The Handover

16^th May 2004

At an ungodly hour of the morning I pointed Blodwyn up the motorways to find “The Elephant and Castle” Centre 12’s main venue, to help hand over all the old mobile phones we have collected. A good starting point as they provide excellent Coffee and bacon butties.

What made this feel so good, apart from the glorious spring sunshine, was the fact this was something we have actively taken part in, not just a bring an egg/toy and join the run event. John had pushed really hard and by first thing we had 181 used mobile phones as the score chalked on the board.

As more and more bikes poured into the “Ellies” car park, more phones came out of every spare pocket, bag etc. the final score as we headed out was 287 phones, and I am sure there were a lot more than this at the end of the day. There was also a good show of Rejects who supplied even more phones. (Phones had also been sent in by other VSOC Centres.. thank you)

36 bikes took part in the run to the Airfield where the Thames Valley Air Ambulance is based. When we got there unfortunately the air ambulance had just had to go on a shout, which left us locked the wrong side of a security gate, with a newspaper photographer locked the other.

Shortly after it was all resolved, a few photographs taken by the professional, and loads by us. Just after the photographer left the air ambulance returned, so we had time to look around the “Chopper” while the aircrew checked out our “Choppers”.

Even more photo’s taken and then off back to the Ellie for a Buffet lunch, or in my case home.

By our reckoning the equivalent cash donation to all the mobiles is in excess of £1400 so well done to all those who donated.

This is now the Vultures chosen charity and any mobile phones will be gratefully accepted.

A big thank you to all who were involved. Especially to John and Dave for their tenacity at chasing people for mobiles.

Bosun

Check out their web site at:-  www.airambulancetvac.org