Competitors taking part in this weekend’s Ringwood Brewery Pedal Car Grand Prix were given the opportunity to test run their vehicles in the grounds of Christchurch Hospital.
A temporary race circuit was set up at the hospital and was enjoyed by some of the 34 pedal cars that will take part in the event this Sunday.
The course provided a half mile circuit with bumps, bends and straights that enabled the teams taking part to analyse their cars and the fitness of the pedalling volunteers. It also gave competitors and spectators a chance to see the developments taking place at the hospital.
The Ringwood Brewery Pedal Car Grand Prix takes place on the streets of Ringwood and raises money for a number of charities, including Christchurch Hospital’s Macmillan Unit.One team of competitors taking part are from the Trust’s Estate Department, who have fashioned their pedal car to resemble a wartime field ambulance.
Martin Moores, who is leading the redevelopment at Christchurch Hospital, organised the practice event. He said: “Our hospital is a key part of the community and this is a real community event so we were keen to open up the hospital in this way.
“The practice run was great fun and a nice way to celebrate the end of the first stage of our redevelopment work. We’re looking forward to taking part ourselves this Sunday and hope we can raise lots of money for our fantastic Macmillan Unit.”
The timing of the grand prix links in with a programme of events to commemorate the Great War, being coordinated by Christchurch and East Dorset District Council. Images provided by the Red House Museum in Christchurch will also be displayed on the day, shining a light on the hospital’s role during the war.
Find out more about this Sunday’s GP at www.britishpedalcargrandprix.org
