Kev Percival on a scooter he built for Guy Farmer a while ago
Those of us down on the south coast will remember Kev Percival from his days in Rafferty Newmans, and later running Allstyles Scooters, and more widely known as ‘the guy that saved Jimmy’s scooter’ (yes the real one) from a rusty grave. About 15 years ago Kev decided it was time to move on and moved down to Devon.
Fast forward to earlier this year and Kev’s moved back and is quickly back in the thick of the local scooter scene. No doubt drunkenly, someone suggests a get together for a reunion. Kev not being one to talk, rather than do quickly jumps in with both feet and is soon tracking people down that haven’t been seen or heard of for years. Facebook is scrolled through, searching for old friends, and when that fails Kev goes proper 80s and uses the telephone to find them.
Meanwhile a venue needs to be found that will accommodate the masses, The Victory Suite in Fratton Park is chosen. More planning, next a rideout for the morning, route worked out, another piece of the jigsaw falls into place.
Kev sets up a Facebook page to keep people up to date with the latest developments and slowly but surely the buzz starts to grow, with the page becoming more than just a reminder for the event, but somewhere for people to swap stories, post photos and generally reminisce about the best times of our lives. As the Reunion draws closer it’s all people are talking about, the buzz around it is amazing.
In just a couple of months Kev’s organised everything and the day arrives. First the rideout, starting on the top of Portsdown Hill (as many rides to rallies did way back when) and by 11 AM there’s over 80 scoots ready to go. The route is a nostalgic trip round many old haunts, first up to Waterlooville, then Havant, Leigh Park, then on to Emsworth and finally after about two hours riding back down into Portsmouth, through Farlington and Cosham, through the centre of Portsmouth and along Southsea seafront to park up by Clarence pier to grab a coffee and a chat.
Come the evening and people from as far afield as Yorkshire and Scotland start arriving at the do, with everyone receiving a commemorative patch. In all well over 200 people attend and the atmosphere is electric, with wall-to-wall smiles, and the odd scream of recognition thrown in for good measure (I have to plead guilty of that one myself).
The DJ’s play a mix of rally tunes which of course go down like a storm, though the wrecking was possibly a little more restrained than back in the 80s, well none of us are 18 any more are we. Sadly the night flew by far too quickly and soon it was time to say our goodbyes, but I have to say I was lucky enough to attend one of the best and possibly the most emotional local dos since the 80s. Same time next year Kev?
Words and photos: Booga
If you spot yourself or friends in the gallery please feel free to share the story and tag them…
Those of us down on the south coast will remember Kev Percival from his days in Rafferty Newmans, and later running Allstyles Scooters, and more widely known as ‘the guy that saved Jimmy’s scooter’ (yes the real one) from a rusty grave. About 15 years ago Kev decided it was time to move on and moved down to Devon.
Fast forward to earlier this year and Kev’s moved back and is quickly back in the thick of the local scooter scene. No doubt drunkenly, someone suggests a get together for a reunion. Kev not being one to talk, rather than do quickly jumps in with both feet and is soon tracking people down that haven’t been seen or heard of for years. Facebook is scrolled through, searching for old friends, and when that fails Kev goes proper 80s and uses the telephone to find them.
Meanwhile a venue needs to be found that will accommodate the masses, The Victory Suite in Fratton Park is chosen. More planning, next a rideout for the morning, route worked out, another piece of the jigsaw falls into place.
Kev sets up a Facebook page to keep people up to date with the latest developments and slowly but surely the buzz starts to grow, with the page becoming more than just a reminder for the event, but somewhere for people to swap stories, post photos and generally reminisce about the best times of our lives. As the Reunion draws closer it’s all people are talking about, the buzz around it is amazing.
In just a couple of months Kev’s organised everything and the day arrives. First the rideout, starting on the top of Portsdown Hill (as many rides to rallies did way back when) and by 11 AM there’s over 80 scoots ready to go. The route is a nostalgic trip round many old haunts, first up to Waterlooville, then Havant, Leigh Park, then on to Emsworth and finally after about two hours riding back down into Portsmouth, through Farlington and Cosham, through the centre of Portsmouth and along Southsea seafront to park up by Clarence pier to grab a coffee and a chat.
Come the evening and people from as far afield as Yorkshire and Scotland start arriving at the do, with everyone receiving a commemorative patch. In all well over 200 people attend and the atmosphere is electric, with wall-to-wall smiles, and the odd scream of recognition thrown in for good measure (I have to plead guilty of that one myself).
The DJ’s play a mix of rally tunes which of course go down like a storm, though the wrecking was possibly a little more restrained than back in the 80s, well none of us are 18 any more are we. Sadly the night flew by far too quickly and soon it was time to say our goodbyes, but I have to say I was lucky enough to attend one of the best and possibly the most emotional local dos since the 80s. Same time next year Kev?
Words and photos: Booga
If you spot yourself or friends in the gallery please feel free to share the story and tag them…
Great write up Pete..
Bring on the Christmas bash
Such a good day and night. Was lovely to catch up with old friends. Brilliant!