Chat and Chill June 25 2005

Meeting at a very sociable 10 for 10.30 I was pleased to see several bikes in the Well House car park.

Well as ever the Well House did us proud with pots of good coffee to see us off. A proud group of gleaming bikes then headed down the A22 to Nutley Village Fete.

Where with bikes lined up for all to see, and Gazebo up we spent a pleasant afternoon doing Fetey type things, Face painting for some, tombolas for pickled onions etc, though no one braved the scary slide of death this year.

Other bikes came and joined us from ours and our neighbouring centres, until a very impressive 23 bikes were lined up.

The fete goers were now over our bikes like bees to nectar,  a great feeling.

At 4 o clock the need for beer and vittels overcame us, and so we headed off to The Bat and Ball at Billingshurst, along some lovely roads, and the sight of such a row of bikes had people waving everywhere.

On reaching the pub, the Rejects flag was already flying high, where Anne, Les and a few others waited for us.

Parked in a perfect line, it looked more than impressive (we sent the Hondas and BMW’s to camp elsewhere on the field [Harleys seem to be ok]).

Tents up and so the main part of the evening began, to kick back, relax and enjoy the company of others and the food from the pub. And I must say the food and ale went down well.

The smaller people with us made good use of the climbing frame etc and raided almost all of the kinder eggs available behind the bar.

There was a prize for best bike as chosen by all there, Peter and his spotless K reg' Virago won a smart hand made model bike, Al and his Royal Star came 2^nd and Alex’s Vauxhall Vectra had honourable mention.

A raffle was held for the centres chosen charities and thanks to all a total of £122 was raised.

Then back again to the chatting and drinking etc.   

As the pub closed no great surprise to find we were the last out, so with carry outs of beer and guinness!!

We then ended up chatting under the gazebo until the small hours.

The night was unseasonably cool (oh that I had packed a sleeping bag) but some brave sole (Anne) still managed a Bivvy Bag.

Next morning up bright and early and I headed back for a family meal.

A cracking day and night, and plans are already underway for a repeat next year, watch this space.

Thanks to Anne who finally pulled it all together, Paul for his excellent navigation Carl and Linda at the Bat and Ball for a warm welcome and especially all the Rejects and VSOC friends who made it such a great time.

Bosun