UK & Ireland exclusive: Chapter News

All the latest H.O.G. Chapter news from the UK & Ireland

Oxford Chapter: Jake Spicer Toy Run 2018

Our annual Jake Spicer Toy Run was held on Sunday, April 8^th and even though the weather was a bit wet, we still had about 140 bikes taking part, many coming from far afield including members from Rolling Hills and Birmingham Chapter. As usual we had Rob the DJ at the dealership providing us with entertainment up to the time we left, and coffee and tea was served with donations going to our charities.

The marshals left at 10:50am to get into position and then the main ride left at 11am. It is a great sight to see the long parade of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles coming past. All bikes parked up at the hospital and the toys were put into three wire baskets to be taken to the Children’s Ward.

Due to the inclement weather not as many children came down to look at and sit on the bikes as usual, however, those that did enjoyed the experience. Bikers were also invited to go with the nurses to be shown around the ward and meet some of the children in care.

Here is a bit of history as to why we do this every year.

What the ride is and why do we do it
Dave Simpson (Past Chapter Director) first met Jake Spicer on the Annual Toy Run to the John Radcliffe Hospital about a decade ago. He was impressed with his determination not to succumb to his cruel disease. For one so young he demonstrated great courage.

Jake used his time to make others aware of ‘other children’ (his words) suffering from cancer. His fundraising efforts were both well publicised and legendary. He was never one to complain and continued to focus on the plight of others. He probably had more chemotherapy and radiotherapy than anyone should have to.

The countless operations he underwent still failed to dent his spirit. Jake, like his family, knew he would not beat this, yet he remained a cheerful, outgoing young man. He seemed to revel in proving the medical staff wrong in their predictions, and I sometimes think he derived some perverse pleasure from this.

Jake was moved to Helen House Hospice on June 25, 2009. He was moved at his own request so that his younger sister did not get upset when she had to leave him to go home after visiting him. The doctors then gave him 48 hours to live. Determined, Jake once again proved them wrong and regained consciousness, even managing to sit up some days.

Though only 15, Jake achieved a great deal in his short life. Even though he probably did not know the meaning of ‘altruism’ he rates as one of the most altruistic people I have ever known.

It is in his memory that the annual Jake Spicer Memorial Toy Run bears his name.

Last year our lovely LOH, Anne, asked about producing pins to raise money for the children’s ward. The funds raised were used to purchase a brand new PS4 console and games for the children’s play room. This year the funds raised will be going towards the purchase of a new oven as the children enjoy baking.

Next year Jake Spicer would have been 25 and it is the 20^th anniversary of the Toy Run. We would love to see a lot more bikes as we continue to bring joy to those children who have to spend so much time in hospital.

Charmaine Till
Oxford Chapter

Hatters Chapter: Mirror Check
The Hatters Chapter made their presence known at the Manchester Bike Show held at Event City during the weekend of March 24-25, 2018 by occupying a prominent double-stand position complete with two large gazebos and displaying a selection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.

These splendid machines had kindly been provided by chapter members, with two of the bikes being brand-new 2018 models, which had been delivered directly to their new owners at the venue by Chester Harley-Davidson® on the Friday prior to the show. All the exhibits were presented in showroom condition and were a credit to their respective owners.

This was the fourth time that the Hatters had taken part in this event and this year for the first time the stand floor was completely decked out with carpet, giving the display a fresh, clean and professional appearance. Also, learning from past experience, the number of bikes on show was restricted to 12 to give more space for visitors to wander around and view the models.

The display was set up on the Friday and manned during the weekend by volunteers from the chapter who were on hand at all times to welcome visitors to the stand and to answer any questions regarding the bikes, the Harley Owners Group and the Chapter, including details of membership and its benefits.

This year the chapter was pleased to be joined on the stand by representatives of the new Manchester Harley-Davidson dealership, which was due to open its recently completed premises on Chester Road, Stretford, later in April. The club has been operating as an orphan chapter for almost seven years since the previous dealership unfortunately went into liquidation in 2011, so it is with great pleasure that the Hatters have been adopted as the official H.O.G. chapter to be associated with this new dealership.

Due to the move in location from Stockport to Manchester the chapter’s name will be changing to better reflect its association with the city. Therefore, from July 2018 the new name will be Mancunium Chapter, acknowledging the city’s historical links to a former Roman fort in the Castlefield area of Manchester founded c. AD79.

At the show the chapter launched the its annual charity collection. This year all monies collected will be going to the North West Air Ambulance. After relentless efforts by the collecting team, urged on by chapter stalwart Steve Spencer, the total amount raised during the two days was a very handsome £1,510. Very well done to all those concerned for this brilliant start to the 2018 fund.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this another successful year for the Chapter at the Manchester Bike Show. All are looking forward to being there again in 2019.

Mike Greer
Hatters Chapter

Iceni Chapter: Easter Egg Run

Iceni Chapter, based out of Norwich Harley-Davidson, have been fundraising for many years now to support local charities. On Easter Monday chapter members braved the torrential rain and rode from Norwich to Great Yarmouth to deliver more than 100 Easter Eggs as well as make a £1,000 donation to Sunbeams, a Norfolk-based charity supporting children with autism.

This is the fourth time the Iceni Chapter have made an Easter visit to Sunbeams, donating more than £4,000 in total.

Jeff Bacon
Iceni Chapter

Lakeside Chapter: Easter Joy

The 2018 Easter Egg run was another Lakeside Chapter success. On Saturday, March 31^st, the Chapter assembled at Lakeside Harley-Davidson® for the ride to Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital.

The weather was overcast and rain looked possible. 21 bikes arrived loaded with eggs and bunnies for the children’s wards, with a total of 25 club members taking part. The temperature was very low so the hot drinks we were given were very welcome.

All the eggs and toys were loaded onto a large table. How we managed to get that lot on our bikes is a wonder! I estimate that there were more than 100 eggs of all shapes and sizes. Small groups went to the wards loaded up with goodies. The look of joy on the children’s faces was priceless.

Although some members couldn’t make the run they still donated eggs and toys to be taken by other riders.

I would like to thank everyone who took part and for giving so generously.

Big Pete (Charity Officer)
Lakeside Chapter

Lakeside Chapter: General update

What a month March was! Firstly we had to postpone sign up day due to snow, then we had a great turn out the following week for the rearranged days. Almost £300 was raised for the Chapter’s charity with a raffle and LOH bake sale.

At our monthly Natter Night we were fortunate enough to have Mark Rzedzian attend and do a presentation about Harley-Davidson Insurance Services. Members found this very helpful and gave constructive feedback.

Saturday, March 24saw a very active 115^th / season kick-off event at the dealership. Customers arrived early to collect the limited edition 115^th Anniversary pins.

Members came along and collected their Chapter sign up gift kindly donated by the dealership, a band kept everyone entertained and more than £200 was raised for the dealership charity. Finally, Chapter member Steve O’Leary was presented with a gift voucher from H.O.G. ® for his participation in the 2017 Chapter Challenge and coming within a sliver of winning the award for the individual accumulating the greatest number of miles.