Green courier service for Missing Links cycle project

A LOCAL cyclist is offering a postal service with a difference  this month as part of her bid to raise money for Frome’s Missing Links cycleway project.

Marjory Hatvany will be carrying people’s parcels, letters and prescriptions in her bike panniers over the coming weeks, to raise money and get fit for her 1,000 mile ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats at the end of this month.

Marjory, who is well on her way to raising £1,000 said, “It doesn’t appear that outside the big cities anyone is providing a bicycle courier cycling service. As someone who believes strongly in helping the environment, I think this could be fantastic for Frome.

“As I’m working from home at the moment, I can be flexible and fit in any courier work as required.  I shall be lycra-clad and ready to go!”

Marjory will charge £10 per delivery/collection in Frome, or will cycle to Westbury, Warminster, Radstock, Trowbridge or Bradford on Avon for £30 per delivery.

The mother of two has lived in Frome for 12 years. She will be cycling from tip to toe of the United Kingdom – 1,000 miles – when she takes on the Land’s End to John O’ Groats ride later this month.

Marjory said, “I decided rather impetuously to put my name down for the Lands End to John O’Groats ride just a couple of months ago and the weeks have whizzed by.  My sons Euan and James and my husband Philip have been very supportive, – I do feel guilty when I disappear at the weekend for another long pedal!

“The ride will be supported by Sustrans to celebrate 20 years of their National Cycle Network project.  Not only was my last job with Sustrans, but the route will have one night stop-over in my home town of Peebles in Scotland.  So it seemed that it was destined that I should accept this challenge!  I am very nervous as I am not a natural athlete and definitely built more for downhill than uphill.

“The prospect of cycling approximately 80 miles every day for two weeks is very daunting.  However, if I can pootle along at a slow and steady pace, I’m hopeful that I can survive each day.  I’ve heard that the Cornwall and Devon sections at the beginning at the ride will be the worst!”

Marjory, who has never cycled further than 100 miles, is doing the ride to raise money for Frome’s Missing Links project, which is aiming to  create a traffic-free cycle path from Frome to link up with the Collier’s Way at Great Elm.

Marjory says she has been obsessed with cycling since her mid 30s. She says, “I am very passionate about the Frome’s Missing Links project.  This project would benefit Frome and the surrounding area immensely.  The aim is to create a traffic-free path from Frome, linking with the Collier’s Way towards Radstock, and hopefully later to connect Frome with Longleat.

“There are fantastic physical and mental health benefits to be had from cycling, as well as a huge amount of fun.

“Not everyone relishes the challenge of the hills in and around Frome so a fairly level, traffic-free route would really help families to get out and enjoy the countryside.  The cycle path would bring lots of cyclists and tourists to Frome, bringing commuting and economic benefits too.”

The Missing Links project is relying on £20,000 being raised by local people, in order to press forward on creating the track.

Marjory continued, “Frome’s Missing Links volunteers have already put in a huge amount of time and effort.  They have worked in chain gangs to clear old railway tracks, secured landowners’ agreements, sought planning permissions and funding and have already completed the first phase.

“We had a great ‘Bicycle Illuminations’ opening celebration, but now we need help to get phase II going.  All permissions are in place, and all they need is £20,000 to get things moving.  By raising this 10% and demonstrating local support,  Sustrans will be able to unlock the rest of the £200,000 required for phase II.”

Call Marjory Hatvany on 0774 367 1131 or email marjoryhatvany@gmail.com to book a charity bicycle courier delivery.

Alternatively, you can sponsor her ride at www.justgiving.com/Marjory-Hatvany

To find out more about how Frome’s Missing Links hopes to improve cycling in the area go to www.fromesmissinglink.org.uk.