Paulton is preparing to remember a much-loved resident this Saturday, 7th May, with Jeff’s Big Ride Out seeing an all day family event at Paulton Rovers.
For the past three years, the fundraiser has taken place, started by Jeff Mountjoy, the caretaker of both Paulton Junior and Infant Schools, who was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer in 2014. Despite the initial shock, Jeff set about raising funds for Dorothy House, who helped him and his family. Whilst Jeff outlived the odds, this year will be the first event without him, and everyone is determined to make it the best yet in tribute.
Gearing up to the event, Paulton Infant School organised a competition in memory of their caretaker, showcasing the best design for a motorbike, which was won jointly by Alex Cole and Lydia Kerton. Their prize is to sound the horn at 1 p.m. on Saturday, which will see the bike convoy leave Paulton Rovers (all bikers welcome, but a minimum of 125cc needed). Competition runners-up were Megan Roberts, George Young and Tyler Derrick.
Saturday’s event kicks off from 11 a.m. with a barbecue, food, games, bouncy castle and slide, refreshments and stalls, with music from the band, El Toro and a disco in the evening. There is free entry to the event, but visitors are asked to donate to the causes, which, as well as Dorothy House, will this year also be supporting the amazing work of the Freewheelers, the completely voluntary service which provides a free courier arrangement for hospitals to transport blood, breast milk, patient notes, x-rays, scans and other medical equipment.