Territiorial Army reservists complete charity cycle ride to Beachy Head (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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BCoT lecturer one of the fundraisers
9:30am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Local By Gazette reporter
Left to right: Joe Bird, Richie Bird and Andy Chilton
“A TOUGH ride” – that was the reaction of three saddle-sore Territorial Army reservists once they reached Beachy Head in Sussex.
Brothers Joe and Richie Bird, aged 24 and 22, joined colleague Andy Chilton, 32, in raising £1,700 for Basingstoke breast cancer charity The Pink Place and for the Army Benevolent Fund, which supports families of soldiers.
The two-day effort was completed by a team of 12 riders including three regular soldiers from the Royal School of Military Engineering in Camberley.
They all cycled 75 miles from Winchester to Beachy Head along tough cross country paths and through picturesque countryside and coastal scenery.
Andy said: “We have managed to collect an amazing £1,700 which will be split 50/50 for both charities. It was a tough ride but well worth the effort everyone put in.”
Joe is a carpet fitter in his civilian job and Richie works as a plasterer. They are both from Old Basing. Andy, from Chineham, is a catering lecturer at Basingstoke College of Technology.
As Territorial reservists with the Royal Engineers, they train one evening a week and one weekend a month as well as doing a two-week training course annually.
When needed, their troop’s role is to provide support to Headquarters 8 force Engineer Brigade, when deployed as support to the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. The troop – the Communications Information Systems Troop – consists of Royal Engineer signallers, drivers, electricians, vehicle mechanics, chefs and clerks.
