Lichfield News
2014’s Cycle Rides for All
The monthly Sunday cycle rides programme, Cycle Rides for All, is back for 2014.
Cycle Rides for All is launching this Sunday (30 March) with an eight and a half mile ride to Fisherwick Lakes.
This event signals the start of the free monthly cycle rides that take place towards the end of the month, from March through to September.
On top of rides to the National Memorial Arboretum and Fradley Junction, this year’s programme also includes the two new locations, of Fisherwick Lakes and Packington Moor Farm near Weeford.
The rides are graded from level 1, which is suitable for beginners, to level 4, which is for more experienced cyclists.
Debby Whiting, from Freedom Cycles, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the Sunday cycle rides and hope plenty of people will join us for the first one of the series. We do a quick safety check of all the bikes before setting off, to make sure they are roadworthy. We also recommend that safety helmets are worn and that you bring a packed lunch and drink, although we do have a café stop on most rides.”
Anyone who wants to join the ride to Fisherwick Lakes should turn up with their bikes on Sunday 30 March at 10am at Freedom Cycles in Lichfield Bus Station on Birmingham Road. This ride is graded level 2, which means it is suitable for all. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
The Cycle Ride for All 2014 programme is available from Freedom Cycles, Beacon Park’s Ranger Station and Lichfield District Council’s Frog Lane offices.
To see the full Cycle Rides for All programme, please visit http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/cyclerides
To find out more, or to check whether a ride is taking place if the weather is uncertain, please call Freedom Cycles on 01543 411633 or Karl Sproston at Lichfield District Council on 01543 308846.
Cycle Rides for All is run in partnership by Lichfield District Council, Freedom Cycles, Bromford Living, North Lichfield Initiative and Lichfield City Council.
40 years of golf course celebrations
Golfers helped Lichfield District Council to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Beacon Park’s golf course on Sunday 23 March.
On the day, a range of activities took place, including PGA professional tuition on the first tee and the chance to take part in a golf tournament.
Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Play, said: “Despite the rather cold and blustery day, golfers enjoyed taking part in the festivities, including the professional tuition provided by Robert Rock Golf Academy.
“Our thanks once again to Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust that helped to fund the golf course in 1974, in what was one of the trust’s first major projects. It has given enjoyment to keen golfers over the decades and we hope the golf course will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Well done to Fraser Hamilton-Wright who won the 12 and under category, and to Sam Brown winner of the 13 to 17 category, and to Darren Robinson who won the 18 plus category.
About the golf course
Green Flag accredited Beacon Park offers a mature 18-hole pitch and putt, par 3 golf course, with holes ranging from 90 yards to 110 yards.
The golf course is open every day (subject to conditions), except for Christmas Day. Games do not need to be booked, and are paid for at the park’s Ranger Station (which is the kiosk between Lakeside Bistro and the crazy golf course).
An 18-hole round of golf costs £7.80 for adults and £3.90 for children, and discounts are available with a LAP membership.
Players can use their own golf clubs, or they can be hired when paying for the round. It costs £1.50 a club, which includes a ball and a deposit of £1.
Chasewaterstuff's Railway & Canal Blog 