Within:
CHAIRMAN / PRESIDENT: Julian James VICE CHAIRMAN - Vacant SECRETARY: Henrietta Howarth MINUTES SECRETARY: Alan Baker TREASURER: John Jackson AUDITOR: Ralph Huckle KITMASTER: Steve Cottenham WEBSITE & COMPLIANCE: Keith Matthews RIGHT TO RIDE: Paul Turner CYCLE TRAINING: Steve Gray 07710 201358 Cycle Ink EDITOR: Shawn Shaw Elected at the Annual General Meeting in October our committee meets four times a year and co-ordinates the group’s cycling activities and the clubruns of the various sections. Next Zoom committee meeting: 19th May 2021
olk performer and songmeister extraordinaire Tom Paxton penned these lyrics in 1973. In the depths of Lockdown with the body sofa bound, my minds memory store drew comfort visualising past rides; airily explorative, dreamily adventurous; those friendly faces, picturesque places; ticking the traces, loosing laces; feeling the freedom, the wheels rolled along. orgetting that sometimes it was hard work, sometimes frustrating, of course, but we had some really good times, didn’t we? Weren’t we better for the struggle? - the anticipation of being set free to add to the bank of memories? The news was good. Soon rides would be back to packs of 6 and all being well a return to the regular group sizes and style associated with the Café-Tavern-Cake idyll recently past. The runs list has been prepared with the current staged ‘Lift Off’ in mind. Co-ordinators will be reviewing their lists regularly so please keep up to date via the website where possible. ellow die-hards will no doubt have been keeping the miles mounting with solo outings on shorter circuits. They will have kept a basic fitness and be at an advantage when we all meet up again. aces pushing into the elements, some will need a wheel to follow and an encouraging word as they restore their rhythm. Legs beating out in continual repetition will again work free the cycling spirit to soar once more. Cycle Ink is the Newsletter of CTC Wessex Cycling, a Member Group of Cycling UK (Cyclists’ Touring Club) Views expressed in articles are personal to the writer and not necessarily those of the organisation. The deadline for contributions for the following quarters Cycle Ink :1st June 2021 Send your contributions to: editor@wessexsr.org.uk
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ADVANCE NOTICE CTC WESSEX CYCLING Annual General Meeting 2021 To be held via Zoom Video Conferencing on
Wednesday 5 May commencing 19.30. Further information, including how to obtain the Zoom link, will be sent out by Group e-mail and will appear on our website:
http://www.wessexctc.org All members are welcome to participate to have their say on how they would like our Cycling UK Member Group run. The Committee welcomes your support.
CTC WESSEX CYCLING PROVISIONAL CALENDAR of EVENTS for 2021 subject to Coronavirus constraints and the decisions of individual organisers and, where appropriate, the approval of AUK Wessex Super Randonneur Series of Audax/BRM calendar events at 200, 300, 400 & 600 km (AUK & BRM) will not be held this year. Permanent versions of the events are to be validated by AUK later in the year. (Currently from 29th March to 17th May 200 & 300 & from 17th May 400 & 600) (Further details: http://www.wessexctc.org/perms.htm) New Forest Audax Spring Events (207km or 107km) 23 May (David Smethurst) 3D 300 (300 km) to be comfirmed (Peter Loakes) Cycle Jumble Sale at Burley to be comfirmed (Jim Hatton) Group Picnic at Damerham and Terry Walsh Memorial Ride 11 July (Mike Walsh) Dorset Dirt Offroad (50 km) 05 September (Roland Tarr) Gridiron 10 October (Anthony Clewes) (Further details: http://www.wessexctc.org/events.htm)
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NEW FOREST Audax PERMANENT EVENTS (John Ward) New Forest 100km ENTER online at https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=109
New Forest 200km ENTER online at https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=110 These two event routes cover fairly easy cycling terrain; explore most of the New Forest landscapes including heathland, lawns, ancient trees, coastal marshes and timber enclosures. Many of the roads are unfenced and you will encounter ponies, donkeys, cattle, possibly deer and, in the autumn, pigs. In the summer you will also encounter tourists. All of these creatures’ behaviour is unpredictable - take care. There are quite a few cattle grids and fords.
New Forest 300km ENTER online at https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=297 This route stretches west out beyond the Forest across the Somerset Levels towards Weston-Super-Mare, returning via Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills.
