Big Andys Scootering Site
an independant scooterist's web site....e-mail address:- big-andy@ntlworld.com
North Staffs Jesters SC "Scooter-Fest". Silk St Car Park, Leek. May 22nd 2005
Originally i wasn't going to do this event having attended Nuneaton Pacemakers Anniversary Do the night before and also wanting to save my pennies for Skeggy next weekend, as well as having to be at work by 7pm Sunday night, but given the choice of shopping with the wife and daughter or cutting the lawn, suddenly the "Scooter- Fest" in Leek town centre became extremely enticing. I used the excuse i could do with giving my scooter a good run before Skeggy next week as i had only used it for going to work since the engine had been stripped and rebuilt. So after cadging some beer and petrol money of my slightly annoyed wife i set off on the 30 mile trip to Leek in North Staffordshire. I wasn't sure how well attended this event was going to be as i hadn't heard many people mention it, so i was amazed when i turned into the town centre car park were it was being held, to find it was packed. There must have been around 300 scooters all parked up as well as several dealers on the edges of the car park. There was also about 15 dealers inside a market hall at one side of the car park. The organisers estimate that about 1000 people passed through during the day.
As soon as i had parked up i noticed many familiar faces and was soon catching up on the gossip with all the different members from Macclefield Kroozers SC, Ripley Harriers SC, Nottingham Gatecrashes SC, Stokes Golden Torch SC and Chosen Few SC. Also in attendance was Crewe Kings SC, Pooldam SC, Chester Centurions SC, Sheffield Northern Line SC, Outer Circle SC, Glory Boys SC, Tamworths B5000 SC, Manchester Lyons SC, Meir Heathens SC, Nottingham SC, Trident Trojans SC, Birmingham Atlas SC, Salford Knights SC, Telford SC, Strangetown SC and Wrexham SC. The Jesters SC would like to thank all of these for attending as well as all the other clubs and individuals not mentioned. Big thanks also go to all the trade stall holders who attended.
The ride out was due to leave at 1pm but due to the sudden arrival of 2 of the local constabulary this was delayed slightly. Apparently the organisers had been in touch with the local police during the build up to this event ,but had not received any feedback from them until 12.59 on the day of the ride out and were then told they couldn't use the route they wanted to. The ride out was only round the town and as Leek is not that big, it would take about 15 minutes. The Rideout left in drips and draps with PAF's Dave Dunkerlys Lambretta combination, parading Leeks Carnival Queen, led the prossesion but due to the polices intervention some went one way whilst others went another.
The Ruff Kutz took to the "stage" around 2pm. A couple of gazebos had been erected for them to perform under which was a good job as no sooner had they started, the sunshine was replaced by rain. I stayed a bit in the rain to watch Ruff Kutz but as i was at work later i had to leave before the other band, The Tetleys, went on but apparently they were quite good as well.
The custom show was well represented and was judged by Eric from ESP and Nick from Ital Scooters
the following winners are as follows:
- Best in Show – Losing My Touch
- Best Lambretta - Losing My Touch
- Best Vespa - Shadow Catcher
- Best Custom - Lost Boys
- Best Chopper- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Best Mod Scooter- Friday Street
- Best Street Racer- Malboro
- Furthest Ridden- "Wee Mann" from Denbigh (85miles)
A big hearty slap on the back must go to Chris Knott, Steph Knott, Stuart Cooke and the rest of the Jesters SC crew for putting on a good day, it wasn't half bad for a first attempt and i believe they want to make it an annual event. Once word gets about for next year they might just need a bigger car park. I'm certainly glad i didn't go shopping and to add to a great a day i got home to find the wife had cut the grass.
Safe Scootering
Big Andy
