2008 Feedback

The following are genuine unsolicited comments received from the 2008 RTTW

As an ex serviceman and a member of the RBLR. Can I say a massive thank you to the organisers and team for putting on a truly impressive event. A very moving experience. I hope those involved in the accidents will not suffer any long lasting injuries as it would over shadow an eventful day.

The Royal British Legion Riders Branch is a national branch of the Royal British Legion.Support those servicemen and women who have and are making our country safe to day.Rick Laing.

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Graham Barber
RTTW
Good effort to the organisers of the RTTW. It was a fitting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
'We Will Remember Them'
Regards from all the Royal British Legion Riders who attended yesterday.

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Thanks for allowing non-Harley riders to take part in the Ride To The Wall, a well organised and Marshalled event.

popwud gsx1400 silver.

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Nene Valley Guestbook

Just a quick note to say well done for gathering the support for today’s RTTW event. I spectated the start of the ride at Tamworth Services and was truly awestruck at the amount of friendly Harley owners and the amazing cavalcade down the A5 - WOW.

Hope the person who came off at the top of the A5 is OK, I guess it must have been caused by some numb skull in a tin box?

Your guys and girls on traffic duty at the A5 / M42 roundabout did themselves proud and demonstrated impressive restraint in the face of irate car drivers who were held up for few minutes on a Saturday morning to remember those who pay the ultimate price for us all.

Well done to every biker and the Northamptonshire Police for supporting this fantastic event.

As a Tamworth resident, please come back next year, I might even bring the motorbike (Honda - sorry) and not the bicycle...

Simon Heptonstall

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I think the RTTW tomorrow is an incredible gesture and one I'd have been humbled honoured to be a part of had I known in time to sort out a ride.
I hope the weather is as it promises to be - clear skies and some sunshine.
Wishing you all a fitting day for a very worthwhile cause.
Best wishes safe travels
Jennie

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Just a quick note to say well done guys, look forward to seeing you on Saturday
midgebuster
Honda X11

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Warbird
Great day on RTTW 08 well done to you all! here’s to next year! from a HDRCGB British Legion Riders member.
Bless ya all!

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When I set out on this one I didn’t know what to expect?
I rode down alone passing 30 or so bikes at woodhall services & just two bikes on the m42.
Until I got to Tamworth services I just didn’t realise how many bikes would attended this event .it was a great sight, but just felt like a huge ride out. I know it did have a different feel, but it wasn’t till I got to the Arboretum that I realised what a huge event this was & why we were here.
As soon as the piper started that’s when it hit me the whole reality of what this was all about. The service was very emotional and a great tribute to all those lost, wounded & hurting family’s
After the service I talked to a lady who worked there & I asked her about my uncle who had been killed in Ireland. I gave her his name as this was all I had , I was only 4 when he was killed & I never liked to ask my aunt about it .the lady checked the records & she found he was listed ! At this point I found it very emotional!
She took me to the part of the wall where his name was, that was it Brammah A N
It was great to see. And as I write this, I have a tear in my eye & a lump in my throat as I did then.
I was very proud!
Then she said she had checked some other records & there had been a tree planted & a plaque.
The lady offered to take me but I just got the directions & walked to the number she gave me.
After a walking down the avenues of trees, there it was, a plaque which read
Staff Sergeant
Alan BRAMMAH
ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS
Crossmaglen
18th February 1974
Aged 31
Again I felt very proud
That day will stay with me forever!
At the start of the day I didn’t know what to expect, but as I left, I had GREAT RESPECT
I would like to thank everyone involved & all the staff at the Arboretum.

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Ady Viles St Leger Chapter

Their names will live for evermore……

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Brilliant, what a turn out, what an occasion, well done you!

Steve of Sherwood

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Hi,
I just wanted to thank everyone involved with the RTTW, it seemed well organised and me and a few friends were glad to be part of this worthy cause. I would be interested to know what the final attendance was and how much was raised?

My only criticism was that although we were some of the very first ones to arrive (I was on a Blue Triumph Thruxton with the chap with the Orange V8 Boss Hoss, which I doubt anyone could have missed !) our lane was left till last to leave which meant an enormous amount of people who had turned up maybe an hour or two later than us, moved off well before us, but other than that it was an excellent day and I'm glad I was part of it.

Also, As we we're riding down the A5 we saw one or two people at the side of the road or in one case a police car with a couple of bikes, I just wanted to see if you know that they were OK ?

Anyway, hopefully we'll see you again next year,

Rob Fitzmaurice

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Hi
Just to say a big thank you for organising a fantastic 'Ride to the Wall'. Please pass on our thanks to all in your chapter who helped in any way. Well done.
It was an amazing experience, & everything went so smoothly, in fact, perfectly.
You did a great job.
We will definitely be back next year.

