WATH STREET FAIR 2024
ARMY MAJOR TO TACKLE WORLD FAMOUS CYCLING CHALLENGE

Wath resident and keen cyclist Major Paul Spencer will attempt to become one of a select group across the globe to complete a climb higher than Everest in under 18 hours – and all without leaving the village.
Paul (54) - a Quarter Master with the 101st (Northumbrian) Regiment of the Royal Artillery – will use the ZWIFT online cycling programme which uses GPS technology to re-create France’s notorious Alpe d’Huez climb which has 21 hairpin bends and is part of the Tour de France route. To achieve the total distance of 8,848 metres (29,029 ft), Paul will have to reach the summit more than 8 times in a single activity and within the 18 hours.
“Only some 200 people around the world have successfully completed this challenge as it tests any riders’ endurance to the limit,” he said. “I will be raising funds for two deserving charities and, if successful, my name will also be added to the list in the ZWIFT Hall of Fame.”
Funds raised will be split between the St. Helena Hospice in Colchester and St. Mary’s Church in Wath. Paul will be using the forecourt of the George Country Inn in Wath (near Ripon) for his “Everest” climb, starting at 8.00pm on July 12th and finishing on the 13th, which is the day of the village’s popular Street Fair. Donations can be made on https://www.justgiving.com/search?q=paul%2520spencer
The Street Fair starts at 1pm and organiser Jessica Greensit is confident that Paul’s marathon cycling challenge will attract the crowds: “Once again the village’s Main Street will be buzzing with over 20 stalls including tombola, bric a brac, bedding plants and produce as well as cakes and delicious food and drink. This will provide a great backdrop to Paul’s superb charity effort and I urge people to come along and cheer him on.”
Other stalls include a Pimms & Prosecco stand and beers from the award-winning Hambleton Brewery. New for 2024 will be Mystic Morn who will be telling fortunes and there will also be musical performances from Bongo playing DJ Toby and the Soul Children youth choir.
Other attractions include a bouncy castle, a vintage tractor parade and the ever-popular dog show which includes categories such as ‘Best biscuit catcher’ and ‘The waggiest tail’.