Friday 10 December 2010

Reading Toy Run 25th Anniversary DVD

Toy Run supporter Mike Clarke has produced a stunning 68 minute DVD in celebration of 25 years of the Reading Toy Run. The excellently produced programme features archive footage from way back in the 80's, into the 90's and up to the 2009 Run in addition to media coverage, interviews with participants and informative narration and a soundtrack featuring three Berkshire based bands including long time Toy Run supporter, Larry Miller.

These DVD's have been produced in a limited quantity and are available at Smith's of Whitley Wood in Reading or by using the mail order form HERE.

All profits will be going to Barnardo's. Our thanks to Mike, his production team at Centreline Video and all those who contributed to the making of this fantastic momento - it really does capture the heart and soul of the Reading Toy Run .... go on you know you want to ...!

Already got the DVD? Feel free to send us some feedback via the comment option below ....

Thursday 9 December 2010

Thankyou from Ben

Thankyou to all that turned up for the 25th anniversary of the Reading Toy Run. I hope you all had a brilliant albeit a very cold time (but atleast it wasnt snowing!) God works in mysterious ways with the weather!

There were 900 bikes and 1000's of spectators. All of you have produced an outstanding amount of presents once again, and we thank you for your generosity.

The Toy run started the same year as live aid, where David Bowie sang 2 songs: Rebel, Rebel and Heroes for one day.

Bikers are seen as Rebels but on the 5th Decemeber 2010 you were all heroes.

On behalf of the children that we may not ever see (including their smiles),
Thank You.

See you next year,

God bless,

Ben Spiller.
Thank God For Bikers.

PS. Order Form for 25th Anniversary DVD available here. More info to follow.

Wednesday 8 December 2010

Acknowledging Ben's Work Over 25 years


Artist Ken Rothery presented Ben with this mural, as a gift on behalf of all those involved with the Reading Toy Run over the past 25 years ... deep appreciation on behalf of us all.

2010 Toy Run News Reports

Reading Evening Post 8.12.10 and the gallery from their site.




Wokingham Times Video Coverage and News Feature




For more participants videos try this you tube search .....

Our thanks to all the local media outlets that support this years event.

Monday 6 December 2010

25 years on - THANK YOU

A huge thank you to all those who took part in the run this year and also to those hundreds and hundreds of folks who lined the streets.

Please check back in a few days for video links to news coverage, a message from Ben and also details of how you can get hold of a fantastic limited edition DVD produced for this years 25th Anniversary Run!!

Check out the facebook group (link on the left) for photo uploads and reaction.

Once again - a massive effort by all involved and deeply appreciated by those benefitting from the run.

Saturday 4 December 2010

FINAL PREP FOR 2010 TOY RUN

Weather is looking very favourable folks, so it will be business as usual. If for any reason your are unable to travel because of icy conditions in your area, Barnardo's High Close School will still be able to accept toys until next Tuesday. Otherwise we look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow afternoon. Run details in earlier posts below. Ride safely and our thanks to the local community that come out and show support and are affected by the brief road closures.

MEDIA NOTICE ON BEHALF OF BARNARDO'S, HIGH CLOSE SCHOOL
"Rareday is currently filming a documentary about High Close for Channel 4. They will be filming on Sunday during the bikers visit.
Filming will concentrate on some of the students attending the event, but thereis a possibility that some of you will feature in the background. Please contact Katherine Anstey (katherine@rareday.co.uk) if you do not wish to be filmed."

Thursday 2 December 2010

Reading Toy Run 5 DEC, 2010 - Weather Update

Due to current snow falls overnight in Berkshire, we have been receiving questions as to whether the run is going ahead.
We can confirm at this stage, it is 'business as usual'. If there is a change, we will aim to make an announcement here by 9am on Sunday morning.

See the post below for details of the event itself.