Crediton Freemasons cycle event raised £2,750 for two charities

ON SEPTEMBER 5 the Crediton Freemasons cycling team came into view at Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum on an autumnal breeze with spring-like sunshine.

First to cross the imaginary finish line was Ian Gulley who had been promised a gin and tonic on completion of the first leg of the journey.

Ian, a businessman said: “It was an excellent way to make money for two worthwhile charities.”

Monies raised from the cycling will go to Hope for Tomorrow and Hospiscare, Exeter.

At present Hope for Tomorrow need to raise £3 million for nine mobile chemotherapy units. This will enable people suffering from cancer to receive their treatment closer to home and stop them having to embark on time consuming and exhausting trips to hospital.

Hospiscare is one of the South West’s hospices providing specialist palliative care to those with life-limiting diseases around the Exeter and Mid Devon area.

The idea for the cycling event came about after an evening out and everyone thinking of doing something more challenging.

Bob Adams said: “It seemed like a good idea at the time and after a beer or two it was decided.”

All the team, of various ages, got off their bikes to a welcomed cup of tea and biscuits, apart from Mr Gulley who enjoyed his promised tipple.

All appeared quite euphoric having completed 73.7 miles in total. They went on to say it had been a good trip and a brilliant day with super views including a clear view of Dartmoor from Davidstow.

After a well-needed rest Peter Coleman said: “It was alright until Camelford and then came the hill heading towards the moor, the last five miles were tiring. It didn’t help with the wind blowing the wrong way!”

On arrival at Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum owner David Keast, BEM, presented the team with a cheque as well as the refreshments to help encourage them on their way back to Crediton.

David Keast, BEM, museum owner said: “I presented them with the cheque on behalf of the museum.”

The Museum was the perfect place for the team to rest. Infact it was almost half way with 53 miles to the Masonic Lodge in Crediton.

It had been a long day for the team who had left Land’s End at 09.20am in the morning and arriving at Davidstow at 4.20pm.They began the last leg of their journey the following day at 9am giving everyone a chance to rest and recover.

A loyal group of supporters met the cyclists outside of the Masonic Lodge, in Crediton, where tea and yet more cakes provided a warm welcome home.

Mr Adams added: “The ride would not have been possible without the generous support of the Bike Shed in Crediton who provided a van to transport bikes and riders to Land’s Ends, staying with us throughout the journey providing mechanical support when necessary and more importantly carrying Chris and Jackie who were on hand at every stop to get out the picnic table and stove to provide hot drinks and yes, you guessed it cakes.”

Riding 125 miles in two days, seven cyclists, with ages ranging from 28 to 72 raised more than £2,750 in sponsorship for their chosen charities. This event was unusual for the Freemason’s and broke the normal methods of fundraising.

Helen Pusey