Hampshire country pub hosting cycling challenge for Poppy Appeal

The Cricketers in Easton is hosting its annual Ride to Remembrance fundraiser from November 5 to 8, raising money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Now in its third year, the event sees a single indoor Zwift bike kept in motion non-stop for three days, with pub staff and supporters taking turns in the saddle.

Andrew Gwilliam-Kent, licensee of The Cricketers, said: "Ride to Remembrance is well underway and once again the support we’ve had from across the community has been incredible.

"The bike is turning day and night, but it’s everything happening around it that makes these few days really special.

"We’ve got people riding, donating, sponsoring friends, baking, cheering people on or simply coming into the pub for a pint and helping us raise a little bit more.

"Everyone can play their part in their own way."

Over the past two years, participants aged nine to 85 have cycled a combined 3,339 kilometres and climbed 45,215 metres, raising £8,000 for the Poppy Appeal.

Glasses of We Will Meet Again (Image: Marstons)

This year, more than 100 people have booked 30-minute riding slots, but the event is about more than just those on the bike.

Visitors are encouraged to drop by the pub to cheer on riders, enjoy homemade treats, or buy a pint of We’ll Meet Again from Triple fff Brewery, with profits helping to boost the fundraising total.

Mr Gwilliam-Kent said: "Over the last two years that collective effort has raised £8,000 for the Royal British Legion, and we’re determined to add as much as we can to that total this year.

"For us, this is what a great local pub is all about. It’s a place where people come together and, when there’s a cause the community cares about, can turn that support into something really positive."

The Ride to Remembrance is part of a wider programme of activity at The Cricketers supporting the Royal British Legion this November.

The pub is also taking part in Marston’s Raise a Glass campaign, which raised more than £128,000 for the Poppy Appeal last year.

Visitors can purchase specially created limited-edition commemorative glasses, featuring poppy artwork created by Army veteran and award-winning artist Jane Wilkes, with £1.26 from each pint glass and 85p from each half-pint glass sold donated to the Royal British Legion.

The Cricketers will also host a stop on Marston’s Pass the Poppy event, welcoming a travelling 3D-printed poppy on Saturday, November 7.