Goulburn based chapter is only small, but provides comradeship for former and serving members of the defence force and those closely aligned with the services.  The chapter’s president Tim “Snake” Stroud said the group is not an outlaw motorcycle club, but a group that understands, supports and works to provide help for others from the defence force community, while enjoying the exhilaration of riding motorcycles and socialising as a group.

 On Friday morning several of the chapter’s members lined their bikes up in front of the Belmore Park Wall of Remembrance with the packs in front. 

Mr Stroud said that the packs, which contain a  minus 10 sleeping bag, sleeping mat, eating utensils, a space blanket and mug along with some other essential tools, were supplied at a special price by Andrew Kofod of Goulburn Disposals and Camping.  “We were assisted with grants from Club’s NSW and Queanbeyan Palerang Council,” Mr Stroud said. “We are aiming to organise a poker run next year and inviting other motorcycle enthusiasts to join us. We are also looking to work in with the local community to foster a greater understanding of the issues facing returned service personnel.

“Many people would be unaware of the conflicts the Australian Defence Force is involved in or the other roles undertaken all over the world and at home. Just like many other service motorcycle groups we aim to provide support where we can.

 “The God Squad in Yass are also helping to chip in with food items and other necessities.” 

Melinda Skidmore from Angels for the Forgotten said that while they have been forced to close their cafe and Sloane Street premises, they are still operating in Goulburn, at this stage out of a shed. Members of the Angels team stood with the riders ready to load the packs into a vehicle to be transported to the facility  for distribution.

On Sunday morning some 200 Veterans Motorcycle Club members are expected to assemble in the car parks near the Big Merino, to depart at 0800 hrs (8am) for the National War Memorial in Canberra and the 100^th Anniversary Remembrance Day Service.

Anyone wishing to make contact with and find out more about the Southern Tablelands Chapter of the Veterans Motorcycle Club can contact Tim on 0407 323 507.

 “We expect that some members will arrive on Saturday or possibly earlier and we will be joining up with the Federal Chapter for a massed ride to the memorial.”