AFGHAN HEROES CHARITY RIDE THROUGH WOOTTON BASSETT
On
Mothers Day Sunday the 14th March I had the honour of joining 15,000 ? plus
others, on a motorcycle ride through the town of Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire,
to thank the town for all their support and grieving for our fallen heroes
that they have so willing shown.
This was also an opportunity to help the Charity, organized by three mothers,
who so willingly gave up their time, and the blonde lady in leathers, whose
name I do not know unfortunately, that I was initially told to give my cheque
to, who gave her time to organize the event. I understand that initially
it was hoped to get around 2000 to 4000 bikers to do the ride, but after
10,399 had registered, the Wiltshire Police told the Charity that no more
riders could take part, basically I presume because of traffic worries.
My colleague and I arrived at approx 8.30 am on Hullaving Airdrome main runway,
and approximately 200 bikers had already arrived. As we were paying our dues
to do the ride, bikers were already lining up behind us in their hundreds
to enter, many of whom were doing the same as my friend and I by paying double
the £5.00 fee, to help the Charity as much as possible.
I cannot put into words the superb feeling created by the sight of all these
Guys and Gals on their motorcycles who were arriving throughout the whole
day, and before we left to start our journey to Wootton Bassett. The whole
of the runway was a mass of bikes and people, everyone of whom was having
a great time, especially over such a tremendous spectacle.
I personally collected £1000-30 from friends and people who live near
me in Hungerford and various businesses and family, all of who were just
tremendous in their donations. I was told to give the cheque to the lovely
Blonde in leathers, ha, ha, that could have been any of hundreds that were
there. However I am pleased to say she directed me to the three mothers of
the Charity organization.
We left Hullaving at approx. 11.15 and followed the A429 to Burton Hill,
the B4042 to Callows Cross, to Callow Hill, White Hill Lane, then the A3102
to Wootton Bassett.
Along the whole of the route the feeling was fantastic, as wherever you looked,
people, whole families, at every house, lay-by, field entrance, road junction,
were lining the route, waving and cheering to all of us, and Wootton Bassett
itself was overcrowded with people again just cheering and waving to us,
having something to be cheerful about for a change, instead of our poor heroes
returning. I would like to thank all the people near where I live and others
plus the businesses listed for their support in raising £1000-30 for
this Charity. My daughter also opened a web-site to the charity in my name
through which a further £79.92 was collected. The feeling to give this
money over was absolutely wonderful, so to :-
Hungerford Service Station, Hungerford Butchers, Lloyds Bank Hungerford, Aldbourne Butchers, Arthur (Friday Fresh Fish), Chain Mail, M.G.Dodds Electrical, The Veterinary Hospital Hungerford, Peter Sands Dentistry Abingdon, Kaleidoscope, Staff at Fischer Fixings Wallingford,
Many, many thanks once again for all the support.
Christopher Stone