Santa and his helpers You, know, some people just like dressing up!	Pat and England V The boys and girls turned out	The Workers Blue Knights preparing to serve and protect.....	Promoting the Club Tom Elliott being interviewed for TV. No, Andy was NOT taking a pee!	Mid November Pleasures! Is there anything like a bacon butty and a brew on a mid winter morning?
Santa, and ....err Santa? They may be old but they know how to have fun!	Wow! More than £4500 raised, and a whole pile of toys brought for distribution to kids who have little or nothing. Fabulous!

When you can fill Deansgate and have bikes spilling out at each end, it is an impressive sight to see. Those who marshalled were privileged to see the stream of all kinds of bikes which sashayed from Wilmot street to the Trafford Centre through the streets of Manchester. We'd like to thank the people of Manchester for being patient and smiling a lot, even when they were held up and couldn't get where they wanted to go. It may only have been for a few minutes but trust us, it seemed longer.
Bike after bike, a stream of buzzing scooters and a couple or more of trikes. Even Andy Roughley turned out to an event which is direct competition to his own event!
There were some difficult spots, such as the roundabout by Stretford Mall, but the car drivers almost always allowed us to pass without even a pained look.
We met at Manchester Harley and cruised up the A6 hooting and waving to the people on the pavements. Cruising is, it must be said, a relative thing, especially when Pete Wardle is leading!
We ate our butty and paid our dues, and then listened to the last post. Shaken and stirred, I was proud of the behaviour of all the bikers present.
Three clubs, one of which was ours, marshalled the event. I hope we will become more involved in this work without which great events like this will become impossible, as Police Forces continue to reduce their involvement in the protection of life and property. The three Deauville mounted North Manchester Division Officers did a great job. Thanks lads, get your membership form here! We travelled along Deansgate and up the A 56 to the Quays, through Trafford Park and into the Trafford Centre with barely a hitch.
Believe me, or ask the others who went, it was a hell of a sight! There were mistakes made in the marshalling, but they were small. One club member (not ours) forgetfully slipped his rucksack on before leaving Wilmot Street, completely disguising the 'Marshal' back patch. Manchester 500 and ourselves did the ground covering bit to ensure there were enough up front to cover junctions and let the Police move forward, and the less experienced Poynton contingent performed exactly as they were asked to, covering junctions then staying at the rear.  Good discipline even if a few mistakes were made. Thanks to all who offered their services.
The money raised was the highest ever achieved and many thanks were given by the Salvation Army. A brew overlooking the Sally Army band, a listen to the carols, and a blush at the compliments showered on the bikers present and we went home. The wind and rain pleasingly stayed away until it was all over, and the tears on my visor didn't appear until we were almost home. Once more it was a brilliant day and I hope we will see even more of you next year.

Harry Shaw (Past President)