Isle of Wight End to End 100km ENTER online at https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=1875 Lymington to Yarmouth ferry to start with a short warm up to the Needles that sets you up for a hilly End-to-End to Bembridge lifeboat station, then back to Yarmouth via the Cowes chain ferry.
New Forest and Wiltshire 100 miles ENTER online at https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=2192 This route heads across the New Forest and through Wiltshire to descend ZigZag hill to Shaftesbury. On to Blandford via Spread Eagle Hill. Return through Wimborne and the New Forest to Lymington.
New Forest On + Off Shore 200km ENTER online at https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=6520 This event combines the New Forest and Isle of Wight into one event starting with coffee on the Isle of Wight ferry to Yarmouth. A short warm up to the Needles, then a complete Island End-to-End to Bembridge lifeboat station before returning to Yarmouth. Back on the mainland, cycle through the heart of the New Forest and across the Avon Valley before returning along the coast with views of the Isle of Wight and the morning’s stages of the route.
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To have your hard copy of Cycle Ink, the Club runs-list and newsletter, sent by post Go to
www.wessexctc.org Select
and complete the form. The cost for receiving Cycle Ink for 1 year (4 issues) is £2.50 or £5.00 for 2 years (8 issues) toward the postage and handling expenses. -ORPay £2.50 / £5.00 cash or cheque direct to: CTC Wessex at Lloyds Bank sort code: 30 80 89 account number: 23925060 and confirm by e-mail, giving your name and mailing address to: ctcwessexcyclingsubs@gmail.com The Treasurer is no longer able to accept newsletter subscriptions directly.
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Worth Repeating . . .
Basic Maintenance Workshop
Steve Coombes, an experienced trainer and cycle mechanic, will deliver a basic maintenance workshop on a weekday evening in B’m’th/Poole. He will cover punctures, snapped chain, broken spoke, checking and adjusting brakes, gears, saddle, handlebars, headset, wheel hubs and bearing. Cost £20. For more details and booking contact stevecoombes@hotmail.co.uk
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III
The Lizard to Ness Head Steve & Graham’s Tandem Tale (cont) Sep 7, 2020
First Mechanical
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here was a bit of mist hanging around here and there when we left Lizard Village this morning so it was cool in the dips. After 45Km or so we came into Truro so I thought it would be rude not to stop at Cafe Nero. After coffee we nipped around the corner to a bike shop; no arm warmers for me but Steve needed to replace his cycling shoes. Later, Halfords in Truro duly obliged with arm warmers for the princely sum of £5 so we headed out of town. We hadn't gone far when there was a loud 'ping' from the front wheel immediately followed by gentle rubbing of the brake. One of the 48 spokes had broken at the nipple. So, it was back to the bike shop (luckily they had spokes of the right length), putting a spoke in outside the shop etc etc. We could have done with Steve Cooper's piano tuning ear to set the tension (I guess we could have phoned him) but we made do without. So it was that virtually 2 hours of our day was spent in Truro. No worries really, because from then on things went pretty smoothly. To vary things a bit we are using a route devised by the 'cycle.travel' web based route planner for the return whereas on the outbound leg we used a route loosely based on Anna's and my Lands End to John O Groats from last year (In turn based on a very old CTC route). We are now back at St Clether. I did suggest to Steve that we could just stay here for three nights and upload some pictures of the Lizard from the internet for last night's blog but he wasn't having any of it ;-). Today we have covered 130Km with 1966m of ascent.
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Sep 8, 2020
Mechanical number three.
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t was a misty mizzly sort of morning and the ridiculously steep hills came up thick and fast! We soon became aware of mechanical No. 3, which was chain suck on the little chainring (mechanical No. 2 is hardly worthy of mention - a cracked bottle cage). For the non-cyclists amongst our readers - chain suck is where the returning side of the chain kind of sticks to the sprocket. The result is that the pedals lock solid, which is a bit disconcerting when grinding up a very steep hill (if you don't get your feet out of the pedals quick you fall over). Anyhow, we have tried not to use the smallest sprocket since this came to light so one or two of the steepest bits were just not possible - we had to push a few metres here and there, but it's OK because nobody saw us! To be fair, quite soon after this came to light we were leaving the steepest hills behind us so being without the lowest gears wasn't an issue. We just need to sort it for the leg to the north sometime after Lowestoft. We have phoned all the bike shops en route today but no one had the right sprocket so I think we will get one posted to Lowestoft. Another slight complication is that we don't carry the tools to get the pedal cranks off so we will need to find a bike shop to fit it for us once we have it. At some point this afternoon we were pootling along minding our own business when a wasp decided it would be fun to fly into one of the slots on my helmet and sting me on the head - "Oh dearie, dearie me!" I said, as it flew off. Anyhow, that has stung like heck all afternoon, but as we were approaching our overnight I was aware of a kind of bluryness below my left eye. By the time we got here (near Burrowbridge) it is all swelled up and I can hardly see out of it. Hopefully it will sort itself out by the morning. Today we have covered 162Km and climbed 2319m.
