends keep asking me whether I am having some sort of mid-life crisis; well the answer is probably yes. However, if you are going to have one then it’s best to have one in style.

Anyway, I then agreed to write up the trip blog which seemed like a good idea at the time but I am now sitting at the computer trying to remember what we got up to but here goes………
The trip began on 20th September when we all met up at Knutsford services.
We had a perfect day for riding and the weather stayed good for the whole day. We made it down to Portsmouth in good time and had something to eat before getting on board ship. With the bikes all safely secure it was time for a quick wash, a change of clothes for some, and then down to the bar. A few drinks later and the party mood, which was to last two weeks, kicked in. A few of us even made it to the dance floor. Pete for some rather energetic dancing to “Come on Eileen”, Trev with his own unique style of dancing which involved sticking his bum out and jiggling around with a big grin on his face and even that dark horse Malcolm was up on the dance floor – although Malcolm calmed down considerably when his wife, Sue, joined us a few days later. The next day was a full day on board ship so to pass the time we played a few hundred games of “Chase the Ace”, had a go at charades. We then played a rather odd word association game. It was at this point when Bob Cratchet made an entry. Bob, a special friend of Bryan’s, remained with us for the whole holiday - “Doop……Bob Cratchet…have we had him?” is still ringing around in my head – I guess you had to be there to understand this one.

The next day saw us arrive in Bilbao. We were off ship and on our way bright and early. The trip across Spain was brilliant. The roads were great and the weather was perfect for 450 miles. However, when we got within 10 miles of the villa it absolutely poured down. Now this was a bit of a problem for me as I hadn’t ridden in the rain before and within seconds we were drenched. Anyway Ray arrived in his car with his umbrella and led us to the villa. The rain was torrential and the roads were running like rivers but all seemed to be going ok until we turned a corner and were faced with an almost vertical hill up to the villa. I was beginning to wonder whether this was such a good idea after all. I was having a complete nightmare all alone in my helmet!! Anyway we all made it up the hill and settled into the villa. I was completely exhausted but the experienced party people headed straight off out into town – I headed to bed and crashed out like a light.

Over the next few days we did some lovely ride outs and some pretty hairy ones, at least they were hairy for me. I was still not too comfortable with taking bends at anything faster than walking pace. So, when we set out for a ride around the coast, along some roads that make the cat & fiddle look like a piece of cake, I knew I was going to have to get to grips with these bends once and for all. Everyone was very patient and shared some top tips for better riding however the best experience of all was to spend a full day on the back of Ray’s bike. The group had decided to go up to the top of a mountain on some really winding roads; I decided that this was not for me and that I would stay at the villa. However the group had different ideas and I found myself on the back of Ray’s bike for the day. It really was brilliant. Riding around bends with someone who knows what they are doing really helped me a lot and I can recommend it to anyone else who is a bit uneasy with bends. Ray was able to show me the best line to take round the bend and I was able to experience how far you should lean into the bend. My worry has always been that the bike was going to fall over but we took some bends at some very steep angles and we didn’t fall over. My riding was so much better after having had that experience as I am now so much more relaxed. I am actually starting to enjoy going round bends.

Now after a full day riding comes a full evening of partying. I am certainly going to need another holiday to get over this one. It was pretty much a full hangover every morning for everyone except for Arthur who sensibly doesn’t drink. One notable night was spent in a lovely restaurant with Ray and a few of his chums. The food was good and the drinks measures were absolutely enormous. Bryan thought all his Christmases and Birthdays had all come at once when Shauna, after a few goldfish bowls of Vodka, put in an order for Sex on the Beach – although Bryan, a bit worse for wear himself, was actually quite relieved when he realised Shauna had only ordered a cocktail.

Later on that evening Mandy elevated herself from “totally amazing” to “supreme goddess of the universe” by taking the stage and giving the resident bar singer a real run for his money.
Incidentally, the two reasons I was already in total awe of Mandy are that, a) she rides the same bike as me but in a way I can only dream about and b) Mandy seems to be able to drink and eat what ever she wants and still remain as thin as a twiglet - all us other mere mortals only need to look at a “Laney Breakfast” and we have gained 10lbs. Anyway, after belting out a cool rendition of “Mustang Sally” and “The House of the Rising Sun” we were all totally astounded (see the Spain Pics) and the place was now really rockin’. Another 3.00am bedtime – hey ho.

