Windermere Ferry tickets from County Hall

 Windermere Ferry tickets from County Hall.

 

Still £10 for a book of 20 tickets, quite a saving on the £2 fare. 

You can order by phoning 01539 713066, and they’ll send them out post free.

Pedestrian ticket books only £5. 

Cycle Festival reminder

 Message from the Cycle Touring Festival organiser

Hello everyone, With a sense of deja vu, we have some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that - perhaps predictably - we have decided that it won't be possible to hold the Cycle Touring Festival in person this year. Although things may have improved by May, we just don't know for certain. Rather than spend all that time now, planning for something which may later need to be cancelled, we think it's better to just cut our losses and invest our energies elsewhere... ...which brings us onto the good news! Once again, we will be holding a virtual CTF this year. This will be a series of live talks, online workshops, pre-recorded content and films, all on the theme of exploring the world by bike.  The dates for your diary are Friday 12 February - Sunday 21 February. We're assuming we'll still be in lockdown by then (in the UK) and, as this falls over both half term and Valentine's Day, we're hoping it will provide a distraction from the depressing thought that usual holidays and celebrations can't go ahead this year. More details will follow but for now, enjoy planning adventures for when we're once again allowed out and stay safe. Keep pedalling, Laura Please use this link to visit the website : https://cycletouringfestival.co.uk/

MINUTES OF THE KDCS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD VIA ZOOM MEDIA ON 25/1/21

 

Attendees Steve Warner, Anne Brookes, Brian Woodward, Dave Wills, Martin Slader, Mike Pezet and Will Beck 

 

Steve as chairman welcomed all. He advised that following his all members note issued prior to the meeting a number of responses had been received ( circulated to the committee in advance of the meeting ) and these would be referred to during the meeting.  

 

1. FINANCE REPORT 

 

Martin as treasurer had already circulated the accounts covering the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 year to date prior to the meeting. There were only 2 items of expenditure to report for year 20/21 so far which was the affiliation fee to Cycling UK ( £80 ) and a payment to retain our domain name / website of circa £25. Our current income surplus stands at £630.02p. We therefore remain in a healthy financial position. 

 

1. MEMBERSHIP UPDATE 

 

Mike / Anne confirmed that there had only been 5 new members this year which was understandably down from the 14 last year. Dave advised that the system generated JOT form provides an accurate update on new joiners. 

 

1. RIDES CALENDAR STATUS AND INTENTIONS FOR THE YEAR ( Road, MTB, easy Tuesday ) 

 

An in depth discussion took place as regards to what potentially could be set up notwithstanding the current restrictions due to the COVID 19 crisis. This took account of some members responses regarding re-establishing group rides, use of an on line booking system, utilisation of the 2 Facebook sites, creation of WhatsApp groups, introduction of a members contact system for the road riders to utilise in organising their own informal group rides etc. as they are able to do in the MTB group who use a members contact list that all have to access to. A key element when considering any rides reintroduction must be the safety of ride leaders and our members. Any new system agreed needs consideration of the extent of any extra work it imposes on ride co- ordinators and should not be over complex nor involve numerous communication exchanges as can happen with WhatsApp groups for example.  

 

Data protection requirements have to date resulted in no sharing of KDCS members contact information. The MTB members list content including contact details and sharing was agreed independently by members of this subgroup. To introduce other systems will require a more detailed consideration and may also be impacted by restrictions imposed on us by the nature of our web site. It was agreed that a subgroup comprising of Anne, Will and Dave would look further into the ride co-ordinating options. 

 

AP 1 - Anne, Mike and Will to ‘ meet ‘, set some criteria / parameters, consider the options and feedback to the committee with any recommendations. 

 

Whatever the outcome it was agreed that members seemed very happy with what was on offer prior to lockdown and whatever systems are put in place the aim / essence of our club is to put on regular social rides varied in nature to suit all levels of cyclist. Even when small group riding is permitted during the pandemic there should be a recognition that not all members and leaders wish to expose themselves to health risks.  

 

1. SOCIAL ACTIVITY PROPOSALS 

 

The member responses produced numerous suggestions which included themed zoom meetings, news updates and exchanges, trips, events, virtual rides, recipes, cycling stories etc. Those that have attended the weekly zoom meetings being held to keep everyone in touch felt that they would like to see more members dialling in and some felt they would also like to see MTB group members more actively participating in the wider club activities. Mike Pezet advised that he has experience of break out groups within his work related zoom sessions allowing smaller groups to hold their own mini meetings. It was recognised that large zoom sessions were not easy given that only one person can speak at a time. It was therefore agreed that this could be trialled with a potential experimental date of 2/2/21. Dave / Mike to discuss. 