Only One Good Eye Between Us!
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Sep 9, 2020
Wednesday Malmesbury y face has got worse before getting better - I look like I have mumps but only on one side. People eye me with suspicion and, I suspect, hurriedly get their phones out to Google whether a disfigured face is a symptom of coronavirus. Earlier today we were pootling along and I felt a sting on my wrist. I stopped and flicked the wasp off. When it fell to the ground I mashed it into a yellowy black pulp with my heel. I don't care how many aphids it was going to eat or how good it was going to be for the environment - that little ****** had to take one for the wasp team. I now have a swollen wrist to go with my swollen face. I have to admit I am struggling with it all. We have the parts ordered to remedy the chain suck problem I mentioned yesterday. They should be delivered to accommodation we have booked at Lowestoft for Friday evening. Today we have traversed the Somerset Levels, done a few hills in the lead up to the Cotswolds, and have come to rest at South Cerney in the Cotswold Water Park. We have ridden 132Km and climbed 1283m.
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Sep 10, 2020
Back on an even keel
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oday has been a much better day for me. No further waspy business and about 80% of my swelling has gone down. The ride has been initially along the quiet lanes of the Cotswolds but soon becoming more busy and built up. We rode a long section of cycleway alongside the A40 to the edge of Oxford, then came Bicester and not so long after that we were into Milton Keynes. The cycle lane through MK was sort of fun, and tandem freindly, but I wasn't sorry when we finally emerged on the other side. I guess it is the best cycle lane I have come across in any British town. We are staying at Wooton Green, which is 205Km from Ness Point at Lowestoft tomorrow Steve and I are planning a DIY 200Km Audax ride. Since we arrived this afternoon Steve has checked that the bike drivetrain parts have turned up at our Lowestoft hotel and has organised a bike shop in Lowestoft to fit the parts for us on Saturday morning (I can do some of it but I don't carry the tool to get the crank off). Today we have covered 139Km with a measly 864m of ascent.
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Sep 11, 2020
Hurrah, Lowestoft was just getting light and quite cool when Steve and I left this morning at 06:00. IthetWhen the sun did rise it was initially hazy so it took a while to overcome the cool of dawn. The riding today has been great with a good mix of B roads, lanes and odd bits of cycleway, and only a few busier sections. Cambridge came up quite early on and is a nice place to ride through (at least as far as large cities go). Steve and I had coffee outside a cafe and watched all the different types of bike go by. One lady had a cargo bike converted with two child seats one behind the other.
After Cambridge came Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Harleston, Beccles and finally Lowestoft. There were racehorses everywhere on the road out of Newmarket - I would guess somewhere between 50 and 100 horses with jockeys came into view within the space of a mile or so of our route. Lowestoft was very busy with a lot of queuing traffic so it took a while to squeeze through and make our way to Ness Point - the easternmost land of mainland Britain. I can't imagine anyone wanting to go to Ness Point unless they were on a mission to get to the easternmost point - it really doesn't have much going for it! Anyway, we have ridden here from Lizard Point in Cornwall in 5 days which seems fairly reasonable to me - today we have covered 213Km with 1200m of ascent.
Words & pics by Graham Dore 11
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https://visionofadventure.org
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with ? Speak d e t s e r e Int ray Steve G ing cle Train y C x e s CTCWes m 10) e 31 ite g a p e e (S
14th August 2020
One of Britain’s worst drivers is still on the road despite racking up 68 points on their licence. They are one of 9,349 motorists who have 12 or more points on their licence but are still allowed to drive. Many motorists plead ‘exceptional hardship’. If the courts agree an exemption can be made on the disqualification.
Currently, there is no strict definition for the exceptional hardship rule and decisions are made on a case by case basis. Earlier this year (2020) Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at road safety charity Brake, said: “If drivers who rack up 12 points aren’t banned, it undermines, and makes a mockery of, the entire system. Driving is a privilege, not a right; and if that privilege is not exercised responsibly, it should be taken away, no matter how inconvenient.” Sarah Olney, transport spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, who made a Freedom of Information request, said: "It's possible that there are mitigating factors in some cases which justify these drivers hanging on to their right to drive. "But if we are honest, if you have racked up a dozen points, you are probably a bad driver.” She added: "With fewer drivers on the road than ever before, now is the time to consider what can be done."
