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Added: Tue 11th Jan 2011
In early November, the Paris to Hayling Charity Cycle Ride celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a party at Seacourt. For me and Paul Fisher, who joined me in Year 2, it was obviously a pretty emotional occasion. We had never dreamt that the event would come this far! It was even more poignant for us, since Paul was standing down as chairman and although, while I was planning to stay on as President, I was intending to curtail my involvement in the ride’s organisation.
Several members of the committee, including Paul Sperring, Sarah Jeffries and Lorraine Slydell did a great job in suitably decorating the party venue. All the T- Shirts from over the years were on display except one (see below) and many photographs. Luke Megeney had also done a great video of the event. We had made a collection for Paul Fisher, in order to present him with a mark of our appreciation. On the night we presented him with a case of wine, along with a glass trophy recording his immense achievement and a GPS for his bike. We also gave him a card in which many people had recorded their appreciation of the great work has done. Paul is now Co-President.
It had not occurred to me that I too would receive a memento, having received a similar glass trophy to Paul’s, just a few years back, on the occasion of the £1,000,000 ride. However, much to my surprise, I received a book containing a wonderful collection of photographs, covering every year of the Ride. This was carefully put together by Paula Sperring, based on a suggestion from my wife, Maryon. I really couldn’t have asked for a nicer present and it will be tremendously helpful as I try and sort out photographs for the forthcoming book about the Ride. As I came into Seacourt and saw the display of Paris to Hayling shirts, I noticed that year one was missing, namely the shirt I wore in 1986. I still had the shirt and offered to go home and fetch it, but was persuaded that it wasn’t necessary. I would not have found it, because that too was presented to me, mounted in a nice frame. All Bike Ride shirts carry the names of local companies who have sponsored us and we are very grateful to all of them. However, one name has been on every shirt since the beginning, so to Pete Wilson and Gable UK, I and the rest of the Bike Ride organisation would like to say Thank You.
The following week we held an AGM, also at Seacourt, where a new chairman was elected. Local solicitor Jon Tawse has taken on this role. Jon has been involved in the ride for a number of years and as a committee member has worked closely with Paul and I. I know he will be a great asset in his new role. Paul will stay on the committee and I too will still hope to attend the odd meeting.
Jon and the new committee have come up with an intriguing new route for next year. Details can be found on the Ride’s website (www.hayling-cycle-ride.org,uk), but the key change is that the ride’s destination will be the historic town of Le Mans. I am excited about the changes and like Paul I will certainly be taking part. As you start a new year and perhaps try and shed a few pounds after excessive Christmas indulgence, what could be better than planning a healthy cycle ride in France? Not only will this get you fit, but you will also be able to raise money for the charity of your choice. Come and join us: you will be more than welcome!
Peter McQuade
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