Well, after a lot of eating and drinking there were still some concerns that Malcolm was still losing too much weight. So much so, that we convinced Sue that Malcolm had decided that he was going to order a “2010 Slim Boy” after the holiday. This was Sue’s first night with us and she wasn’t sure whether we were being serious or not. Malcolm, however, was getting a bit concerned because Sue was adamant that if Malcolm was getting a new “Slim Boy” then she would be getting a new car. We think that Malcolm spent the rest of that night trying to convince Sue that there was no such bike and that he wasn’t going to order anything.
Unfortunately all good things come to an end and no sooner had we arrived than it was time to pack up and make the trip home. Ray came to wish us all a safe journey home and we all thanked him for his superb hospitality and ride outs he organised. It has to be said Ray made the whole trip extra special.

Finally, 8 00 am Friday 2nd October all saddled up.
We set off for Bilbao via Madrid and Burgos, a distance of only 540 miles (Gulp). This was an uneventful trip apart from slight panic as we rounded Madrid, definitely a motorway system to be avoided in future as was the detour on a roundabout in Burgos (you had to be there). We had an overnight stop in Bilbao and then we were onto the ferry for overnight crossing. We hit the party mode once again but it was definitely subdued as the good times where coming to an end.

Now for some Trip statistics
TRIP STATISTICS

Participants arriving by bike - Ratty, Jan, Trev, Mandy, Arthur, Malcolm, Pete, Shauna,
Bryan and me
Participants arriving by plane - Sue (Mrs Malcolm) & Pat (Mrs Arthur)
Miles Covered - Not too sure but well over 2000
Bike Drops - 4
Petrol Outs - 1
Hangovers - Far too many – every morning really
Hours spent laughing - 24/7
Regrets - None
New friends - Many
Rain - A bit too much but good experience and very dramatic
Sun - Enough to get a tan and have some lovely ride outs

Anyway enough rambling from me,

All that remains is to say a huge thank you to everyone that made the trip such good fun - especially Ray, Ratty and Trev. I had the best time and I hope everyone else on the trip enjoyed it too. My riding has improved so much thanks to all the expert tuition over the two week holiday (just think how much that would have cost at Riders Edge!!). It was a great experience and an action packed adventure – just a shame we didn’t have any spare time to fit in any Yoga!!

Thanks to all you mad Hatters – you’re the best !!

Dear All

I am delighted to finally be able to announce the dates and location of the 2010 European HOG Rally. This event will be hosted in conjunction with Swiss Harley Days on the 16th-18th July in Lugarno Switzerland.

Marjorie Rae

Thurs 4th June
Some hatters set off from the dealership to meet at Birch Services. 24 bikes & 25 hatters set off for the docks at Hull. We had a brief stop at ferrybridge & arrived dockside around 4.50, where we had fun sorting out who bunked with who. After sorting that out we all dumped our gear & headed straight for the bar. There was a choice of food with the café
doing pie & peas etc to the restaurant & also an all in buffet. The usual hatter's frivolity proceeded. Some of us had a flutter on the cards for an hour or there was live entertainment on stage. Some of us were still chatting until the bar shut.