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Starting from Lymington. (Open air public space – according to restrictions in force at the time). There will be no arranged refuelling venues as controls. Proof of passage will be by gathering “information controls” as you travel. There are many opportunities for refreshment on the courses but to avoid the risk of crowding specific places it will be up to riders to decide where, and if, to stop. New Forest Excursion 207km (125miles)
New Forest Day Out 107km (66miles)
Exploring all of the varied New Forest landscapes the route visits Burley, the western ridge overlooking the Avon Valley, skirts the edge of the Wiltshire Downs, and crosses Cranborne Chase. The return clears Stoney Cross Plain, then on through Lyndhurst and Beaulieu to the Solent Coastal Nature Reserve at Lepe. Finally it’s a loop northwards to Redlynch and Hale before the grand finale down the Ornamental Drives through Brockenhurst to enjoy more seascapes into the Arriveé.
S horter, this event explores the centre
Entry fee: £5 (+ £3 temporary membership fee, if you are not a member of AUK or CTC) Includes: Route sheet, gpx track, brevet card, and AUK validation fee .
Enter via the Audax Uk Website:
and west of the New Forest National Park with a turning point at Braemore near Fordingbridge. Entry fee: £4 (No SAE required for postal entries.) (+ £3 temporary membership fee, if you are not a member of AUK or Cycling UK). Includes: Route sheet, gpx track, brevet card and AUK validation fee.
Enter via the Audax Uk Website:
http://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=9013 http://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=9014
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CTC WESSEX CYCLING RUNSLIST We organise gentle and more demanding group rides each week - to suit most tastes. Each group has a different style and meets different needs. For beginners, and those returning to cycling after a long break - No membership required. ll ABOARD 4 BURLEY. Every Saturday along a route intended for beginners yet attracting cyclists from all disciplines and all abilities as a social activity. There is no designated leader and no back up provided. Start 09:00 at Waitrose Supermarket, Christchurch or just make your own way to the Old Farmhouse Tearooms, Burley for 10:00 (see www.wessexctc.com for further details)
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* * * For an introduction to club riding: EDAL SUNDAY. The runs are approximately 30 to 50 miles, depending on the season, at an easy pace suitable for solos and tandems where the beautiful scenery can be appreciated. With stops for morning coffee, a picnic lunch and occasionally an afternoon cake stop group members will make you most welcome and be very happy to natter on matters cycling.
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HURSDAY DAWDLERS Rides are at a modest pace but don't really dawdle. Most members are seniors but all are welcome. The members share an interest in the countryside, coast, buildings and views. The ride stops at cafes for elevenses and tea but members always carry their own picnic lunch.
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UESDAY TOASTERS. A 20 to 25 mile ride from Wimborne Square to Blandford using quiet roads at the pace of the slowest riders, making it ideal for newcomers to group cycling.
* * * Moderate Paced HURSDAY RIDERS. This group aims to provide moderately paced sociable rides of approximately 40 to 50 miles using minor roads, to explore Dorset and the New Forest. We stop for coffee, picnic or pub lunch and often afternoon tea. A good friendly day on the bike
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* * * Medium Paced HE “INTERS” are a happy go lucky bunch who look forward to Sunday rides of 60-80 miles in the winter and 80+ during the summer enjoying sociable stops for morning coffee, lunch (own packed or pub/cafe where available) and for afternoon cake. A group with a fairly wide range of ages and abilities there is a relaxed attitude should a break "go off the front." Occasional weekend trips are organised too.
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* * * Somewhat quicker HE SATURDAY Velos and both ROULEURS groups take their riding that bit more seriously and produce a quicker riding experience whilst still taking in the joys of being ‘tourists’. Destinations: Coffee only Sat & Sun, while Thurs take lunches and on occasions raises the bar to 100+miles for the day.
