Reunion call as Tigers Motorcycle Display Team turns 40

The Tigers Children's Motorcycle Display Team, based in Lee-on-the-Solent, was founded in 1980, giving young people the chance to perform daring stunts at displays across Britain.

Now, as the team celebrates four decades, leaders are looking to bring back some of the riders from yesteryear for an anniversary display and party.

While a few former riders have stayed in touch, marketing officer Stephanie Stares said the team has no idea where some of its old members are.

She said: ‘To be celebrating our 40th anniversary seems quite surreal – this is an amazing achievement for the team and it’s great to be part of it.

‘Our former members have become so widespread that it’s going to be difficult to track them all down.

‘But we want to do a celebration with everyone, so it would be great to get back in touch with them.’

There are 20 riders in a team each year.

The Tigers have earned their stripes over the years at events from the HMS Sultan Summer Show in Gosport to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Festival in Hyde Park.

A Facebook group has been created for former members, where conversation between them is now flowing.

‘We’ve had a few people get in touch already and it’s great to see everyone catching up with one another,’ Stephanie said.

‘You can tell from their conversations that they haven’t spoken to one another in years.

‘Lots of people have old photographs up in their lofts, so we’re hoping to also end up with a photograph from every year.’

Chairman Jason Gillen added: ‘We know that Tigers has touched the lives of many families over the years and we want to celebrate its rich history within the community.’

Last year the team raised £8,000 for charity, which was shared between children’s charities including the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association and The Bubbles Fund at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

To contact the team visit tigersmdt.co.uk or message them on Facebook.