This clip featuring Ben himself!
Our thanks to all the local media for their support. Additional thanks to Thames Valley Police and Peter Allen and all at TVAM for an excellent job as usual marshalling.
Wednesday 9 December 2009
Monday 7 December 2009
2009 Toy Run - A huge success!!
Sincere thanks to all who came on the 24th Annual Reading Toy Run! What a fantastic day it was - a massive turnout in the sunshine. Somewhere in the region of 2,000 people took part with hundreds lining the streets along the route.
Special thanks was given to Rose, the High Close School Principal as this will be her last Toy Run - she was presented with a momento in appreciation for her support. It was also noted that through the proceeds of these events and the bike shows sports equipment will be purchased to equipment the new sports hall. The mountain of Toys and gifts donated on the day bears witness to the bikers generosity. These gifts will be distributed throughout the network of Barnardo's projects in the south of England.
Expect to see some extended coverage in Wednesday's Reading Evening post - here's an initial web article here.
You may also like to check this You Tube link, (a search for Reading Toy Run 2009), to see what videos are being posted from participants. Here's a couple of tasters to give some idea of the numbers that supported the event and there are hundreds of photos being added in the facebook group (see link on left):
A personal note from Ben:
Thankyou all, for coming to the 2009 Reading Toy Run. On behalf of the organisors and Barnardo's we hope you had a great day. You have helped make a childs Christmas.
Thank God For Bikers!
Ben
Special thanks was given to Rose, the High Close School Principal as this will be her last Toy Run - she was presented with a momento in appreciation for her support. It was also noted that through the proceeds of these events and the bike shows sports equipment will be purchased to equipment the new sports hall. The mountain of Toys and gifts donated on the day bears witness to the bikers generosity. These gifts will be distributed throughout the network of Barnardo's projects in the south of England.
Expect to see some extended coverage in Wednesday's Reading Evening post - here's an initial web article here.
You may also like to check this You Tube link, (a search for Reading Toy Run 2009), to see what videos are being posted from participants. Here's a couple of tasters to give some idea of the numbers that supported the event and there are hundreds of photos being added in the facebook group (see link on left):
A personal note from Ben:
Thankyou all, for coming to the 2009 Reading Toy Run. On behalf of the organisors and Barnardo's we hope you had a great day. You have helped make a childs Christmas.
Thank God For Bikers!
Ben
Friday 4 December 2009
Tuesday 15 September 2009
2009 Toy Run date announced
The date for the 2009 Reading Christian Bikers Annual Toy Run is set to be Sunday 6th December.
1pm meet at Foster Wheeler, (Formerly Shire Hall), near to J 11 M4.
Directions: from J11, M4, take exit B3270 (signposted Earley) - Whitleywood Lane running parallel with the M4. It may also be sign posted Reading FC park and ride.
Please bring along a new toy suitable for a child of any age, preferably un-wrapped and it will be distributed by Barnardo's where it will be valued by a child in their care.
1pm meet at Foster Wheeler, (Formerly Shire Hall), near to J 11 M4.
Directions: from J11, M4, take exit B3270 (signposted Earley) - Whitleywood Lane running parallel with the M4. It may also be sign posted Reading FC park and ride.
Please bring along a new toy suitable for a child of any age, preferably un-wrapped and it will be distributed by Barnardo's where it will be valued by a child in their care.
Thursday 25 June 2009
2009 Dr. B's Show - Huge Success!!!
Many thanks to all those who camE to this years show and helped contribute in the region of £2500 on the day!
As usual the standard of show bikes was extremely high, with 100 bikes on display, Ben reckons it's the best show in recent years! Profits from the event go towards specific projects at Barnardo's High Close School in Wokingham.
PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON FOR THE DECEMBER TOY RUN DATE . . . .
As usual the standard of show bikes was extremely high, with 100 bikes on display, Ben reckons it's the best show in recent years! Profits from the event go towards specific projects at Barnardo's High Close School in Wokingham.
PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON FOR THE DECEMBER TOY RUN DATE . . . .
Monday 6 April 2009
Dr. B's Bike Show 2009 Date Announced
THIS YEARS DR B'S CUSTOM AND CLASSIC BIKE SHOW WILL BE ON SUNDAY 21 JUNE, 2009.
Barnardo's High Close School, wiltshire Road, Wokingham.
More Info from Ben on 0118 9787095
Barnardo's High Close School, wiltshire Road, Wokingham.
