Cylcing UK Lincolnshire AGM 2026 - REPORT

Cycling UK Lincolnshire AGM, Fiskerton Village Hall. 11th April 2026.

That time of year once again when members elect the Committee, receive and, if approved, adopt the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts (Treasurer's Report).

Attendance was well down on what we’ve enjoyed over the last few years, for a number of reasons; the weather certainly played its part. A very windy day with the forecast of frequent heavy, perhaps thundery showers in the afternoon. In addition to 6 Committee Members, we had 3 others join us on the day and it was great to have had the company of Paul Linder. With proxy votes from other Louth members, we rustled up the quorum so that we didn’t need to reschedule the AGM for another day.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. FORMAL NOTICE OF THE MEETING

CYCLING UK LINCOLNSHIRE CHAIR’S ANNUAL REPORT 2026

Thanks to Andy Townhill for organising the AGM at the Village Hall in Fiskerton. Cycling UK Lincolnshire’s annual Audax event the ‘Lincoln Imp’, took place on 3rd May 2025 which saw over 60 riders enjoy the hilly route providing valuable funds for the Formal Member Group. Congratulations to Andy Townhill for organising the Audax ride and to his team of helpers. This year the usual 100 km ‘Lincoln Imp’ event and once again the 50 km ‘Mini Imp’ event will take place on Saturday 25th April.

In June 2025, Cycling UK Gainsborough under Trevor Halstead and Dan Nicholson’s stewardship organised a number of events for Cycling UK’s Bike Week including a Charity Ride in aid of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. From sponsorship, donations and additional monies from selling donated cycles, a grand total of £1,660 was raised and presented to the charity at Saint George’s Hall in Gainsborough on 6th October 2025. An additional £136.35 was raised on the night. Trevor Halstead started raising funds for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance in 2000 and to date, £34,425 has been collected. Quite an achievement.

With regard to Campaigning, it’s once again been a busy year, Melanie Carroll attending and participating in a number of online discussions, forums, presentations and events. Melanie is a passionate campaigner and continues her volunteering across many positions including Cycling UK’s Cycle Advocacy Network and remains a Cycling UK Trustee.

We look forward to a busy and successful year ahead across Lincolnshire, with a full programme of rides and events to include the Lincoln Imp and Little Imp Audax events on Saturday 25th April and two organised rides as part of Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival; the ‘Spa Trail’ on Saturday 16th May and ‘A View of the Wolds’ on Saturday 23rd May. Cycling UK Gainsborough is running their annual charity ride on Sunday 7th June with Bike Week running from 9th

to 15th June. Whilst our Informal Member Groups organise rides that are usually independent of each other, this year we hope to run a few ‘Meet Up’, radial rides. The first one will be on Sunday 26th June where, hopefully, we’ll all meet up at Market Rasen.   

Cycling UK Lincolnshire welcomes current and would be volunteers and with invitations to this year’s AGM reaching 291 addresses, it’s hoped to gain valuable support for our future endeavors.

Cycling UK’s aim is to create a society where everyone sees the well-being, health and environmental benefits of cycling, even if they don’t cycle themselves and to make positive changes for cycling, for cyclists and for all potential cyclists. Our vision for happier, healthier and greener lives through cycling.

Tim Newbery

Chair Cycling UK Lincolnshire

3. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Melanie Carroll, Andy Wharfe - Lincoln.  Loll Dickinson - Gainsborough.                                                                  

4. MINUTES OF THE 2025 MEETING

Circulated at the meeting and read. Proposed Geoff Garner seconded Mark Lilley.

5. MATTERS ARISING

Roy Redman has not taken up the offer of the money that was gifted last year. It was confirmed that the use of a webcam to enable the AGM to be run as ‘hybrid’ was agreed year. We’ll need the Wi-Fi code at the village hall to enable the use of Zoom digital platform.

6. SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT

Nice to see Tim after his operation and carrying on his Cycling UK activities and riding too. We wish him all the best on his continuing recovery.

In March Cycling UK received £8 million pounds from the UK Government for the ‘Big Bike Revival’. I hope some of the funds can go out to the regions rather than in a 10 mile radius of Cycling UK National Office in Surrey or London.

At present the Lincoln Imp Audax has nearly 40 entries and the Little Imp 14 entries. Down on last year but this is probably due to the bad weather and the entry cost being £10. Unfortunately my costs have increased including room hire and postage for Brevet cards.

In the latest Cycle magazine it was reported that Ted King the former president of Cycling UK / CTC had passed away at the age of 97. He was president before we had professional C.E.O.’s and we still had the D.A. and section structure, now replaced by formal Member Groups and ‘informal activities’.

Thanks to everyone who supported Cycling UK in 2025/2026 rides and activities and thank you for attending today’s AGM.

7. TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT

Total in the bank is now £2,275. With the profits from the Lincoln Imp Audax plus costs of the AGM to be calculated.

