500 miles for 500 towns - Day Seven

As we approach 500 Fairtrade Towns in the UK, Fairtrade supporters are taking to their saddles for a 500 mile cycle relay from Aberfeldy to Cardiff. We're blogging about their journey that will conclude in Cardiff on Monday 1 November. Learn more about their route at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/500fairtradetowns


Today was the day that the 500 Mile Fairtrade Bike Ride came through Hay-on-Wye.



Three cyclists did the 60 miles from Bridgnorth (or perhaps a bit more than 60 miles when they got lost/went the pretty way in the small lanes). Ray Gill Chair of Bridgnorth Fairtrade Town group completed the full, epic 60 miles, with his two willing cyclists each doing 30 miles and sharing the driving of the support vehicle. They were met in Hay by an official welcome from George the Town Cryer and an event in the Council Chambers. On hand to greet them were Roger Williams MP; Mary Fellowes the Mayor; Fiona Howard the headmistress of  Hay  Primary School -  the first Fairtrade primary school in Wales); local councillors; Jo Eliot of the Fairtrade group and Lady Matilda de Breos (who built Hay Castle in the 12th Century).

Joined by the contingent from Drover Holidays led by Anna Heywood and her husband, who are picking up where the Bridgnorth cyclists left off and doing the 60 miles from Hay to Ammanford tomorrow, guests enjoyed Fairtrade wine and snacks kindly supplied by the Co-op, while being serenaded by three well known local buskers and the 500 Fairtrade Towns version of the proclaimers hit 500 Miles! The official scroll was signed by the Bridgnorth cyclists and handed over ceremonially to the Hay-on-Wye group who will sign it along with all the other cyclists when they reach Ammanford tomorrow evening, and pass it on to their cyclists for the next stage - down to Cardiff and the finishing line!