Looking back over the past season, this has been the most exciting time in the life of the association. I just can't believe the team we have on board and what we have achieved this year.

From my own side of things it all started with the Bristol and West Classic Show and the interest that we had from the organisers. We were then offered to work a helmet park at one of their larger events. We started to get all the 'old' crowd' back from the past visiting us at the stand and wanting to re-join.

We attended the SW Custom & Classic Show with our stall and fund-raising 'car bash". This once again was a great success, thanks to the SW team that were involved. We were even interviewed for the Men & Motors programme on events,

The National Rally was a belter, put together by Rick, and although short on manpower to run it, those that did help worked like Trojans. All your work was greatly appreciated.

We have had the NABD reps really pulling out all stops this year. With most of them covering at least one or two events each month.

What most people don't realise is that a lot of the reps are busy people, with other clubs they belong to, their own home social life, plus their families. Then of course there is the great anti-social interferer 'work' which tends to put the mockers on a lot of things we do. Fitting all this in plus running the gauntlet of events, I really take my hat off to you. You have all done us proud and thanks for all your efforts. Without you doing your bit the NABD wouldn't have achieved half as much as it has. Never under estimate what you have done. Some reps have had the courage to go one step further by putting on their own events. These have been in the form of one day/night parties or a full-blown rally such as the Urban rally.

Dave Ladd and his crew from Bristol ran the Urban Rally, raising a considerable amount of money for us. Not satisfied with this, they also were involved with a one day fundraiser organised by the Swiss Chalet in Swindon (see previous issue 44 for full report), and a Fowlers bike show. The team from Bristol have monthly meetings and even extending these to run little skittle tournaments and raise even more funds,

The Kent and London guys, Ken May and Gary Tompkins with their crew have been out everywhere picking up cheques, emptying collection boxes and raising funds on their stall. As the national stall looked so poor compared with their efforts. We improved it to a new standard of brilliance and presentation. Gary Tompkins won the 'Chairman's Award' this year for all the work he does, congratulations Gary.

We upgraded the Isle of Man TT presence this year and without the support of Mark Mayo, John Lance and Martyn and Linda Fowler, we would have been really stuck. A big thanks to you all for your dedication to the cause, even though they said they had "just helped out'. The team that the NABD took over there would not have achieved as much, without them.

With Autumn speeding upon us and the Cornbury Park Rally immanent. Graham Bull (Thames Valley Rep) and Heather his wife, and Zombie (Brian Stewart, his assistant) came into their own with local knowledge and the people they knew. Helping out like stars even before the event had started. Heather was on the rally site working even though two weeks previously had just come out of hospital. The Time Lords MCC put the equipment in place and provided the beer storage truck of which we were well appreciative, with Jim Meredith wiring up anything that had a plug on it and Reading MAG providing our first aid cover. The success of the rally was down to all who volunteered to help you the marshals and the dedication of the people involved. I whole-heartedly thank you all for your efforts.

With the season nearly finished we had a come-down with a crash, with the Grab your Ghoulies rally being cancelled. The inconsideratlon of the landlady of the venue Just up and leaving (and the new tenants converting the function room into flats four weeks prior to the event) was a disaster for the planned fundraiser. Scruff (Clive Kidby, Somerset Rep) and Chris Simmonds (Wilts Rep) running and phoning around alternative venues to no avail.

Just to round up the year's events and achievements, I will just add that we are once again at the NEC International Scooter and Motorcycle Show this year with an even bigger and better stall than in previous years.

I would like to thank everyone on behalf of the NABD who really appreciate everything all of you have done behind the scenes and to you as members and supporters for all your support and faith in us running the association. Remember without you members, there wouldn't be a NABD to write about.

Be proud and hold your heads high, you are members of the biggest, most influential and active bike charity in Europe. ...Think about it,......

Ride with care and I wish you all a really good piss-up over Christmas and New Year. We will, as we really have something to celebrate this year,