8. CAMPAIGNS / REGISTRATION OFFICER'S REPORT 

CAMPAIGNS REPORT AGM 2026. 

In truth at this time Andy and Tim know as much or more than I do as they have both been active in keeping the ear to the ground and watching out for issues as they arise. 

The council's active travel officers are still looking into green paths (basically quiet roads slightly safer for cyclists to use) and doing some work on older populations (over 50) with consideration of promoting e-bikes as a solution for local rides. Their emphasis remains on coastal areas and East Lindsey (particularly Skegness and Mablethorpe) due to tourism factors as well. They pulled the plug on Love to Ride Lincolnshire and there are concerns as to the once positive Mayor’s position on all things cycling as she now has the purse strings focused on highways. 

Spalding and Grantham cycle campaign groups remain active, working on issues in their areas, as do groups that are not always specifically cycle focused but rather about active travel in Stamford, Louth, Sleaford, and Lincoln. True and sad to say that most cycle plans have been watered down or axed entirely after public consultations, but again part of that is that the silent majority gift their desires to the vocal minority by being silent, and we need to try to encourage our friends, families and networks to speak out and say they would like safe infrastructure.  

Love to Ride had and will have bike month in May and in June we will have our own Cycling UK Big Bike Revival and there will also likely be funding for community cycling clubs targeting areas of diversity and deprivation, again the focus is on getting people to cycle and keep it up. Activities that help engage with others and the more we can show cycling as active, involved and needed, the more chances and hope we have of reversing the negative political argument that Lincolnshire is a car necessary area that ignores the needs of a younger, older or those with health issues population for whom car driving isn't a possibility for them, along with the many who can't afford to own and run a car. We need to push and support these projects more. 

Let's move Lincolnshire would still love it if we would put our rides on their site, they want to support more cycling.  

In Lincoln, the bridge that leads to the NCN1 from the city has now been removed. The Titanic bridge remains closed but there’s news that it should be reopened later this year for walkers and cyclists after strong local campaigning.

Money has been given to Sincil Bank to improve cycling and walking. All I can say is it's something but I haven't noticed anything happen in that area. 

Looking ahead the new Better Connected report that came out last week from the government, it is sad how little cycling gets mentioned and how weak it is. There was also the new Local transport Plans guidance for local authorities released and the investment strategy that too feels even weaker, sadly. So, we still have much work to do. 

I'm sure I'm missing lots but that gives you a taste...what this shows though is our campaigning voice continues to need to be louder and clearer to ensure that Cycling is kept on the agenda  

Melanie Carroll.

REGISTRATION OFFICER'S REPORT:

Membership now stands at 402 members in Lincolnshire. An increase from 377 last year.

9. AREA / ACTIVITY REPORTS 

CYCLING UK LINCOLN REPORT 2026

Rides during 2025 were affected by the rainy weather at the latter half of 2025 and early 2026. Thankfully it has become dryer much dryer and hopefully long may it continue. I joined the Re-Open the Titanic Bridge campaign in 2025 for the bridge to be reopened for pedestrians and cyclists and just recently we heard that it will reopen later this year. Unfortunately, the Water Rail Way is to be closed from April the 20th till July 20th 2026 (ED - now slightly delayed with closure from 5th May to 21st July 2026) for much needed resurfacing and drainage work. While necessary, the alternative routes are via very busy roads and with entitled and speeding motorists. Thanks to all those riders who have supported Cycling UK Lincoln’s rides and activities.

CYCLING UK LOUTH ANNUAL REPORT 2026

It’s been another busy and rewarding 12 months for Cycling UK Louth with average numbers attending the rides typically four to six and on occasion we’ve had attendances of eight. In addition to our regular members, we have welcomed the company of John Parish who is joining us on more regular basis and very recently guest riders Derek Croal and Harvey Wright. At 17 years of age, Harvey lowers the groups average by some margin. For Tim, it’s been a disappointing year as a major operation put him out of action between September and December. Many thanks to all for the support and for taking on extra duties whilst he recovered. Special thanks go to John Rickett and Ty Harness.

The club has two cups which we award annually. The ‘Effort Cup’ was presented to Ty Harness in May. A bike mechanic and first aider, Ty’s the first to help group members who have had mechanical issues and he also volunteers as a mechanic for Active Lincolnshire’s ‘Wheels For Life’ bike donation scheme and Louth’s Repair Café. In addition to our regular Sunday and Wednesday rides, Ty also offered and led shorter, more gentle rides on Saturday mornings from late Spring to early Autumn in 2025. These ‘Steady Saturday Rides’ proved popular attracting a number of ladies which is great news.

The ‘John Ambler Louth Cup’ was awarded to John Rickett on 19th November at the Winter Rides meeting held in Louth. October. Dubbed ‘Billy no Mates’, John is a club stalwart, keeping the Wednesday Rides alive, even if he is occasionally by himself.

