If you look on the right hand side at our list of pages you will notice a new page - Other Local Volunteering and Community Links.
This page has been set up to list other volunteering groups that work around our routes either directly or indirectly.
Like the rest of the blog, it is always being developed and more links will appear as time goes by.
We have also updated other pages with new details including the addition of women's cycling rides through Breeze. This can be found in the Useful Information section.
Tuesday 23 July 2013
Friends of Day at Hicks Lodge
On Sunday 21st July the National Forest Cycle Centre at Hicks Lodge hosted a "Friends of" day to bring together all of the groups who use Hicks Lodge.
Despite the end of the recent good weather there was a very healthy turnout and a varied crowd along with the usual cyclists.
This was further swelled by several horse riders who were taking part in the Ride for Life raising money for Cancer Research.
Several Stalls were set up including Dr Bike, Forestry Commission Volunteers, British Cycling and Breeze (the women's cycling part of British Cycling). There were also a number of displays including an owl and the dog sledding.
More details can be seen on Hicks Lodge Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/hickslodgecyclingcentre
Both myself and Shawn had a ride up and mingled with those present as it was a good chance to network with other volunteers in the area, and obviously used the rather nice cafe as normal.
Despite the end of the recent good weather there was a very healthy turnout and a varied crowd along with the usual cyclists.
This was further swelled by several horse riders who were taking part in the Ride for Life raising money for Cancer Research.
Several Stalls were set up including Dr Bike, Forestry Commission Volunteers, British Cycling and Breeze (the women's cycling part of British Cycling). There were also a number of displays including an owl and the dog sledding.
More details can be seen on Hicks Lodge Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/hickslodgecyclingcentre
Both myself and Shawn had a ride up and mingled with those present as it was a good chance to network with other volunteers in the area, and obviously used the rather nice cafe as normal.
Sunday 7 July 2013
Our roles explained - sign maintenance.
As part of our roles in maintaining routes, we need to monitor signing. A misplaced sign can be very misleading to those who are are following the route for the first time and depend on our signage.
Generally people tend to use GPS software now and know where they are going, but the old fashioned ways are the best.
In the case below, the sign pointing the way out of Burton had been moved (by someone considerably tall). Whilst these signs were put up by the County Council (Staffordshire in this case) it is often quicker for us to make amends where possible.
Then again, if it was left alone as intended we wouldn't need to do it at all!
Generally people tend to use GPS software now and know where they are going, but the old fashioned ways are the best.
In the case below, the sign pointing the way out of Burton had been moved (by someone considerably tall). Whilst these signs were put up by the County Council (Staffordshire in this case) it is often quicker for us to make amends where possible.
Then again, if it was left alone as intended we wouldn't need to do it at all!
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| Before |
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| After - signs now pointing correctly |
South Derbyshire Festival of Leisure 2013
The final weekend of June was a bit of a scorcher in South Derbyshire - especially at Maurice Lea Park in Church Gresley.
Among the estimated 5000 people on the park on Sunday were local Sustrans Rangers Shawn and Ben. Our main aim was to continue to raise the profile of Sustrans and the local cycle routes whilst also give a bit more of an insight into our work locally and more information on Route 63.
We spoke to a good number of people and had some very encouraging talks and took on board some useful feedback.
The main focus coming out of the event was the number of people asking or commenting about the missing link between Swadlincote and Burton on Route 63. Any updates to this will be posted but this is something we are pushing at every opportunity.
Another point that arose was giving information about how close people are to the National Cycle Network. When time allows, we intend to put a new section about how to access the cycle network from places in South Derbyshire - watch this space.
For those unable to attend, below are a few photographs from over the weekend. Unfortunately we did not get a chance to take more pictures on Sunday as we were busy and battling with the wind!
Among the estimated 5000 people on the park on Sunday were local Sustrans Rangers Shawn and Ben. Our main aim was to continue to raise the profile of Sustrans and the local cycle routes whilst also give a bit more of an insight into our work locally and more information on Route 63.
We spoke to a good number of people and had some very encouraging talks and took on board some useful feedback.
The main focus coming out of the event was the number of people asking or commenting about the missing link between Swadlincote and Burton on Route 63. Any updates to this will be posted but this is something we are pushing at every opportunity.
