Successful Prescott

The seventh annual Prescott Bike Festival, held at the home of the Bugatti Owners’ Club, on Sunday, April 9, was hailed as the most successful yet. Thanks to the glorious weather over 6,000 motorcycle enthusiasts flocked to a sun-baked Prescott to support the fundraising event for Blood Bikes and were treated to a whole feast of entertainment both on and off the track. Festival Organiser Gordon Downie said: “It was a hugely successful Bike Fest and we’d like to thank everyone who helped make it so, from those that took to the hill, the entertainers, musicians, volunteers, marshals, bike clubs to trade stands and exhibitors – not least the thousands of visitors who came to support us. “We will post the final results on our Facebook page, but early indications are that a record-breaking sum has been raised for the Blood Bike charities this year. Exciting plans are already afoot for next year, the event being held on Sunday, April 15.” The Mayor of Gloucester, Coun Neil Hampson said: “I am delighted to support the work of the Blood Bikers. As a district qualified nurse, I understand the importance of the service that they provide moving vital medical supplies, blood, pathology samples and human breast milk from medical centres and hospitals throughout the UK. Prescott Bike Festival is a great fun way for the charity to boost its fundraising and profile”. Amongst the many VIPS in attendance was David Hailwood, son of the legendary Mike ‘the Bike’ Hailwood, Norton sidecar racing World Sidecar Champion Stan Dibben, British motorcycle racing champion Rod Scivyer and popular British sporting hero Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards. Eddie took to the hill in a Grinnall threewheeler. On the hill Matt Mckeown thrilled the crowds once again with his Chinook helicopter engine powered Shopping Trolley and his latest project, the World’s Fastest jet powered Hearse called ‘Dead Quick’ which he hopes to set a new 200mph record in later this summer, and engineer Tom ‘The Atom’ Anable was ecstatic to actually reach the top of the hill climb course in his record-breaking Monowheel. The event featured large displays of historic, modern and race bikes, a Paddock Specials Show ‘n’ Tell area, and the unique opportunity for members of the public to take part in the spectacle by ‘running the hill’ or participating in thrilling passenger ride experiences. Entertainment was provided with live music, stunt shows, trade stands, motorcycle manufacturers and motorcycle clubs, all helping to raise vital money and awareness for the Blood Bikes charities to help keep them on the road. All proceeds from the event go to the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and regional blood bike group Severn Freewheelers, one of 27 blood bike groups around the UK that provide a free out-of-hours courier service for medical essentials. The life-saving service is run by volunteers and operates between NHS facilities, with Severn Freewheelers alone dealing with around 400 calls per month on emergency response BMW R1200RTS. The online photographic gallery has now gone live: tinyurl.com/l9mr6xq