Twynholm Rural members hear about Donald Armstrong's incredible cycling adventure to New Zealand

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Jean Adams, president of Twynholm rural, welcomed members and lots of visitors.Before Jean introduced the speaker, she paid tribute to three ladies who had been members of the rural but had sadly passed away recently – Sally Galloway, Joan Howson and Lilias Service, who had been a very active member and a previous president.Jean then introduced Donald Armstrong from Langbarns, who had come along to talk about cycling to New Zealand to visit his sister Jennifer and family, and thought flying was just too easy.

Donald didn’t go all out and buy an expensive bike, he just set up the one he had at home. It was certainly quite an adventure for Donald and he set off with a few of his friends who were cycling with him for a short time.One unfortunately only made it to the Smiddy in Twynholm as he got a puncture.

He told his story with lots of photos projected on the hall screen.Donald mainly cycled but on a few occasions he had to use a ferry, train, plane or bus.

Lots of stories were told about his experiences along the way.The weather was good most of the time but on the few occasions he got soaked there was always kind people who dried his clothes and fed him.He ate a lot of porridge until he was introduced to overnight oats, he called into one farm en route and actually ended up welding the tractor door for them.