Our latest newsletter is now out. Click here to download it or contact us if you’d like a printed copy.
New coordinator
After four years of dedicated service as coordinator Dave Ouston decided earlier this year to hang up his Street Pastors cap and move on to new things. We’d like to thank Dave for his tireless work setting up the Street Pastors initiative on the Island and growing it to expand into Newport and Ventnor.
We were very fortunate to be able to recruit Denise Evans to take over the role of Street Pastors coordinator from August. Denise is originally from West Sussex and moved to
the Island with husband Mark when he became the minister at Newport Congregational Church.
Denise describes herself as “a little crazy, but in the good sense” and when she’s not running Street Pastors she likes to spend time acting, dancing, singing and enjoying outdoor
activities. Denise will be sharing an office with Rebecca, our School Pastors’ coordinator.
IOW Street Pastors Receive Queen’s Award
We are delighted to announce that Isle of Wight Street Pastors has been honoured as one of the recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2013.
This prestigious award has an equivalent status for voluntary groups as the MBE does for individuals. While we don’t do the work for praise it is very much appreciated when the hard work and dedication of our volunteer teams is recognised by others. To be one of just 117 groups across the country to receive this award is simply awesome. Thanks so much to all those who have been on the journey with us for the last few years.
You can read more about the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service on the gov.uk website here.
IOW Street Pastors Scotland Coast to Coast Bike Ride – Day 5
Day 5 – Wednesday 15 May 2013
Tomintoul to Ballater
34 miles/55km. (21 miles/33km off-road). 2050ft/625 metres climbing. Summits and passes: Culardoch 2400ft/730 metres; Felagie 1140ft/345 metres
Started in sunshine from Tomintoul, with 27 hard off road miles to cover taking us over some amazing mountains with views very few people will ever see. Got to top: snow, cold, windy – so stopped for lunch. Had one of the best down hill descents this week. Went through some beautiful forests which led us through Balmoral Estate, popped in for cream tea with the Queen (but forgot to get sponsorship from Her Majesty 
). Then hit our only bit of tarmac for the day. All up hill and raining – lovely 8 miles. Paul has found out from local doctor he has been over using his knee. Lol. Now can’t walk. Seems to be able to ride 50 miles a day though… Finishing a gruelling 35 mile ride in rainy Ballater. Last 55 miles tomorrow.
IOW Street Pastors Scotland Coast to Coast Bike Ride – Day 4
Day 4 – Tuesday 14 May 2013
Glen Feshie to Tomintoul
42 miles/67km. 21 miles/34km off-road. 3200ft/970 metres climbing. Summits and passes: Gleann Dubh Lochain 790ft/240 metres; Cadha Mor 800ft/245 metres; Choire Pass 690ft/209 metres; Glengarry Forest 695ft/210 metres; Invergarry 450ft/137 metres
Woke to a fortifying two course breakfast of cereal followed by full English by masterchef/chief logistician/guardian angel, Richard Oughton, in order to set us up for another 50+ mile ride! Started with a 30 mile road ride for a warm up riding from Laggan through to Loch Morloc. During these miles we encountered a strange, unfamiliar phenomenon: sunshine! After the Loch we headed through Abenethy Forest for twenty miles. Nice routes, with plenty of twists and river crossings to keep things interesting. Final destination of the day has been Tomintoul for rest before a now short ride of a measly 35 miles tomorrow. Such a blessing to have fun on a day like this, after such a tough time over previous days.
IOW Street Pastors Scotland Coast to Coast Bike Ride – Day 3
Day 3 – Monday 12 May 2013
Fort Augustus to Glen Feshie
45 miles/67km (amended route 70 miles). 21 miles/34km off-road. 42520ft/1285 metres climbing. Summits and passes: Corrieyairack Pass 2550ft/772 metres; Inshriach Forest 1200ft/360 metres
We awoke in our hostel to snow fall and low cloud cover. With the forecast predicting high winds, bitter windchills and possible whiteouts over high terrain, we sat down to a team meeting. Our intended 20 mile trek over the famous Corrieyairack Pass now seemed foolhardy so another route was proposed. This involved travelling around the mountains at low level to reduce being affected by the worsening conditions – but as a sacrifice would involve a 50 mile trip. It was a very wet trek and has added another 30 miles to our adventure. We will now be looking at completing 300 miles this week!
