The event started at 10am from the docks in Bridgwater, where competitors raced a bell boat (a twin hulled canoe) up the canal to the YMCA. From there they got on their bikes and cycled along the canal to Taunton and back, stopping off along the way for a BBQ and refreshments at Maunsel House at 12noon. Then starting at the Boat and Anchor everyone decided to cycle the last mile and a half back to finish back at the YMCA. A total of 24 miles!
The young people who have agreed to take part in this charity event, come from a range of backgrounds. Some are currently working with the Somerset Youth Offending Team because they have Court Orders, while others are getting support with education, training and employment with the Targeted Youth Support Team or are attending the Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Bridgwater.
All the young people are aged between 13 and 18 and many have experienced difficulties in their childhood and continue to struggle with a range of problems, for example Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with their families, homelessness, or are care leavers.
Whilst at Maunsel House, Sir Benjamin Slade gave a wonderful 45 minutes of regaling the history of Maunsel and then taking everyone into the house for an exclusive and personal full tour. This was followed by a hearty BBQ provided by Pynes of Somerset.
http://www.pynethebutcher.co.uk/
Sir Benjamin was more than happy to support the charity event and felt that it was important to give something back to the community that would be positive for the young people who took part in the event. He made reference to the fact that he was not the model teenager. He had been suspended from various schools and had been sent off to Australia with a one way ticket at 15 as he had been written off. He told the young people that he had come back years later after making money and that anything is possible.
Nikki Coombes, Youth Offending Officer for the council texted back later to say “everyone was wowed by the BBQ, Sir Ben and the house…..thank you very much for your efforts and contribution”
Nikki Coombes, Youth Offending Officer for the council texted back later to say “everyone was wowed by the BBQ, Sir Ben and the house…..thank you very much for your efforts and contribution”
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