The Mayor of Ware, Councillor Thomas Day, together with Councillor Graeme Hill, Town Clerk, Terry Philpott, and Council Officer, Kerry Mavris, returned to Ware Priory on Wednesday, 13th March after their four-day charity bike ride from France. They faced adverse weather for much of the trip and difficult terrain. But, their biggest challenge perhaps was navigating central Paris during rush hour!

The bike ride began on Sunday, 10th of March in Cormeilles-en-Parisis, after Councillors and members of the Ware Town Twinning Association attended a ceremony with local dignitaries where the Renewal of the Pledge of Friendship – reaffirming the bond between Ware and its twin town – was re-signed. The towns were first twinned in 2001. Cllr Day presented his speech entirely in French, a gesture warmly received by the audience. Mayor of Cormeilles, Yannick Boëdec was gifted a framed print of Ware High Street created by local artist, Jenny Kimber.

The goal of the bike ride was to raise awareness and funds for Citizens Advice East Herts, a charity that helped 484 clients in Ware in the past year. So far, the cyclists have raised £1,500 in donations.

The cyclist’s route started in the Northern France town of Cormeilles-en-Parisis which is 10 miles north of Paris, on a 215-mile journey back to Hertfordshire via the Dieppe to Newhaven ferry.

Esther McWatters, Head of Communications and Fundraising at Citizens Advice East Herts said, “It means so much to all of us at Citizens Advice East Herts to have the support of Ware Town Council and we’re so grateful to everyone who has donated to help us keep on helping the people of Ware and East Herts.”