Friday 5th June
We were all awoke & got ready for our journey. We disembarked around 8.30 to meet our hosts Johan & Harry. We travelled about a mile to our breakfast destination the New Pioneer Café. We had ham, eggs & cheese with lots of rolls of all shapes & sizes. We picked up a couple who had passed me near birch services on Thurs & they asked if they could travel with us. (They must have thought we looked a nice bunch). We set off for
our short journey of 75 miles to a town called Leer sum near Amersfoort.
The Park was very well set up with camping, Log Cabins, & Chalets. We arrived at 1.30 but we could not check in straight away so some of us decided to get a beer in. We all eventually around 2pm got checked in & got our rally packs. The packs consisted of a lot of bumf but there was a great t-shirt, pin, pen a golf ball & a cowboy hat.
The log cabins were very nice 2 bed with bathroom, kitchen & dining/living room. There were tables & chairs outside & we could put our bikes under cover. The camping facilities were very good with top class showers etc. They even had a vast secure underground parking. The site had several bars, café & even a spar shop. There was an indoor & outdoor swimming pool & a bowling alley.
We all met in the bar for a beer & we all went our different ways for food & then some of us went for a walk around the trade stalls. There as quite a good array of stalls selling the usual parts, clothes, paint jobs etc. They also had the chapter challenge tasks set out. The theme was cowboys so that’s why we got the hat. The challenge was
shooting, straw bail throwing over a high bar, Bull riding, horse show throwing & lasso a post. I had a go at a couple of challenges but I refrained from the bull riding. Trev and keith had a go, I have the photos to prove it!!! (Mand)
Now we all had a few beers & some of us ended up dancing or falling on the floor a lot depending on how much we had drunk. The band was excellent & had the crowd singing & dancing. We all stayed up till the death & several hatters had to be escorted back as they hadn’t a clue where they were never mind where they were sleeping.

Saturday 6th June
Some of us did actually awake in the morning but a few only saw afternoon. We had to meet at 10.am for the ride-outs. Only myself Shauna & Brian made it for the ride-out & we were late but luckily the HOG ride called the ABC ride started every time a group arrived so there were start times between 10-12pm. Luckily we hitched onto a small group of
about 12 riders which we found to be an advantage. Our aim was to set out to checkpoints where we all had our photographs taken which I believe they will be on the Hogs website. Now we got points for specific checkpoints. Thing is we don’t know what it was in aid of but we had good fun. The route took us about 85 miles via 20 checkpoints which took
us about 5 1/2 hours. We travelled along the Dykes & crossed over the river on a ferry, where we stopped for a cuppa & Dutch apple pie. We were quite tired by the end, as we seemed to have ridden onto every grass verge every time we had our photograph taken. We did very well as we could have easily dropped the bikes. We finished in the town but there
wasn’t much going on. There was a DJ on the band stand & a couple of café. Around half a dozen went into Arnhem for the day & some went for a ride to the dealership.
The weather held out all day & was mild & cloudy with sunny spells in between.
Back at the camp we all seemed to congregate around the tables & chairs near the bar at the side of the pond. We met up with a crowd from the Bridgewater chapter to have a chinwag. Now there was one guy called Carl who fell asleep on his comfy chair. We proceeded to pile cans all around him. We even balanced one on his knee, one on his head & a plant pot complete with plant on his chest. Oh and we put lots of marshmallow
sweets up his nose & in his ears. He awoke with a start knocked all the tins all over himself & dropped the plant pot. Shame he hadn’t a clue what was happening. He then proceeded to try & get the marshmallows out of ears etc.

Saturday Night
We all proceeded to drink beer & check out the stalls. At this point we all dispersed and we all kept bumping into each other around the site.
The band eventually came on & they were great. They sang all sorts of rocksongs which got every body up dancing. The beer was flowing that’s if you had enough tickets left to buy one. Now again our safety officer went checking out the safety of the site. He can't remember what he was checking but he didn’t find any problem with the site apart from the
fact his chalet was not signposted very well, but Lenny found him eventually & escorted him back to his chalet.

