A PERFECT partnership has led to a new home for a group of cyclists who have been based all over Northwich for more than 50 years.

Weaver Valley Cycling Club (WVCC) is now based at Winnington Park Rugby Club, in Burrows Hill, with its sign at the gate to prove it.

Adrian Japp, from WVCC, said: "Since WVCC was founded back in 1962, it never really has had a home that it could truly call its own."

Over the decades the club has been based at Winnington Youth Club, the former Manweb Social Club at the bottom of Winnington Hill, which is now demolished, Moss Farm and Hartford Royal British Legion until this closed in 2014.

Adrian said: "This left us with a bit if a quandary, as there seemed to be no facility that was suitable, that would meet our needs as a place to meet for our rides and as a suitable social meeting place.

"We started to organise a temporary location, but it wasn’t until we were asked to host a charity ride by Winnington Park Rugby Football Club at the end of August 2014 for a young girl called Amelia Rose, that an idea started to form in both our minds – started by Julian Perrett, and talked about with some of his old rugby mates from WPRFC."

John Pickering, WPRFC secretary, asked Alan Silver, WVCC's club runs captain, and Julian Perrett, a cyclist and ex-rugby player, about organising a charity bike ride for all abilities in aid of Amelia's Journey.

"Not only did they give us advice, they took over the organisation of the ride and the cycling club did the ride with us – lots and lots of them – and were very generous on the day," John said.

"It was very humbling and a great welcome to the cycling community."

he rugby club, which is also home to Winnington Park Ladies' Hockey Club, instantly agreed to give WVCC a new home.

John said: “To see the signs for rugby, cycling and hockey at the gates shows we are starting to get the best out of a wonderful community asset.”

WVCC now meets at the rugby club for Sunday rides and holds its social evenings there at 9pm on Tuesdays, where prospective members are welcome to find out more.

Adrian said: "Not only do we have our new home, but we have a sign at the gate, so no-one can be in doubt as to who we are and where we live.

"We now enjoy a great facility and it is a great partnership with WPRFC, some who have already joined WVCC as well." For more information visit weavervalleycc.org.uk