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Octogenarian 70 mile Charity Ride
Published: June 24, 2017
Peter Hambley life member of RAFA and chairman of the Newcastle under Lyme Branch has successfully completed a cycle challenge raising money for the Wings Appeal.
On Saturday the 3rd of June a reception of members of the RAF Association, the Tri-Services Association and 435 Squadron of the Air Cadets met at the Newcastle cenotaph. I was presented with a cheque for £100 for the Wings Appeal and at 9 o’clock one tandem and six bicycles set off for the RAF station at Cosford. A support group in mini- bus, car and motor bike followed shortly after.
The ride in fine weather through rural Staffordshire passed through the villages of Swynnerton, Ellenhall, Ranton, Gnosall, Church Eaton, High Onn, Blymhill, Ivetsy Bank, Bishop’s Wood, Boscobel and was completed in 3 hours 15 minutes, not completely uneventful the tandem having two stops with a broken chain and a puncture. On the way we were joined by 3 more riders who had ridden from South Staffordshire.
At Cosford’s Family Services Centre our ten riders were applauded by a large welcoming group including all the supporters who had come by assisted transport. The 5 members representing the RAFA included serving members, Squadron Leader Gareth Stevens and Chief Technician Kerry Stevens.
Photographs were taken of the group. We then proceeded to the RAF Museum restaurant for a light lunch break. Afterwards the support group left to visit the Cold War hanger and at 13.45 we commenced our return ride to Newcastle. The route via Weston under Lizard and Tonge, Blymhill, Brineton, Orslow, Gnosall and return. The weather was ideal with a slight following wind and the journey was completed in 2 hours 45 minutes. 71 miles in 6 hours at 10.33 miles per hour.
My thanks are due to the members of RAFA and the Tri-Services who have made the ride possible, brother David and the riders. Alan Conlon, Dominic and Sarah Crompton on tandem, Colin King, Simon and Austin Scott (11years old cycled over 80 miles) Peter Swinden, Derek Everton and Bob Baker.
To date over £1750 has been raised for the Newcastle under Lyme RAFA Wings Appeal. Thank you for your generous support.
