North Essex and Saffron Walden Bridleways Group

Garron Baines writes:

Our inaugural ride was a great success with over 49 entrants starting and finishing our new 12 mile circuit from Waldegraves, Widdington in glorious autumn weather.

Riders benefited from the newly laid surfaces on several of the byways that had become unusable last winter and gave us very positive feedback on the ride itself.

Many of the committee were involved in the preparation but particular thanks go to Rebecka Price Smith, our events organiser who took charge of the project and most of the organisation and ensured we didn't lose any riders.

We are now planning a varied programme of events that we will put to the committee in the next few weeks and will update you via the site.

This is a copy of a letter we sent to the Head of Essex County Council whose staff organised the resurfacing and clearing of large sections of the route.

"We wanted to pass on the thanks of our Bridleways Group for the excellent result your West Area office delivered for us in our inaugural ride this past Sunday.

"We were able to show off a number of smartly resurfaced and cut back routes that gave much enjoyment to the 49 entrants from across East Anglia who participated in the event.

"Particular thanks go to Nicola Foster who rescheduled her programme and reallocated resource to hit our deadlines and to Robin who ensured the contractors delivered the results requested. It was an excellent example of cooperation and the wider community has benefited significantly.

"We look forward to regrouping with Nicola and to meet David to review progress on the remaining works that will produce one of the best riding networks in the region.

"Will you be kind enough to endorse our thanks to your staff."

We received the following response:

I'm sure that Nicola and all the staff concerned would be very satisfied to hear such compliments from yourself. I'm pleased things are going well and that we have this strengthened relationships on PROW [public rights of way] and bridleways given our starting point. This does not happen by chance but by goodwill, commitment and enthusiasm by all concerned - so thanks to you for your help and support as well as our staff. Well done everyone.
Tony Ciaburro
Director for Development, Highways and Transportation
Essex County Council