 

Dave as Social Secretary would welcome a sub committee to support him with all of this this and we agreed that Dave should write out to the membership to recruit some help. 

 

AP2 - Dave Wills to write to the membership seeking assistance with the formation of a social activities sub group. 

 

1. PLANNED TRIPS 

 

Whilst all agreed that the MTB group had been successful organising these in the past there had been no enthusiasm from the road rider members to do something similar. Given the current lockdown restrictions no further action is proposed. 

 

1. WEBSITE UPDATE 

 

After some discussion it was agreed that members seem to be happy with the existing set up and format. Subject to the subgroup outcome and any subsequent need for on line ride booking amendments no further changes are proposed.  

 

1. DIRECTION OF THE CLUB 

 

Steve asked the committee to consider whether there was a need to appoint a media / publicity officer lead and / or a campaigning lead. After discussion it was agreed that there appeared to be no push for us to do so and as such there is no requirement to appoint such leads. Steve also advised that Chris Rowley in his role as a Town Councillor has been invited on to the local Kendal Cycling Infrastructure Group run by the County Council. He has agreed with the council that representatives of KDCS can attend and as a result 2 of our members ( Rod and Catherine ) have agreed to do so. The first meeting is due to be held on the 1/2/21. Steve to discuss further with them to consider what influence we can bring.  

 

Steve was recently contacted by a reporter from the Gazette to comment on the proposal to introduce a 20mph speed limit in and around Kendal but despite many points being offered the subsequent article omitted almost all of the comments which was extremely frustrating and disappointing. All we can do is to continue to press our case for safe cycling and an effective access provision including decent and well set out cycle paths.  

 

1. COMMITTEE POSITIONS TO INCLUDE REELECTION  

 

Given that there have been no offers from KDCS members to volunteer for committee places Steve asked the existing group if they were happy to remain in post. All were unanimous in agreeing to this. There were many positive comments from those members who had responded to Steve’s recent note and it is clear that all members of the committee are appreciated for what they do to support the continuation of our long standing club.  

 

Current posts are therefore confirmed as: -  

 

Chairman - Steve Warner 

Rides co-ordinator / news - Anne Brookes 

Treasurer - Martin Slader 

Social Secretary - Dave Wills 

MTB subgroup co-ordinators- Will Beck / Steve Warner 

Road section membership co-ordinators- Mike Pezet, Anne Brookes 

Web access and assistants - Dave Wills, Anne Brookes, Brian Woodward, Neil Hazlehurst, Andy Gillham 

Easy Tuesday rides co-ordinator- Simon Rose 

 

 

1. AOB  

 

There was no further business to discuss. Steve therefore brought the meeting to a close by thanking all the committee for all they had done and for the support given to him as Chair. Despite this being a very difficult year because of the pandemic our willingness to communicate with our members through the website, by e-mail, Facebook and of course Dave’s very successful weekly zoom sessions has kept the membership both informed and we hope in good spirits with optimism for the future. 

  

Steve Warner - Chairman KDCS  

Cycling UK - advice and guidance

 All - latest update from Cycling UK updated 12/1 watch this space. Note also the Police are currently discussing and trying to clarify the guidance regarding exercise and local area etc.

Coronavirus: Advice and guidance for Cycling UK member and affiliate groups

Cycling UK is working towards ensuring some form of riding can continue within some nations. This is constantly evolving, so please keep an eye on local and national news

Use the link below to access their site:

https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/coronavirus-qa-cycling-guidance

Virtual Cycle Touring Festival - Friday 12 February - Sunday 21 February

 Message from the Cycle Touring Festival organiser

Hello everyone, With a sense of deja vu, we have some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that - perhaps predictably - we have decided that it won't be possible to hold the Cycle Touring Festival in person this year. Although things may have improved by May, we just don't know for certain. Rather than spend all that time now, planning for something which may later need to be cancelled, we think it's better to just cut our losses and invest our energies elsewhere... ...which brings us onto the good news! Once again, we will be holding a virtual CTF this year. This will be a series of live talks, online workshops, pre-recorded content and films, all on the theme of exploring the world by bike.  The dates for your diary are Friday 12 February - Sunday 21 February. We're assuming we'll still be in lockdown by then (in the UK) and, as this falls over both half term and Valentine's Day, we're hoping it will provide a distraction from the depressing thought that usual holidays and celebrations can't go ahead this year. More details will follow but for now, enjoy planning adventures for when we're once again allowed out and stay safe. Keep pedalling, Laura Please use this link to visit the website : https://cycletouringfestival.co.uk/

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE CHAIRMAN

 TO ALL KDCS MEMBERS

All,

I think we can all agree that this has been an unprecedented year for the world which has impacted on everyone’s lives. Here in the KDCS cycling club we’ve never had a year like this too. Early on in the pandemic the committee and I agreed that to try and continue with our ride schedules would not only prove difficult to organise but would present unnecessary risks to both ride leaders and those attending. We therefore made the decision to cancel all club rides until we felt it was safe to put them on. Our mountain bike subgroup similarly made the same decision. 

