More than 70 motorcyclists buzzed through Hampshire and the New Forest on Saturday 20 June for the first ever Bumble Blast, raising more than £8,000 and counting for The Honeypot Children’s Charity.
The charity ride, the brainchild of Honeypot Trustee Richard Houseago, brought together bikers from across the region, and beyond, for a 100-mile route in support of young carers and children aged 5 to 12 experiencing difficult circumstances. Richard and his wife Annie joined participants on the day as riders embraced the event’s bee theme, dressing in yellow and black costumes and decorating their motorcycles with imaginative bee-inspired displays.
The spectacle began at Honeypot House, where volunteers and Bumble, the charity’s mascot, waved participants on their way before the convoy headed to the renowned Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum. Riders were treated to a special surprise when motorcycling legend Sammy Miller, now aged 92, came out to greet them personally and admire the colourful procession.
The team at the museum, led by Manager Sharon Bumpsteed, warmly welcomed the riders, with bikes filling the courtyard while participants explored the museum’s world-famous collection and enjoyed lunch together.
After travelling through Lyndhurst and the surrounding New Forest, the Bumble Blast returned to Loomies Moto Café for an afternoon of live music, dancing from Bumble the Bee, fundraising activities and celebrations.
The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many participants already asking for the Bumble Blast to return in 2027 and pledging to bring even more riders along next year.
Richard Houseago, Trustee of The Honeypot Children’s Charity and founder of Bumble Blast, said:
“It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support Honeypot while enjoying a fantastic day of riding. The enthusiasm, creativity and generosity of everyone involved exceeded all our expectations, and we’re incredibly grateful to every rider, volunteer and supporter who helped make the first Bumble Blast such a success.”
Simmi Woodwal, CEO of The Honeypot Children’s Charity, added:
“Our very first Bumble Blast was everything we hoped it would be and more. Seeing dozens of riders come together in their bee costumes, united by a shared desire to support young carers and children experiencing difficult circumstances, was incredibly heartwarming. We are hugely grateful to Richard for bringing this brilliant idea to life, to every participant who took part, and to our volunteers and partners who made the day such a success. The funds raised will help more children enjoy the chance to build confidence, make friends and simply be children again.”
Fundraising pages remain open, meaning the total raised is expected to continue growing over the coming weeks.
The Honeypot Children’s Charity supports young carers and children aged 5–12 experiencing difficult circumstances through residential Respite Breaks, Health and Wellbeing Breaks, and ongoing wraparound support designed to build confidence, reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