Just wondered also if the riders involved in the two accidents were O.K.

Many thanks,
Peter & Lesley Latus
RED ROSE CHAPTER (Preston)

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Hi Martin
Two words…….Well done.

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Guest
Well what can I say that hasn't already been said? Well firstly a BIG thank you to SO-BAD (not so bad are ya) for the insight and ability to put RTTW in to action thank you SIR. If I could give you a medal for it I would. Secondly the marshals for your adaptability to overcome the parking without your help and courtesy it could have become a shambles due to the lack of space, and for the professional manner that you handled the route. Thirdly to all the people behind the scenes for the time and effort that you all put in helping to make the event a resounding success. To the dealership and staff for a great after party thanks (never did get me pig lol) A special and personal thank you to OZ Lesley and my now adopted niece Livy Lou for the hospitality you showed to us above and beyond the call of duty xx to Dave and Sally Fish for the same hospitality. And a final thank you to all who took part to both show respect and thanks to those who have paid the ultimate price for our !
freedom and ability to live the way we do and (many) take for granted. To quote a phrase uttered before never have so many owed so much to so few

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A Rat [highflight0441]

May I start by saying a heart felt thank you for the brilliant event last Saturday. Despite being a Harley rider and HOG member for over five years this was, believe it or not, my first ever event/ride out. I must have looked a bit "touched" as I proceeded along the road to the arboretum with a stupid grin on my face interspersed with bouts of giggling. I didn't stay at the memorial too long, as an ex-serviceman and member of a military family I find I get a bit unnecessary at remembrance services, but all I'd hoped for had been achieved so I left as quietly as one can on a Harley and made my way home to Wiltshire. Again many many thanks and see you next year.

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Fantastic event and extremely well supported. Being ex-RN I was proud to have taken part and to be there with so many like minded people.
Thank you for your inspiration in getting the event off the ground and for your and Nene Valley’s hard work in making it such an amazing day.
I hope it will become an annual event.
Very Best Wishes.
Malcolm
Malcolm Fewtrell

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Thank you for a very well organised event all of you deserve a pat on the back
I didn't hear one complaint. Once again thanks
Bev Geordie chapter

bev muizelaar

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Dear All Riders,

Just a short message to thank you all for supporting our troops, the Armed Forces Memorial and all those who served.

Your kind support is appreciated.

Regards,

Mike Colton
Secretary
Allied Special Forces Association
P.O. Box 32, Hereford HR1 9DF

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Just wish to express my thanks for the RTTW, both as a rider and ex serviceman. It is pretty obvious this is an event which will grow year by year, but perhaps it needs wider publicity, and possibly see if the military would supply an escort, or the RAF could do a fly past, perhaps of a Hercules as support.

Hope those involved in the accidents were OK

John Fitzmaurice

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Can I thank you for organising the event RTTW on Saturday, my wife and I have never attended an event like this before and to see the amount of riders and experience the RTTW was outstanding.

I know that a great deal of time effort and planning goes into organising an event such as this can I ask you to pass on my thanks to those that were involved.

From my side as one of those taking part the event is appears to have been a huge success and as the weather was on our side it made the day.

Look forward to next year.

Kind regards

Eddie and Lesley Halffman
E M HALFFMAN
Maj
OC 12 CTT
(94374) 3912

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I just had to contact you after attending the rideout on Saturday. What an absolutely awesome and moving experience !! I have never seen so many bikes with their riders all there for the same thing - to show respect to those named on the wall. The organisers and all who participated should be thanked for what was a terrific day. I will give you any support I possibly can for any future such events.

Thanks to all concerned.

Andi.

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Firstly, stormingly brilliant job organising the RTTW. As an ex-serviceman (recently retired!!) I can’t thank you enough for what you and the HOG have done here.

I was meant to be joining you (I’m one of the Legion Riders), unfortunately my alternator decided to make itself into a kit just short of the M1 and I had to get the RAC home.

I’ve seen some videos on You Tube from the event, awesome. Completely gutted I missed it.

I also hear, sadly, there was a fatal accident – my thoughts and best wishes to the rider’s family. If there’s a collection/memorial going, let me know and I’ll help where I can.

My main question is – are you going to repeat next year?

My deepest Thanks again,

Trev
(Legion Riders, Eastern)

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Hi
Just to say thanks to Martin and all that have helped him with RTTW.
a great turn out and long may it continue to be a annual event.
Ray Clayton
Royal British Legion Riders. Derby.