Another point that arose was giving information about how close people are to the National Cycle Network. When time allows, we intend to put a new section about how to access the cycle network from places in South Derbyshire - watch this space.
For those unable to attend, below are a few photographs from over the weekend. Unfortunately we did not get a chance to take more pictures on Sunday as we were busy and battling with the wind!
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| In the main arena on Saturday - dog skills! |
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| This gravity defying act was well worth watching ! |
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| Promoting a slightly more sedate form of 2 wheeled transport! |
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| Our view and entertainment - a bandstand doing what it does best - and very well! |
Thursday 27 June 2013
Festival of Leisure this weekend
Festival of Leisure Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th June - 12.30-5pm.
The South Derbyshire Festival of Leisure will be taking place on Saturday 29th June and Sunday 30th June at Maurice Lea Park in Church Gresley.
We will be attending on the Sunday. We will be raising awareness of Sustrans again and aim to have an updated display showing what we have achieved over the last few months, particularly the work done on the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail.
We will be attending on the Sunday. We will be raising awareness of Sustrans again and aim to have an updated display showing what we have achieved over the last few months, particularly the work done on the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail.
There will also be some information relating to our National Cycle Route - 63
We are also currently stocking up on maps and leaflets to hand out.
Here, once again is a reminder of our stall in 2012 - hopefully 2013 will be less windy.
We are also currently stocking up on maps and leaflets to hand out.
Here, once again is a reminder of our stall in 2012 - hopefully 2013 will be less windy.
Saturday 22 June 2013
New Gym Equipment Proving Popular in Church Gresley
Part of our section of NCN63 now passes through Maurice Lea Park in Church Gresley. For those wanting to extend exercise beyond cycling there are now 6 pieces of outdoor gym equipment around the perimeter of the Green Flag Park.
The equipment has been in for a couple of weeks but was only unveiled officially on Thursday 20th June. It has proved to be very popular with lots of people using it and also taking to social media forums to announce their satisfaction. The equipment is very accessible and easy to use.
The project was funded using a grant and is a pilot project which, if successful, will be expanded to other areas.
The equipment tendering process was carefully considered with input invited groups with an interest in health & well-being. This included trying out equipment already installed in other areas. A display also featured at the Healthier South Derbyshire day in March with the public invited to make comment.
The 6 pieces of equipment are spread out through the park so it encourages a circuit based approach and makes it less likely for people to congregate around.
The equipment is aimed at everybody over the age of 12 and some of the equipment is suitable for use by wheelchair users. Each piece of equipment has instructions on and shows the parts of the body worked during the exercise and how long is recommended for each level of user.
The initial response has been very positive with the equipment being very well by young and old including people recovering from illness.
Along with the positive comments on social media and the Burton Mail has featured the equipment 3 times, including those below.
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/New-gym-gear-could-deter-nefarious-behaviour-in-the-park-20130618122917.htm
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Chairman-is-a-real-outdoor-gym-bunny-20130621112448.htm
The equipment has been in for a couple of weeks but was only unveiled officially on Thursday 20th June. It has proved to be very popular with lots of people using it and also taking to social media forums to announce their satisfaction. The equipment is very accessible and easy to use.
The equipment tendering process was carefully considered with input invited groups with an interest in health & well-being. This included trying out equipment already installed in other areas. A display also featured at the Healthier South Derbyshire day in March with the public invited to make comment.
The 6 pieces of equipment are spread out through the park so it encourages a circuit based approach and makes it less likely for people to congregate around.
The equipment is aimed at everybody over the age of 12 and some of the equipment is suitable for use by wheelchair users. Each piece of equipment has instructions on and shows the parts of the body worked during the exercise and how long is recommended for each level of user.
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| Shoulder exercise wheels feature lower wheels for wheelchair users |
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| Instructions on all equipment |
The initial response has been very positive with the equipment being very well by young and old including people recovering from illness.
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| The Rower |
Along with the positive comments on social media and the Burton Mail has featured the equipment 3 times, including those below.
