Jan and Zoe's report on the first Scarborough Light Parade
Well it finally arrived, what started out as a throwaway comment has grown into what promises to be a fantastic weekend. Yep, this is it the Scarborough Light Parade 2008.
Gary was working until teatime, ahhh shame, so Zoe and I set off to Scarborough on my trike with Tony and Hazel. The weather was great, and the weekend started off with a coffee at the café on Marine Drive as we couldn’t get into the hotel until later. People as usual came to have a nosy at the bikes and were already excited about the light parade. We then had a ride down the front at Scarborough and yes, had another coffee. Just relaxing in the sunshine and we spotted a wing approaching in the distance, to realise that Gary had found us, foiled again!! So, off to the hotel, and very nice it was too. There were already quite a few Yorkshire Wingers there. Bags unpacked, and off downstairs for a lovely evening meal.
Saturday morning dawned with lovely sunny weather and after a quick breakfast it was down to the lifeboat station to start setting things up. John and Jean and a few others that were staying just outside of Scarborough were already there. We got some of the bikes parked outside the lifeboat station for display. Then it was all hands on deck to get everything organised. Inscription was set up, parking marshals distributed and raffles and tombola’s organised. Bikes were pouring in at a steady rate and soon all you could see down the main road was the glint of Goldwing chrome shining in the brilliant sunshine. The public loved it, they were stopping to chat, taking photographs and most of all donating loads of lovely money.
Zoe’s bit
Well the old folk have dragged me away for another weekend, but this one is looking pretty good. Why, well it’s in Scarborough and on the seafront. Ice-cream, candy floss, amusements, beach, fantastic, what more could a girl want. Not very happy about having to get up so early on a Saturday, I usually lay in till at least 11, well a girl needs her beauty sleep you know. But things aren’t looking too bad. The sun in shining and we have a light parade to look forward to. Having hung around for a bit, I have come onto the sand to collect some shells, with Holly and make some sandpies. Next stop the amusements with Holly. Tony, Holly’s dad has given us some cash to spend in the amusements. Didn’t think I’d say this, but its nice to get out of the sun for a bit.
Its me again, Janet.
Well the day was a fantastic success; Jimmy had volunteered to park his Goldwing outside the lifeboat station for the public to sit on for photographs. That was a great success. Nigel and Denise won best bike and got their photographs taken. Everyone worked their little socks off and the public gave and gave. But best of all it wasn’t all over.
Light Parade
It was back to the hotel, caravan site etc for everyone to get a quick bite to eat. The excitement was starting to mount. There were quite a few of us in two adjoining hotels and we all made our way down to the meeting place at Burniston Road. When we arrived it was amazing, the car park was full of bikes with all sorts of lights. The Mayoress was there in all her regalia also looking very excited about the prospect of riding on a trike in the parade. Even Seasick Stan was getting a lift. We had no idea how many members of the public would turn out to see us or how the ride would go, but boy the adrenaline was starting to flow.
Zoe’s here again
I love these parades, it is brilliant, riding along with all the lights and sirens and everyone cheering. I must have a quick stretch and get the arms ready for a whole lot of waving. My public awaits me.
She’s gone now, I’m back.
The signal was given and we were off. We left the car park and turn down towards Marine Drive. By this point the old adrenaline was running and boy were we buzzing. We turned onto Marine Drive and could not believe it (in the words of Victor Meldrew), there were people all along the front. They had parked up their cars waiting for the parade. This was far more than anyone had expected. We headed gingerly over the cobbles, and started down the seafront. As we approached the lifeboat station the crowds were 6 deep in places, cheering and waving. The bikes as usual looked fantastic, sirens and lights going, pillions waving like mad. Some were in fancy dress. There had been concerns about the traffic lights causing problems near the lifeboat station, but no, they did a brilliant job. As the parade had to slow down the public got a good chance to get a close look at all the bikes, trikes and sidecars. We got set off back down the other side and slowed for the lights. Gary was a bit behind me and while waiting at the lights, had a quick chat with the crowd, asking ‘does my bum look big on this?’ always the comedian. I spotted Neil and Mezza waving like mad near the lifeboat station, they were watching rather than riding. We eventually made our way back to Burniston Road, past the crowds still parked on Marine Drive, and all parked up for a while. A couple of wagons had pulled in to park up for the night, not sure what they thought when they saw us lot arrive! The mayoress was grinning from ear to ear, she had loved it. It had been a fantastic success. We all took the bikes back and quite a few of use went down to a local club to celebrate.
All in all we raised £2198.57 for Scarborough Life Boat, not bad for a days work.
So, 2009, it will be bigger and better. We have Cayton Bay this year so we will be altogether on a night time and the crowds will know what to expect. Can’t wait.