BOROUGH Santas everywhere are giving their motorbikes a final once over and checking their watches in preparation for a special trip to Wokingham.
They’re getting ready for The Reading Toy Run, an annual charity motorcycle ride held just before Christmas.
Now in its 38th year, the event has attracted hundreds of bikers from all aspects of the biking fraternity to join together in bringing gifts and toys to a major children’s charity.
The toys are distributed by Barnardos during the Christmas period to children in many of their centres around the UK and to other local projects.
In recent years, the ride has attracted more than 2000 participants dressed as Santa, riding what can only be described as Christmas decorations on wheels.
It’s a popular event that sees hundreds of local residents line the streets to cheer the Santas on, with several road closures in place on the day.
Jane Spiller, member of the Toy Run Committee, said: “ We’d like to thank motorists for their patience, and to apologise in advance for delays that might be experienced, because roads will be closed on the route as the bikes come through.
“Countless children have benefited at Christmas from the toys and gifts brought by the bikers, and we’d love people to come and watch along the route.”
Roads affected are The Shinfield A327 up to The Black Boy Roundabout and then Lower Earley Way to The Showcase cinema, the A329 Reading Road between the Showcase and Shute End, and Rectory Road and Wiltshire Road to High Close School, Wokingham.
Closures will affect traffic on adjacent roads too.
In previous years, the event used to set off from Reading’s Foster Wheeler building, but now it starts at the Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP) near Shinfield Studio’s Gateway Building, Shinfield.
Bikers will begin to gather at TVSP on Sunday, December 1, from 11am until the event starts.
Then at 1pm the Santas will set off on their convoy, with the affected route closed to traffic.
Road closures will remain in place until 2.30pm when the bikers arrive at Barnardo’s High Close School.
Reading Toy Run is organised by Reading Christian Motorcyclists and Dr. B’s Custom and Classic Bike Show.
All are welcome to watch the convoy and to take pictures and video, but organisers ask people not to post any pictures or footage of any children taken on the premises at High Close School.
Please note the new starting point, and earlier start time.
For information, visit Reading Toy Run’s Facebook page.
