Wasps of London Scooter Clubs Ride of Remembrance

After a soggy start to the day the sun was shining. The Star and Garter public house on the south side of the river Thames soon became full of scooter riders, coming in from all over the south east and further afield. We estimated around 500 riders and pillions. All there to pay their respects to the fallen. But one of our members, Phil Morgan, hadn’t arrived yet. He messaged us to say that a juggernaut lorry had hit him on the M27, sending him flying off onto the hard shoulder, before crushing the front end of his Lambretta under its wheels. He suffered just bruising and pain, but was so lucky to be alive.

Soon after the minute’s silence the club members from the Wasps Scooter Club got themselves together to head off for marshalling duties along the route. When the ride was in full flow, the Kings Road Chelsea seemed to be at a crippling standstill, and with Chelsea Football Club playing at home, with an early kick off, that didn’t help matters either! But we struggled through to our destination – the Hyde Park war memorial – for the wreath laying. With many clubs laying down their wreaths from as far afield as Sheffield and Wales and again, Wasps member Mark Oakes on the loud hailer, reading out some lovely words. With the sun still shining, it was back to the Star and Garter pub in Putney for the entertainment, with various DJs, and most important of all, the raffle and auction.

Again, we were able to raise more than £6000 this year, with a total of over £56,000 since we started the event 11 years ago. This is all thanks to the great people and volunteers who supported our cause, each and every rider and pillion, retailers who donated (and individuals). As a club we thank all involved at every level, for making this happen every year.