To set the scene behind the Salford Angels WI 171 mile cycle ride this May to the WI mecca that is Denman College, I felt that it was important to repeat the conversation we had almost a year ago:

Kate: I really want a challenge.  Shall we cycle to Denman College next year?

Emma and Becki: OK

Sam:  I’ll drive the support van

So here we are in January 2013 preparing to get 17 ladies trained, road safe and fit enough to ride some, if not all, of the 171 miles down south.  This might seem like quite a straightforward challenge for you cyclists out there, avid WI followers might remember the bike ride we did last June when a third of the ladies fell off their bikes during the 2 hour ride!  Big enough challenge?  Oh no.  We would love to to raise as much money as possible for the Young Carers of Salford and Salford Angels WI.  Big enough challenge yet?  Oh no.  We would like a local van hire company to sponsor us and provide free van hire for the support van, also need a hotel chain to cover our Friday night stay somewhere near the Midlands and would love other WI’s en route to provide us with tea and of course cake.

Over the next 5 months we’ll be busy securing sponsorship and hosting a range of fundraising activities from bingo nights to a session on the BMX track.  It all starts on Thursday 24th January at 7pm with a swap party at The Angel Centre.  We’re inviting you to come along and swap your unwanted clothing and Christmas presents for something that you love!  The event is free and open to all, and yes that does include you men out there.  We’ll be selling you a delicious cuppa and slice of homemade cake for just £2!

Our next WI meeting is on Thursday 17^th January, 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.  Those suffering from an over indulgent Christmas will be delighted to hear that we’ve got a talk on nutrition.

Article by Emma Smith