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BH22 9NH BH23 6AH BH21 3DA BH21 1RN
Ferndown, Junction of Wimborne Rd E. & West Moors Rd
Hurn Stores
Merley Bridge, Junction of Gravel Hill & Merley Park Rd
Merley, Willett Arms Car Park
BH21 1HQ BH21 1JD
Wimborne Recreation Ground (Redcotts)
BH17 7BJ
BH13 7QL
BH24 1AT
BH24 3NF
Wimborne Square, Cafe on the Square
Upton House, Park Entrace
Sandbanks Ferry North Slipway
Ringwood (Town Office), 6 The Furlong
Moyles Court, Rockford
rides are 50-70 miles with the all-important CAFÉ STOP at about midpoint (we’ll do shorter rides as we start back from lockdown). We aim to enjoy a good half-day’s ride in friendly company on attractive Dorset lanes averaging 14-16 mph. New riders are supported as they get up to speed. We keep up to date on WhatsApp, so please contact Richard Spencer on 07811946302 if you’d like to join us.
4. From 21st June, if everything goes to plan we should be back to no restrictions.
3. From 17th May should hopefully see the lifting of the 'Rule of 6' outdoors, but remains in place for indoor refreshments. Picnics it is then!
2. From 12th April the 'Rule of 6' still applies but we will be able to travel further afield. We will also be able to sit outside to partake of coffee/tea and cake.
The February announcement and HMGs 4 stage approach means we can start to think about resuming cycling as Groups (future conditions may require dates to be pushed back). 1. From 29th March we can start to ride under the 'Rule of 6' but need to remain local. Any drinks etc. will need to be take-aways, with limited availability.
BH23 1QD
Christchurch, Waitrose Supermarket.
FAQ - Where do CTC Wessex Cycling rides start from?
- STARTS -
Norman Payne 1936 -2021 ‘Stormin Norman’ was enthusiastic in all shades of the cycling world. As an active rider he would join the Wednesday Wanderers for lunch and on Sundays take the all day tour with the Bournemouth and Poole General Section which he coordinated for a few years. Audax events were thrown into the mix and cycle touring abroad was particularly enjoyed. Norman served as club President and Chair during 2007 - 2009 and during that time was a major mover in the CTCWessex/St Lo cycle clubs ‘twinning’ visits. After his health prevented his turning the wheels in anger Norman maintained a presence as editor of the Wessex Road Club newsletter allowing him to reminisce now and then, as in this piece from December 2020, (reprinted by kind permission of club secretary, John Read) when Dave Durose reporting on a wet day mentions Julian, the son of Norman’s West Dorset CTC chums. Ed: THANKS DAVID, you’ve stirred some cycling memories there including those magnificent Cider Festivals at Saint-Lô where Colin and Heidi Foster would be found astride their tandem; and these led to the formal twinning between Wessex CTC and the Union des Cyclotouristes Saintlois - splendid weekends both here and there. Heidi is still with us, I was speaking to her only a few days ago. Colin is, sadly, long gone. One memory was driving back from Saumur with him after an event there - an Audax event? I can’t remember. I do recall joining them in the Rhine Valley. Heidi is German-born and has friends in Trechtingshausen, near Bingen am Rhein. I’d left home and driven to Hedge End and whilst Velda drove home I was cycling across to Gatwick for an early evening flight to Luxembourg where I had an airport
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hotel booked, or so I thought! It transpired that I’d got my mardis and jeudis mixed up. The airport hotels were booked solid so it was a bike ride to the city in the dark but, fortunately, mostly downhill. Next day I commenced the ride to the Rhine mainly following rivers, like the Mosel(le). I did go inland to cut off a corner and remember going past a military airfield which Ryanair laughingly named Frankfurt. The picture was taken at the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz where the Mosel empties into the Rhine. I think that day was one when the roads following both banks of the Rhine were closed to vehicular traffic from 6am to 6pm. Our condolences go to Norman’s family, also, to his many friends of the WRC and the Wimborne-Valognes Twinning Association (Secretary). Ed
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TC Wessex Cycling have a set of Competitive Rollers which are available for use by anyone either for a club event or on another occasion either within or outside CTC Wessex Cycling. There is no charge for their use. Daniel Armstrong at Velo Domestique 176-180 Seabourne Road (the top end of Southbourne Grove) looks after the rollers and they can be collected from there. Terry Walsh refurbished the rollers some time ago and they have since been used on a number of occasions: at Velo Domestique, at a Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers event and at the St Peter’s School Sports Convention. The rollers can provide a very good evening for riders and spectators giving much fun.
