PRESS RELEASE
1st September 2021
Ashgate Hospice was presented with a cheque by the Chesterfield Canal Trust and the Rotary Club of Scarsdale Chesterfield at Hollingwood Hub.
The money was raised as part of an initiative to encourage the use of bells by cyclists along the towpath. This followed a few complaints by walkers that they had been startled by bikes coming up behind them without warning.
The Rotary Club provided a large box of bicycle bells. These were given away free to cyclists at the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Information Centre & Shop at Hollingwood Hub. In return the pedallers were asked to make a donation to Ashgate Hospice.
The highly successful campaign ran for several weeks until the bells had all gone.
Alan Goodall, President of the Rotary Club of Scarsdale Chesterfield, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to contribute towards this initiative. We believe that the towpath will now be safer for all its users and we are delighted that Ashgate Hospice has been able to benefit in the process.”
Chesterfield Canal Trust spokesperson, Rod Auton, said: “We gave away free bells so that cyclists can give a warning to walkers. Ever since the first lockdown, the Chesterfield Canal towpath has been busier than usual as many local people have discovered this glorious green oasis right on their doorsteps.
“Whilst the vast majority of cyclists are polite and go at a moderate pace, a few seem to be in a hurry. This can lead to problems if they come up behind walkers unexpectedly.
“We are very grateful to the Rotary Club of Scarsdale Chesterfield for their incredible generosity in providing these bells.”
Lynn Jones, Ashgate Hospice; Alan Goodall, President of the Rotary Club of Scarsdale Chesterfield;
David Blackburn, Towpath Officer for the Chesterfield Canal Trust