Royal Signals White Helmets Celebrate 90th Birthday

The White Helmets Motor Cycle Display Team celebrated their 90th birthday on 4-6th August at their home in Blandford Forum. The TOMCC Chairman and General Secretary (Ken and Jan) were lucky enough to be invited to the party as long time supporters of the Triumph riding display team.

The celebration started on Friday the 4th with a run by past and present team members from Pool Quay to Blandford Camp on Friday afternoon. This was followed by an evening gathering  and the chance to meet old friends and make new ones, all sharing that unique bond of being “A White Helmet”. With past members from over 60 years ago including Triumph Legend Les Williams, the pride and passion that these people hold for this wonderful team was plain for all to see.

Saturday saw the visitors transferred by the team coach to the Team’s training ground, the old camp airfield for a display by the current and what will be the final team as they are due to disband at the end of September. As ever the display made one proud to be British with the show of skill and trust in each other accompanied by the wonderful sound of over twenty un silenced TR7s. The show was closed by TOMCC member Corporal Mal Cooper wheelieing the length of the arena. The opportunity was then given to the visitors to try the bikes for themselves.

Back on camp for the official photos and party which went on until the wee small hours. 

The celebration was also tinged with sadness knowing that having been watching and supporting this team for over forty years they have only a few weeks left before disbanding.