To place an order at our heavily subsidised prices go to https://www.wessexctc.org/clothing.html check the size chart, then either: ● Complete an Order Form and send it to Steve by post or email. ● Or contact: Steve Cottenham to tell him what you want. e-mail: steve.cottenham@gmail.com Tel no: 07834727841
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Aiming to create a safer environment for people travelling on foot or by bicycle, BCP Council is asking local residents to help shape options for improving the Whitecliff and Baiter Park area of Poole.
Residents invited to share their views on Whitecliff and Baiter Park walking and cycling improvements
Active Travel Fund (previously branded the Emergency Active Travel Fund, or EATF)
Focusing on a key connecting route between Poole Town Centre and neighbouring residential areas, options which are being considered include widening the existing Whitecliff Recreation Ground waterside path. This would enable the creation of a safer protected cycleway and pedestrian footpath, which could then be complemented by two North/South links connecting to Whitecliff Road. Residents can provide early feedback on the proposed options for this scheme by completing a short online survey. They may also leave comments online using an interactive map and submit feedback via email, or by writing to BCP Councillors. Following a four-week period of engagement, all feedback will be considered and changes made to the initial proposals. Once completed, BCP Council will undertake a formal consultation process with a view to giving people a further opportunity to share their views prior to delivering the improvements later in the year. Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council said: “The current shared path through the Whitecliff area is already a popular and busy route for people travelling on foot or by bike. We now have an excellent opportunity to improve safety and encourage more people to choose greener travel options by providing a new protected route through this part of Poole. We are very much keen to engage with the community as early as possible on these proposals and the options that are being considered. “This extensive process of engagement will provide an ample opportunity for all those who enjoy, spend time, or travel through the area for work and leisure, to share their ideas and shape the final plans before they are implemented.’’ For more information, view the options and to submit feedback, please visit: haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/whitecliff The initial process of public engagement will close on 4 March 2021. It follows an award of £1.1 million to the council in December last year from the second tranche of the Government’s active travel fund. The Baiter/Whitecliff path will likely take up the majority of the allocated budget (approx. £1.2m), with some funding also likely to be spent on “making Tranche 1 schemes permanent” (where these are approved, pending review). Consultation still open on the EATF Tranche 1 schemes, but nearing the end of the sixmonth review period for the first of these (e.g. Poole Quay and Lower High St was advertised to be reviewed after 27th December). No indication yet which of the Tranche 1 schemes are likely to be retained long term. Officers will make recommendations on whether/what changes need to be made to any of the ETROs in order to make the measures operate more successfully, should the decision
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be made to extend the trials and/or make them permanent. Any thoughts on any of the schemes please let Beth Barker-Stock BCP Walking & Cycling Office know as soon as possible. BCP Walking & Cycling Officers Report – Beth Barker-Stock Parks and Open Spaces: · Poole Park works ongoing but nearing completion – roads through park now reopened to all traffic. · BCP aim to be consulting with user groups in the new year on a Stour Valley Park Strategy, which will include looking at Active Travel between Hengistbury Head and Kingston Lacey. · Also work is underway on a new Green Infrastructure Strategy for the BCP area, again engagement work will start in the new year. Seafront ·
BCP have just republished an updated website with information on the various Seafront Projects currently underway: https://bcpseafrontprojects.net/
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It includes updates on Canford Cliffs (shoring up the Cliffs), Durley Chine Environmental Innovation Hub and Southbourne Bistro ( the beach) regeneration projects.
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There will be public engagement/consultations in the new year around development of a new BCP Seafront Strategy – suggest BHAT members look out for these and contribute as the Prom will be affected.
Other: ·
Wallisdown Road Phase 2 now underway – due for completion end April 2021.
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Boundary Roundabout well underway – also due for completion April 2021, although currently ahead of schedule.
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Holes Bay Crossing – vegetation clearance has been done, main work to start in Jan and completed early April.
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Cabot Lane junction improvements – complete this week.
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·
E-scooter trial – started 25th January.
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The BPC Officers are mapping public cycle parking across the BCP area. This includes both Council owned stands and those available for public use on private land e.g. supermarkets and other retail outlets.
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The Council is also looking to identify key cycling destinations across the conurbation as part of a future signing strategy.
CTC Wessex may then be able to help us by identifying any key destinations and cycle parking locations that are missed. Digital update Facebook group - BH Active Travel - has continued its growth with some impressive numbers, more importantly creating a more varied and very active user base from a growing number of linked community groups, actively sharing in areas where we have previously met open resistance. Twitter - @bhactivetravel - likewise has achieved some great growth – with 323 followers, best engagement was clip posted to website in Keyhole which generated 6.2 K views and 187 likes – in 24 hours! In November BHAT created, printed and distributed small flyers in the immediate local area to raise awareness of the consultation of Keyhole Bridge, leading Poole Park, following comments that the scheme might be removed early. The additional support generated has led to the scheme now running the full length of the consultation.
