All you need is your bike – after your Parkrun!

Some of the NRC Newbury Parkrun volunteer team

NRC had another busy weekend with a volunteer takeover of Newbury Parkrun and our Summer ‘Come and Try It’ event.

Parkrun Volunteer Takeover

Saturday morning was our Parkrun Volunteer Takeover, with 23 volunteers arriving at Greenham Common from 8am to cover roles allocated by Run Director, Fraser Harding - including car parking, course set-up, marshalling, time keeping, barcode scanning and time checking.

NRC Chair Steve Dawes getting runners ready to start

Over 300 runners completed the 5k course, including NRC’s Steve Dawes, Debbie Dawes and Allan Bartlett who also had pre- and post-run volunteer roles. Anyone already involved with Parkrun will know that a big volunteer team is necessary to ensure event safety. Fraser complimented us on a smooth operation and the Parkrunners were keen to express their gratitude to volunteers.

Allan Bartlett with his impressive rock collection

It was a great opportunity to support another activity in our local community, something we hope to repeat later in the year. Some of our volunteers have also been inspired to dig out their running shoes again.

There was a lot of interest in NRC with runners coming to talk to us to find out more about our rides and events - some have already joined our Sunday and Tuesday rides.

You can find out more about Newbury Parkrun here.

Graham Morrison setting up the finish funnel

All you need is your bike

Sunday was our Summer Come and Try It Event which brought many new faces from various channels, including Thatcham Fun Day, Parkrun, Strava Club, Newbury Weekly News, Berkshire Radio, Spond, NRC social media channels, and word of mouth from members - thanks for spreading the word.

Nicky Ager and Jan Raymond's pre-ride briefing

The first guests were already at the marketplace just after 8.30, and Alan Alewood came prepared to collect their details and identify which rides they would like to join.

Ride leaders stepped up to marshal our various rides, with our guests meeting fellow riders whilst exploring new routes and cafes, with some riding much further than they thought they could. Some have joined the club, so a great recruiting job by our members.

Women's taster ride visits Goodies at Great Shefford

Tremendous thanks to everyone who volunteers and supports club activities in so many different ways, it is greatly appreciated – our amazing members make an amazing club!

Lorraine Murrell

Volunteer Co-ordinator