Scooter Sunday 4

2019 marked the 4th anniversary of Scooter Sunday which is an afternoon of music and scooters in the square at Petersfield, Hampshire. It attracts scooterists from Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and beyond and we had a great time there last year but this year promised to be even bigger. The event had been chosen as the ‘Ride For Lorraine’, a Portsmouth lady for whom the scootering community had come out in force to support on her first rideout.

Lorraine’s Story
Lorraine Marshall was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer last summer, and in October was given a terminal prognosis. She’s always loved scooters since growing up in Middlesex and finally got one of her own three years ago, a Vespa GTS125. Although she rides it locally to the shops and for hospital visits it’s always been her dream to ride in a big group so she messaged the Vespa Owner’s Club on Facebook.

Wayne Belcher, from the VOC, was keen to help so he contacted some Portsmouth scooterists and Graham Humpston brought it to the attention of the SMaRT collective who organise scooter meetings and rideouts around Hampshire. The ‘Ride For Lorraine’ was born, and SMaRT’s Sean Mason organised the rideout with help from other members of the group. They made banners, organised patches, provided marshalls and announced that all proceeds would be donated to Rowans Hospice, a local charity suggested by Lorraine and one which is also close to the hearts of the SMaRT collective.

Lorraine’s bucket list doesn’t stop there though. Next up is an attempt to beat the world record for skinny dipping. She’s hoping to persuade 3,000 ladies to join her on the beach at Southsea to take a quick dip in the sea. I’ve no doubt she will inspire everyone to take the plunge, she is a remarkable lady!

SMaRT meet in Farlington

As a result of the publicity that the event had attracted, a massive total of 180 scooters took over the Sainsbury’s car park at Farlington, near Portsmouth. The local paper were there and a reporter was interviewing Lorraine when I first spotted her. They had organised a drone to take some overhead shots and a photographer working at ground level.

Here is a link to the video featured on The News facebook page which includes the interview with Lorraine and filming of the scooters as they left Portsmouth.. A link to the drone footage on YouTube is below.

The organisers wanted a group photo as a momento for Lorraine, so everyone gathered in a big huddle around her. I wish I’d had a ladder as 80% of the people in this photo can’t be seen as they are at the back!

Ride to Petersfield

The earlier rain had cleared and by the time we left it was sunny for the ride to Petersfield, around 15 miles away. It reminded me of the Isle of Wight rideout, with well-wishers waving us off and people with cameras and phones along the way to record this very special day. There were around 180 scooters leaving Portsmouth, rising to 200 with the ones we picked up along the way.

Unfortunately I couldn’t take photos en route as I was riding my scooter. It was such a lovely ride, and superbly marshalled by the SMaRT crew. Lorraine lead the way, with the rest of us following behind, it was a sight to behold.

As we entered the outskirts of Petersfield there were more people lining the streets to watch as we made our way to the market square. Once there, we parked up and enjoyed a nice chat in the sun.

Scooter Sunday in the market square

A fellow street art enthusiast, Ash Goodwin, spotted my scooter and immediately recognised Snub’s isometric work from a piece near Fratton Park. We had a lovely geeky chat about the Southsea artists and when I later compared my Instagram feed to his there are many of the same murals featured!

Scooter Sunday 4 Trophies

Terry Hendrick was playing scooter sounds outside the pub and everyone was happy to sit and drink, with a few being tempted to dance. As well as Terry, the other organisers of Scooter Sunday are Martyn from the 5.15 mod shop and Jamie Wells. They presented Lorraine with a special trophy to mark her big day.

Another trophy winner was Paul Hayward, for his Famous Grouse Lambretta.

After a couple of hours it was time to leave, but it had been a fantastic day with a brilliant turnout.

Thanks from Sean Mason

Sean announced that over £950 had been raised for the Rowans, which is a fantastic sum for just a local rideout.

“All the hard work to make yesterday happen was only possible with the following who donated to help make Lorraine’s wish come true and give the SMaRT group a well attended rideout for us to marshall.

– FJ Print shop who printed the banner and the patches for free

– Taffy Ducks S.C who paid for the cloth for the patches

– Wayne Belcher and Harry Winchester, the VOC head honchos who collected all the above and came down from Bristol/WSM to support the event and meet Lorraine

– Sainsbury’s – who didn’t have a choice!”

Today proved that scooterists have big hearts, deep pockets and really pull together to support each other. I hope this is the first of many big rides for Lorraine and hope to see her at the Isle of Wight next weekend!

Scooter Sunday 4 – Photo Gallery

Rally Guides

Rally Guides
If you’re planning your scootering calendar for 2021 then check out my 2021 Rally Guide to get the best choice of accommodation.

For an in-depth guide to the biggest scooter rally in the world, here is a link to my Isle of Wight rally guide.