201705 Newsletter May 2017

NORTHUMBRIA BLOOD BIKES

May 2017 - Please feel free to print, copy, save or forward this newsletter to increase awareness of our charity!

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Find out more on page 16, 17 and 18

Easter saw another fantastic weekend fundraising from the Bebby raising just shy of ÂŁ1,600.

We’re sure that the social elements were at least as rewarding as the fantastic fundraising elements.

Thanks again guys, as usual, your support is awesome!

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Did you see the article we featured in?

The Northern Echo 26 Apr 2017 / Rachel Conner, Reporter (Durham)

Photograph from previous page: Annabelle Elliott, 7, left, and Charlotte Bestford, 7, meet blood bikers Graham Moor and Malcolm Farley at an Emergency Services day at Durham High School for Girls. Picture: TOM BANKS CHILDREN from two primary schools have been finding out about volunteer emergency services.

Durham High School for Girls hosted the charitable service day for its junior pupils and children from St Oswald’s Primary School.

They met members of the Blood Bikes, Police Volunteers, Guide Dogs for the Blind, St John’s Ambulance and Mountain Rescue to learn about their work.

At the end of the day, the two schools presented each of the charities with a cheque for £475.

Pupils at the junior house of Durham High School for Girls had a sponsored walk, while St Oswald’s held a sponsored read and a day for children to take part in a series of physical challenges.

St Oswald’s headteacher Gillian Harrison said: “It was a fantastic event. The children were able to gain an understanding of the charitable services and the fact they rely on public support to transportation of essential blood and medical products continue. Providing effective and timely Registered Charity Number 1166689 Continued on the next page…

….Continued from the previous page

“It was very informative and fun as well because they got to spend time in the ambulance and on the police bikes as well as meeting Jet and Ben (Durham Police dogs) and Holly the guide dog.”

We’d like to say a huge well done to both schools for their hard work fundraising for local charities. We really appreciate your support and choosing us!

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Photograph taken by Ross Mackenzie from left to right: Andrew Smith, Kim Shutt, Susan Armstrong, Gill Hardy & Sarah Melville Employees of Proctor & Gamble at NIC, (Newcastle Innovation Centre), surprised us recently when they contacted us to say they had been busy fundraising. They have raised an incredible £16,500 through lots of hard work in their own time. Volunteers Geoff Spencer and Ross Mackenzie popped along to personally thank some of the staff involved.

After our announcement last month that we were looking to replace our Kangoo with a new car the offer to purchase a vehicle from some kind hearted employees came at the perfect time. With our new car on order we look forward welcoming ‘Northern Star’, as named by the colleagues, to our fleet in the near future.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products

Charity Number 1166689 involved in fundraising!

We would like to thank Registered all of those that were

Do you still have old paper £5 notes?

Now they’re no longer legal tender in shops you might wonder how you could dispose of them. We would be more than happy to help you out and if you donate it to us we can assure you that we will put it straight to good use saving lives of those we serve across the North East.

Find us at one of the events we are attending (details of where to find us can be found on the last page of this newsletter).

We’re currently updating our collection buckets and tins with all new word-art designs.

Remember if you want to host your own collection you can request a collection tin.

Whether you’re holding a coffee morning, cake sale, race night or looking for a new workplace charity we would love to hear from you. Just contact us via: Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

fundraising@northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Not our usual delivery...

On 20th April at 4am Malcolm Farley had arrived at Wansbeck General Hospital to find a lady in the car park who was in the final stages of labour. As the hospital isn't open to public Malcolm stepped in to offer his assistance and helped to deliver a beautiful baby girl! Of course in true blood biker style the delivery was completed in under an hour. Malcolm stayed with mother and baby until an ambulance arrived to take her to a nearby hospital. Both we hear are doing well!

Many congratulations to the mother and family of the special delivery! Not forgetting a huge well done Malcolm - maybe NBB will also stand for Northumbria Baby Birthing! #Itswhatwedo Providing #MakeADifference effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

On Easter Sunday we attended the starting point of the Durham and Darlington Easter Egg run.

It was great to see so many of our members and to introduce ourselves to potential new volunteers.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Dobbies Ponteland proudly celebrate handing over a brand new blood bike.

Alan Johnston, Alex McDonald, Dave Hayles, Marc Proctor, Paul Travis Anderson, Walter Irvine, Dean Rookes, Sarah Garbutt, Sean Jamieson and Audrey Garton sat on the Blood Bike. Photograph taken by Ross Mackenzie

Staff at Dobbies, Ponteland, chose Northumbria Blood Bikes as their charity of the year for 2016 and 2017. Throughout 2016 colleagues at the store welcomed Northumbria Blood Bike volunteers into their store and through the generosity of their customers successfully raised enough money to bike a new addition to the charities fleet.

After a year of fundraising colleagues at the garden centre are proud to present a brand new fully equipped bike that will become part of the operational fleet. All their hard work has paid off and the addition will help Northumbria Blood Bikes to save lives across the North East.

