They asked if we would be interested together with some of our friends and a branch meeting was held in 1989 with five people.
The membership was made up from people already involved in other charities within this small market town.
We went in with a bang and saturated the place with our presence. We soon held fundraisers left right and centre until we became part of the local scene so to speak. Open days at a near by farm, bingos, coffee mornings, cheese and wine evenings, concerts and garden parties, and all the local markets had the B.H.F. stall visible. Our first local involvement was the part played in the purchase of a defibulater for the then new Shropdoc Response vehicle.
A few years ago (1999) a turning point in our thinking came about thanks to member Mr. Alan Rowen (who had been on the Shropdoc Response vehicle fundraising committee). Alan suggested we do a bike ride and walk (which we did) and as a result we had 14 entries earning just £1,000. Some of them came back the next year and brought a friend, and each year they have returned bringing more of their friends. In 2004 the bike ride raised £10,000 and in 2005 over 400 riders raised almost £18,000.
Today with a steady increase in entries "A MERE CYCLE RIDE" can be sure of hundreds of entries and an increase in monies. This is due to the building of a good relationship with the riders, giving them a good day out in the Shropshire Lake District and an well-organised and safe event to share with others.
We encourage teams to enter which creates a spirit of rivalry. We promote the family event where mum dad and even the dog join in!
This year we again have several varied routes from 4 miles to a 100km challenge to cater for all abilities. We are sure to have a good day again whatever the weather and look forward to seeing new faces as well as familiar ones.
The future for the branch is as stable as can be with the dedicated few and we will work on to better the bike ride as our main annual fundraiser.
With your support, the Ellesmere Branch has to date raised in excess of £140,000.
Bob McBride
Hon Treasurer.
If you have any comments for us (good or bad), please either write to the BHF secretary at
2 Robin Close or email "feedback@bhf-ellesmere.org.uk"
