Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
◾Are there any fees to join Airborne Forces Riders?
Yes. We have a requirement that all members of the Airborne Forces Riders (Riders and Supporters) are members of the Parachute Regimental Association. If you are not already a member you must join them before applying for membership of the AFR. They currently charge a one off fee of £7.50, reduced to £5 for over 60s.
The Airborne Forces Riders fee is £10 annually. This is to assist with the admin costs and to fund our charitable aims ,
◾Do I have to be ex-Airborne to join?
Yes, and No. Obviously, the Airborne Forces Riders name gives you a clue…it is for the serving and veteran airborne who are motorcyclists. But, we recognise that there are friends and relatives of a similar mind. This is why we have two types of member: Riders and Supporters.
Both are very welcome but you MUST have served as a qualified Military Parachutist with British Airborne Forces, Air Assault, Airborne Brigade and/or Special Forces. Everyone else is a “Supporter” (NB. Supporters are NOT lesser mortals or less important.)
◾Do I need to buy the clothing?
No you don’t. The clothing and kit is not compulsory but we would encourage you to dress as a Rider or Supporter.
You only have to remember your last group ride to realise that it is difficult to meet everyone if they are not distinct in some way. This is one of the reasons that we encourage you to wear our kit. The other reason is one of respect. When we are attending rides where respect is a key component it made sense to us to be in some form of “uniform” so that we can act as a group.
◾Are the rides organised?
Yes, and no: The dates and meeting places are published so that you can meet up to ride to the event. But, it is always your choice.
If you would prefer to ride straight to, for example, the National Arboretum, and meet the rest there, then that’s fine.
◾I am on the AFR Facebook page. Am I a member?
Not automatically: In order to be a member you must have registered through the AFR Branch Secretary and fall into one of the categories of Rider or Supporter as described above.
◾Can I join the Facebook Page if I am not a member?
Yes: It is recognised that social media is our shop window and a method of generating interest of new members. However, for a basic level of security and to prevent unwelcome members, you will have to fill in some screening questions in order to be allowed access and abide by the branch social media rules. In summary that is to be respectful, do not post any political views and to share events and updates of interest.
◾If I don’t join and pay as a member, can I still come along and ride?
Yes: You are welcome as a guest. Naturally we would prefer you to join and support our charitable aims. You would not be invited to attend the AGM and therefore would not have a vote, certain areas of the web page and items of merchandise would no longer be available to you either, but you would still be welcomed at the rides. Indeed, we change our name to ‘Arnhem Riders’ for that trip specifically widen the participation and to recognise the fact it was an all arms battle.
◾Do I have to have served with Airborne Forces or have been in the military at all to be a Supporter?
No: But only those vouched for by a Rider and current member will be eligible.
◾Why do I have to have paid subscriptions to remain a member?
AFR needs to comply with GDPR and only retain details of members to enable the effective administration of the branch. Paying the subscription contributes towards the administration of the branch, purchasing wreaths and crosses for acts of remembrance, representing the Branch at events to raise awareness and pay respects and to meet our charitable aims.