On Friday 19th August, trustees and supporters of DHBT donned their Lycra and helmets and participated in a two day cycle ride in support of the vital restoration project at Wingfield Station.
The DHBT have used the ride as an opportunity to raise public awareness of and funds for Wingfield Station, near Alfreton, which is possibly the oldest surviving rural railway station in the world. Built in 1839/40, the station is one of sixteen originally along the 'new' North Midland line from Derby to Leeds. Today it's the only one left and - until recently - was nearly derelict. The route is what inspired the cyclists to plan their own 90 mile fundraiser.
The team, including DHBT Chair, Derek Latham, the trustee project lead for Wingfield, Peter Milner, and the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Mike Copestake, set off on Friday morning from the Royal Armouries, Leeds. After 12 miles or so, the group had a quick break at Normanton Station.
From there, the group headed towards Thrunscoe Park for lunch and had an amusing bite to eat alongside a colourful gorilla in the flower park!
Thankfully, the weather was good and the team had a dry ride to their hotel, the Ibis at Barlborough, via the Rother Valley Country Park and Killamarsh Station.
After recharging their batteries (both bike and human ones!), Saturday got off to a fantastic start with a delicious breakfast at Renishaw Hall!
From there, the next destination was, of course, Wingfield Station, but with quick stops at Chesterfield Station and Spital Chapel (a building that DHBT have assisted with - see more here) on the way!
Despite aching muscles, Peter couldn't resist going into 'tour guide mode' at Wingfield and made sure all the riders were up to speed with the urgent repairs that have happened to date, the interesting finds around the old goods platform and what work still needs to be done (and where all the funds from this event will be spent!).
Thanks, at this point, must go to Tony Edwards and Ben Milner. Tony has recently started volunteering with the DHBT and played a critical role with the ride, by organising most of the logistics and driving the support van. Peter would not have been able to participate without Ben coming along too.
With wary legs, from Wingfield it was on to the final destination - Derby Station and the Brunswick Inn for a much needed pint!
If you haven't done so already please consider donating to show your support for the cyclists - some of whom hadn't been on a bike for over 40 years - and help us to reach our match funding target of £250,000 to complete the restoration works at Wingfield Station. Thank you!
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