Page 47 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • February 2012 47
Historic church aims for first phase Alternative transport advice at
of refurbishment by Queen’s jubilee February networking event

St Mary’s Church in Lydiard Park has nearly reached its target to Graeme Pitts-Drake of Electric Bike Solutions will be speaking at the
complete the first phase of its conservation, writes Hilary Gardner. Basepoint free networking event, the Networking Hub, on 8 February,
In 2011 English Rev Clive De- on the subject of Alternative Transport, as well as offering free test
Heritage award- verell, team min- rides on electric bikes.
ed a grant to the ister at St Mary’s Electric Bike Solutions at Base-
church to under- said: “A huge point in Westlea has become the
take high level and thanks to all who official Wiltshire dealer for the
emergency repair have given to Kalkhoff range, which Graeme
works. our appeal so far. describes as the Mercedes of the
Following pre- Whilst we have bike world.
liminary investi- received a num- “Kalkhoff from Germany, com-
gation last sum- ber of grants from prises high end, high quality bikes
mer it became other grant mak- which are very much in demand,
apparent that the ing bodies, it is and I’m delighted to add this range
scope and extent of the generosity of to complement our own high spec
the work required the public and ErgoMatic brand,” said Graeme.
is not as severe as our congregation “Research shows that people
originally identi- St Mary’s appeal coordinator which has under- who own an electric bike will use
fied. The roof of the Hilary Gardner pinned the success it 10 times more than they would if
St John chapel does not need to be of our appeal since it was launched it were just a push bike. You have Graeme and Jane Pitts-Drake with
completely replaced although some in May 2011.” to pedal, so you’ll still get fit, but
Basepoint manager Lyn Chapman
repair is required. In addition, all The works will start in the Spring you won’t get sore muscles trying
the rainwater goods on the church and be completed by the end of May to get uphill.” how an electric bike could help
will be completely replaced, some of in time for the Queen’s diamond In terms of running costs, Graeme their staff reduce the costs of get-
the dormer windows repaired and jubilee celebrations. contrasts a 10 mile return car jour- ting to work.”
a start will be made on the cleaning The second phase of the project, ney at £2 with the same journey The Networking Hub opens for
and conservation of the unique wall will focus on the major refurbish- by electric bike at 2p. “There are registration at 12noon on Wednes-
paintings inside. ment of the building and conserva- no parking charges either with a day 8 February and includes a free
Tenders have been received tion of the historic monuments and bike,” he said. lunch and refreshments. To reserve
and, with the amount of monies other artefacts. “I’m keen to support Swindon a place mail: Swindon@basepoint.
raised to date, only another £5,000 It is envisaged that this will cost Council’s SWIFT programme to co.uk.
is required to allow us to proceed up to £750,000. An application to encourage commuting by bike, so See the Electric Bike Solutions
and complete the first phase of our the Heritage Lottery Fund will be local businesses can come along to advertisement on page 5.
exciting conservation project. made at the end of this year. the event and find out more about www.electricbikesolutions.co.uk

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