The (Northern) Northern Pan Riders Christmas Social 2009

We from the North have an annual Christmas Party to which all Club members are welcome, such is the reputation of these events that we had several members who travelled some distance making a cheap ‘do’ quite expensive when the hotel costs are added. In all 32 booked, but due to illness only 26 could attend, we trust those who were poorly are now on the mend and have booked good health for our (2010) year’s party.

(Chairman) Garry travelled to join us even though he was using a walking stick after hurting his leg/knee/ankle, after Sharon Topham (Qualified Nurse) had examined it she suggested Garry should seek medical help as a matter of urgency. Garry stayed to the end of the party and on the way home he called into Harrogate A&E. The diagnosis was a torn Achilles tendon and he will be off his bike for some considerable time.

The first drama started 2 days before when the pub phoned to inform us that we were double booked! This was because a planned conservatory was being held up by the planning department and was unusable, the answer was we would be given one side of the main bar to have our party, not the best result but in the end I think we all enjoyed ourselves and s*d the regulars, 1 or 2 of whom objected to our carol singing and general noise.

Everyone brought a ‘Secret Santa’ gift and because we in the North East are special, Santa Clause made a personal appearance and allowed nearly all the girls to sit on his knee. Everyone went home with a present, one or two of which I remember being given out at last year’s party. Santa went home with a big smile on his face.

Party games were played and carols sung, the festive spirit was imbibed and, I hope, everyone enjoyed themselves.

Elizabeth Place organised a raffle, as she does every meeting, the proceeds from which, £90+, will be added to the pot and are given to The Great North Air Ambulance on behalf of the WHOLE club at the annual GNAA mystery ride.

At the end of the evening all those who attended said they had enjoyed themselves and would be coming back next year, if only to put their Secret Santa back into circulation.

Finally I would like to thank everyone for supporting this party, especially those who helped in anyway and/or just attended and added their personality to the proceedings.

Well, all that happened last year and it is 2010 already so all I can say is have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Mal & Bev Hagan.

Ed: Indeed everyone did have a good time, and were absolutely thrilled that Santa made a personal appearance, despite his busy December schedule. A very big THANK YOU must go to the organising girls, namely Elizabeth and Bev, (aka. Mrs. Claus), they did a splendid job and had obviously spent time planning the event. Thank you girls, and Santa.