Early January is traditionally a time when we all look back with pride on what we've achieved in the previous 12 months. It's also the time when we look forward with purpose and excitement to the goals and challenges we have set ourselves in the year ahead.
2013 was a tremendous year for War-Torn Troops Remembered and has provided us with a solid foundation upon which to build. In February we kicked our events programme off with an informal meet-and-greet at the Southsider Bar in Edinburgh. It was well attended and provided us with an opportunity to meet so many of you, who have regularly turned-out month after month to support us.
Those of us who participated in the Forth Gear's Easter Egg run in South Queensferry certainly felt the March winds, but thankfully by late spring and early summer the sun started to shine and the temperatures in Scotland rose as we took part in the Bathgate, Newtowngrange and Seafield Gala Days.
WTTR was honoured to be part of the Edinburgh Armed Forces Day and Parade of Colours in Coldstream. We had a significant number of bikers at both events - which helped us to raise our profile, communicate to people what we do, and let them know who we raise money for.
Our main "Ride of Respect" event to Princes Street Gardens, in the autumn, surpassed all our expectations. We were overwhelmed by the number of bikers who came along to support our event and by the distances many of you had travelled in order to attend.
The October event was also the perfect opportunity for C.Sgt James Thomson - one of WTTR's founding members - to reveal his WTTR/Poppyscotland motorcycle. As you can see from the photo above, it really is a unique machine. We know it'll be an amazing ambassador for both organisations in the months and years ahead - so expect another blogpost on how this bike came about very soon.
In the closing weeks of 2013 the WTTR/Poppyscotland motorbike was at Murrayfield for the Scotland versus South Africa rugby match and most significantly was present at Poppyscotland Remembrance events.
On behalf WTTR's Committee I'd like to say "Thank-you" to all the bikers, pillions and passengers who have come along to support our events in the past 12 months. Thanks to those of you who have bought club merchandise, written blogposts, and have raised cash donations for us in your own unique ways. Thanks also to the companies and individuals who helped create the WTTR/Poppyscotland motorbike. Your time, commitment and generosity is outstanding. Thanks to all the members of the public who have photographed us, chatted to us, sat on our motorbikes, and most importantly put cash into the Poppyscotland tins. Your support provides us with great strength.
We also need to say thank-you to everyone at Poppyscotland - especially Fraser, Alice, Kirstie and Leigh - for having the vision to support War-Torn Troops Remembered and to assist us in bringing the WTTR/Poppyscotland motorbike into reality. We look forward to helping you promote the amazing work your organisation does for our ex-Servicemen and Servicewoman through the next year.
Looking ahead, plans by WTTR for 2014 events are already in progress. As soon as we have firm confirmations we'll be updating our website, so don't forget to check the Events page for more information.
Finally may we pass on our best wishes to you for 2014.
Derek Green; WTTR Media and Communications
