Long Itchington Celebrates Local Heroes

Two individuals from Coventry and Warwickshire have been immortalised in steel as figures on a local section of the National Cycle Network. The ‘portrait benches’ project has been rolled out in recognition of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year. As part of a national campaign by walking and cycling charity, Sustrans, residents in the area were invited to have their say. They were asked who they believe has made a positive impact on their local community in the last seven decades, in celebration of the UK’s longest-reigning monarch.

One of the figures chosen was current Parkrun Chair David Moorcroft OBE. A former Olympian, middle and long-distance runner, the former BBC pundit was chosen as one of the figures alongside Eileen Sheridan. One of the most famous cyclists of her time, she re-wrote all 21 British women’s road records. Perhaps most notably, Land’s End to John O’Groats in 1954 - taking two days, eleven hours and seven minutes to complete.

The figures have been placed on the ‘Lias Line’, a disused railway route which has recently been transformed into Warwickshire’s longest greenway. It consists of 4.2km off-road track for bikes, walkers and there’s even a section for horses! The £5.1m project was funded by the Department for Transport and other partners through Sustrans ‘Paths for Everyone’ programme to enhance the National Cycle network in England.

Sustrans are custodians of the National Cycle Network, which spans 12,000 miles of signed cycling routes including over 5,000 miles of traffic-free paths. They have already installed over 250 life-sized steel figures across the length and breadth of the UK as part of the Portrait Bench campaign – the last of which was installed over 11 years ago. Each figure has been designed and fabricated using corten steel by the renowned artists Katy and Nick Hallett. Existing figures in the Midlands region include Martin Wood, Town Crier of Shrewsbury, Charles Rennie Mackintosh in Northampton, and Sir Joseph Norman Lockyer in Rugby.

Thanks to funding this year from the Department for Transport, a new series of steel figures are to be installed across some of the country’s most popular cycle paths. The two figures in Warwickshire are the first of 30 to be installed across England in 14 different locations. Each will celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond for their communities.

At an unveiling ceremony on Monday representatives gathered to mark the occasion. Members of the local Dallas Burston Polo Club Parkrun joined David Moorcroft and members of the Coventry Cycling Club as well as Eileen Sheridan’s daughter, Louise. Speaking at the unveiling David Moorcroft said, “It’s a great honour to be part of this project and to be stood next to Eileen who was such a legend from the world of cycling in Coventry and Warwickshire. Particularly as Sustrans is so committed to promoting healthier ways of living and healthier forms of transport.”

Eileen Sheridan’s daughter, Louise Sheridan, was also present at the unveiling and said: “Our family is very pleased and honoured that Mum has been chosen by the people of Warwickshire. She has many happy memories of cycling with the Coventry Cycling Club through the lanes of Warwickshire. She thinks Sustrans and the National Cycle Network make a fantastic contribution to the health and wellbeing of everyone.”

Clare Maltby, Sustrans England Director, Midlands & East, explained: “We’re thrilled to see David Moorcroft and Eileen Sheridan recognised for the positive impact they’ve made to the residents of Coventry and Warwickshire. At Sustrans, we’re committed to ensuring that the National Cycle Network continues to enable as many people as possible to walk, wheel, cycle, and run, and as ‘Paths for Everyone’ that they celebrate our local communities, cultures, and heritage.”

Page content provided by Sustrans.

Please visit www.sustrans.org.uk for more information about the work they do.

A full set is available for media use and can be accessed: https://www.markradfordphotography.co.uk/p/32944mpv

You can find out more about the portrait benches initiative here: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/news/2022/september/30-new-portrait-benches-added-to-the-national-cycle-network

Paths for Everyone is our initiative to enhance the National Cycle Network across England. You can find out more about the programme here: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/about-us/paths-for-everyone/