Sunday
We all met up around 10.30 for the 11am ride or parade to the dealership in Amersfoort. Don’t know how many bikes there were but they recon around 1800 turned up. We set off all together with Trevor displaying our Hatters flag. We rode along the country roads out of the site to a road lined with people waving & cheering. The police escorted us all the way stopping traffic at every junction even the main dual carriageway to make sure we crossed safely. We found out the Police had trained some of the chapter riders to their standards & they now have a qualification & have the power to stop traffic on parades etc. They are issued with certificates & have an appropriate vest. Can't see our police doing that.
Now the parade was short it lasted for a mere 25 miles & all along the route there was someone waving. We kept going nearly all the way apart from a short bit before we got to the dealership. It was all very well organized with marshals parking the bikes up neatly so we could all get out. There was food laid on & a band. The shop was packed & they could have done with a few more tills. I think ever body bought something.
We met around 2.30 to gather for our trip home. Johan led us out & our first stop was fuel for our 75 mile ride back to the ferry. We had a few problems in the petrol station luckily Johan was at hand to translate.
We set off to nice weather but as soon as we got on the motorway it lashed it down. We had nowhere to stop to put our waterproofs on. By the time we stopped we were drenched. We were making good time so we had a coffee & put our waterproofs on. We arrived in plenty off time & checked on the ferry & we said our goodbyes to Johan. Shame he had to ride back in the rain.
First stop the bar then some has a buffet dinner which was very good & some went to the café. Again we all sat around reminiscing about our journey. I think most people were in bed by 12pm.

Monday
We all congregated outside the ferry & decided we were going to go to Squires café for breakfast. We set off around 8am & decided to fuel up straight away. We then continued to Squires café. Some shot off to get back home, but most off us had a breakie. When we arrived there were 8 cars ranging from a ford GTO to a Ferrari all going to Le Mans for a
rally. I asked if they needed a navigator but they all had one (I was sick I would have loved to have gone). After breakie some of us had a look round the bike shop.
Everybody left me all on my own as I decided to go the scenic route & ended up going to Colin Appleyards @ keighley then I went to skipton for some afternoon tea. I then went back via the A59 through Blackburn to bury.

Helen

Apologies For The Delay!!!

Fri 1st May
-----------
The weather was bright & the clouds were white & fluffy so no rain! WayHey.
I was first to arrive don’t know how on earth I managed that. (I must have wet the bed with excitement). As I sat there a small group arrived shortly after me. Then we had Rainy city arrive which caused confusion as there were several hatters that were rainy city members too so we got a bit of stick. We all had a good chat. By 10am most people had arrived.
A small group of hatters left first as they were going straight down.
Rainy city had a good turn out & they left next. We all got sorted & there were about 30 bikes in all so everybody was called on to Marshall.
We headed down the motorway led by Aidan. We were heading for breakie at the truck stop on the A49. Before he had even started Mark had a puncture so we lost a couple of riders who helped him out.
We set off & headed straight for the M54 motorway then onto M6/M5. Our next stop was Michael wood services were we had a coffee & fuel break. We left the services around 2.30 to meet the obligatory standing traffic around Bristol so we all ended up white lining to get through the traffic. Amazingly we all arrived together around 4pm. I personally covered about 255 miles & was quite relieved to arrive.

Evening:
Started when we arrived as most people dumped there bags & went straight to the bar. Over the evening other hatters arrived & everybody had a good chat. Supper was served in the dining room if you were in a chalet or in the café at the rear if you were camping. We had live bands until 12pm then the DJ came on for a couple of hours. The hatters all mixed & everybody caught up on the gossip. The club sold around 90 tickets for the rally & I think most of us were there the first night. There were
still a few hatters going until 2pm but they suffered the following day.
I do know our safety officer Mark took his duties very seriously and he works very hard. He was even working very late Friday night or should I say sat morn as I caught him at around 2am doing topple tests on all the
bikes. He went from one side to the other testing every bike by grabbing the bars or seat & giving it a push & he never set any alarms off.
Amazing! When I spoke to him the following day he doesn't remember a thing. Good job those bikes were strategically placed.

