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Wootton Bassett

Fulfilling an earlier commitment, I went to Wootton Bassett near RAF Lyneham today to pay my and the clubs' respects at the procession for Service Personnel killed in Afghanistan and also to show support to the service personel and their families.

By the time the funeral procession was due there were several hundred civilians, and service personel lining the whole length of the High Street which has to be about half a mile long.

The church bell tolled, announcing the arrival of the four funeral hearses each with a Union Flag draped coffin inside. Some 20 or so colours were dipped in salute and utter silence descended on the scene.

There were people from every walk of life and age group, very noticably the younger generations. In fact one 10-11 year old boy stood next to me by himself and when the procession had passed, I thanked him for being there and he said, 'I wanted to be here' and walked away.

The whole event was over in about 10 minutes and I watched as the crowds dispersed and very moved to see cadets as well as adults in tears.

I have now vowed to myself to attend any other similar event both for myself and for the club wherever possible.

I will not forget today and the emotions displayed

Rog AFSC

the afsc  ride through the streets of Wootton Bassett
ITN news caught on camera Al Chester, Bones619, Dekomp, Mark from Donny, Rog on his purple GP, Truddy, with the Yarmouth Chapter Logster, ,Yogi , Paul and Cue.

NORTHERN IRELAND AFSC

Stephen, Gary and Rodney Carrick Fergus war memorial		AFSC & A2 Aces SC  Carrick Fergus war memorial		Rodney and son Aaron knockagh war memorial
Scooter enthusiasts from across the Province gathered in Belfast yesterday to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal and the Help for Heroes charity. Over 100 bikes set off in cavalcade from the City Hall on a special run via Carrick to the Knockagh War Memorial. Joined by representatives from the Royal British Legion, bikers from Belfast, Bangor, Portadown, Coleraine and other towns took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Co Antrim landmark. Event organiser Rodney Champion a member of The Armed Forces Scooter Club described the day as "excellent", despite several light showers. The secretary of the Carrick-based A2 Aces scooter club said the brainwave for the idea came about due to his interest in the Armed Forces. "My father was in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and with what's going on in Afghanistan I just thought I would run something," he said. "When I put it to my club they agreed it was a good cause, and it just went from there. "We tested the water with the other clubs and the response was amazing." Mr Champion believes the scooter run had even more significance given that it was attended by both sides of the political divide. "Both sides of the community are involved in the local scootering scene and in the end both sides came, which was great," he said. Due to the success of the run, Mr Champion said he would have no hesitation in making the concept an annual event. "We'll definitely be back again next year," he added. The scooter initiative raised a total of £300 for the Poppy Appeal and £150 for Help for Heroes

NORTHERN IRELAND SCOOTERIST
POPPY APPEAL
&
HELP THE HEROES RUN 2009

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