The Lincoln Diocesan Guild
of
Church Bell Ringers

Sustrans's Connect2 wins £50M Lottery funding

It was announced on 12 December that Sustrans's Connect2 has won £50 million of funding from the Big Lottery Fund, for Sustrans to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide. Ringers have traditionally included many cyclists, and some walkers too, so the appeal for supporting votes was circulated on the national Ringing Chat list in early December, giving details of the ITV1 programme shown on Tuesday 4 December 2007.

Nicola Jones (Guild Treasurer), says:

"It would be great if you could thank readers for their help in winning the £50 million, it's very much a joint effort!

I've worked for Sustrans for 12 years, covering all aspects of Sustrans' work in Notts and Lincs - the National Cycle Network, other initiatives to encourage more people to walk and cycle and, most recently, a new project to work with more sedentary people in Lincolnshire's coastal area.

Over 400 schemes all over the UK applied to be part of Connect2 in late 2006 and, earlier this year, we shortlisted these down to 79, which is what the £50 million will (match) fund. I'll be working with the different schemes in the East Midlands, to develop and get the projects up and running over the next 5 years.

This is fantastic news. Connect2 is a great project and you and your colleagues, family and friends have pulled out all the stops to help us win. We are immensely grateful for all your huge efforts.

With all good wishes for Christmas; thank you again for your tremendous support

Nicola"

For more see http://sustransconnect2.org.uk/