Congleton Cycling Club.

News Release. 24th August 04.

Czech Cyclists Visit Congleton.

Last weekend, a party of cyclists from Koprivnice in the Czech Republic visited Congleton as part of their tour of England. A group of 18 riders, including four boys under 16, they had made the long journey in a minibus, towing a high-tech purpose built trailer for the bikes and were looking forward to exploring the local countryside, before leaving to ride in the Cotswolds and the New Forest. Accommodation was provided by Dane Valley Scouts and members of Congleton Cycling Club acted as guides on the rides.

On Saturday evening, Congleton Borough Council were the hosts at a reception for the party at Congleton Rugby Club. Councillor David Brown, the Deputy Leader of the Council welcomed the party. In doing so, he recalled his visit to Koprivnice and the warm hospitality he had enjoyed there.

This year’s Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs. Margaret Williamson, M.B.E., who had met the party earlier in the day, had established an immediate rapport with the children in the group. Using a few Czech words they had taught her, she welcomed the visitors.

Mr. David Dingle, the Public Services Director of Congleton Borough Council, spoke of the Council’s enthusiasm for the economic advantages of twinning and spoke of the exchange of ideas which could be so valuable.

The Cycling Club’s President, Mr. Stephen Sebire, spoke to each of the visitors in turn, after establishing his credentials as the only member of the Club able to ride an Ordinary (penny-farthing) bicycle

Mr. Pavel Lipovy replied on behalf of the visitors, having acted as interpreter for the other speakers. He spoke of the way in which his Club had made contact with the cyclists in Congleton and had invited them to ride their Lichnov 24 hour race. The two Clubs had met in Trappes in the year 2000 and two Congleton riders had taken part in the race in 2001. He was particularly pleased to have led the first party of ordinary people from his home town to Congleton and thanked everyone for their hospitality.

Gifts were exchanged by both sides and the evening ended with a buffet.

On Sunday, the Czech group, again joined by members of the Congleton Club, set off on a tour of local sights. The first stop was at Little Morton Hall, where the adults were impressed by the beauty of the building, while the boys showed as much interest in the carp in the moat. Roughly following the Cheshire County Council suggested route “Crossroads round Congleton”, the party stopped at the Crown pub in Goostrey for a rest and a drink, then headed for Jodrell Bank, which the Czechs had particularly asked to see. Having fed the water birds at Redesmere, the group were soon at Gawsworth Hall, where the owner, Mr. Richards, invited them into the grounds, pointing out the fascinating 19^th century racing triplet bicycle and other cycling memorabilia in the tea room. Led, as on the other rides, by Bob Norton, the party then made their way to Congleton Edge, where they enjoyed a barbecue at the house of Avril and Rob Waghorn.

The Czechs had been undecided about their plans for the Monday. The poor weather put paid to hopes of climbing Snowdon and they settled for a ride along the coastal cycle path from Abergele to Rhos-on-Sea. Accompanied by four members of Congleton Cycling Club, the party were able to enjoy fine weather and the sea-views on a smooth surface and in safety. For people from a land-locked country, this was a special pleasure and when they reached Llandudno, some of them were soon swimming in the sea. Back on their bikes, they found their vehicle and, after many goodbyes, the main party set off by ‘bus to a campsite at Beddgelert. Seven of them chose to ride to the site and Bob Norton rode part of the way with them.

The rest of their England tour was to include Bath, the New Forest and London, before leaving Dover on Bank Holiday Monday for the long drive back to Koprivnice.

Ends.

Contact: Graham McCargo. 01260 274988. 31^st August 04