Lincs Pride NOVEMBER 232.qxp 04/10/2021 17:35 Page 8
NEWS & EVENTS
Mike’s on his bike for charity challenge RAF SUPER CYCLIST MIKE SETS HIS SIGHTS ON FINAL LEG OF 5,600-MILE CHALLENGE SCAMPTON A Lincolnshire cyclist has embarked on the final leg of an epic fundraiser marking the end of his 5,600mile Dambusters Ride 2021 challenge for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Throughout the year, Mike Ainsworth has tackled a number of mind-boggling endurance rides and regular training rides in tribute to the Dambusters and to honour Britain’s last surviving airman from that raid, Johnny Johnson. Not only has Mike racked up the miles, he has also raised more than £1,000 for the Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity. Mike’s first endurance ride took place in May when he cycled the 200 miles from RAF Scampton to Johnny Johnson’s Bristol home on the 78th anniversary of the raid. Another highlight was in July he completed four consecutive 100-mile rides in Lincolnshire,
over four days. Mike covered a total of 413 miles over the four days, and on Battle of Britain Day, Mike put on his cycle helmet for the final time in the challenge, cycling 160 miles from Lincoln’s Interna-
Grantham celebrates... COMMEMORATIVE ORCHARD OFFICIALLY OPENED WITH MILITARY HONOURS...
8
tional Bomber Command Centre to the memorial in Green Park, London. “The challenge has been so much fun and I feel honoured to be able to pay tribute to those who have gone before
me in this way. I also turned 56 this year, which makes my target especially fitting!” n The RAF Benevolent Fund helps personnel, veterans and their partners access a range of support services. See rafbf.org.
GRANTHAM The Grantham’s Heroes Commemorative Orchard was officially opened last month with due military honours to remember local World War Two heritage. First Airborne Division trained around Grantham before parachuting into Holland for the Battle of Arnhem and Tuesday 21st September, marked the date in 1944 when the battle entered its fifth day. Royal British Legion standard bearers were joined at the opening by Army representatives, descendants of men who fought at Arnhem,
orchard project donors, sponsors, members of South Kesteven District Council and Wyndham Park Volunteers who tend the National Trust-owned site. Judy Urquhart, daughter of Major General Robert Urquhart who commanded the First Airborne Division said: “The orchard is a commemoration for all the soldiers and airmen who were based in the Grantham area during the Second World War. Their sacrifices were made to keep Britain safe from German invasion.” n See wyndhamparkgrantham.org.uk
