Patriots Northside reflects on 2023
The group not only grew as a community but also had a positive impact on both the vulnerable and those in need.
Patriots Northside, a motorbike club in Northcliff wishes their members and the broader community a wonderful and safe festive season.
President of the charter, James Starkey says, “My thoughts go out to those who don’t get the opportunity to spend the festive season with their loved ones. Please know we are thinking of you.”
Looking back on 2023, they have by all accounts had not only a positive impact on others but have strengthened the sense of brotherhood amongst their members.
Aside from good wishes for the holidays, Starkey has an additional plea for residents to enjoy the holidays safely and responsibly.
“On our monthly official rides and meetings, we do not allow drinking as we feel we have a responsibility not only to keep our members safe but need to respect other road users and their families as well.”
Over the last year, they have built a brotherhood unlike any other where members have become like family and are not just bikers. They regularly help local charitable organisations and assist those in need.
They recently held a run for the Growing Champions headed by Samantha Toweel-Moore, also Northcliff-based, who helps young men and women out of dire situations and helps them become productive members of society.
“These young men and women have faced adversity second to none. Where they come from, rape, gangsterism, drugs, shootings, violent crimes and many forms of abuse and domestic violence are the norm. They stood little chance of leading normal lives until Samantha, who does this at no cost, came into their lives.”
Starkey says they have watched gangsters grow into engineers and seen real miracles in the lives of those Growing Champions have helped.
Patriots Northside also recently hosted a mass ride for suicide and depression awareness as ‘there are huge issues in our community in this regard’.
“There were tons of bikers in attendance and myself and my other half Megan who battled with these issues for years and has learnt how to manage difficult moments. “We look after our members, and their families and are always there for each other in times of need.”
He says there were many tears shed as those in attendance told their life stories. “By making ourselves vulnerable, many people are now comfortable reaching out to us for guidance and support.”
“Being a veteran’s club, we also marched in the Poppy Day parade with other clubs who also have veterans at the Apex military base. We all received a thank you for our service and paid tribute to soldiers who never returned home and to those who did and were never the same again. It was both an emotional and proud day to be a Patriot.”
Starkey says they are not a ‘biker gang’ which some like to call them but are rather a family who are very selective on who can join them.
