Sweet Sixteen

[Gromit]

Evening all,

Just wanted to put a post up in recognition of this group's 16th Birthday which comes around tomorrow.

For the very most part it's been a great trip, I've met some fabulous people - and in doing so made some truly good friends. From all the weekends away, the meet-ups at various locations in the UK (and abroad) it's been downright good fun. I do hope there are others who feel the same way.

The downsides have - fortunately - been very few. For me, this year, things haven't been easy as a couple of occurences in this forum in the last 12 months or so have triggered what I had thought for over 10 years was a now-dormant health issue. There is a small number of close friends on the forum who know what's happened but to cut a long story short etc, I suffer from G.A.D (an anxiety disorder). This means that at times, what can appear like something fairly innocuous to the vast majority of folk, ends up with me being almost bed-ridden for weeks. I suffered a very serious attack back in Feb this year (wasn't allowed to be on my own) which ended up with me failing the medical for the RAF Reserves - something I'd been looking forward to for some time.

Please accept my sincere apologies for 'airing my washing' in public (it's not something I like to do - believe me) but for those who took the time to show concern when things really weren't great, I'm extremely grateful.

To that end, I'll soon be starting the ball rolling to transfer ownership of the site and forum to someone else.

Thanks all - and happy 16th for tomorrow.

[boxerscott]

Richard, you have fook all to apologise for. Everyone of us has issues!

Good luck, keep on keepin on as Bob says.

[f90x]

Happy birthday to us and thanks for starting such a great forum Richard. When I arrived here it was like a breath of fresh air. Especially coming from the err slightly Neanderthalesque Fireblade forum. I have thoroughly enjoyed the weekends away in Wales and have met some great people. I have especially enjoyed your company and being able to blather on about hifi and other anorak based subjects . It shall be a sad day when you are no longer at the helm but I hope that this forum shall retain the same values and overall attitude that you have instilled within it.

Take it easy and stay in touch
All the best
Steve

[herrman]

Hi Richard,
Has it really been that long, Time flies when your enjoying yourself!!
Not been that active here for the last 3 years for reasons that most know and the bike is just gathering dust in the garage (but its still there along with Alans 1200r hopefully to be brought back into use at some point) We really should arrange to meet up at some point in the not too distant future as we are not too far away from each other. Hope that you and yours are all as well as can be.

Regards Peter.

[milleplod]

Richard, I've not been a member on here for very long really, but I enjoy the place immensely. Its a credit to you and to others that work together to make it what it is. Sorry to hear about your health issues, and I hope you stay on top of them. There's nothing wrong with airing stuff in public - it took me years to acknowledge that I'll probably never really get over some horrible 'job' stuff I had to deal with, and when those thoughts come back to bite me, talking in the open really, really helps. And friends who are there to listen are absolutely priceless.

Thank you.

Pete

[ianbcr]

Well done Richard and happy birthday to Boxertrix. as been mentioned no apology necessary, your health and family come first and I am sure you will still be as active on here in the future.
All the best.

[Mitch1100]

Happy birthday Boxertrix...Im a long way away but it's my goto every morning!
Well done Richard...keep those photos coming!

[Humbug]

No apology is necessary. You have done a great job and hopefully what you call 'airing your washing' will help others realise that health issues are not all about visible injuries or illnesses. Well done to you. Brave man indeed.

[dave the german]

I think it's all been said - no need to appologise. This forum has been a breath of fresh air - thouroughly enjoyed the meets I've have been to and met some good people. Take good care of yourself and don't be a stranger- oh and happy birthday to us. Hope the next 16 years are as much fun

[JamesL]

An astonishing achievement which has brightened up quite a few days for me over the last decade... And who knows, maybe I'll make it to a physical meet some time! Thanks so much, and happy birthday us.

[Herb]

To echo others thoughts, a fantastic achievement. So many other forums collapse in on themselves. It's a testament to your leadership that this one is still going strong and attracting new members.

Here's to the next 16!