Paul Travis Anderson, General Manager at Dobbies Ponteland said: "The Northumbria Blood Bikes charity was chosen by our team to be our Local Charity Partner for 2016 and 2017. We really appreciate the voluntary work the Blood Bikers do in our region and with the support of our very generous customers and the charity's committed fundraisers we are delighted that enough money has been raised to put another bike on the road and the fact it will be called Dobbies makes us all very proud."

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

After such a successful year of fundraising in Dobbies Ponteland last year we’ve already got off to a cracking start in 2017. Easter weekend saw a brilliant £1215.83 raised.

John and Frank, (above), are just two of the volunteers who proudly stood alongside the ‘Dobbies’ bike fundraising.

We need you to nominate us for the next TSB Bank Local Charity Partners 2017/2018.

Each of their branches will pick one local cause from the top three eligible organisations with the highest number of nominations. The new partnerships will then start on 4 September 2017 and will also run for 12 months.

To make your nominations, simply head to this form at http://www.tsb.co.uk/charitynomination-form/ – nominations close on Wednesday 24 May at 5pm.

Information you’ll need to complete the form: Our charity number – 1166689 Email – fundraising@northumrbiabloodbikes.org.uk Contact – Graham Moor Phone number – 0191 364 3113 Postcode – DH1 5FJ and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Providing effective Registered Charity Number 1166689

Fundraising: Come and have a go…

Well it isn't every day a message pops into your inbox saying "we've raised some money to buy you a new vehicle, where do we send the cheque?", but that's exactly how we found out that Procter & Gamble staff at Longbenton had been raising cash for us. It did brighten up an otherwise dreary day.

We've been incredibly successful with our fundraising, with large awards from the Aviva community fund, National Lottery, the Mark Master Masons and Dobbies (amongst lots of others) but with these other awards it was something we'd worked towards or applied for and so we had some forewarning. With P&G it was especially enjoyable because it came as a surprise and such a great indication that the public understand and appreciate what we do.

However, while these big wins, and shiny new vehicles, grab the headlines we mustn't forget that the swankiest fleet in the world isn't any good if we can't maintain it, insure it, and fuel it to keep the vehicles on the road. It is often the case that large awards can't (or won’t) cover running costs and that's why we must not get complacent and we must maintain our regular regimen of fund raising events. There's bound to be one near you soon and if everybody gave a just a couple of hours it would make such a difference. I urge you to get involved and help out.

I should also say that it is much more fun than you probably think. When I joined NBB, I felt that if I was to get the pleasure of riding the bikes then I ought to do my share of “donkey work” too but once I got involved I realised that fundraising is where it is really at.

When I go fundraising I get to meet up with other members of the group find out about them and why they’ve chosen to help the group.

I also get to spread the word to people about Northumbria Blood Bikes and it is truly amazing to see how generous people are once they see what we do and why.

Further, there is always someone who takes my breath away with their story. It might be that they come to say thanks for the work of the NHS and they relate their (or a family member’s) medical history that shakes you to the core or it might be an elderly lady who comes and stuffs a large denomination note in the collection bucket because she’s just sat on the Blood Bike and been reminded of all the happy times she spent motorcycle touring with her (now deceased) husband.

Even if it’s just the look on the faces of the kids who sit on the Blood Bikes and make the Blue Lights flash, or the smiles on the faces of their parents as they photograph the children and post it on twitterbook - I’ve never yet been to an event and not come away feeling great. Tired sometimes too, but always uplifted. So, I have a challenge for you: Fundraising – come andeffective have aand go,timely if youtransportation think you’ve heart enough Providing of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Mike

Thank you to Kerry, the owner of Deli One, Wallsend Road in North Shields for asking to have one of our collection tins in her shop.

We appreciate your support!

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

360 Challenge 2017 Did you take part in the 360 Challenge 2017? If you did we would like to thank you very much and hope you enjoyed your day. Maybe you want to take a look at what it involved ready for you taking part next year? Take a look at some of the photographs from throughout the event: http://bikes.org.uk/album/360challenge2017 Those that took part are busy closing down online fundraising accounts and sending in paper sponsorship but so far funds raised totals over ÂŁ9,000. A staggering amount but we will update with the final total soon.

Special thanks to be paid to John Mcquade and his team of helpers for organising this event for the second year. A lot of hard work went into the preparation and running of the event on the day. Also thanks to the Roadhouse Grill and PTT Aviation / Durham Tees Flight Training for being the event to start and finish points.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Members information… th

Dates for your diary:

Saturday 20 May 2017 9am-12noon – Trailer familiarization at Zetlands, North Shields – please note this is not how to drive with a trailer but a how to hitch, unhitch, set up and take down for drivers already with trailer experience.

Sunday 21st May 2017 at 4pm – The Sage, Gateshead, members photo-shoot. We would like to invite all members to join us for an up to date group photograph.

