Bikers parade

Well over 10 thousand bikers and pillions will this weekend be taking part in an organised ride to raise money for the charity, Afghan Heroes.

This week an award has been given to RAF Lyneham to say thank you for the repatriations which are held at the base.

Organiser of the 'Bikers for Heroes ride' Julia Stevenson says they wanted to recognise Royal Air Force Lyneham's dignified and valuable contribution to the repatriation of the fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen and women

She 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."

The ride on 14th March will begin at Hullavington Airfield at around 11am and continue on the following route: A429 (north west to Burton Hill), B4042 (Priory Roundabout to Callows Cross), Callow Hill to White Hill Lane and the A3102 to Wootton Bassett. Once at the Wootton Bassett roundabout the riders will disperse, but it could take a few hours before traffic eases.

Registration for this event has now closed and any non-registered bikers will not be able to take part in the ride. However, if they still wish to make a donation this can be done via the Afghan Heroes website www.afghanheroes.org.uk

Although the bikers will not be completing the course at the same time, it is likely that traffic delays may ensue throughout the day and therefore alternative routes should be found wherever possible.

In particular, the public should note that there will be temporary traffic lights two miles north of junction 17 on the A429 near the entrance to Hullavington Airfield.

Chief Inspector Owen Gillard said: "As a force we fully support Afghan Heroes and the excellent work that they do.

It's wonderful to see so many bikers registered to take part in this event for such a worthy cause, however other motorists who are planning to travel along the proposed route that day should be aware that traffic delays are likely and I would urge them to consider other routes.

We are working closely with the organisers of this ride, the MOD and Wiltshire Council to make sure that the necessary safeguards are in place to ensure public safety on the day, which is our number one priority." 

You can support the event here