More Info from Ben on 0118 9787095
Reading Toy Run History
What is the Toy Run?
The Reading Toy Run is an annual charity motorcycle ride in Reading - held just before Christmas. It has continued over two decades to attract hundreds of bikers from all aspects of the biking fraternity to join together, mid winter, in bringing gifts of toys to a major childrens charity. These toys are then distributed by Barnardo's, over the Christmas period to children in many of their centres around the UK. in recent years, the ride has attracted over 2000 participants.
Where did the run originate
The first Reading Toy Run was held in 1985 and was organised by the then Reading Branch of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). A total of 18 motorcyclists took part, mainly consisting of the club members and a few friends, meeting up at the Pheasant Pub in Winnersh and taking gifts to children at the Battle Hospital.
The next Run wasn't until 1987, when we went to a childrens centre in Caversham and returned to the YMCA for refreshments, a raffle and a Christmas talk from Sean. The run continued every year since then - using different meeting points: Prospect Park, Palmer Park, Arborfield, Grazeley and Spencers Wood Village Halls and in more recents years Shire Hall/Foster Wheeler.
Who are Reading Christian Bikers?
When the Reading Branch of the CMA closed, due to most members moving out of the area, in the early 90's, the Toy Run however continued and is run under the name of Reading Christian Bikers. They are a gathering of Christian Biking mates, not a club, who rely very heavily on yet more mates, not necessarily sharing the faith but have a strong desire to be involved, in pulling off the event each year. Of the original CMA group, several are still involved - the principal visionary; Ben Spiller and his wife Jane, God's Squad's Sean Stillman and TVAM's Peter Allen, (Chief Marshall). Then there's a whole bunch of other folk who have given of their energy and supported over many years - Nij & Trish, Baldrick, Jim and Lyn, Reading MAG, Grub, John & Leigh (PA), Tony K. . . . . . . and many many more . . . . we thank you.
As well as catching up with friends and getting cold participants at the Toy Run can be assured some warm soup, a short christmas message presented by Sean and a chance to win some prizes donated by local motorcycle outlets. (See the Good guys list for a list of sponsors and links). Go on, turn up, you know you want to!!
The Reading Toy Run is an annual charity motorcycle ride in Reading - held just before Christmas. It has continued over two decades to attract hundreds of bikers from all aspects of the biking fraternity to join together, mid winter, in bringing gifts of toys to a major childrens charity. These toys are then distributed by Barnardo's, over the Christmas period to children in many of their centres around the UK. in recent years, the ride has attracted over 2000 participants.
Where did the run originate
The first Reading Toy Run was held in 1985 and was organised by the then Reading Branch of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). A total of 18 motorcyclists took part, mainly consisting of the club members and a few friends, meeting up at the Pheasant Pub in Winnersh and taking gifts to children at the Battle Hospital.
The next Run wasn't until 1987, when we went to a childrens centre in Caversham and returned to the YMCA for refreshments, a raffle and a Christmas talk from Sean. The run continued every year since then - using different meeting points: Prospect Park, Palmer Park, Arborfield, Grazeley and Spencers Wood Village Halls and in more recents years Shire Hall/Foster Wheeler.
Who are Reading Christian Bikers?
When the Reading Branch of the CMA closed, due to most members moving out of the area, in the early 90's, the Toy Run however continued and is run under the name of Reading Christian Bikers. They are a gathering of Christian Biking mates, not a club, who rely very heavily on yet more mates, not necessarily sharing the faith but have a strong desire to be involved, in pulling off the event each year. Of the original CMA group, several are still involved - the principal visionary; Ben Spiller and his wife Jane, God's Squad's Sean Stillman and TVAM's Peter Allen, (Chief Marshall). Then there's a whole bunch of other folk who have given of their energy and supported over many years - Nij & Trish, Baldrick, Jim and Lyn, Reading MAG, Grub, John & Leigh (PA), Tony K. . . . . . . and many many more . . . . we thank you.
As well as catching up with friends and getting cold participants at the Toy Run can be assured some warm soup, a short christmas message presented by Sean and a chance to win some prizes donated by local motorcycle outlets. (See the Good guys list for a list of sponsors and links). Go on, turn up, you know you want to!!
New Site
Welcome to the new Toy Run Web Page.
Have changed to this format to aid easier updating. I'll keep the old site up via the links on the left, including the events history.
Your comments are always appreciated.
Have changed to this format to aid easier updating. I'll keep the old site up via the links on the left, including the events history.
Your comments are always appreciated.
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