This afternoon, Sue and I attended Eastlea primary School in Cramlington as part of a 'pre visit' in order to check out access for the bike, any problems likely to be encountered etc when we visit next week.

Sue had taken time out from her planning afternoon and with the kind permission of her Head at Biddick Primary School, and came along to check out the opposition!

Plans were made, class lists drawn up, and a location for the bike was decided upon.

We look forward to seeing them again soon!

For the second time that day we were on the road for Northumbria Blood Bikes, this time we headed west to Castleside, Consett to present a talk to the W.I. group that meet at the Village Hall on Drover Road.

We went the scenic ( less traffic ) route - cutting down through Chester Le Street, and across through Sacriston to Lanchester where we turned left onto that great B6296 and Longedge Lane to meet the A68, then up to Castleside via Drover Road dropping down off Rowley Bank.

The community centre was a pleasant surprise, being in good order and warm!

Although not such a big crowd as Lanchester W.I. the other night, it was still well attended with a good mix of ages which was nice to see. We recognised some familiar faces from our talk at Bishop Auckland AGM last year, and from the banter and wisecracking we were obviously in for a good night!

Business conducted it was our turn, so banners and boards at the ready we were off. The talk went well, lots of questions, lots of support, and there was a collection held and we were presented with around £100.

It was nice to hear that a lot of those present knew Kirsty Lawrence and Clair Gray from Tesco just up the road, and had nothing but praise for them - take a bow girls, and Tesco - give them a raise!

Job done it was time to head home - the short route, as people needed to prepare for work the next day.

Another good day for Blood Bikes, more contacts made, more supporters recruited, and more cash in the kitty - Thank you Ladies!

Owain and Sue.