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Some people screw up their noses when you say Bikers . I wish more people would see the good they do and the camaraderie within the groups. Rix is my daughter and with her husband Kevin enjoys the involvement with the Nene Valley Harley Owners Group. Every time I hear a Harley I turn to look, just in case its someone I know. Love the sound of a Harley, there's nothing like it this side of heaven. Keep going Harley Bikers, I'm proud to know you. Well done!! Roz Jordan-Jackson

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Graham Cloake – pre reg guy – Aire V

I would like to send a big thanks for a great day, not just a feather in the cap, but a whole Indian chiefs head-dress.
My little group had a incident on way back.(one rang into the back of another) passenger got a injured ankle , but that and some damage to 2 bikes, it could have been worse oh and the rain going home put the dampener on the last leg home. but all said they will be back next year. thank everyone concerned.
ride safe. Graham

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Gary Sal (Oxford UK)
A big pat on the back to you all,well organised and Marshalled, you should all feel very proud.

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Ian (Invicta)
Thank you Martin for a memorable weekend. You your Chapter looked after everyone made it a resounding success. 'From a humble beginning' etc, what a way to start. Already looking forward to next year. On a more personal note, it was great to see Mark 'The Beast',(haven't seen him for 17 years), to find out he has been given the 'all clear'. BRILL. Thank you once again please congratulate all your officers members.

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Just a quick line to congratulate you on a brilliantly organised and very moving first RTTW event.
Considering that the turn out far exceeded expectations, there was very little in the way of teething
troubles. The only panic I was aware of, was one lady in the services who was not coping with the
number of teas needed…..

Everyone I’ve spoken to thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Looking forward to RTTW2 already.

Many thanks and best regards
Harry Harrison.
Cheryl Kinsella.Birmingham HOG

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Val Cross
i took part in the RTTW event you had on Saturday 11th Oct. we met hundreds of people who were extremely friendly and down to earth. it was amazing to be part of such a brilliant idea which had a tremendous turn out. thank so much for the experience. it was both exhilarating and moving. i hope the couple of people involved in the RTA's were OK. i hope this will be an annual event as i know we will be more than happy to participate along with other friends who were unable to attend this year. well done chaps and thank you again.

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Hawwgste HDRCGB
Thank you for this wonderful event.Like I'm sure everyone who attended I was truly moved.This was an experience that I hope will be repeated.
Once again THANK YOU.

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As an ex service man (army) I felt honoured in taking part in this years event it was truly a day to remember we Lichfield Lizards would like to thank you all for organising this event and we look forward to participating in next years ride.
Thanks again and well done
Golden Lizard

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Hi We would just like to say thank you to all concerned for a great event. We rode from Tamworth to the wall with friends from Aire valley chapter, and had a fantastic time. We were pleased by the general publics response at the Arboretum,they were surprised but pleased to see the event taking place. WE are looking forward to next year. Once again a BIG thank you to you good people at Nene valley.
Best Regards

June and Derick Robinson Thames Valley Chapter

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Keith head road captain hatters chapter

what a well organised event you ran. the Marshalling was great i hope your club raised lots of cash for the memorial. looking forward to next years event keep up the good work.

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I thought I'd let you get your breath, back before I would contact you.

On behalf of the 46 Aire Valley members who attended, many thanks for a marvellous event.
As you know both myself and Dorothy are both ex forces (RCT & RSigs) having completed many Op tours thankfully in one piece.
I can not remember ever experiencing the full spectrum of emotions on Saturday ever before.
The laying of the wreaths was very poignant, and everyone that I spoke to afterwards said it was very fitting.
Once again Martin many thanks and please pass onto your chapter members a massive thanks for making us feel very welcome.

Kind Regards
Rob Mitchelmore
Director
Aire Valley UK

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Guest
What a fantastic day, weather just right, well organised Marshalled well worth the early start and late getting home to do this. Education for me, I didn't know this placed existed until I read about this event. Being ex forces REME, I don't know too many injured people, although I did know the first soldier to be killed in N. Ireland and good to see his name on the wall. Plus, on reading one of the books purchased, I didn't know just how many conflicts we have been involved since WW2. When will it all end?
Well done Nene Valley, till the next time.
Safe and happy riding to you all.

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Philip Aire Valley

Just wanted to say what a great idea you had, very well done, Marie and myself were so proud to support this good cause and will continue to do so each year. My son goes to afghan soon so its a worrying time for us.

Phil

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Barry - Photographer for the NMA

Superb event - one I will always remember. I look forward to next year! The Organisers did a fantastic job and I know a very good feeling remained about the event when all the bikes had departed. The Suez Veterans there also enjoyed your company.
If you would like to view them, a small sample gallery of images from the event is now available on www.theveterans.co.uk. Details of the DVD slide show can also be found there. A copy of the DVD will be going to the RTTW Organisers today and also to the NMA for their archives and to play in their Reception area.
Thanks again for a superb day.

