What a month May is turning out to be

What a month May is turning out to be – like many other people I realised that cycling had become more popular following the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012 and seeing the likes of Bradley Wiggins and Mark Colbourne standing proud to receive their Gold medals. Their outstanding achievements appear to have inspired even the most couch cyclists amongst us. Cycling shops have boomed with new ones opening everywhere and there are many events focusing on organised cycle rides that are also growing in popularity.

 

This was evidenced at the start of this month when Salisbury and Wilton played host to hundreds of cyclists and cycling enthusiasts. In fact the weekend was enough to motivate even me to look for a new bike! I have to stress though that I wasn’t shopping for a  go-faster, 30 gear, road bike that you can lift with one finger - but a more sedate ladies’ bike with a basket for shopping and just three gears to allow me to cycle at a moderate pace and take the time to enjoy our beautiful Wiltshire countryside.

 

I know many of you participated in the Sportive rides and that the very fit amongst you tackled and achieved the 100 mile route and some sportingly took on the 20 miles.  It was a gloriously sunny bank holiday weekend – unlike the one we’ve just had! And judging from the many smiling faces and the great atmosphere you obviously enjoyed it as much as I did.

 

These types of events really do inspire communities and individuals to get involved and participate in something that has a tangible feel-good factor and creates a truly wonderful atmosphere. In my view our county is unique and very fortunate that it has so many people who give their time and energy to help make their local village, town or area a great place to live and be part of. We all like to belong and feel part of something; it gives us a sense of purpose and a satisfaction when you can make a contribution, participate, smile and enjoy what life has to offer – especially on a sunny warm weekend.

 

In my view we need more opportunities to encourage us to get involved, be more active and to be part of something that makes us feel good. You may recall that I pledged – as part of the Big Pledge – to help raise money to help to support Hope for Tomorrow; a Wiltshire based charity that provides mobile cancer therapy units in rural locations. These mobile cancer therapy units are exceptional and each one costs around £260,000. Currently, Wiltshire has one vehicle, but given the size of our county, two would provide additional access allowing more support for cancer sufferers across the county. Last week one of these vehicles was parked up outside County Hall as part of raising awareness of the charity and for me to make this pledge more public.

 

Already the response to this cause has been fantastic and I have scheduled the first event; a quiz and curry night on 16 September – in the atrium. The newly formed council choir has promised to sing for us. Their first gathering to start rehearsals was today and I know they are keen to have as many of you involved as possible.  

 

It’s a harsh reality that almost all of us have either been affected, or know someone who has been affected by cancer – the more active we can be and the more we can participate in positive events and gatherings the better we feel. Don’t underestimate the power of your personal wellbeing and don’t take it for granted; you matter and taking some time to keep active, or be involved in something that improves how we feel goes a long way to keeping us fit and healthy.

 

Now, I’m going to start pedalling and join those of you who have taken to your bikes and are reaping the benefits – that’s not to say that I won’t stop at the odd pub or café on my route! 

Jane