Last updated June 29, 2024

8th A Coventry Way Challenge Commentary

4 September 2005

Congratulations to all who took part in the 2005 A Coventry Way Challenge. For most 40 miles was enough of a daunting prospect. Not so, for ACW regulars, Mark Swift and Martin Townend who starting at 2am and completed an additional 10 mile stretch of footpaths before beginning The Challenge.

By the day of the event John Green, his helpers with the assistance of the local authorities, had made sure that the Way was in good order. “… the path clearers did a magnificent job, some places were almost unrecognisable” says Andrew Skinner. Even a resident at Breach Oak Lane commented on the work done.

Main-stay at each checkpoint were: 1. Hazel & Adrian Dyke; 2. Iris & Cyril Bean; 3. Martin Cross; 4. Frank Tonkinson & Dave Lewis (Breakfast Club); 5. Maureen & Jim Chapman; 6. Bob Brandon; 7. Mary Hewison. Supplementary water stops by Maureen at Bretford; Algy prior to Ansty and Bob at Barnacle.

The refreshments this year benefited greatly from the input by seasoned LDWA campaigner, Anne Wade. The 120 filled rolls that Anne made plus the individual jellies set by herself and Amy Brandon were well received. It is hoped to have Anne in charge of all food for the 2006 event. Note that it was Bill Eve who distributed these to checkpoints not so long after you had started.

As ever Bob Carey spent the day at Meriden to sort the start and manage the finish.

You won’t have seen the 40 road signs put to warn traffic of your presence. However you will have noticed many others put out either to warn you of traffic or to point you in the right direction. This was a mammoth exercise on Saturday afternoon by Bernard Roebuck, John Green and the two Bob’s.

The use of the village hall added to the event and provided a base should the weather turn nasty. It was good to have Peter Page, John Green and Bill Day on hand to assist. Special thanks to all the “on-the-day” volunteers who helped at the Village Hall and finish – in particular Yvonne Heywood (from Huddersfield), Sue Hallet and Dilys Skinner of Octavian Droobers..

For 2006 we have plans to make good use of Meriden village hall (or maybe another hall along The Way). However it is early days – for now just be sure the date of September 3rd 2006 goes into your diary for A Coventry Way Challenge.

Finally a vote of thanks to Peter Page who has patiently checked all aspects before putting the results on to the web-site.

Bob Brandon