NORTHERN IRELAND’S REME UNIT PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS AT THE NW200

The International North West 200 is Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event, attracting crowds in excess of 100,000 as well as the biggest names in motorbike racing.  Building upon last year’s engagement, 157 Field Company REME (R) assisted the organisers, Coleraine and District Motor Club, with scrutineering and dismantling of the Circuit….and they still found time to do some valuable fund-raising for the Air Ambulance NI.

Whilst participating in the event for the third consecutive year, the REME’s involvement, known as Exercise Yellow Flag, was more widely recognised this year as the reservists were able to wear uniform to the event, raising the profile of the unit amongst the public and increasing awareness of the Company and its very professional reservists.

Taking place annually in May, the International North West 200 Circuit runs between the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine – an area of outstanding natural beauty known as the “Triangle”. To transform the 8.9 miles of open road into an International Standard Circuit requires a lot of work and the cooperation of various local authorities and departments. 157 Field Company gained valuable knowledge about the requirements of controlling an event of this scale, which must cover all eventualities and must support the cut off community inside the circuit when the road closing order is in operation.  This ranges from considering the needs of the farming community to the day to day healthcare of the residents in the area.

During the race week, presentations were given to the team by the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) Scrutineers, the North West 200 Communications and Race Control Manager and the Dunlop Tyres Development Team, to name a few.  So whilst the Company personnel were there to assist the organisers, they also benefitted from some excellent training and development.

  

On race day itself, 157 Field Company conducted various activities including assisting with the Scrutineering process, which involved checking the standard and fit of all the competitors’ helmets, leathers, boots and gloves as well as ensuring that the bikes met all of the regulations – “Core REME Stuff”.

 

During the scrutineering process, the REME personnel took advantage of the time spent with the riders, getting them to sign a t-shirt which was then auctioned off to raise money for The Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

  

After the auction, WO2 McKillop was invited to the hospitality marquee to give a short presentation to the VIP guests and sponsors on the work of 157 Field Company and the roles available…a fantastic opportunity to promote the Army Reserves in Northern Ireland and, in particular, the REME.

Once the event drew to a close 157 continued to assist, helping to transform the area from a race track back to normality. Their assistance throughout the whole event was hugely appreciated by the organisers, who no doubt hope to see the REME team again next year!