During the summer I was contacted by Kim Miles from Hastings to arrange a meeting for the donation of a cheque to NABD. Kim explained that her partner Iain had sadly been killed in a motorcycle accident in May, and in accordance with lain's wishes, friends and relatives that attended his funeral were asked to donate money to charity, rather than spend it on flowers.
The money collected had been split 50/50 between the NABD and an Asthma charity, and the family requested that we bring as many members as we could muster (on adapted machines if possible) to a presentation at the Carlyle P.H. on the 31st August 2003.
Fourteen of the Kent NABD members set off from the Crown P.H. in Seal, on a gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon for the ride to Hastings. We first rode to the Blue Boy P.H. on theA21, where we met up with Kim and Fiona (Iain's sister) and several more of Iain's friends. Then we set off as a group with Kim and Fiona up front, leading us the short distance to Hastings.
It must have looked an impressive sight as our convoy of four trikes and around a dozen bikes trundled along Hastings seafront to the Carlyle Pub. After a bit of shuffling around we managed to squeeze into the car park, and we then spent some time chatting to Iain's family and friends, before the presentation itself and photo shoot went ahead.
This was the first memorial presentation I have personally attended, and I found it a very moving experience, Iain's family and friends were still obviously grieving his, loss, so a few tears were shed both during and after the ceremony.
We stayed at the Carlyle until late in the evening. Doug and Margaret (Iain's parents) appreciated us staying to chat. I explained the work and aims of the NABD, assuring them that the donation would be put to good use in helping disabled people to enjoy the freedom of hiking, and be a fitting tribute to Iain.
It was an important day for our NABD group too, as it was the first mass ride-out we had undertaken and our first (non-rally) weekend outing. I had wanted to organise a summer run for ages, so it was nice to have an opportunity at last, albeit in very sad circumstances. We thoroughly enjoyed the Hastings run, and I hope to plan several weekend runs to the Kent coast etc. in spring/summer 2004.
I will leave you with some very poignant words taken from a letter given to me at the presentation by Iain's mother Margaret;
"We would like this cheque to be used to help other riders have as much fun and the sense of sheer exhilaration that Iain felt when on two wheels".

Gary Tompkins

My name is Jamie Lauren Leach, I'm thirteen years old and I am the Northern Regional Carnival Organisation's Junior Queen. The NRCO is the umbrella organisation that ties together many of the local carnivals in the north west of England. As well as presiding at local carnivals, the NRCO Queens raise money each year, to support the organisation, and a charity of their choice.

I chose the National Association for Bikers with a Disability because I have read all about it in Open House magazine. My parents are both members of Crusaders MCC and I am a junior member. I thought it would be a very good idea to give it to this amazing charity that does its best to help disabled bikers to ride again.

My 'Court of Queens' was held at Heywood Civic Hall on November 15, 2003. I presented the money that I have raised this year as well as a couple of trophies to people who have helped me along the way. I presented a cheque to Gaz McCabe (or Hawkeye, as we call him), the Clubs & Rep's Liaison Officer from the NABD, a trophy to the Crusaders for all the invaluable help they've given me, and a special one to Pingu, who all but turned people upside down to get the money out of their pockets.

I have attended many Courts of Queens over the last few years, but this had to be the best ever, as there were so many bikers present and not just carnival people. There were a few raised eyebrows and uncertain expressions from some of those in attendance; but then again, nobody knows how to have fun like bikers!

It is my sincerest hope that everyone out there continues to support the NABD and the wonderful work that they do. I know that, despite the fact I'm taking a year or two out from carnivals, my Queen's Organiser is a convert to the scene, and as such, there is every chance that the NABD (and biking in general) can look forward to continued support from the NRCO.

Jamie XXX