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/New-gym-gear-could-deter-nefarious-behaviour-in-the-park-20130618122917.htm
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Chairman-is-a-real-outdoor-gym-bunny-20130621112448.htm
Friday 14 June 2013
Festival of Leisure Fast Approaching
The South Derbyshire Festival of Leisure will be taking place on Saturday 29th June and Sunday 30th June at Maurice Lea Park in Church Gresley.
We will be attending on the Sunday. We will be raising awareness of Sustrans again and aim to have a updated display showing what we have achieved over the last few months, particularly the work done on the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail.
We are also currently stocking up on maps and leaflets to hand out.
Here is a reminder of our stall in 2012
We will be attending on the Sunday. We will be raising awareness of Sustrans again and aim to have a updated display showing what we have achieved over the last few months, particularly the work done on the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail.
We are also currently stocking up on maps and leaflets to hand out.
Here is a reminder of our stall in 2012
Ride and Meeting in Coalville
On Sunday 9th June, we cycled over to Coalville from Church Gresley Park via NCN to Donisthorpe then through Willesley Woodside through Packington, Heather, Ravenstone and eventually Coalville.
We met up with our colleagues from Leicestershire and rode through Scence Valley Park near Ibstock before cycling back onto NCN63 through Battram Wood to Bagworth and then to Interlink Business Park in Bardon.
The purpose of this ride was to showcase the completed Coalville cycle routes as recently opened by Olympic Gold medal cyclist Dani King. The work done is very impressive with well signed routes, improved junctions and increased width shared paths.
The map can found on the following link:
http://www.leics.gov.uk/coalville_urban_hi.pdf
Following a ride around this new network, after a wonderful lunch we set back off for Church Gresley taking a detour through Swannington, Worthington, up the Cloud Trail to Melbourne then through Calke Abbey, back up the gruelling Pistern Hill then back through Woodville and via Albert Village Lake. Our total distance covered was 54 miles.
We met up with our colleagues from Leicestershire and rode through Scence Valley Park near Ibstock before cycling back onto NCN63 through Battram Wood to Bagworth and then to Interlink Business Park in Bardon.
The purpose of this ride was to showcase the completed Coalville cycle routes as recently opened by Olympic Gold medal cyclist Dani King. The work done is very impressive with well signed routes, improved junctions and increased width shared paths.
The map can found on the following link:
http://www.leics.gov.uk/coalville_urban_hi.pdf
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| Improved Junction |
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| Clear markings to indicate shared path |
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| Widened Shared Path next to busy A511 |
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| Clear signs |
Following a ride around this new network, after a wonderful lunch we set back off for Church Gresley taking a detour through Swannington, Worthington, up the Cloud Trail to Melbourne then through Calke Abbey, back up the gruelling Pistern Hill then back through Woodville and via Albert Village Lake. Our total distance covered was 54 miles.
Burton Signing Update
Our Project to extend NCN route 63 is now pretty much complete. The route is now signed from Route 54 at Shobnall by the Trent & Mersey Canal through to Duke Street in Burton with links to the Railway Station.
We are now awaiting a change to the online mapping on the website and we can improve the signing with some bespoke destination stickers to improve the signage but as the picture below shows, the signs now show NCN63 signs to replace the excessive route 54 signs in the town centre and remove signs for route 541 which never existed.
We are now awaiting a change to the online mapping on the website and we can improve the signing with some bespoke destination stickers to improve the signage but as the picture below shows, the signs now show NCN63 signs to replace the excessive route 54 signs in the town centre and remove signs for route 541 which never existed.
Sunday 12 May 2013
Official Opening of the Conkers Connect 2 Project
The Connect 2 Project that completes the final link of the Conker's Circuit has now been opened.
A small ceremony took place at the Portrait Bench on NCN (63) at Albert Village Lake with representatives of North West Leicestershire District Council, The National Forest Company and Sustrans.
Photographs were taken by a professional photographer and we hope to use these in due course. Following the ceremony, a small 7m ride was led by myself on the course linked below:
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2438842
It was a good opportunity to meet up with Sustrans rangers and staff who I had not previously met and a pleasure to show them our local cycle routes and swap experiences and ideas. Whilst the weather was not ideal on the ride, it was enjoyed. Thanks to Keith who came over from Leicester, Ian and Kelly from Nottingham and also to the more usual suspects James, Robert and Alan!
