New Scene Youth Club welcomes F1 Icon to Chester 29/07/2010

It was a day to remember last Sunday in Chester as Nigel Mansell and his fellow riders pedalled into sight, welcomed by local residents, members of LIVE! and event organisers.

The day had started fairly dull and overcast, but this didn’t dampen the spirits of those who came along to try their hand, or should that be foot, with Chester Go-Ride, ReCycle Bikes’ North Shore obstacle course and the adapted bikes provided by LIVE! and looked after by Cycling Projects. We were also treated to a display of vintage bikes from Walton Hall Cycle Museum and entertainment from Debi Whittaker and her African Drums. Matty from New Scene kept everyone’s hunger at bay with a free barbecue.

Thankfully the rain stayed off and we cheered Nigel and team into New Scene at about 16.30pm. No sooner was Nigel off the bike and he was mobbed by fans looking for autographs and photos. Even though he had just completed over 100 miles and over 400 miles since the challenge began four days earlier, Nigel was more than happy to chat with everyone who had come out to take part in the event.

As part of his welcome to New Scene, I had planned for him to ride a lap of the circuit with everyone following behind, however as Nigel was suffering from quite a bad muscle strain, we arranged for him to have a slightly easier tour of the cycle circuit.

Nigel gets taken for a spin

Ex professional cyclists Magnus Backstedt,  Tour de France stage winner and winner of Paris Roubaix, joined Nigel in presenting UK Youth’s Youth achievement Award packs to members of New Scene. The intrepid young people will now complete these awards to gain recognition and accreditation for their achievements in completing an outdoor expedition at the Conway Centre in Wales. Karen, the youth work co-ordinator at New Scene, said this was a great moment for the members and gave them something to keep as recognition for their hard work and dedication.

The day and Nigel’s visit was rounded off by the Nigel and the team talking with young people and taking part in the activities on offer. All in all it was a great and unique day for Chester and in particularly everyone involved with New Scene Youth Club. A big thanks goes out to all involved for making this a special day and one I’m sure we will remember for a long time.