Our New Colours

Hello folks! I'd like to start this post by wishing all our friends and followers a belated Happy New Year. As 2013 takes shape we're already looking to build on the momentum and the amazing support that we received from you at the Scots American War Memorial in Princes Street Gardens last October.

Please remember that you don't have to pay to join or become a member of WTTR. All we ask is that you show your support and ride with respect at events we organise or participate in. If you would like to purchase WTTR merchandise that we produce, then we will ensure that all profits raised will go to appropriate charities, organisations and individuals who have served or who provide support to British Forces veterans and their families – especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

We want to be completely transparent about the money WTTR raises so we have decided to create a running-total on the Donate page of the WTTR website. As the year progresses this will show you how much we've raised through direct and indirect donations. When the function is live we'll let you know.

For those of you who don't know me, now also seems an appropriate time to introduce myself. My name is Derek Green and I am the WTTR Media & Communications Officer. I was thrilled when co-founders Jim Thomson and Karen Holmes asked if I would like to take on this role, especially as my design consultancy - [gawr-juhs] - worked so closely with them on the WTTR branding and website.

Last Sunday I joined a few WTTR riders for an impromptu rideout. Over lunch I was asked about the logo I'd created. I explained that when I was given the brief the one word that jumped out at me was "inclusive." How do you represent a club with a strong connection to the armed forces without it looking too military? I recalled an article I'd seen about the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America's new look. Suddenly this became my inspiration, especially as both organisations seemed to share similar ideals.

Taking Jim's originally logo I broke it down into separate elements - the Scottish Saltire, the Royal Standard of Scotland, the Union Jack, armed forces, biking etc. These, and several others images, were then placed inside the typographic logo I'd developed to provide variety and inclusivity. Certainly from the feedback that we've already received it appears that we have an icon that is distinct and appeals to the majority. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

I'm certainly looking forward to meeting as many of you over next few months as possible. Karen and Jim have been busy at work behind the scenes and from the Events pages on the website you'll see that we now have a full itinerary of events in the lead-up to WTTR II in October. In addition we'll continue to update you via Facebook, Twitter and this blog on the things we think may appeal to you or have importance and relevance for WTTR members.

Once again may I wish you a prosporous 2013. Bike safely and see you at a WTTR event very soon.

- Derek Green, WTTR Media & Communications