June Adams
June was one of the most popular and kindest members of EGB whom many a Ride Organiser was so lucky to have on their team and who always had a warm smile and a “Hello Sunshine” or even “Hello Petal” for riders checking in for their ride. It is difficult to summarise in just a few words how much June meant to so many people but hopefully this may be a fitting tribute to a lady whom so many held dear. So I asked a few of her many friends to send me a few words to try and convey what a truly special lady she was…
Former EGB Chairman John Hudson says “I first met dear June in 1994 when I had driven to Market Raisen to compete in an EHPS event. I was due to ride Ali Sultan Raschid. I drove for 5 hours and arrived at about 4.00pm and was vetted by Tony Pavord. Ali had damaged a check ligament in the trailer on the way up so Tony spun him. I was all set to drive home again that evening but had parked next to June and her late husband Brian. Dear June INSISTED that she was going to make me supper before I left and gave me a flask of tea for the journey home.” Such was June’s kindness and thoughtfulness we all came to know and love her for.
Ride Organiser Linda Kidd says “I first met June in 2000 as a new member to the sport and from then on, our paths crossed at many competitions and EGB activities over the next fifteen years. When I took over the organisation of the Ridgeway Barbury Castle Ride in 2009, June kindly agreed to take on the role of office secretary, and she supported this very successful two- day ride for seven years. You cannot underestimate the contribution June made as a willing and reliable volunteer to the sport. She always was up to date with the changes to the administration of the sport and what seemed like the never - ending changes to the ride rules; making sure that lesser informed Ride Organisers (like me) never strayed far from the correct path nor incurring the wrath of those in high places! It was her generous and happy disposition that I will remember her for and sense of humour but probably most of all the welcome she gave especially to new members who didn’t know the system, making sure that they were put at ease and unflustered.”
In fact, June had been involved in endurance from far earlier than this. Stevie Martin met June in the early nineties when Stevie organised an endurance ride on Dartmoor and June and Brian came to cover a check point. Over the following years Stevie and June covered most of the UK together either as Selectors or general volunteers. Stevie says, “We had a great deal of fun and met some interesting people.”
Since their first meeting with June, John continues, “June was ever present in my life - and of course my wife Jane's. She supported us at Alfred's Tower for ten years. Of course she supported us at Phoenix too - and for the 9 years we have run Dragon. She worked at Dragon when Pat Conn and Roger Lunt ran it too.”
But it wasn’t always “sunshine” with June - Unfortunately for Stevie, June had a very small appetite so whenever they went to a pub for a meal, which was often, she expected Stevie to finish her meal for her. Stevie adds, “I can remember on one occasion when we were at a ride as Selectors and the B&B that we stayed at served up a pot of margarine for our toast, all I can say is June was not a ray of “sunshine” that morning!”
However June’s empathy for others was ever present and never exhausted. When John was EGB Chair, dear June was often on the phone to John and somehow she always managed to work out when things were getting "tough at the top". John says, “June would call me to give support and encouragement. "Don't worry Flower, it will all come right in the end".”
Individuals like June are rare and special, quietly contributing for the benefit of others and rarely seeking the limelight or special attention for their efforts. She will be remembered as one of EGB’s treasures.
I think Stevie echoes how many of us feel when she states that “having spent nearly 25 years travelling to rides with June I can’t imagine what it is going to be like without her. An end of an era!!”
God bless dear June.
June was one of the most popular and kindest members of EGB whom many a Ride Organiser was so lucky to have on their team and who always had a warm smile and a “Hello Sunshine” or even “Hello Petal” for riders checking in for their ride. It is difficult to summarise in just a few words how much June meant to so many people but hopefully this may be a fitting tribute to a lady whom so many held dear. So I asked a few of her many friends to send me a few words to try and convey what a truly special lady she was…
Former EGB Chairman John Hudson says “I first met dear June in 1994 when I had driven to Market Raisen to compete in an EHPS event. I was due to ride Ali Sultan Raschid. I drove for 5 hours and arrived at about 4.00pm and was vetted by Tony Pavord. Ali had damaged a check ligament in the trailer on the way up so Tony spun him. I was all set to drive home again that evening but had parked next to June and her late husband Brian. Dear June INSISTED that she was going to make me supper before I left and gave me a flask of tea for the journey home.” Such was June’s kindness and thoughtfulness we all came to know and love her for.
Ride Organiser Linda Kidd says “I first met June in 2000 as a new member to the sport and from then on, our paths crossed at many competitions and EGB activities over the next fifteen years. When I took over the organisation of the Ridgeway Barbury Castle Ride in 2009, June kindly agreed to take on the role of office secretary, and she supported this very successful two- day ride for seven years. You cannot underestimate the contribution June made as a willing and reliable volunteer to the sport. She always was up to date with the changes to the administration of the sport and what seemed like the never - ending changes to the ride rules; making sure that lesser informed Ride Organisers (like me) never strayed far from the correct path nor incurring the wrath of those in high places! It was her generous and happy disposition that I will remember her for and sense of humour but probably most of all the welcome she gave especially to new members who didn’t know the system, making sure that they were put at ease and unflustered.”
In fact, June had been involved in endurance from far earlier than this. Stevie Martin met June in the early nineties when Stevie organised an endurance ride on Dartmoor and June and Brian came to cover a check point. Over the following years Stevie and June covered most of the UK together either as Selectors or general volunteers. Stevie says, “We had a great deal of fun and met some interesting people.”
Since their first meeting with June, John continues, “June was ever present in my life - and of course my wife Jane's. She supported us at Alfred's Tower for ten years. Of course she supported us at Phoenix too - and for the 9 years we have run Dragon. She worked at Dragon when Pat Conn and Roger Lunt ran it too.”
But it wasn’t always “sunshine” with June - Unfortunately for Stevie, June had a very small appetite so whenever they went to a pub for a meal, which was often, she expected Stevie to finish her meal for her. Stevie adds, “I can remember on one occasion when we were at a ride as Selectors and the B&B that we stayed at served up a pot of margarine for our toast, all I can say is June was not a ray of “sunshine” that morning!”
However June’s empathy for others was ever present and never exhausted. When John was EGB Chair, dear June was often on the phone to John and somehow she always managed to work out when things were getting "tough at the top". John says, “June would call me to give support and encouragement. "Don't worry Flower, it will all come right in the end".”
Individuals like June are rare and special, quietly contributing for the benefit of others and rarely seeking the limelight or special attention for their efforts. She will be remembered as one of EGB’s treasures.
I think Stevie echoes how many of us feel when she states that “having spent nearly 25 years travelling to rides with June I can’t imagine what it is going to be like without her. An end of an era!!”
God bless dear June.