A small ceremony took place at the Portrait Bench on NCN (63) at Albert Village Lake with representatives of North West Leicestershire District Council, The National Forest Company and Sustrans.
Photographs were taken by a professional photographer and we hope to use these in due course. Following the ceremony, a small 7m ride was led by myself on the course linked below:
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2438842
It was a good opportunity to meet up with Sustrans rangers and staff who I had not previously met and a pleasure to show them our local cycle routes and swap experiences and ideas. Whilst the weather was not ideal on the ride, it was enjoyed. Thanks to Keith who came over from Leicester, Ian and Kelly from Nottingham and also to the more usual suspects James, Robert and Alan!
Updates to the blog
We have recently updated the "Key local cycling areas and mapped rides" with a couple of tweaks to routes and more information on some routes.
The Useful information section has been updated with a link to the Leicester Rangers blog.
The Useful information section has been updated with a link to the Leicester Rangers blog.
Saturday 27 April 2013
Portrait Bench Opening Rearranged
The opening of the new portrait bench at Albert Village lake to commemorate the completion of the Connect 2 part of the Conkers Circuit will now take place at 12pm on Saturday May 11th.
New link on Facebook
In order to make our activities more accessible we have created a new Facebook page which will link in with the blog.
This will replace our old group page which was less accessible. the link is:
Swadlincote & Beyond Sustrans Rangers
This will replace our old group page which was less accessible. the link is:
Swadlincote & Beyond Sustrans Rangers
Update on signing in Burton & Milepost Check
Our geographic position means our area covers not only parts of Derbyshire but also Leicestershire and East Staffordshire, which covers Burton-on-Trent. Whilst the traffic in Burton crawls around the town due to the roadworks, a small project is currently taking place to improve signing in Burton on Trent.
National Cycle Network (NCN) 63 is currently signed from the Derbyshire border in Stanton through to the junction of New Street and Orchard Street in Burton, then the signing stops.
We feel it is important to give our routes a definitive start and end so we debated whether to sign the route to Burton Station or to NCN64 by the Trent and Mersey Canal at Shobnall. In the end we have chosen the latter option, with links to and from the railway station.
These links were trialled on a risk assessment ride and the preferred route was to use Milton Street rather than Mosley Street due to better visibility at the turn in point.
There are still a few signs to be replaced, but the project is nearly finished. Once this is done we will contact the mapping department to ensure that the online mapping function is updated.
There are some pictures below to indicate some of the new signing along with photos of the 2 mileposts that have to be checked every 2 years.
For more on mileposts, see the below link on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Cycle_Network#Mileposts
National Cycle Network (NCN) 63 is currently signed from the Derbyshire border in Stanton through to the junction of New Street and Orchard Street in Burton, then the signing stops.
We feel it is important to give our routes a definitive start and end so we debated whether to sign the route to Burton Station or to NCN64 by the Trent and Mersey Canal at Shobnall. In the end we have chosen the latter option, with links to and from the railway station.
These links were trialled on a risk assessment ride and the preferred route was to use Milton Street rather than Mosley Street due to better visibility at the turn in point.
There are still a few signs to be replaced, but the project is nearly finished. Once this is done we will contact the mapping department to ensure that the online mapping function is updated.
There are some pictures below to indicate some of the new signing along with photos of the 2 mileposts that have to be checked every 2 years.
For more on mileposts, see the below link on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Cycle_Network#Mileposts
Friday 26 April 2013
Update on NCN63 - Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail
On Monday 8th April work started on NCN63 on the edge of Donisthorpe Woodland Park. As previously reported the surface has become covered over recent years and has turned muddy when wet.
Just 3 weeks into the project it is clear that the Community payback team are making a great job. The surface of the path has been skimmed and the vegetation on the sides has been cut back. Some materials may be required to fill in gaps but we are confident that the problems caused by the wet weather should be avoided this year.
Updates will follow....
Just 3 weeks into the project it is clear that the Community payback team are making a great job. The surface of the path has been skimmed and the vegetation on the sides has been cut back. Some materials may be required to fill in gaps but we are confident that the problems caused by the wet weather should be avoided this year.
Updates will follow....
