---------------------------------------------------------------------
I am very sorry to have to tell you that Joseph passed away earlier this week. His sister informed Trish yesterday evening. He had an operation before Christmas from which he seemed to make a good recovery, unfortuantely he suffered a recent relapse from which he did not recover.
Joseph was a gentleman who thoroughly enjoyed cycling and socialising with Coventry VISTA and I know he will be missed very much by all of us who had the pleasure in getting to know him.

His funeral service will be held at Walsgrave Baptist Church, Hinckley Road, Coventry, CV3 2EX at 11am on Thursday 26 January. Joseph himself had earlier requested no flowers and all donations to Coventry VISTA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Coventry Visually Impaired and Sighted Tandem Association (Coventry VISTA, for short) is located in the Earlsdon district of Coventry. It was formed in September 1993 by a group of Visually Impaired people, "Stokers", who ride on the rear of the tandem, and Sighted adults, "Pilots", who ride on the front. These people rode tandems in the first Coventry Tandem Team Marathon, which took place in July 1993, involving riding 12 laps of Coventry's Inner Ring Road, the anti-clockwise section, which was closed for the occasion. These people enjoyed their experience so much that they wished to develop and share their interest in tandems with other Visually Impaired people.

OUR AIMS

To enable the Visually Impaired to discover and enjoy the pleasures of cycling. We promote and encourage Tandem Bicycle riding for both leisure and competitive interests

To create a social "fun" atmosphere whereby Visually Impaired and Sighted people can relax and enjoy each other's company, make friends and enjoy healthy exercise.

To encourage Family participation in all our activities

OUR ACTIVITIES

We have an active Rides Calendar. Rides take place mostly on weekday evenings but we also organise weekend rides, which can involve us in transporting both Tandems and Riders to more distant venues – for example Rutland Water. Evening rides explore the local countryside. In addition organised and individual tandem rides together with participation in special events are and can be arranged, see RIDES DIARY for details. We have our own equipment for the use of members, which is augmented by pilots who prefer to use their own tandems for club activities.

We also have a varied Social Programme, particularly during the winter months. Activities include Quiz nights, Speakers, Beer and Skittle matches and Theatre visits.

SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT IN ALL OUR ACTIVITIES