Saturday

most people were up in time for breakfast. Then it was time to get ready for the parade @ 11am. Some were washing there bikes of & getting the polish out. I don’t know how many bikes there were but I heard there was
over 600. We all lined up round the site. Most of the hatters were half way down the parade but about 20 of us were at the back with Rainy city behind us. The reason we were at the back was because 2 new hatters
arrived late Yes 2 pints Pete on his new 1200XR & Dave arrived with minutes to spare. Well we all set off & the sun was shining & the crowds lined the front as we pulled out of sands bay. There were a few hatters waving us off sat on the wall. I was at the back of our small group when I realized we were one missing. When I looked back new boy 2 pints Pete was in the middle of Rainy city so when we got stopped by the lights I ran back to Barry from Rainy City & asked if he had kidnapped Pete. I
said give him some Rainy City membership forms as he cant be a hatter he cant drink beer that’s why he is 2 pints Pete. I just shouted back to him & told to get his backside in front of me. I'm afraid we will have to keep our eye on him.
We eventually got round the streets of Weston & onto the grass verge along the promenade. We were all parked in line & people came to have a mooch round the bikes. Some of us went for a coffee or ice cream & some went for a stroll & some went for a spin on the bikes. I ended up in a pub watching the match with Rainy City. We were under orders to be back for the hatter's photo @ 3.30 so most off the hatters made it back.
4pm was the chapter games. Well these consisted of holding tyres on ones arms & off course Keith won that one for us even though our tyres seemed larger than everybody else's. We also had the going dizzy round a stick carrying water game & the builder's bag full of four people trying to jump to the finishing line. Well off course the hatters were the best AGAIN. So well done to everybody that took part & for their troubles we
got a trophy.
Then there was the bike show where again the hatters turned out in force. I think in all we had 5 bikes in the show & Paul Pinchard won best Tourer with his army themed bike. I think we should have won a couple more trophies but not to be. There were also stalls around the
site selling anything from sun glasses to Harley parts & clothing. The tattooist was busy & so to the photographer who had taken photos of every bike.

Sat Night
---------
The bands & singer was fantastic & they entertained the crowd all night.
We had the award ceremony & all we kept hearing was The Winners are The Hatters & every time the hatters responded with an almighty cheer. We just can't help being the best chapter can we. We picked up a couple of
trophies one for the Chapter Games & of course we won best attendance for the club. By the end of the night people were dancing & chatting oh & drinking a little. Now silly things were starting to happen.
Firstly 2 pints Pete had about 4 pints (he was still p*ssed after 2 but he managed to squeeze a couple more in). We decided to keep a wide birth when we saw him dancing, as we thought he had copped off. From a
distance we could not see who it was, when we got closer we found he had taken his brand new Harley Hoody for a dance. Oh dear what are we going to do with him. Luckily earlier on in the day we made him take the bright orange hoody he had bought back to the shop to swop it for a grey one.
Then a silly game started with Rainy City. We started balancing glasses & bottles up in a pile. I would have won apart from the fact the pile got too high & I could not reach the top. Then for some reason a plastic bottle bumped into the pile to bring it crashing to the floor.
Not satisfied with that we started again but decided to build a wall of glasses across the tables. It was very impressive until that came crashing down to the disgust of the staff so we decided to tidy up after ourselves. It was great fun for the average 10 year old. I think it was
around 2am before we retired but we did make sure the final hatters got on the mini bus back to town.

Sunday
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We were all up bright & early NOT. I think we all made it for breakfast.
We then assembled for a leisurely ride out to the smallest prison in Britain in Castle Cary. It started out as a short trip but there had been an accident on the road which was totally blocked. So we diverted around it, which did take a little longer. The ride was excellent around small country lanes. One of the gang Cheryl was not feeling to good so a couple of marshals stopped with to check she was ok. We arrived at Castle Cary where we had a drink at the local. We all went up to the prison which was in the middle of the square. It was just big enough for one. We had our photos taken in front of the prison then it was back to the pub. The ride back was flowing & we kept a nice pace down the country roads. The weather held out for us & I don’t think we saw any rain.

Sunday Night
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We all met at the front of sands bay at 7pm ish. We had two mini bus trips of hatters which took us down to town for a Chinese meal. The food was excellent & the wine flowed. We got back to the camp to enjoy the Sunday night entertainment. Again the bands were good & everybody
mingled. Most people settled for an early night ready for the ride home.

Monday
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There were not as many hatters on the way back as some people left early & some later. We set off to go and fuel up but we lost the 2 back markers. As we headed for the motorway we then nearly lost another new hatter as Dave nearly lost his helmet at the lights (helps to fasten it
before you set off) we lost the pack and it took us about 20 mins to catch them up. We stopped a couple of times at the services but we headed straight for home. Again we only saw a few spots of rain. I arrived home about 4.30.

