A THAME cycling enthusiast, who has done much to promote cycling in the Thame area through her training of both children and adults, has been given the accolade of ‘a Local Champion’ in a national competition.
Cathy Gaulter-Carter, of Aylesbury Road, Thame, was presented with a cup on behalf the the CTC, the UK’s National cycling organisation, after becoming the UK runner up following her award as the winner of the South East England heat of the competition.
In her capacity as Chair of the Thame Better Ways to School group, and later TWAC, Thame Walking and Cycling, Cathy was instrumental in the development of the Phoenix Trail, fighting tirelessly against planners, some local councillors and land owners less enthusiastic than she was about bringing about a shared use, cycling, walking and horse-riding path as a recreational facility to the town.
Cathy was presented with her cup by John Francis, a fellow campaigner and supporter of the Phoenix Trail, at the Three Horse Shoes pub, Towersey, a favourite ‘watering hole’ of users of the Phoenix Trail, following a celebration ride of the Trail with other enthusiasts and friends.
Typical of Cathy’s dedication to protecting the environment, was her declining an invitation to go and receive her award at Stormant Castle in Northern Ireland, which would have meant travelling by either plane or car and boat. It took weeks of clandestine planning and plotting to eventually get Cathy into a situation to be presented with her award locally, and so it was a huge surprise to her to be presented with the cup after, what she thought, was just a nice ride out and a meal with friends.
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