Bikers Respect for Afghan Fallen
14th March 2010
A Town used to silent tributes, reverberated to the noise of motorcycle engines as around 15,000 bikers poured through the town. They were paying tribute to Wootton Bassett for the part it plays in welcoming home fallen soldiers from Afghanistan after they have been repatriated at RAF Lyneham.

The motorcyclists had gathered at RAF Hullavington early in the day and made their way in batches of 500 to the town, where they were greeted by cheering townsfolk lining the streets.

Wootton Bassett mayor Steve Bucknell said: “I hadn’t expected this many people to turn up. We have had to stand out here in the High Street in stillness and silence too many times over the last few weeks. It’s a welcome change to see lots of movement and noise and people smiling.”

Bikers had come from all over the country to take part in the event, with around £100,000 expected to be raised for the charity Afghan Heroes. Juliet Stevenson, who helped organise the event, said: “What better day than today, Mother’s Day, to celebrate the sacrifice that our men and women have made in defence of freedom. Today is our chance to salute our heroes.”

Denise Harris, one of the founders of Afghan Heroes, said she had received dozens of emails from front-line troops backing the event. She said: "It boosts morale for them. They are so grateful to the general public for their support, and their kindness."

Biker Colin Ainsworth, 62, travelled from Derby on his BMW R1200 GS and said the ride was a chance to pay tribute to those making the "ultimate sacrifice." The riding instructor said: "It's crucial we show our support for all our soldiers in Afghanistan. "Today is also a chance to thank the people of Wootton Bassett because they attend the repatriations on behalf of everyone in the country. We can't all make it to the town when the coffins are paraded home and this is our way of thanking them for their support. All these bikes is quite an incredible sight - there's literally every motorbike you could imagine."

Matt Fairholme, 28, who rode up from Nottingham on a Suzuki Bandit 600, said: "Today is about supporting our boys and girls on the front-line and letting them no we appreciate their sacrifice."

The rally, which attracted motorcyclists from across north Wales, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and the south-east England, was the idea of biker Elizabeth Stevens, 18.

Elizabeth, a mechanics student at the Central Bedfordshire College, had only planned to ride through the town with a few friends. She said: "Our local bike club was throwing around the idea of a bike run, so I decided to make a Facebook page, and it just took off."

The bikers came on a wide range of machines, including Vespas, Harley Davidsons and high-powered sports bikes. They met at Hullavington Airfield, just off the M4 near Chippenham at 8am before proceeding to the A429, the B4042 and finally the A3102 to Wootton Bassett.

Wiltshire county councillor Dick Tonge said: "Such an event being organised in Wiltshire recognises the efforts of the people of Wiltshire in honouring the fallen servicemen and women during the repatriation services through Wootton Bassett. We worked closely with the police and organisers to ensure the route used by the bikers provides the least disruption possible and is safe for other motorists on the highway."

Earlier in the week, Group Captain John Gladston, the Station Commander at Royal Air Force Lyneham, appreciatively received a commemorative award as a ‘thank-you’ for the repatriations that occur at the Wiltshire base. Julia Stevenson, the organiser of the ‘Bikers for Heroes’ ride, wanted to recognise Royal Air Force Lyneham’s dignified and valuable contribution to the repatriation of the fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen and women.

Julia, said: “It is an honour and privilege to visit Royal Air Force Lyneham and present the Station Commander with this award for all his people as a ‘thank-you’ to the essential work that they accomplish here.” Group Captain Gladston said, “Support from the local community to the charity is astonishing and the ride on Sunday is a fitting tribute and mark of respect for the Afghan Heroes charity.”

Julia was joined at Royal Air Force Lyneham by bikers from all over the UK including members of the Royal British Legion ‘Somme’ Branch as well as members of the RAF Lyneham Bike Club.