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A bright sunny day welcomed us as members of Guildford Motorcycle Club headed to the Merrist Wood Campus.

John, Elaine and Sue set off from Normandy a tad late – (obviously John’s fault !) with John’s fully loaded “A” Team van  holding three of his many bikes, ready to display.  Elaine had mentioned the bikes looked a bit “under the weather”, so special cloths and Paul’s special “polish” were hastily loaded into the car.

Arriving at Merrist Wood we were greeted by Stephen (was that a wave or some other finger sign !), Geoff and Chris.  The gazebo was hastily erected as the ground began to fill with lots of participants ready for the day ahead.

With pins tightly securing the gazebo, the club’s flag and pennants were strategically placed, kettle was put on and chairs arranged.  You could soon hear the roar of the bikes (observing the speed limit of course !) arriving in the bottom end of the field.  With passes shown they made their way to the club stand.  Geoff Hill already had his many bikes in place, followed by Geoff Streeter displaying his Kawasaki ZZR 1100.  Chris had kindly bought along his brother’s Aprilla and Stephen his Velocette.  Graham had bought along his Triumph  and they stood side-by-side, all gleaming in the bright sunshine.

John with ramps secured snugly to the back of the van , unloaded his “booty”: namely two Hayabusa’s and a mini motor (for Dennis of course).  Elaine and Sue unloaded and displayed the clubs trophies and information packs.  A slight breeze had picked up by now and we prayed for no rain !

A slight roar in the distance could be heard and spectators turned their focus to the sky – was Concorde back in operation ? no it was Paul on his Honda Blackbird, slowly cruising up the longish grass, with Sandra perched on the back, looking frozen, after their long journey from Kent.  Now with all the club’s bikes in place, a frantic polish operation began. 

The helicopter buzzed overhead as visitors were encouraged to take a trip around the local area. 

The Falconry Flying Display was next at 1.00 pm  with Eagles as big as “Smart Cars” eyeing the waiting crowd.

Shortly after 1.30 pm the Rockin Horse Productions Stunt Show took their places, the riders showing great skill and determination as they performed their outstanding routine to the cheering crowds.  The horses behaving perfectly as the riders straddled them precariously dangling from one side to the other.

Club members Bob and his family and Geoff Ward and his family soon joined the club stand, together with Barbara, Alison and her family.  Bob clicking away like David Bailey with his Brownie Camera with large flashbulb on top, (think at the next AGM meeting, we must put in the kitty to get Bob a new up-to-date digital camera – bless !).

The Hungry Hog Spit Roast and BBQ was up and running well, with queues as long as the Blackwall Tunnel !

Children flocked to the Lamb Cuddling and shearing area.  Sue and Elaine braved the Reptile House, but ran past the spider enclosure !

A large collection of Retro cars were on show, all shining in the brilliant sunlight, perhaps Paul had got them some polish also !!!

Tree climbing was in action as was the Archery stand.  Elaine attempted the archery with hands strong and grasped firmly around the “bow”, we did have to warn the instructor that she had recently made an appointment with a certain well known televised opticians !!!!, for some reason people fled in terror.

Hairdressing was the new stand this year and it looked like Geoff Ward had paid a visit as his new brushed “curls” waved in the wind.

Christopher won a coconut which he sadly left behind but is now safely in Sue’s car (I will return it I promise).

Sue, Alison and Elaine disappeared a few times only to be found loitering by the Fire Engine (apparently they “don’t get out much”, so have to make the most of it !) what is it with men in uniforms !!

A good day was had by all and we left the show around 4.00 pm , John neatly placing his bikes amongst his many hang baskets which were hung in the “A” Team van  - don’t ask honest you wouldn’t believe the answer you will get if you do !!!

It had been an overcast, rainy sort of day, heavy downpours at times, but we were hopeful when a ray of sunshine appeared at 6.15pm – our planned “ride out” was imminent – little did we know what would lie ahead !

After checking in with “Ride out Leader – Stephen” and wife Ally, we donned waterproofs and headed off down the M25 to join the A3 to our final destination – Normandy – in England not France!
We were greeted by Geoff on our arrival at the club house, who appeared to be raring to go and said the showers would pass over.  Stephen, was next to arrive with wife Ally snuggled up as pillion passenger.  Barry followed in closely afterwards and with Paul and myself the 6 musketeers were prepared to brave the elements.  Roz, our club secretary and Elaine, our club Treasurer arrived and made a point of saying that whenever Stephen led a “ride out” it always rained !!!  so with crash helmets fastened and gloves firmly in place we set of for what was about to be a real adventure.......

Passing through many small towns and villages up hill and down dale along our route to Littlehampton the bikes’ lights made an eerie glow through the darkened country lanes.  Speed limits strictly adhered to we braved the odd shower and erratic car drivers to arrive at our destination.  Fish and Chips was to be the order of the evening so with bikes parked and showers approaching fast we headed to the flashing neon sign where our dinner was to be served.

Paul stopped for a quick cigarette whilst the rest of huddled inside.

“Mama Mia” !!!! came cries from the kitchen area, “I have told you before and will not tell you again” the manager screamed to his chef who by this time resembled the mad chef from the Muppets Series and whose hand precariously hovered over the meat cleaver !!! Bleep ***** Bleep ******(this of course means foul language  !!).

We stood patiently and a bit anxious as to the scene unfolding before our very eyes. 

Manager: “If you don’t do as I say I will ** Bleep ** Bleep *** (think maybe he was trying to kill him at this point) but I will give you one week’s notice !?!?!?!?”

By this time Ally and I myself started to giggle but we were rudely interrupted by the Manager who turned around to us and shouted “SIT DOWN !!!” so like 6 naughty school kids (instead of 6 hairy bikers) we sat down and our order was taken.  At this point I did ask Stephen why he chose this particular venue and he replied “service is always good and they are welcoming” !!!!

We sat nervously eating.  Geoff tucked in the middle of myself and Barry for protection and Paul nervously needing another cigarette and a large brandy.

Stephen and Ally sat together holding hands and gazing into each others eyes until I completely lost the plot and burst out laughing.  Ally could not control herself any longer and joined in.  Barry started to chuckle but remained calm and poor Geoff, who had his head down through laughter, was nearly consumed by the large piece of plaice that filled his plate !  It then all got too much when a German tourist came in and ordered scampi and chips to eat in.  Manager looked menacingly at him and said “Take Away Only – we are now closing – do you want it or not?”  Poor German collected his meal and headed out to the damp beach to collect his thoughts.

After what seemed like hours of stifled laughing, we paid and hurriedly left whereupon the door was shut and locked, lights out and who knows what fate lay ahead for the staff.

“Homeward bound troops, we will stop for fuel” said Stephen.  Dark dark clouds loomed as we left Littlehampton bound for home.

Through twisting, winding country lanes, small spots of rain and then larger spots of rain followed our every move.  Short heavy bursts followed as visors were repeatedly wiped.  After a brief stop where Ally and I commenced laughing once again we set off for the final leg of the journey.  We all parted company at Guildford and bade farewell with the usual “toot” of the horn.

Arriving safely home we were somewhat damp but even if we have been soaked through, it was worth it for a memorial evening at Littlehampton.

Sue