AT the June meeting of the Holmer WI, Paul Morrisroe gave a talk entitled Wheels on the Western Front.

Paul fought in the first Gulf War and now raises funds to support the families of those killed and injured in combat through the charity ABF-The Soldiers Charity.

His wartime experiences, as well as his personal interest in all aspects of military history, gave him the idea of undertaking long distance cycle rides along the battle lines of the First World War, timed to coincide with the centenary of major events.

Boris Johnson, then Lord Mayor of London, helped to launch the first cycle ride in 2014 and 54 fellow cyclists took part with an age range of between 16 and 64, raising £122,000. They left Horse Guards Parade and cycled on to Calais, Ypres, Arras and Albert before finally reaching Compiegne on the fifth day. A distance of over 400 miles. The cyclists stopped at many memorials on the way, laying a wreath at the Menin Gate. Paul pointed out that the cemeteries en route commemorated the dead of many different countries with monuments such as that at Thiepval inscribed with the names of those brave soldiers who have no known grave.

In 2016 , the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, Paul and his fellow cyclists once again set off, raising £107,000. This time they followed the route of the newly recruited PALS army, which suffered huge losses in the conflict.

He recounted a story relating to a Herefordshire regiment, 120 men of which bravely fought and held up a German division for eight days in hand to hand fighting, with no food or water. At the end of this fighting only 12 men survived. Paul also showed us some fascinating slides, some of which depicted the contrast between trench and battlefield during the war and the present day. Those young men in the First World War were very brave patriots whose sacrifice will never be forgotten, especially judging by the way the graveyards and battle scenes are being maintained and preserved.

Paul and his friends are setting off again in August 2018, covering 428 miles in five days. Should you wish to take part or donate visit justgiving.com/Paul-Morrisroe2018

Mary Burgess gave a vote of thanks and members present gave Paul an enthusiastic round of applause.

Recently, members were invited to the home and grounds of member Christine Cooper. As a well as her generous hospitality and the wonderful views over Hereford, members enjoyed seeing her chickens, sheep, lambs and the Gloucester Old Spot piglets.

Holmer WI next meets on July 5 at 7.30pm in St Mary's Church, Grandstand Road, when Keith James will be telling us about the photographic studio of Derek Evans. You are very welcome to join us.