Garston Motorcycle project scoops top award

A Garston-based project which offers 11-18 year olds the chance to learn how to care for a motorbike and ride responsibly has received some well-deserved recognition. The Woodside Community Motorcycle Project, based at Francis Combe Academy, was established over 20 years ago and has around 25 members from the local area, some of whom are referrals from various anti-social behaviour agencies. Last month, Mr Jonathan Trower, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, presented the group with the first place at his Crimebeat awards ceremony. Philip Legrove is secretary for the project which is run entirely by volunteers. Mr Legrove explained: “The club was set up originally as a crime prevention initiative by the local policeman, Kim Boot. Although Kim has now retired from the police, he still runs the project with help from myself and other regular volunteers. “We still run it on the same lines as originally set up. We don’t have many rules, but we do encourage teamwork and expect members to be helpful and to behave well. We have a no swearing rule – anyone swears and we finish riding 10 minutes earlier, for everyone. As you can imagine this rule is almost self-policed by the members, who don’t want to lose any of their ride time! “Members have to stay away from anti-social behaviour and out of trouble with the police and authorities – or face exclusion from the project. This approach works well as we have a waiting list for members to join.” The High Sheriff’s Awards Panel, who awarded the group the top prize, said they were very deserving of the top gong.