In the warm sunshine on Thursday 8th June, six Honiton Spinners joined three cyclists on the final leg (Combe Raleigh to Budleigh Salterton) of their 100 mile ride in aid of Motor Neurone Disease, in memory of Duncan Wardle. The group of Spinners contributed towards the £6,709 raised so far.
A year on from Duncan’s death from MND, friends Tim Frazer, John Kirby and Alan Ranger, cycled over the hills of Somerset and Devon to raise money for the charity, calling at places that were special to Jill and Duncan. The riders started in Bath, then crossed the Mendips and the Polden Hills, ending Day 1 at Fivehead, where Jill and Duncan lived for 27 years. The pub hosted a very popular BBQ for the riders, friends and families. On Day 2, the riders went over the Blackdown Hills to Combe Raleigh, where Jill and Duncan moved to in 2020, and then onto Budleigh Salterton. Honiton Spinners John Burgess, Chris James, Kevin Goss, Liz Polley, Roger Saunders and Jennie Sleeman, joined the ride at Combe Raleigh, arriving in time for sandwiches and cake, which added to the enjoyment. After cycling along Honiton High Street, Spinners were surprised to turn down School Lane and then onto the Cullompton Road, before turning down a rough lane towards Weston. Despite attempts, the MND riders could not be persuaded to avoid the climb up and over Gittisham. The riders then followed the usual route to Otterton, along the river valley, but took a sudden left turn past the school in Otterton and, ignoring a ‘Road Closed’ sign, riders found themselves negotiating a tricky pathway before arriving in Budleigh in brilliant sunshine, to be met by Jill and the support crew. Spinners were delighted to be treated to cake, coffee and ice-cream. After several photos, Spinners headed back to Honiton, having had a very enjoyable afternoon.
