Xmas Charity Run

In the bleak mid winter..... Well! On a cold and grey overcast Sunday morning saw the D.O and I heading for the column in Shrewsbury; to meet up with the other Oddball members. So we could ride into the square "en mass".

This years run was a little different to previous years as no toys were really needed only cash donations, as plenty of toys had been generously donated before the event, Held on the 16th December. The donations were to be split between Copthorn Hospital's Rainbow Appeal and Bradbury House.

There was already about 30-40 bikes in the square when we arrived. The organizers of this event, "The Rainbringers", had the foresight to operate a one way system. So the "new" arrivals entered the square behind those already there: which eliminated having to negotiate narrow gaps to get to the rear of the queue of bikes and then having to turn around, which had caused problems in previous years.

Music was played to those assembled in the square by "The Road House Blues Band". Hot drinks were on sale at a very reasonable price of just 20p per cup, this was generously sponsored by the "Oddballs mcc".

The Mayor of Shrewsbury & Atcham, cllr Charles Forshaw, was present to show his support for the event. He also judged and presented the trophy for the best decorated bike/trike. This was won by Dave of the "Oddballs mcc".

The crowd was up to ten deep to watch as the run left the square, and wound its way around the town to call at Bradbury House in the Monkmoor area of Shrewsbury. Then back through the town to the hospital. After a hot drink and a mince pie or biscuits, generously supplied by the hospital, it was back to "The Beacon" pub for a drink and the raffle. An elderly couple who had gone in the pub for a quiet drink, looked bemused as it rapidly filled with bikers.

The old couple soon joined in by chatting with those that sat near them and buying some raffle tickets. When the raffle was drawn theirs was the first ticket out of the hat and won a 5ltr can of oil. which they soon found a buyer for. Off Your Butts mcc members also did well in the raffle winning about half a dozen prizes. As we were leaving the pub it was announced that the run had raised over £1400.

Congratulations to the "Rainbringers mcc" on a well organized and enjoyable day that was attended by over 170 bikes and trikes most of which carried a passenger.

In the paper