Paul Turner, CTC Wessex Cycling ‘C.AN.’ Officer [BCP]
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Computer generated imagery showing the intended upgrades and changes
1. PRESENT:- Julian James (Chairman); Mike Gordon; Stephen Gray (Cycle Training Coordinator); Henrietta Howarth (Group Secretary); John Jackson (Group Treasurer); Keith Matthews (Group Webmaster); Shawn Shaw (Newsletter Editor); Paul Turner (Right to Ride Representative); Mike Walsh (Retiring Group Secretary and Retiring Group Treasurer); John Ward; and Alan Baker (Minute Secretary). 2. TERRY WALSH:- The Committee NOTED with great sadness the recent death of Terry Walsh after a short illness. Terry instituted the popular Saturday Ride to Burley as a means of introducing newcomers to cycle-touring. He organised the Gridiron event for five years from 2006 and served as President and Chairman of the Group for three years from 2012. He was awarded the CTC’s Certificate of Merit in 2013 and the Group’s Distinguished Service Medallion last December. Terry’s brother Mike said that he had discussed with Bob Chittenden the possibility of incorporating a memorial ride to Damerham on the occasion of the Group Picnic on Sunday 04 July next year. Coincidentally, Terry’s birthday was 09 July. 3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:- Bob Chittenden (Picnic Organiser); Tony Clewes (Gridiron Organiser); Cathy Cottenham; Steve Cottenham (Kit Master); Jim McDonald; and Rob Ward. 4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:- The Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 August 2020 were APPROVED nem con, proposed Mike Walsh, seconded Keith Matthews. 5. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:There were no matters arising from the Minutes and not covered elsewhere on the Agenda. 6. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:- Julian James reported that the re-introduction of restrictions, intended to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, had once again had an impact on the rides organised and led by Group members.
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7. SECRETARY’S REPORT:- Henrietta Howarth reported that (i) Doreen Birch, a rider with the Pedal Sunday group, had fallen and fractured her left femur during the ride on 11 October last. She was stationary at the time and no-one else was involved. An Incident Report has been submitted to National Office. The Committee wished Doreen a speedy and complete recovery. (ii) the date of the next AGM has been moved from 28 October of this year to a date after 31 March next year. This follows a decision by the Club Trustees to move the Reporting and Accounting Year End from 30 September to 31 March, with immediate effect. (iii) as a result of the change of Year End date, minor changes will need to be made to the Group Constitution, and Henrietta proposed to produce a draft for comment and consultation before submitting a revised version for approval at the next Committee Meeting in February and then for formal ratification at the next AGM later in the year. 8. TREASURER’S REPORT:- John Jackson thanked Mike Walsh for the professional handover of the Group Accounts and for the offer of ongoing advice and assistance. He reported that the Group’s financial position remains healthy with sufficient funds available to meet the current spending plans that he is aware of, including the bursary for 3 people on the Bikeability Instructor Training course (a maximum of £1,830). As of 09 November the Group has a total of £2,500 in its two bank accounts, which includes the £2,000 donated from Gridiron funds. Since the last meeting £35 has been received for Cyclink postal subscriptions. Outgoings include a payment of £14.39 to Zoom and a combined payment of £268 to cover Cyclink printing costs and associated expenses. 9. RIGHT TO RIDE REPORT:- Paul Turner reported that opposition to some of the schemes set up this year to provide cyclists with more and safer road space was mounting and included demands that routes be abandoned before the agreed trial period was completed. He urged Committee Members to appeal to BCP Councillors to oppose early abandonment. Paul’s quarterly Report will be published as usual in “Cycle Ink”. 10. BIKEABILITY INSTRUCTOR TRAINING REPORT:- Stephen Gray reported that there had been little activity this year until August. Since then programmes have gradually restarted in the Bournemouth and Poole areas. On the matter of his request for funds to finance the training of Instructors, Stephen said that the detail had changed again. Christine Radcliffe had been
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obliged to withdraw her request for funding, but both Maggie Ross and Derek Heritage remained interested and available. Christchurch Bicycle Club had not
