Members of the Riders Branch of the Royal British Legion have thanked the Isle of Man for a warm welcome after a visit supported by the Steam Packet Company.
Six members of the branch attended Remembrance services in Castletown and St John’s as guests of the Royal British Legion Isle of Man County.
The Steam Packet Company assisted with the cost of travel to and from the Isle of Man.
During the visit, the branch members were given a tour of Tynwald by Steve Rodan, Speaker of the House of Keys, attended a reception at the Manx Legion in Douglas and met members of the Moddey Dhoo MCC.
There was also an opportunity to tour the TT course, stopping off in Ramsey for a reception hosted by the town’s commissioners.
Ian Lisle, a member of the Eastern Region of the Riders Branch, was part of the group which visited the Island.
He said: ‘We would like to thank all those who have helped us with our travel arrangements and itinerary and also for such a wonderful Manx welcome and hospitality from everyone we have met during our visit.
‘We would like to especially thank the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for helping us with our travel, and Anne Cottier and James Cherry from the Royal British Legion for organising such a superb itinerary.
‘We have all had an enjoyable and busy weekend; it was lovely to meet so many friendly people who have the same aims as ourselves. Some of us are already booked to return for the TT in 2016 and the others are looking at returning as soon as possible.
‘We have made some very good friends and hope the links between us will continue in the future.’
The Riders Branch includes members from the Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Marines as well as those who have not served. They are brought together by an enthusiasm for motorcycling and support for the work of the Royal British Legion. In addition to attending formal Legion-organised events and fundraising, members take part in many types biking events, such as track days and rallies. You can find more information at www.RBLR.co.uk.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward added: ‘I’m very pleased the members of the Riders Branch enjoyed their visit to the Island and were able to experience a warm Manx welcome. We were pleased to be able to assist, enabling our visitors to join the Manx community as we honoured our servicemen and women.’
Photograph: Members of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch at the War Memorial in St John’s during their visit to the Isle of Man, supported by the Steam Packet Company
