Representatives of local groups and businesses have been meeting at the Secondary School to discuss plans for the forthcoming visit of the Tour de Yorkshire on Thursday 3rd May. As this is likely to be one of the biggest sporting events in the town’s history, with televised coverage broadcast to the nation, organisers are keen to make the most of this opportunity to showcase our town in a positive light.
The race will enter Hornsea along Seaton Road, passing through the Market Place and Southgate before departing along Hull Road. A separate organising committee is planning for the reception in Sigglesthorne, through which the Tour will pass twice as it completes a loop via Hatfield. The whole spectacle, including the racers and their entourage, typically last around twelve minutes. The roads will be closed for around 1 hour.
Awards for the best dressed towns and villages will be presented by ‘Welcome to Yorkshire’ and the ‘Yorkshire Post’ and it is hoped that Hornsea will be in the running. The School is spearheading this campaign and the Design and Technology Department has been busy creating works of art from donated materials including old bikes. These will start appearing around the town soon. The School will also be decorating the Market Place roundabout and the entrance to Back Westgate. A ‘Yellow and Blue non-uniform’ day (the official colours of the Tour) will be held to raise funds for the Tour’s chosen charity – the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The school are appealing for donations of more old bikes to decorate and are planning to open their facilities to allow members of the community to take part in some painting
As the event falls on Bank Holiday weekend large numbers of visitors are expected and the event is inspiring a real team effort with many organisations coming together to contribute. HARP will be providing yellow and blue bunting to decorate the town. The Churches will be open and displaying works of art from the School. Tesco will be decorating the roundabout in front of their store. The Chamber of Trade will organise a best dressed window competition among the businesses. The Rotary Club are organising the reception in Hatfield. The WI are helping with decorations on the Market Place.
Residents, particularly those whose properties are close to the route of the race are encouraged to join in the fun and decorate the front of their properties. Anyone who would like some help with this can contact the School – email: [email protected]
Bearing in mind that the race is filmed by helicopter, the possibility is being considered of some sort of land art which makes use of our natural spaces such as the park, beach and Mere, to create a dramatic visual impact. It is hoped that local artists will get involved and help, perhaps working with the schools to create something on their playgrounds or fields.
So far around 14 local people have volunteered to be ‘Tourmakers’ who are responsible for the marshalling of the event. There is still time to register on the Tour de Yorkshire website www.letouryorkshire.com if you would like to become a Tourmaker.
The next meeting is on 11th April at the School Sixth Form building at 6pm. Anyone with ideas and wishing to get involved is encouraged to come along or ring the school on 01964 532727 and ask for Mrs Richardson.
