An Annual event at which the bikes are displayed

Saturday 27th June  saw Jan and I , and Dennis settiung off in grim looking weather to visit Grimsargh, home to Bill and Barbara Squires and venue for the Field Day event being hosted by his village.

This annual event is known amongst the GNWesters due to the great buffet put on for the participants on Goldwings by Barbara Squires.

Despite the weather forecast for the morning we were not rained on while on the way and with Den in the lead we took the scenic route from Warrington across country to Rivington Little Barn, where we stopped for refreshments and loos. The Little Barn was the stop as being a Saturday the Big Barn was shut, but that didn’t matter as it was very welcome indeed.

Not hard to find Bill's House

Following refreshments,  we  carried on and joined the motorway for the last few miles to exit for Grimsargh, and the short ride to Bill’s house. It was not hard to find at all, with Goldwings abandoned everywhere, on the roads, pavementas and  driveways. Things suddenly did not look too good at all, we were late for the buffet and having spotted Bob Summers’ bike I knew that there was likely to be meagre rations left for late comers. Luckily Barbara had done a magnificent effort and there was sufficient for everyone.

The reputation of the  hospitality of the Squires is well deserved.

Wingers before they get all hot

Following a chat and greetings with old friends, we all mustered to be led to the start point for the parade.  Just in time too as some of the floats had already left the entrance on the parade, but we were able to snuck in at the back. The sight of 11 Goldwings after the steam engine and old cars attracted lots of attention from the crowds with many photos and movies being taken.

Soon we were parked up on the field, a nice spot right by the entrance so we did not have far to ride on grass, and carefully lined up so we made a great display. The steam engine then decides to drop its trailer off immediately in front of the Wings, and make its way across the field. At this point a group of Goldwing owners decided the trailer should be

It got a bit too hot so stop anywhere and undress

moved out of the way, so without further ado they promptly pushed it back out of the way to much hilarity from onlookers.

The ‘Air Ambulance’ collecting tins were draped over the bikes and everyone went for a look around the field and stalls.

Jan and I kept an eye on the clouds, and seeing a dark grey clump getting together,  we decided to make our way home as very heavy rain was predicted for the afternoon. Donning our waterproofs we were then joined by Dennis who had the same idea.

Having said our goodbyes we then drove down the road towards the motorway when after 1/2 mile the heavens

1 steamer equals half a dozen irate Wingers

suddenly opened up. Luckily we planned to pull in for petrol before we hit the motorway and we refuelled the bikes watching the rain driving down from the skies. In what seemed like a break from the heavy rain we set off agin in the lighter rain and luckily it eased off even more to stop completely a mile or so later.

Following an uneventful journey back along the motorway we parted company with Dennis at Chester, where he went to visit relatives, while we continued home.

Shortly after arriving home the heavens opened again and there was quite a downpour. By this time the trike was garaged and I was changed into more suitable lounging clothes.

Jan and I agreed that if we had listened to the weather forecast we would have missed an excellent day out and a great meeting with friends.

A fine display of machinery - after trailers are moved!

Dave T

Papa Joe, last year's winner of the Best Lit Bike trophy

I am pleased to see that the Blackpool Light Parade organisers have just released plenty of information about this year’s event.

This is one of the best events of the year, and eagerly awaited by numerous Wingers – including me. In fact, I understand that the event’s website has been getting lots of messages lately from frustrated Wingers anxious to know the dates for this year so they can book their holidays!

Well, the dates are now announced – September 4th-7th – but Pontin’s are not quite geared up to take bookings yet. So keep an eye on the website for an announcement to say they are ready – probably in early February.

As many of you know, I have recently switched to a trike after a very nasty fall on my bike. However, I don’t think the 8 months remaining is enough time to load it with sufficient lights to beat Papa Joe to – what – his potential third Best Bike Award in a row?! I bet the bugger’s adding more lights as we speak!