I don’t think any of us thought that nine months later we would still be no nearer bringing these back. I know many of you have continued to get out on your bikes whether that was solo, family or in agreed small manageable groups maintaining safe distances. 

As I write this memo the news from our leaders has resulted in new rules governing Christmas arrangements and those of you intending to visit family and friends have no doubt now had to alter your plans significantly.

Whilst this has been an extremely difficult year for everyone; here in KDCS we have put on a weekly Zoom virtual club meeting and for those dialling in these have been an excellent way of keeping in touch, receiving news and even communal baking. Thanks to our Social Secretary Dave Wills for organising these as they have certainly lifted our spirits. These ‘ gatherings ‘ resume in the new year and I would urge you to give them a try as they are fun.

We continue to be financially viable thanks to your voluntary contributions when we needed it. We have continued with our support for Cycling UK by remaining as an affiliated group. Our website is still there for all even if there isn’t a lot to publish. We’ve even had a few new members this year. Remember after the 21st December the days grow longer and the light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter. Should you feel a bit down or lonely pick up the phone and talk to other members or do seek help from the organisations experienced enough to offer help. Please don’t suffer in silence.

Given the news on the vaccine I do hope that 2021 will allow us to restart our activities at some point in 2021. In the meantime I wish you and your families all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. Keep your hopes and spirits up and above all keep safe. Thank you all for your support.

I would also like to thank the committee for your contributions over the year.

Fond Regards

Steve Warner

20/12/21

Chairmans message

 Note to all members from Steve Warner the Chairman of KDCS dated 3.10.20 regarding the clubs current position given the impacts  of the pandemic

 COVID IMPACTS

 All, there seems to be a never ending change to the advice given out on this and I recently wrote to the KDCS committee regarding the topic of a formal road ride calendar. Will Beck the MTB rides co-ordinator did something similar with our MTB rides group ( 47 members ).

 

The overwhelming consensus was not to put any form of official rides on for the foreseeable future and that remains the position across the club. 

 

Cycling UK have regularly updated the guidance on the impact for cycling which can vary due to country, area, lockdowns etc. Please visit the site for the latest information. 

 

As all of our rides are not ‘official’ club rides then our position remains that members organise their own get togethers at their own risk ( despite our Cycling UK affiliation and ride leaders insurance this will not apply to these rides ). My advice based on current guidance is to ride in a group of no more than 6 and maintain social distancing. Whilst it is possible to have more than one group the other group is then considered a separate entity with either a different route or a generous time lapse between the groups ( e.g 15 mins ) if doing the same route. I would strongly recommend that you stick to organising one group of no more than 6 to avoid problems and public criticism, legal enforcement etc. These of course are your unofficial ‘bubble’ rides so the responsibility rests with you. I’m sorry if this seems a bit like a headmasters speech but as Chairman I’m anxious to avoid any criticism of our club. The MTB group have a members contact list by agreement so organising informal rides is a lot easier for them as a result. The wider KDCS doesn’t have any agreement to share e-mail addresses etc. so I’m afraid it is up to individual members to contact others should they wish to organise any unofficial social rides. 

 

Whilst these are difficult times can I remind you that most Tuesdays Dave Wills your Social  Secretary organises a Zoom on line meeting at 7pm in an effort to maintain social contact, share information and news and cheer people up. They usually last no more than 40 mins so please join one as you will be surprised how uplifting they can be. 

 

One bit of news linked to this is that we are planning  a ‘Halloween‘ special zoom with dressing up yourself and / or your background room optional and the musicians amongst you may well play a tune or two ( no jokes about Thriller, Monster Mash etc. please ). 

 

We are all trying our best in very difficult circumstances and many of you will I’m sure have had family life severely disrupted. Don’t suffer in silence as friendly faces are out there and if you feel a bit isolated join us on the zoom or contact other members for a catch up. 

 

Keep cycling if you can as it is good for physical and mental health well being.

 

Take care and many thanks - Steve

 

Steve Warner - Chairman of KDCS 

s.warner339@btinternet.com

07872472346 mobile

01539734867