THE city’s leading judge will officially open a charity’s new cycling centre.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Roger Thomas QC will open the doors of Margaret Carey Foundation’s new community project, the MCF Bikery, at Thomas Duggan House, in Manor Lane, Shipley, on Thursday evening.

Residents can take a sneak peek at the charity’s new venture on the day between 10am and 6pm.

The centre will repair scrapped bicycles and wheelchairs that are no longer in use and sell the quality refurbished bikes on, as well as offering low cost repairs and servicing.

The income generated by the Bikery will help to fund the work of the Foundation, a charity which offers bike and wheelchair maintenance workshops in prison.

The organisation has set up workshops where prisoners clean, adjust and repair the bikes.

The Bikery has moved from its original base on Westgate in Shipley town centre, where it had been for the last year. The new base will initially be open for two days each week, on Wednesdays, between 11am and 7pm, and on Thursdays from 10am to 6pm.

Judge Thomas said: “I am very happy to support what they are doing. Anything that rehabilitates people makes entire sense to get involved with.

“This is a very worthwhile project. The project wrote to me and it is a good link between me in the criminal justice system and cycling.”

Representatives from MCF contacted Judge Thomas after reading in the Telegraph & Argus that he had cycled 280 miles to Bradford’s twin town in Germany earlier this year and raised more than £2,000 for charity.

Judge Thomas pedalled to Hamm in four days and raised £2,274 for Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure (BDSL).

The judge, who met with his German counterparts in Hamm, tackled the ride with Adam Tasker, of Bradford-based Cycling 4 All, and Phil Titchmarsh.

The money he raised will go towards paying for a special £7,000 bike for wheelchair users, which will enable a wheelchair user to do the ride next year.

It will also be used for sessions run by Cycling 4 All and BDSL, who will also be represented at the official opening alongside guests including former Bradford South MP and sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

Helen Rowlands, MCF development manager, said: “Working in the criminal justice sector and being a keen cyclist, we hoped Judge Thomas QC would be interested in finding out more about the work of the MCF. He has been very supportive of us and we were delighted that he agreed to come along to cut the ribbon and officially open our new venture in Shipley.”

It aims to inspire cyclists of all ages and abilities and will offer free bike maintenance and advice.

The charity also has a site in Radwell Drive, which is hosted by housing group Incommunities.

To become a volunteer, or for more information, call Miss Rowlands, on 07874 627801 or email helen@margaretcareyfoundation.org.uk.

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