RIDE-A-THON

The Edward School Ride-athon has been a success story from its inception in 1978. Promoting bicycle and road safety awareness, it was initially a fundraiser for many major projects that have benefited the school community. The first ride was an after school affair where we rode out to the Wakool River and had a barbecue tea. Younger students completed a walking course and this feature became an important component of the ‘Ride-a-Walk-a-Thon.’

Since then, we have ridden to Pretty Pine, Four Post, Birganbigal, a tour of the town ending up at the racecourse and for many years out to Steven’s Weir and back!

In recent years the Ride-a-thon has been held around the cross country track behind Memorial Park or at the Rams Oval. With an emphasis on fun, fitness and safety, the last three Ride-a-thon s have been held on the roads around our school. Local police have assisted in supervising riders from Kindergarten to Year 6, ensuring that our students are safe. Students and staff from the Deniliquin High School’s Great Victorian Bike Ride team have also joined in. over 60 years, Druitt Earthworks has been providing high-quality earthmoving services. All of our employees have the relevant qualifications and experience in the earthmoving industry. On top of that, we have the necessary equipment to complete any size civil construction work.

This activity has always involved parents, staff and community members. It is an Edward School tradition which our students eagerly look forward to each year. We are the only district school which has continued to conduct an annual Ride-a-thon and hope to have many more in the future.

The Town Band often featured and one year the challenge to demolish a car wreck with sledge hammers was eagerly pursued by the locals.

Sonia Rapley was a constant, selling raffle tickets under the big umbrella near the school bell. After collecting returned books at the office and separating tickets in the weeks leading up to fete day.

And at the end of the day when the last scrap of litter, abandoned Pick-a- Box tickets, and toffee apple remains were collected and deposited in bins, Tony Smith was to be seen hosing down the concrete as dark fell.

For many years the major raffle was a boat and motor and tickets were eagerly sought by locals.

Other prizes included a go-cart, travel package and home entertainment system.

Pick-a-Box was the highlight of the day! Des Lutton called in to many businesses seeking support and donations, and the school was always supported.

Many major (and minor) prizes were on offer!

The highlight being a trip to Melbourne and weekend accommodation at the Victoria Hotel, generously donated by Jenny and Tony Tonta at what was then George Arthur Travel. Sadly, all things must pass and the fete concluded back in 2005. However as a 50th anniversary treat, a few old favourites may re-surface this Saturday!