The Cycle Ride – Reading to Rose Heyworth Colliery Pithead 1984

The Cycle Ride – Reading to Rose Heyworth Colliery Pithead 1984.
In the summer of 1984 it was proposed to organise a sponsored bike-ride from Reading, Berkshire to Rose Heyworth Colliery Pithead to raise funds for the Blaenau Gwent Food Fund. Organised by Mick and Terri Bishop of Reading it featured their son Duane Bishop and another young volunteer who were to cycle the 125 miles over a period of 3 days with two overnight stops. Sponsorship money was raised though the other young volunteer dropped out of the fundraiser a few days before the event and her place was taken by Mr Jeff Williams of Abertillery.

The Journey.
On Friday 31st of August 1984, the cyclists Jeff Williams, 40 years of age and Duane Bishop, 14 years of age departed Reading, Berkshire.

On Sunday 2nd of September, they arrived at the Rose Heyworth Pithead and were greeted by a large crowd including – Mr Lorimer Johnson (Vice-Chairman) of the Rose Heyworth Colliery Lodge; Mr Trevor Carpenter, Mr B. Skinner (Treasurer of the Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney Food Fund); Mr Steve Bartlett; Mr Graham Bartlett; Mr Bryn Morgan; Mr Len Reames; Mr Ken Selway; Mr Carl Morris; Mr Llew Smith M.E.P.; Mr Keith Hannem; Mr Gwyn Bartlett and Mr Madison Kelsoe and others:

The Presentations.
Upon arrival at the Rose Heyworth Pithead the fundraising cyclists Jeff Williams and Duane Bishop were both presented with a framed scroll and a copy of the Fed miners’ book, both items were fully signed by members of the Rose Heyworth Lodge and Mr Llew Smith M.E.P.

The Commemorative Scroll and Book.
The featured image shows the fully signed commemorative framed scroll and book presented to Jeff Williams by the Rose Heyworth Lodge and Llew Smith in appreciation of the fundraising cycle ride in connection with the Blaenau Gwent Food Fund.

The Commemorative Scroll.
The framed Commemorative Scroll has the inscription – “The National Union of Mineworkers South Wales Area, in appreciation of the comradely effort and spirit undertaken in support of the Gwent Food Fund, the officers wish to thank Duane Bishop & Jeff Williams for their contribution in helping the families in need and for ensuring the continued struggle in safeguarding jobs and communities for the future. Victory will be ours”. The signatories of the commemorative scroll were – Mr Lorimer Johnson; Mr Steve Bartlett; Mr Bryn Morgan; Mr Madison Kelsoe; Mr Bill Goode; Mr Graham Bartlett; Mr B. Skinner (Treasurer of the Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney Food Fund) and Mr Llew Smith M.E.P.:

The Fed Book.
The signatories of the book were – Mr Bill Goode; Mr Graham Bartlett and Mr Llew Smith M.E.P.: The book was inscribed – “In appreciation of your support for the miners’ strike 1984”.

Featured Items.
All the items featured in the image above was kindly donated to the site by Mr and Mrs Jeff and Pearl Williams. They form part of a tribute to the wonderful work undertaken by the individual and combined efforts of the ladies of the Abertillery Women’s Support Group and the Blaenau Gwent Food Fund 1984 – 1985.

The Photographic Image.
The black & white photograph of Jeff and Duane being greeted at the Rose Heyworth Colliery Pithead and receiving their representational frame and book is copyright Mr Mick Bishop and was kindly loaned courtesy of Mr Mick Bishop.

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