Cycling UK East Midlands Region Mince Pie Run 2025

Cycling UK East Midlands Region Mince Pie Run 2025:

The 48th edition of the Mince Pie Run, which was first held in 1978, took place on Sunday 21st December 2025. The weather always seems to be a bit of a feature and this year was no exception with a persistent drizzle and misty or even foggy conditions.

Never the less dozens of cyclists braved the weather and the Village Hall at Belton was constantly busy with groups and individuals arriving at regular intervals to take welcome refreshment. Lead organiser John Catt along with Ian Hill and Terry Scott always wonder how many might attend but it was good to see such a great turnout. 

A number of cyclists turned up looking very festive sporting Santa jerseys, a very fine Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer helmet and Jacqueline Lowe had arrived with her helmet decorated and lit up with Christmas lights.

A special mention to two cyclists who arrived just before 12.30 pm when the venue was due to close. They had been heavily delayed due to flooding along the canal but had persevered and were rewarded with several mince pies.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this event such a success, from those of Notts CTC and others serving at the counters providing steaming mugs of tea and coffee to the backroom team in the kitchen. Thanks, in particular to Jean and Leila Lakin. There was a good trade in traditional mince pies along with an array of other snacks.

Derek Willans once again ran the tombola on behalf of Rainbows Hospice for Babies, Children and Young People. Some great prizes were on offer. Franca Freeman gave a talk about the hospice noting that it cost 8.5 million pounds to run so it was good to learn that the tombola had raised about £1000 this year. 

John Catt and Ian Hill confirmed that following the deduction of expenses (food/drink/hall hire etc) the net surplus was £541.18 which will be donated to the Rainbows Hospice. With the monies from the tombola, a grand total of about £1550 had been raised for the charity on the day.

With Ian hill having divulged himself of the Christmas glasses and Elf hat but still wearing his Christmas jumper, we were delighted to award Ian Hill Cycling UK’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ (SILVER) in recognition of his 25 years’ service as Cycling UK East Midlands Region’s Treasurer. A remarkable achievement and a well-deserved award. Thanks to Jean Lakin for the presentation.