Quite a hectic time for us, but an inspired decision by Mavis (back in December 2009)to have two BBQs on consecutive Sundays. The theory was that food and drink not sold at the first BBQ could be carried over to the second, and so it turned out.
The Breadsall Ride & BBQ was rather poorly attended by the public, there being only 20 riders turning up in Derby Market Place for the start of the ride. There were several other events locally on the day, including Chaddesden Carnival, but the cyclists who came to Breadsall were hungry and we made a profit of about £5.
Highlight of the day was our invited guest Audrey Swift, at one time signal woman at Breadsall (see previous posting). Now 80 years old and in a wheelchair, she entertained us with her memories of how Breadsall Station was back in the 1950s when the station was busy place with steam trains passing through at regular intervals.
The Etwall Ride and BBQ on 13th June was a very different affair, with 89 cyclists coming along to the new Leisure Centre for the BBQ and, by courtesy of Steve Wright (Leisure Centre Manager), free swimming.
Mavis and her team were ready with hot food and drinks when we arrived there and were soon doing a roaring trade which resulted in a profit of about £130, plus £30 in our Sustrans Collection tin, which Ian Dent will send direct to Sustrans as a "Fresh Air Miles" contribution.
At our next Rangers Meeting the group will vote on how much of our BBQ profit we will send to Sustrans, bearing in mind that cash not sent will be spent on Sustrans Routes in the Derby area, such that we make few (if any) expenses claims on HQ.
Thanks to all our Rangers and Helpers who worked so hard to make these two events such a success.
The upper picture shows our two stars, Audrey and Mavis, deep in conversation at Breadsall Station on 6th June
The lower photograph shows riders arriving at Mickleover Station for the ride to Etwall on 13th June.
Next rides which we will be attending, (but not organising) are as follows:
Sunday 20th June Ride to Elvaston Country Park for 40th Anniversary Celebrations.
Starts from Derby Market Place at 11am.
Sunday 4th July Five Parks Ride, from Markeaton Park 11am. Derby County Mascot, Rammie will be starting us off and I am reliably(?) informed that he can ride a bike.
Would ewe believe it?
Anyway, worth coming along if only to see a sheep doing that.
2 comments:
The attendance at both of these events, highlights the main usage of them both. Mostly pedestrian on the Breadsall section and about a fifty fifty selection on the Mickleover section. (excluding dog walkers!).Until the 672 Greenway is extended far enough to be of use to commuters, I beleive that this situation will persist. Presently, 672 is a linear park, used by people from Oakwood, Chaddesden and Breadsall village.
JohnS
Fantastic day out and great support by all for the ride and BBQ. Thank you very much to the team of helpers, who did a superb job keeping on top of it all!
Mavis
Post a Comment