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Fleet Pond Friars Fantastic First Prize Feat!!!

The Friars Celebrate!

The Fleet Pond Friars triumphed in Class 2 taking First Prize for their float (tractor) decorated with flora, fishes and frogs!

First Prize Certificate

In sweltering heat the Friars made their way along the High Street, dishing out sweets from their fishing nets, accompanied by the mellow sound of Bing Crosby singing Gone Fishin’!

The Winning Team!

The winning team of Neil, Cathy, Mandy, Colin, Geoff, Jim, Ryan and the evil genius behind it all…Terry!

Photo credits: Michelle Salter

Nick Arrives in Liverpool!

Nick’s Route Day 6

The map shows in purple how far Nick has travelled, the red line is the distance covered today and the green line shows the route still to go! 

Nick Keeley writes: 

After a pleasant stay with my sister in Tarvin, I enjoyed a relaxed, later start cycling through quiet lanes in the sunshine. After that I had about 16 miles of riding through a built-up area, which was not so much fun. 

I took the ferry across the Mersey to Liverpool and then cycled alongside the river, eventually reaching my brother’s house. 

I was pleased to find out about a group donation from some residents of Chestnut Grove for £100. Thanks to them. 

As I’ll be visiting family tomorrow, the next blog will be on Sunday. 

Nick 

Nick still has to face the journey home and any new donations give power to his pedals!!! 

To donate online: www.charitygiving.co.uk/nickkeeley 

PS – While Nick enjoys a well deserved rest, other members of the Fleet Pond Society’s committee will be taking part in the procession tomorrow at the Fleet Carnival. Look out for those Fleet Pond Friars!!!

Nick’s Bike Ride – Day 5 – Stone to Tarvin

Nick's Route Day 5

Nick Keeley writes:

I started out from Stone in drizzly weather and with a hard slog uphill but the downhill was absolutely wonderful! A problem I had was that I had to keep leaving the main road to avoid the traffic and so had to go up hills again and it was like this for 2 hours!

The weather gradually improved and the countryside became more gentle and I then spent some time in Nantwich. I was on the point of ordering a healthy ham salad when I saw someone having a cream tea and changed my mind. This was lucky as I had the best scones I have ever had since my mum made them when I was small. In case you’re interested, this was at The Inglenook Tea Shoppe, opposite the museum!

After climbing the hill out of Nantwich my gear cable snapped so I had to do the last 15 miles in top gear which was hard on my hernia!!!

I arrived at my sister’s at 15.00 after riding for 41 miles (200 miles in total up to now). After tea, my brother-in-law drove me to a bike shop and I’ve now fitted a new cable.

Looking forward this evening to some company (after two evenings in deserted restaurants).

I’m really pleased that the total sponsorship for my ride has now topped £1,000 – many thanks for all the donations and support!

To donate online: www.charitygiving.co.uk/nickkeeley

Volunteer Event 13 June – Another Bank Hold Up!

Colin Gray (right) Giving Thanks To The Scouts For All Their Good Work

On 13 June, the last regular Sunday volunteer event took place before the summer break. The next set of volunteer activities starts again this September (details will be posted nearer the time).

On this occasion, FPS regulars were joined by the 22nd Odiham (Fleet) Scouts accompanied by two leaders (including Ray Oldham). Many thanks for their enthusiasm, humour and good work!

The task was a development of the previous volunteer task, described here.

Here are some photos from the day:

Making A Post

Weaving Willow Through The Posts

A Boy’s Work Is Never Done – Who’s The Clever One Here?

Nick’s Bike Ride – Day 4 – Coleshill to Stone

Nick's Route Day 4

The map shows in purple how far Nick has already travelled on previous days. The red line shows the miles covered today, and the green line shows the miles still to go!!!

Nick Keeley writes:

Day 4 – 44 miles today. Another  5 a.m. wake up call because of lorries, but I was keen to set off early as heavy rain was forecast for the early afternoon.

The roads were busy for the first few miles and I was never far from the motorway or suburbia. Eventually I reached open countryside and reached Lichfield mid-morning. I had a pleasant stop there but was keen to get on because of the weather prospects. As I rode on I could see dark clouds getting nearer, but it only started raining when I was 10 minutes from Stone.

I arrived at about 2 p.m. and booked into the The Crown Hotel on the High Street, but it should be quieter than the last 2 nights because I’m in an annex and also the High Street is pedestrianised.

As usual, I have to quickly rinse my cycle clothes ready for tomorrow.

To support Nick on his self-funded journey, please click on the link below. All donations directly support the conservation of Fleet Pond:

http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/nickkeeley