That means all riders, drivers, controllers and fundraisers. Where possible wear full uniform; Riders - White helmets, black trousers/boots, Drivers - Black trousers, white shirt preferably rather than polo, black shoes and jacket.

However, if you do not have a uniform please dress smart and with a white shirt with black trousers. We would like as many members as possible to attend this opportunity. Full details can be found on our event calendar (login required).

1st-7th June 2017 – National volunteers’ week – please look out for information on how to get involved with publicity throughout volunteers week.

Friday 11th August 2017 – National Blood Bike Day – Full details to follow but we will need volunteers for numerous activities planned.

Sunday 20th August 2017 – Our first Open Day Event at Dobbies Ponteland – Full details to be confirmed but again we will need lots of volunteers to support on the day of this event.

Boxing Day 2017 – Committee shift – much like our Ladies Day shift we plan from 7am until 7pm the committee will be covering the full shift.

Last month we asked volunteers to vote to name our new bike. We can announce that with 62% of the vote our new addition will be called Warkworth. (For those who would like to know how the other names faired: Durham had 23% and Raby had 15%).

A special thank you to our volunteers from one of the hospitals we serve. We received a message to pass on their sincere thanks for their support and quick turnaround with a major haemorrhage. The patient involved required over 200 products from the blood bank which needed transporting quickly. It’s not often we find out any details involved in the jobs we complete but when we do it just reaffirms the reason we are volunteers for the blood bikes.

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689

Did you know that whenever you buy anything online - from your weekly shop to your annual holiday - you could be collecting free donations for Northumbria Blood Bikes?

There are over 3,000 shops and sites on board ready to make a donation, including Amazon, John Lewis, Aviva, thetrainline and Sainsbury's – it doesn't cost you a penny extra!

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3...

1. Head to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/nbb/ and join for free.

2. Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.

3. After you’ve checked out, that retailer will make a donation to your good cause for no extra cost whatsoever!

There are no catches or hidden charges and Northumbria Blood Bikes will be really grateful for your donations.

Thank you for your support.

New riders...

Mark Taylor Chris Roderick Keith Robson Trevor Alley

Assessment rides...

New drivers...

Jeff Glen Kevin Young

Assessment drives...

Paul Simmons Derek Henderson Dave Makepeace Alan Bragg Nick Burton Andrew Pennell Jeff Glen Debbie Paton Alan Bragg Adam Pickering Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Adam Pickering Mike Thompson Registered Charity Number 1166689

FUTURE EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY: Lots of things happening, and we need your help to support them! If you can help, even if only for a couple of hours, please contact us….information is at the bottom of this page. NBB members can register their attendance for most of these events on our website (login required).

May

May

May

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

12th

13th

14th

May

May

May

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

27th May Monday

29th

28th

29th

June

June

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

June

June

Saturday

Sunday

3rd June

Saturday

3rd June

Sunday

4th

Dobbies Ponteland 09:00 until 17:00 and 10:00 until 16:00 Door collection as charity of the year – probably lots of cake consumed by volunteers (Full details on the event calendar login and volunteers required)

Northumberland County Show 07:00 to 19:00 Bywell Hall, Near Stocksfield, NE43 7AB Family fun day...lots to do and see for all the family. From Monster Trucks to Roman Cavalry, show jumping to street food, crafts and shopping and animals galore. Free parking.

(Full details on the event calendar login and volunteers required)

June

2nd

Poplar Garden Centre 10:00 until 17:30 and 10:00 until 16:00 Door collection (Full details on the event calendar login and volunteers required)

3rd

4th

4th

Consett Festival 18:00 to 22:00. 11:00 to 22:00 and 11:00 to 18:00 A not for profit festival that's all about enjoying a family day out listening to live music. (Full details on the event calendar login and volunteers required)

Tesco Gateshead Extra Centre 09:00 until 18:00 and 10:00 until 16:00 Door collection (Full details on the event calendar login and volunteers required)

Induction Meeting 09:00 to 12:00 (NEW location – please see events calendar for details) Shift Controller Training 12:30 until 15:00 (NEW location – please see events calendar for details) Classroom based session for new shift controllers or those who'd like refresher training (Register your attendance via our website, login required, Members > Forms > Register to attend shift controller training) Prudhoe Town Fair 11:00 to 16:00 If you have a sweet tooth there will be plenty of cakes and confectionery supplied by organisations such as the WI. The usual fairground rides will be there providing fun for all ages.. (Full details on the event calendar login and volunteers required)

www.northumbriabloodbikes.org.uk

FUNDRAISING HOTLINE:

facebook.com/northumbriabloodbikes

0191 364 3113

twitter.com/northumbriabb linkedin.com/company/2866951

- for any opportunities to increase our funding through sponsorship, locations for collecting tins, supermarket events etc…

Providing effective and timely transportation of essential blood and medical products Registered Charity Number 1166689