been approached to share costs but it was proposed to ask the Club to pay for a First Aid course for Instructors. In the present circumstances with coronavirus restrictions still in place it was uncertain when the next Instructor Training course would run. It was NOTED that, to date, between 3,000 and 4,000 school children in the BCP areas had received tuition from Instructors whose training was CTC funded. The Meeting AGREED that funding for Maggie and Derek’s Instructor Training remained available at £610 each, including the final assessment fee; that it was inclined to look favourably on further requests to fund training and so Stephen should continue to recruit potential Instructors and to encourage them to request financial support from the Group. 11. NEW RIDE LEADERS:- In the absence of Cathy Cottenham, Henrietta Howarth proposed that Graham Hansen be approved as a Ride Leader for the Thursday Riders, seconded John Jackson and AGREED nem con. 12. GROUP AWARDS 2020:- It was AGREED to postpone any discussion of Awards for 2020 until closer to the time of the AGM next year. 13. DATES OF MEETINGS IN 2021:- The dates of Meetings in 2021 were agreed as follows: AGM
05 May
Committee 17 February 19 May 18 August 17 November
All dates shown are Wednesdays, and the start time of each Meeting will be 7.30 p.m. The Committee Meeting on 17 February will be held via Zoom. Decisions will be made nearer the date of subsequent Meetings as to whether they will be held at Kinson Conservative Club or via Zoom. 14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:(i) Mike Gordon announced that, having already stepped down from his position of Thursday Rouleurs Ride Coordinator, he would now resign from the Committee forthwith. Mike was thanked for his work on behalf of the Group, as Ride Coordinator, Committee Member, and helper in numerous ways.
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(ii) Mike Walsh reported that Stephanie Frost has taken over as pro-tem Inters Ride Coordinator while Tristram Hobson is unwell. (iii) Keith Matthews noted that the Committee had not yet had sight of a Calendar of Group Events for next year. With all such events cancelled this year, he looked forward to the return of a full range of activities before long. (iv) Henrietta Howarth reported that the British Heart Foundation had contacted her with a request to fund-raise around the theme of 2021 being the BHF’s 60th anniversary. It was AGREED not to participate but to provide a donation of £60. (v) Alan Baker reported that Dave Mansfield had confirmed his willingness to assist Bob Chittenden with publicity for the Group Picnic scheduled to take place on Sunday 04 July at Damerham Village Hall. (vi) Mike Walsh said that this would be his final Committee Meeting as a Committee Member. He was thanked warmly for his work over several years for the former DA and the present Group. (vii)Keith Matthews offered to take on the responsibility of being Zoom Meeting Host, and this was AGREED.
Alan Baker, Minutes Secretary to the Group Committee
25th Jul - 1st Aug 2021
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Faces & Places . . . . . . . . . . . Memory Lane The Potterers’ Birthday Rides
I
n 1977 a few cyclists started to ride together on Thursdays. All members of the Bournemouth and Poole Section of the Wessex District Association of the CTC they were from a tradition of cycling as part of everyday life. Old School in many ways, The Potterers (as they became known) would regularly include Jean and Ron Trill, Ruth and Jack Marchant, John Glinane, Bill Dewar and Jimmy Bootle. Runs co-ordinator for many years was the Club Secretary Jean. Each year the group celebrated with a Birthday Ride taking refreshments in Witchampton.
Cyclists are aware today of the turning at the wooden bus shelter leading to the ‘Rest and be Thankful’ seat (Lawrence Lane), they anticipate the sharp rise and select the right gear. Catering was provided by the lady of the house next to the garage, the one that is now home to several Great Danes who watch through the fence as you winch your way towards the seat. It was always a jolly occasion; the tea held in the garden was enjoyed by all and before leaving a collection would be taken, a donation for the lady’s charity of choice. In time the anniversary was continued at different venues and then became less marked. The Potterer name continued into the 21st century when it was felt that it no longer applied and was re-branded as the Thursday Riders.
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Eric Watson introduced me to the Potterers in 1982 and I became an enthusiastic long term participant. By then the group had increased in numbers and gathered for their starts outside Kinson Library. We were the retired, the redundant, shift workers . . . and end of term youths. The above photograph was taken on the 4th of June 1987 outside the house in Lawrence Lane. You may recognise one or two faces as they still get out on club rides. My thanks to the snappers for the pictures and also to Eric Watson and Bob Courtney for their help with putting names to faces. However, the person, behind Roger and Joyce, pump aloft, remains nameless. Anyone able to help, please?
By Ray Payne
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