A report on the 2005 event by Gordon Smith, Eastbourne.

It was a very pleasant morning and in spite of having awoken quite early, ( concerned that I had committed both my grandsons to take part in the cycle ride on Eastbournes' very busy roads ), I arrived at the church in good time. Phil had already put the table and chairs out, and June Brown who was recording arrived shortly afterwards. We set the tables in position with all the necessary forms, drinks and biscuits. We also put up a few extra directional posters.


Alf Davy Layreader and Val Goss Recording.

It was a very uplifting experience for me as my son Richard and his son James, plus Glen my other grandson would be cycling with me for the first time.. Mary was walking with Rachel my Daughter in law and Harvey our very handsome dog. To make up the group of walkers our other faithful supporters Joan Fairbairn, Phyllis Lewis, Pauline Simmons were there as well.

The Photographer from the Press arrived, and with the help of Father David who displayed unexpected skills in controlling Harvey, took a photograph with the Vicar about to give us all a blessing with Holy Water. When the Vicar asked for,” God's Blessing, “ and said the words, “ keep them safe, “ I felt a deep feeling of gratitude and great relief, and that feeling stayed with me for the rest of a very exhilarating and exciting day.


Walkers Pauline Simmons, Phyllis Lewes, and Joan Fairbairn.

The walkers were 'The heroes of the day' as they visited many Churches and walked the length and breadth of Eastbourne visiting 13 churches on very hard and tiring pavements. This covered all the town churches including Christchurch and St Andrews Seaside and back to Upperton U.R.C and the Parish Church at the end. There were casualties, my daughter in law had very sore feet, and Harvey the dog was very sick and waited at The Redoubt for the back up team to collect them both by car.

To be brief the other cyclists left me at St Andrews Norway and went on to visit most of the other churches in the Deanery. This covers Pevensey, Westham, Stone Cross, and Polegate. Approximately 25 Churches and a distance of 25 Miles. The youngsters so enjoyed themselves that they asked my son if they could go all the way round again.

It takes two Recorders to be present for for receiving walkers and cyclists from 9 am to 6 pm. During this period we had 46 cyclists and walkers visiting the church to be signed in. This is a very important function of the day as it makes all the difference if cyclists and walkers are made welcome, and the time the Recorders give up is very much appreciated. They can also be sponsored.

At the time of writing this report we have raised £535.00 in sponsor money, and £100.00 of this total was collected in Somerset by my son Richard and grandson James who with Rachel my daughter in law came all the way here from Cannington just to take part in our Bike Ride/Walk.

Next year Father David and I will be investigating if we can keep cyclist to cycle paths in safe areas.

Gordon.