Editor's hello: Windsor, Ascot & Maidenhead Magazine, July 2016

Emily's hello – The Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead Magazine, July 2016

It’s been a month of action. First up, it was great to have spent a sociable Monday evening with Windsor’s Sweatshop running group, jogging around Windsor Great Park before heading for the Theatre Royal. I must lug my lardy posterior over there more often! Thinking of signing up for the Windsor Half Marathon in September? The Sweatshop branch has just started a weekly beginner’s group, to help you get up to pace. 

Next for my glutes was the recent Women V Cancer Ride the Night (RTN) 100km cycle with Chobham resident and past interviewee Susie Dent and her Countdown colleague Rachel Riley. Over 3,000 women – dressed up in all sorts of high vis, crazy garb (much of it pink) – left Windsor Racecourse for London, stopping off at Buck House before their return. It was a wonderful experience – thanks in no small measure to Rapha’s padded cycling leggings, my trusty Brooks saddle and a whistle which helped entertain other cyclists I met en route. Thanks also for the welcome by Ann Frampton, who co-founded Action for Charity, mother charity of RTN. 

For me, the ride was in memory of my mum’s best friend, Annie Constantinou, who died at only 60 last September after a short battle with breast cancer, and whose friendship I reflected upon throughout the ride. Cycling along, I heard many similar stories of loved ones lost to these frightening diseases. Visit RTN’s Facebook page to read some and be inspired to sign up for next year – I’ve already told my mum to gear up!

INTERVIEWS FOR JULY 2016... Stand by for some lovely chaps this month. There’s cover interviewee #BrianBlessed, who directs his wife Hildegard Neil and daughter Rosalind in Agatha Christie’s The Hollow at The Mill, Sonning. There’s Vox Fortura – the operatic quartet from Britain’s Got Talent – one of whose members, Tommy Goodridge, hails from High Wycombe. And then, last but not least, our very own cycling columnist and Windsor resident, Bob Munro. 

Cycling Bob, as I call him, has had a remarkable few years which he has been lucky to survive. His is a story of grit and determination – and here at The Windsor Magazine I am very proud of his having completed a gutsy cycle ride of his own, pedalling from London to Paris (see picture of Team Bob at the end beneath the Eiffel Tower) to raise over £13,500 for Myeloma UK. His efforts will help sufferers of the bone marrow cancer – which Bob himself is conquering – to benefit from expensive treatment not offered as standard.

Over and out 'til next month, Emily 

Follow Emily for more of her heartfelt stories and interviews via Instagram and Twitter and for more of her blogs, articles and interviews related to the Berkshire, Surrey and South-West London patch

  • Editor's hello – June 2016 #hats #handbags #racewear #AscotRaces
  • Editor's hello – May 2016 #HMQueen #HMQ90 #Queenat90
  • Editor's Hello – April 2016 #LadyWW2pilots #womenpilots #WhiteWaltham 

From our Brian Blessed Q&A:

"All I'll say about sex is, I don't need that bloody blue pill..."

"How do I relax? I meditate with my seven dogs around me..."

"The greatest danger in life is not taking the adventure..."

"What do I dislike about my appearance? I don't – I love myself. I look like a cross between a yeti and King Kong..."