Rides have included familiar destinations but we’ve also returned to those we haven’t been to for years along with some new venues. Steve Croton proffers a never-ending list each time we hold a rides meeting. We tried out for the first time, Bentley’s, Grimsby (Wilton Road, near Humberston), Kettle and Cake, Waddingworth for Halloween, Cunningham's Coffee Lounge, Spilsby and Mable’s in Mablethorpe. 

In May we organised a ride as part of the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival, promoting all that our organisation has to offer whilst on 17-18th of the month Tim Newbery, Martin Wood, John Rickett and Rob Cook rode to Southhall for a night away. The weather was fine; sunny and hot (perhaps too hot on return). Tim took on the challenge of a Cycle Camping Tour of the Netherlands to Texel 2nd-12th June but this time the weather was far from hot and sunny, having to contend with unseasonable storms and floods. Next time it has to be better. Also in June, both Steve Croton and John Rickett enjoyed ‘Coast to Coast’ cycle tours, John even did it twice covering 332 miles and some 23,000ft ft of climbs. In July we welcomed Cycling UK Oxfordshire who spent a week in Louth, joining up with them on one of their rides. They have promised us a warm welcome if ever we venture to Oxford.

We look forward to more adventures in 2026. A full and varied Sunday and Wednesday programme will continue throughout. Cycling UK Louth’s Camps start off with a Spring edition to Beccles in May whilst we’ll repeat a ride and overnight stop at Southwell in July, following on from the success of last year. The main event perhaps is our 40th Anniversary with a lunch and prize giving to be held at the end of April. Julie Kissane reformed CTC Louth (section) on 27th April 1986. John Ambler took part in this inaugural ride and is still a member, having served 40 years.

CYCLING UK GAINSBOROUGH REPORT 2026:

A full calendar of rides through out 2025 with fundraising for the Air ambulance and Speed Judging and Sunday rides too.

10. ELECTION OF MEMBER GROUP COMMITTEE MEMBERS

CYCLING UK LINCOLNSHIRE COMMITTEE STRUCTURE 2026-2027

COMPULSORY POSITIONS / ROLES

There are four required committee positions / roles:  

• Chairperson  Tim Newbery
• Proposer  Mark Lilley                    Seconder Trevor Halstead
• Secretary  Andrew Townhill
• Proposer Mark Lilley                     Seconder Geoff Garner
• Treasurer  Mark Lilley
• Proposer  Tim Newbery               Seconder Andrew Townhill
• Safeguarding officer Trevor Halstead and Daniel Nicholson
• Proposer  Andrew Townhill          Seconder Geoff Garner

OTHER ROLES

1. REGISTRATION OFFICER: Andy Townhill

2. PROMOTIONS/PUBLICITY OFFICER: Tim Newbery

3. CAMPAIGNS OFFICER: Melanie Carroll

4. EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION CHAMPION: Tim Newbery

5. REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FORMAL MEMBER GROUP'S 'GENERAL MEMBERSHIP' (maximum 2 positions): Geoff Garner

​​NON-COMMITTEE ROLES

1. PRESIDENT (Honorary): Trevor Halstead

2. AUDITOR (Honorary): Jim Brennan

11. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

West Lincs Trophy - Presented to Trevor Halstead by Geoff Garner. Trevor had an accident but soon recovered and carried on cycling, organising rides every Sunday.

BSA Trophy - Awarded to the person(s) who (m) in the eyes of the Member Group committee has (have) contributed significantly to the running of the Member Group and its activities in the past year. 

This year, we are pleased to award this trophy to Cycling UK Louth member, Ty Harness. Having joined the group a couple of years ago, Ty’s the first to help group members who have had mechanical issues and he also volunteers as a mechanic for Active Lincolnshire’s ‘Wheels For Life’ bike donation scheme and Louth’s Repair Café. Ty also offered and led shorter, more gentle rides on Saturday mornings. These Cycling UK ‘Steady Saturday Rides’ proved popular, encouraging and giving confidence to those who find cycling a little daunting either as a beginner or for those taking up cycling after a break. Great to have a number of ladies joining in. He also is an active volunteer of Louth’s ‘Men’s Shed’, emphasising his commitment to the local community.

Congratulations to Ty.

PHOTOGRAPHY TROPHY

Judged by Barry Jordan. Presented to Tim Newbery for his Photo: Hatcliffe.

See https://www.cyclinguklincs.co.uk/photography-competition-2026

for the full entries and judge’s results and comments. 

12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

13. FUTURE EVENTS

Will be available via Cycling UK Lincolnshire website www.cyclinguklincs.co.uk

2026 marks the 90th anniversary of Gainsborough Aegir Cycling Club and the 40th anniversary of Cycling UK Louth.

​Please look on www.cyclinguklincs.co.uk for confirmed dates and events.

14. CLOSURE OF MEETING.

Committee meeting to be held later in 2026.