28th May 2024

Every one of Alzheimer’s Support’s day club members has a story to tell, but Roy Holman, a member at Old Silk Works in Warminster, has got to have one of the most dashing! 

Back in the 1950’s he was a White Ensign, part of the Royal Signals ‘White Helmets’ display team who thrilled crowds with their incredible 'cyclobatics'. Roy performed dare-devil motorcycle tricks and stunts in many thrilling displays at home and abroad, and he even impressed HRH the Duke of Edinburgh on a royal visit to Catterick Camp in 1957. 

After leaving the service Roy maintained his love of bikes and recently brought a selection of memorabilia and photographs to wow a new audience - fellow club members at Old Silk Works.

Club manager Louise Gover said: “It was an amazing afternoon at the club. Everyone was so interested in the old photographs and many people shared their own stories of bikes. It turns out we have a lot of members with knowledge of bikes so there was a lot to talk about. 

"We're so grateful to Roy for bringing in so many fascinating photos. It's a wonderful collection of an amazing time in his life."

Revving Up for Dementia community event

The staff and volunteer team at Old Silk Works were so inspired by Roy’s story that they are planning a motorbike event of their own. The day club has teamed up with Bulls Out MCC to put on an event in July that they know Roy in particular will enjoy.

Revving Up for Dementia on Sunday 21st July promises to be a brilliant day of bikes, sideshows and family fun at the club. Members of the motorcycle club will gather at the club to show off their bikes before heading out for a ride-out in Wiltshire and Somerset.  While they are out, guests will be able to enjoy refreshments, stalls and sideshows at the club, before welcoming the riders back.

Louise said: "We are really excited about the day. It's going to be a great event for the whole community. You don't have to love bikes to have a great time with us on 21st July. It's free to come along but we will be fundraising for the club so it's all in a good cause."

More about Revving Up for Dementia