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| Typical state in Spring 2013 after dry weather |
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| State of NCN63 near Moira in early 2013 |
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| First Section after work by payback team |
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| Further section after work |
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| Looking back towards Donisthorpe after work |
Monday 25 March 2013
Latest News - 25th March
Portrait Bench Opening Postponed
Due to the inclement weather on Saturday, the opening of the Conkers Circuit Connect 2 portrait bench was postponed. Hopefully the weather will be much improved when this event is rescheduled.
Work on NCN Route 63 on the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail
After 2 successive poor years of weather, some of our sections of cycle path have taken something of a battering and are not in the condition that we aspire to. Whilst great for mountain bikers, it is not a great standard for family cycling. There are several areas between Moira and Measham that require attention.
This is part of our remit as rangers to monitor the condition of our section of route. The problems indicated are not untypical throughout the whole network. The good news is that we have liaised with several other bodies to find a solution and work is going to start within a couple of weeks. More details to come soon, and hopefully some "after" photos to show against the before picture below.
Due to the inclement weather on Saturday, the opening of the Conkers Circuit Connect 2 portrait bench was postponed. Hopefully the weather will be much improved when this event is rescheduled.
Work on NCN Route 63 on the Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail
After 2 successive poor years of weather, some of our sections of cycle path have taken something of a battering and are not in the condition that we aspire to. Whilst great for mountain bikers, it is not a great standard for family cycling. There are several areas between Moira and Measham that require attention.
This is part of our remit as rangers to monitor the condition of our section of route. The problems indicated are not untypical throughout the whole network. The good news is that we have liaised with several other bodies to find a solution and work is going to start within a couple of weeks. More details to come soon, and hopefully some "after" photos to show against the before picture below.
Saturday 2 March 2013
Healthier South Derbyshire Day
We had a great day today at the Healthier South Derbyshire Event at the Greenbank Leisure Centre in Swadlincote. Thanks to all the staff who worked hard to make the event possible.
We had some excellent feedback from the public and managed to raise the profile of Sustrans and our work in the local area a little further.
Cycling Maps as always were popular so we're glad we bought a few. Thanks to Robert for coming over from Leicestershire and helping us out.
Some of the feedback / questions today included the following:
We had some excellent feedback from the public and managed to raise the profile of Sustrans and our work in the local area a little further.
Cycling Maps as always were popular so we're glad we bought a few. Thanks to Robert for coming over from Leicestershire and helping us out.
Some of the feedback / questions today included the following:
- Access to all female cycling groups
- Facilities for disabled cyclists
- Links to other cycling groups
- Potential to further work on cycling to schools
- Inclusion on our blog of the popular "routes within 15 miles of Swadlincote display"
Hopefully, we'll be able to update some of the points above and also include some pictures of the event.
Some links have been added related to cycling for the disabled and also to some cycle ride groups (see Useful information page).
Some links have been added related to cycling for the disabled and also to some cycle ride groups (see Useful information page).
Sunday 24 February 2013
Come and see us at Healthier South Derbyshire Event - Saturday 2nd March
Sustrans Rangers Shawn, Robert and Ben will be manning a stall at the Healthier South Derbyshire Day at Green Bank Leisure Centre on Saturday 2nd March from 10am-2pm.
We will be providing information about Sustrans including leaflets on our local routes.
We'll also have some questionnaires to fill in as well.
Looking forward to a busy and vibrant event.
Please see the following link:
http://www.south-derbys.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_news/february/news_items/fun_and_games_at_healthier_south_derbyshire_day.asp
We will be providing information about Sustrans including leaflets on our local routes.
We'll also have some questionnaires to fill in as well.
Looking forward to a busy and vibrant event.
Please see the following link:
http://www.south-derbys.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_news/february/news_items/fun_and_games_at_healthier_south_derbyshire_day.asp
Sunday 10 February 2013
Updated Blog
After a period of inactivity, our blog is now taking shape.
Our rides section now features some long rides with links to GPS (family rides to be added soon).
We have included a new section which explains our roles as rangers.
Once this is all completed we will be putting regular updates in.
Our rides section now features some long rides with links to GPS (family rides to be added soon).
We have included a new section which explains our roles as rangers.
Once this is all completed we will be putting regular updates in.
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