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With many biker meetings, shows and weekend parties being cancelled this year following the shooting of the popular and well liked member of the Hells Angel motorcycle club, it was great to find a lively and friendly meeting place that was still running and, more importantly, promising to keep going.

Hobnails Inn near Tewkesbury

Five years ago when Steph Shaw organised her first "Biker Night" she had no idea how popular the event would become.

After the first couple of events, attendance initially dwindled. Steph and partner Dave considered cancelling the rest of the planned events.

Fortunately their perseverance paid off and as a result the big hearted bikers have added nearly £10,000 to the County Air Ambulance funds.

With a raffle every week and some of the regulars contributing generously, Steph is really pleased to be able put so much to a worthy cause.

Enthusiasts

The regular weekly meetings are now bringing in hundreds of bikers every week and the one off Mid-Summer runs attract more than a thousand riders, so the fund raising looks set to continue.

Steph Shaw

The meetings are held every Wednesday through the Summer months at various venues throughout the Cotswolds.

The hosts are pleased to see the bikers and Steph receives many invitations and requests from pubs keen to host the motorcycling enthusiasts again and again.

The meetings are not affiliated to any motorcycle club, but members from many local clubs meet for a chat and to enjoy the ride out.

One local club member said he thought it was important for meetings like this to continue to counter the negative image many people have of bikers.

Camaraderie

The large car park at the Hobnails Inn near Tewkesbury was overflowing as the Bikers, many of whom are regulars at the meetings enjoyed a Barbeque laid on by the hosts.

Attendees range from toddlers through to grandparents but all with a common bond.

The camaraderie between bikers is a large part of the lifestyle, and people from all walks of life were talking bike, comparing machines and sharing stories.

Dentist Aled Jenkins tries to get to as many of the meetings as he can, passionate about the bikes, the people and the occasionally the burgers.

Organiser Steph really enjoys meeting the regulars and she can usually be found busying herself with the raffle, and making sure everyone is having fun, which is what the event is all about.

So if you are a biker dust off your leathers and get along to the next meeting, if you are not a biker why not go and take a look at some stunning motorcycles from vintage British Machines to Harley Davidsons and custom bikes right up to the latest Super Sports Machines.

Either way you will be made very welcome and don't forget to buy a raffle ticket!

This article is an external contribution and expresses a personal opinion, not necessarily the views of the BBC.