A symphony of noise for fallen heroes (From Swindon Advertiser)

A symphony of noise for fallen heroes

9:50am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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Wootton Bassett welcomed bikers instead of fallen soldiers to their town in a poignant tribute to mothers whose sons made the ultimate sacrifice.

In excess of 15,000 riders and pillion passengers from as far away as France and Scotland passed through the town bathed in the midday sunshine on Mother’s Day.

They were met with spontaneous applause, waves and cheers from hundreds of people who lined the High Street.

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.”

Each participant paid £5 to take part and the money will go towards charity Afghan Heroes.

Organisers believe the ride, thought to be the biggest of its kind, has raised well over £100,000.

The day had started at the Hullavington Airfield where riders had gathered.

A sea of motorcycles draped in Union Jack flags stretched for as far as the eye could see – and they kept coming.

A chorus of revving engines filled the air and as one man said, it must have been a world record for the amount of leather gathered in one place.

Riders then set off in groups of 500 every 15 minutes from 11am.

Wiltshire Police said one of its largest operations, involving 70 from forces around the UK, had run smoothly.

Chief Inspector Owen Gillard, head of North Wiltshire operations, said: “This is the first event like this I have organised and it’s a significant challenge given the short timescale – we’d expect six months to a year; we have had a month.”

Many of the biking community are ex forces and plenty had their own experiences of conflict or loss.

Rod Bedford, of the Royal British Legion Somme branch, served in Northern Ireland and Cyprus, and had come over from France.

His niece is in the royal military police in Afghanistan.

He said for many people in the forces, RAF Lyneham represented home because it was the place they came back to.

“We have got our ancient history of war, we have got friends serving now,” he said.

David Bendelow, 49, who had come from Kilmarnock, said: “This is the biggest thing I’ve done in a long time and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Crowds of people lined the High Street creating a carnival atmosphere.

Children were perched on their parents’ shoulders to gain a better view of the action while spectators pushed one bike that had broken down to rapturous cheers.

Jeanette and Phil Heppinstall, from Woodshaw, Wootton Bassett, had brought four-year-old son James. Jeanette, 42, said: “We have seen a lot of very sad times in Wootton Bassett recently. This is a really god way to raise people’s awareness and support and actually get together and celebrate a bit.

“They have come from all over the country to pay their respects.

“We don’t always appreciate that we are given that chance to pay our respects. There is an awful lot of people out there that want to support the families.”

Neil Thompson, 35, of Priory Vale, said: “I used to be in the forces. It’s amazing what Wootton Bassett are doing. It needed to be recognised in some way.”

Wife Rachel, 34, added: “It’s lovely to see so many people turning out, it’s a great idea.”

Kevin Hedges, 44, from Freshbrook, said: “There was talk that Wootton Bassett people were perhaps not wanting this, but I think the public do want it. They’re doing it for the right reasons.”

Jenny Russell, 39, from Brinkworth, had brought daughter Evie, three, and son George, 10.

She said: “It’s fantastic. It probably makes you more aware and brings it home to you.

“I know people got to the repatriations, but I think when you have got young children that part of it’s very difficult.”

George said: “My favourite one was the one with five people on it, I thought it was awesome, the beeping and everything.”

Tony Twigg, 59, from Calne, was visiting his mother Peggy in Wootton Bassett. He said: “It’s absolutely brilliant. It’s a terrific atmosphere, everybody’s talking to everybody, you’ll meet people you’ll never meet again in your life.”