Bury St Edmunds Rickshaw is encouraging townsfolk to 'have a go'
Dodging the showers recently has been interesting but some people don’t seem to mind the rain.
Pat loved her ride through a deserted Abbey Gardens one soaking wet morning, with her umbrella-patterned jacket brightening the gloom. We have since considered (and rejected) the idea of providing umbrella hats for passengers in future.
As life gets back to normal, we are looking forward to a full schedule of rides round town for residents who need a bit of help to get out and about – ‘joy rides’ we call them.
There is something uplifting about travelling in the rickshaw; it feels like a gentle fairground ride, and it makes you smile. And then there’s the sights and sounds (and smells) of the town to enjoy, and passersby to wave at and chat to. It’s the perfect antidote to being stuck indoors for a year.
We’ll be on Angel Hill on Saturday and Sunday this Bank Holiday weekend offering rides for all – young and not so young. This is the perfect opportunity to experience a joy ride before booking one for your friend or elderly relative, sort of try before you buy – except that all our rides are free! This was very popular when we did it at Easter (in the freezing cold); please do come and say hello.
Rickshaw volunteers, mostly on their own bicycles, have delivered thousands of prescriptions since the pandemic took hold last March. As we wind down the service we’d like to thank all the lovely ‘customers’ who have made this such a pleasure. While it’s great fun zooming round town dispatch rider-style, a friendly smile and chat on the doorstep makes our day.
Meanwhile, residents at Marham House have been taking advantage of dry days and the smooth cycle paths around Marham Park to get out in the fresh air by rickshaw, accompanied last week by several swifts. It must be summer. As Covid restrictions are lifted we will be working again with all the local care homes that want weekly visits for residents. We can’t wait.
If you would like a free ride, or you would like to arrange one for someone you know, call us 01284 339449. We’d also love to hear from you have a challenge for us or if you would like to support us in any way.
-- Libby Ranzetta, Co-chair, Bury Rickshaw
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