Barry

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I guess you must be a bit knackered today. I am assuming that yesterday's turnout took everyone by surprise. Might be an idea to make it pre-registered only in future so that you know what you are dealing with.

Thanks and congratulations to you and your team for all the organising and hard work. A great event and one of which we call all be proud. Best wishes,

Pete Davies, Director, Oxford UK Chapter

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Tim Bigelow
Hi , a very well done is in order. From such a simple idea to such a well organised event. Well done indeed. The service at the base of the monument was stirring. I for one was pleased to see the number of current and former military in attendance. As two the two accidents I witnessed, it is clear why Nene Valley takes such a stand on "inducting" new members on second person drop off and staggered position rules for formation riding. I am proud to be a member of the Nene Valley Chapter HOG.

Thanks for the good leadership.

Timothy A. Bigelow
(The American chap)

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Dave Chamberlain – Peak

hi.just a quick note to say how moved i was by the ride .I did not expect that amount of bikes there.It just shows the support our armed forces have.will be there next year.I hope the people in the two accidents i past are OK.

regards Dave chamberlain peak riders

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A great turnout today with the weather helping but a real headache for you, the police and the marshals.

Next year perhaps two or three start points from motorway services controlled by separate Chapters in telephone contact would make life easier. I suggest Hilton M6 west, Corley Ash M6 east & Tamworth and even Hopwood Park on the M42.

Regards

Alec Hayton
Asst Director
Oxford

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Hello all concerned in today’s spectacular show of brotherhood . As a disabled ex biker myself ,it was good to stand and watch the procession pass beneath us on one of the footbridges over the A5 . What a fantastic site and sound. I am glad I videoed it . Hopefully next year I will have got myself another Harley adapted so I can join in remembering all our fallen heroes.
More power to you all and well done.
Ride safely .
Brian Turner.
Tamworth.

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hi , i would just like to say well done to martin and the team , wow what a turn out , very emotional day , and amazing to see so many chapters involved ,

once again well done looking forward to next year !

Andy rooke
Birmingham chapter (road captain )
( island co-ordinator lol )

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Hi Martin, thanks for a great day, your team did a brill job of organising it and it all seemed to run very smoothly considering how many bikes there where, hope to see some of you at hogin the bridge next week.
Thanks again, Gaz and Rose Arnold,
Spirit of Chapelash.

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The RTTW was fantastic and for such a worthy cause
I can only say Thank you and your chapter for organising the event.

David Kiberd
HDRCGB

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Gotta say a big thank you to you all, a very worthwhile event & VERY well run! Met up with some of the old guys there, great chatting with them!
I have an idea for next year can't say too much at the moment as I have to discus it at work but a clue is my 'Handle' Warbird!
Once again thanks & I hope the folk who fell off (????) were OK.

Cheers
Geoff
(Warbird)

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What an overwhelming day it was.
Many congratulations on what is the beginning of a tradition.

Sue Benson

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Hi We would just like to thank & congratulate all the organisers for the RTTW.
The few of us that made it to the event had a great day in fact it was a day to remember.
Looking forward to next years event
Thanks Again

Dave Gouldingay

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Well done all,
Fabulous day, enjoyed the ride immensely.

See you all next year
Stuart Munro
2002 V-Rod

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A big thank you to you all for your support to the forces. It's good to know people really do care. From a ex soldier and local lad of Burton on Trent. Safe riding.

Derek

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Just thought we would like to drop your organising team a line to say very well done for your excellent ride out last Saturday for a much worthy cause. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and appreciate all the efforts you people put into it.

Also well done for the brilliant web page coverage on your site and on "you tube".

Look forward to riding with you all again.

Regards

Dusty and Jocelyn Miller
of Burton Latimer

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sorry was not able to make it
but b there next year
been looking at film on you tube
brilliant day well done
i live in orkney
and next year will b the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the royal oak
if your keeping the same date sat before the 14th of October
would it b possible to bring a wreath down from scapa flow to
lay on the wall
congrats again for a fantastic day
SAM

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Ex Sapper RBLR

Hi everyone, I took part in the RTTW as one of the RBLR. I am an ex RE and I just wanted to say how emotional and proud I was to be there. The organisation was absolutely brilliant and carried out in an unhurried, calm, and professional way.
Shame about the press coverage, maybe next year it can be arranged for someone to 'WHEELIE' all the way there. At least then we might get a full 2 Min's coverage Nationally. That aside 'well done' I'm looking forward to next year

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Guest

We had a fantastic day at the Memorial on Saturday. It was very moving and a fitting tribute to all those who have lost their lives. Well done to all those involved in organising what we hope will be the first of many.

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Dave Lockwood Dunedin Chapter
Hello Great tribute to those lost in conflict, well organised,I will always remember being part of it. thanks to Martin. Hi to Ade Jane cure