Helen Lang

Friday
Meeting at the Knutsford services on a brilliant sunny morning for the ride down to the cider rally. Aidan and Trev leading the group of around 30+ bikes down the M6, taking a minor detour for breakfast, a belly busting fry up where Keith (Skull) had arranged for the owners to be ready for us. Once everyone was fed and watered we continued down the M6 and then onto the M5 to have a couple of stops on the way down before the final push into Weston super Mare. We did encounter a couple of traffic queues mainly at Bristol but we all white lined and were soon through the traffic and on our way again
Arriving at sand bay after 3.00pm it was clear blue sky and warm sunshine, it was into the bar for some hatters while others chose to unpack and chill out for a while, before having a walk round looking at the stalls etc. Night time In the Bar where else! Where some brilliant acts entertained us, one high light of the night was when someone tied a balloon onto the rear of the safety officers (Mark) bracers he spent a good hour half stood going to the bar with a balloon floating just above his head .He even went to the toilet with the balloon following him everywhere, after a few minutes word got round the hatters and everyone was now laughing at poor Mark some were in tears and he had no idea what we were laughing at. While Mark was on his way to the bar with his balloon following him we were all in hysterics at him and as he turned round he saw us all laughing at him and asked the bar maid if there was something stuck on his back, she gave the game away and told him! As he ripped the balloon off and called us all some choice names and he received a massive cheer from the hatters.

Saturday
First Job Breakfast full English for those that could stomach it! There were a few missing and some who did seem to be struggling to eat it. Ride out into Weston super Mare and a parade down the front then parking up and spending a couple of hours in the town. There was said to be over 2,000 people at the rally, I have no idea how many bikes went on the parade but it was a fantastic sight to see all those Harleys in one place and once again in glorious sunshine. Night time in the bar again! It was a 1920s themed night where some of the hatters got into the sprit and dressed up in 1920,s style clothing along with many others from other chapters. More great entertainment, more beer, cider, burgers, then more Beer cider and the hatters partied until the small hours.

Sunday
Same again Full English and then those that were up to it there was a ride out lead by Trev leaving at 10.30 am, destination a quiet little village that is said to be home to the smallest prison in Britain. A return trip of 70 miles we were told. We set off and hadn’t been riding long when we got caught up in a traffic queue which turned out to be an accident and the police had closed the road. We rode along some great roads with brilliant views up hill down hill, through villages, the miles where clocking up and we had done well over the said 35 miles it was supposed to be to the village. Eventually we arrived somewhere! Where most hatters had a Sunday lunch in the local pub, I never even got to see the prison (to busy feeding my face) although I believe others did get to see it! Back on the road again this time taking a different route back this time passing through or around the cheddar gorge not sure which?. It was a brilliant route with great roads and some stunning views along the way, arriving back at Sand Bay around 3.30pm having exceeded the promised 70 miles by rather a lot, I don’t think anyone on the ride was really bothered about the extra miles after all we were out in the sunshine on great roads and in great company having fun. Sunday night more drinking and great entertainment, presentations where the hatters cleared up again winning the chapter games and the best-attended chapter.

Monday
The ride home
After breakfast it was time to head for home so with Trev leading the group out around 10.30, we headed for fuel my self and Gary got stuck at traffic lights which took ages to change by which time the group had disappeared and we couldn’t see anyone marking the route! Not to worry we said we would head for M6 and catch them up somewhere along the route .We stopped at the first motorway services on the M6 to get fuel and whilst there we heard a rumble in the distance and then going past us a quick radio call to Trev confirmed it was our lot going past. We arranged to meet them at the next services stop a few miles down the M6 .It was plain sailing now M6 M5 having one last stop to say our goodbyes and Knutsford services before making our way home, a brilliant weekend in good weather, with great company and brilliant entertainment .
Thanks to everyone involved in organising it and getting us there and back safely.

Paul Whittaker