On Tuesday 2nd September, the famous Tour of Britain Men’s cycling race sped through Halesworth. East Suffolk was the chosen starting point for this year’s Tour. The 114 strong team of cyclists and their impressive entourage dashed through Halesworth at approximately 2pm. Entering via Walpole Road, they received a warm welcome from the residents of Highfield House who had gathered under gazebos to watch from their excellent vantage point. There was much cheering and flag waving! The cyclists then sailed along London Road and Saxon’s Way where they were met with more cheering, flags, bells and shakers from those gathered in the Town Park. They then belted up Norwich Road, cheered on by onlookers, then off towards Bungay. Quite a sight to behold, the police bikes with their flashing lights and sirens particularly delighted the children and the Tour of Britain cyclists rode with such speed and energy that it was hard not to be wowed.
Halesworth Town Council, with funding from East Suffolk Council, produced a children’s trail around some of the shops in the Thoroughfare and Market Place, where families had to find the bicycle letters hidden in windows. They also put on a Pedal & Picnic in the Park event to celebrate the Tour. There was live music from the Halesworth Ukulele Band, ice creams and outdoor games, flag decorating and shaker making, medals to give away, plus Sam the Bicycle Wizard offered his bicycle maintenance service for free and made safe several bikes during the afternoon. The Town Council also gave away 25 sets of bicycle lights and hi vis straps – helping to make riders safe as the darker nights arrive. Some fun flags were delivered to St Mary’s Church Youth Group, Mencap, Beech House and Highfield House Care Home prior to the event and these were decorated in style! Some of the Mencap group and residents from Beech House were able to join the event at the Town Park and watch the cyclists fly by whilst waving their colourful flags.The 550-mile Tour of Britain route finished in Cardiff a few days later, with the overall winner being Romain Gregoire. Well done to all those who took part in the Tour, a real inspiration to cyclists, and thank you to all those who supported Halesworth’s events – another brilliant way of bringing the community together.
