CTC Two Mills (Wirral) part of Cycling UK

Secretary’s report to be presented at AGM held 25th October, 2016, The Hooton, Hooton Road, Willaston, CH66 7NL

CTC Two Mills (Wirral) is a recognised member group. Our postcode areas cover the whole of Wirral including , Ellesmere Port and parts of . We do have individual members who live outside of those boundaries.

Highlights of the year:

 Your rides committee met twice during the year (in November and May) to draft the weekly rides programme. We welcomed new members to that group who brought different ideas including John Ferguson with a treasure hunt. Our thanks to Brian Saxby who stood down after several years of service.  Our women’s group, the Wirral Bicycle Belles, continue to meet every month on Saturday morning at Port Sunlight for short, introductory rides. Numbers fluctuate but we always need plenty of willing volunteers to lead participants who are often new to the group cycling experience. We do our best to encourage newcomers to join Cycling UK and signpost them to activities organised by the wider group – with some successes.  The Early Season Tourist Trial took place on Sunday 20th March starting/finish at Farndon Sports and Social Club. The weather was perfect for 213 riders who all completed either the 50 mile or 50km course. There was a good mix of ages including several under 18’s and plenty of women, some of whom were newcomers and brave enough to ride solo. We were pleased to welcome especially large number from nearby Gresford and Marford Velo Club. The event requires plenty of hard work from our valued team of volunteers but it is enjoyed time and again by the riders and brings this group valuable income. We have set a date for next year, Sunday 9th April.  We offered a slimmed-down version of the annual picnic ride in early September which asked participants to bring your own lunch. I’m advised that it was still well received.  Twelve members and two honorary guests from Kent ventured on a cycle tour together in June of Hadrian’s Cycleway – 184 miles over four days west coast to east using Sustrans NCN 72. It was ably organised by John Walker and you can read Brian Joyce’s entertaining account in the current Link magazine.  Our group expanded its social activities with not one but two evening meals, one during the winter at the Woodcote in Hooton and a second in spring at a Greek in Hoylake. Thanks to both Andy and John Walker for the organisation.  Two Mills members have taken part in: Cycleway Rides; CTC Birthday Rides held at Framlingham in Suffolk; la Semaine Federale Internationale de cyclotourisme held at Dijon; Wild Challenge ride; Bert Bailey Vets 100; local audax rides from Eureka café at Two Mills, Old Ma’s in Gatesheath, and Corwen; Presidents ride from Walk Mill, Waverton to lunch at Tilston Memorial Hall; Hill Climb and Freewheel competition.  Your committee has met formally on 3 occasions during the year to steer arrangements. Brian has attended Chester and North Wales CTC committee meetings. Both Andy and Janet are kept informed of that business via the secretary, Lowri Evans. Two Mills again gave £200 towards our presence on Chester and North Wales website. David Collinson has kindly written reports to help promote our Sunday cycle rides which Glennys has uploaded.  I will attend Cycling UK second annual Get Together and volunteers awards held 8th October in central Manchester. Guest speakers will be bike designer Isla Rowntree, world cycle tourers Stephen Fabes and Julian Sayerer, and transport campaigner Caroline Russell.  Volunteers from this group have helped me to promote cycling and Cycling UK at a variety of local events including: Wirral Bikeathon 12th June, Liverpool Chester bike ride 3rd July, New Ferry Butterfly Park open day 1st May, Port Sunlight River Park second birthday celebration 14th August.  Peter attends meetings of Chester Cycle Campaign. He also represents you at the Active Travel Forum hosted by Wirral Council.  Our group’s financial situation remains healthy. Andy will report in more detail at our AGM.

Janet Gregory

Secretary CTC Two Mills (Wirral)

8th October, 2016

Email: [email protected]

Mobile/text/voicemail: 0771 928 2243

Website: www.ctcchesterandnwales.org.uk

Blog: www.wirralbicyclebelles.blogspot.com Join Cycling UK Today: 0844 736 8451 or 01483 238301 (local rate)

www.cyclinguk.org.uk