BOOTS
Magazine of the National Clarion Cycling Club
CLIN
Clarion Easter Meet
Derbyshire 25th 28th March 2005
"If you only ever go to one Easter Meet, etin Ashbourne should be the one." The first eine Z re Why not ride out to join the Clarion ever meet Clarion's firs at Ashbourne in the beautiful in 1895- Derbyshire Dales?
Fantastic activities organised include: Closed circuit racing, hilly time trials, mass club run Annual prize presentation, annual conference Ceilidh Band (Celtic folk/pop band) evening
Plus awards for largest attendance from one section and highest mileage total from one section cycled to Ashbourne.
This is a superb area for local interests, including the Dovedale stepping stones, Manifold Valley, Mountain biking, Tissington Trail, Hill Walking, Bakewell, Matlock and Alton Towers.
Join us to make this the best Easter Meet for decades.
Meet headquarters are at the Green Man Hotel in Ashbourne. We recommend you book your accommodation early.
Contact: Jayne Bevitt on 01767 314207, email: clarioncc@ntlworld.com www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/tourism/ashbourne.asp Phone 01335 343666
2
Cover: Alison Ede and Jane Bevitt both of Fenland Section showing the Clarion colours on the Winners Podium at the popular Annual Mildenhall Cycling Rally held August Bank
Holiday weekend.
National Secretary’s Report for 2003
The National Committee has met on 4 occasions since the last annual conference held during the Easter Meet at Morecambe in April 2003. The first of these meetings took place immediately following the conference, where it was agreed that Charles Jepson (Oakhill) be appointed National Secretary, Merlin Evans (Stockport) be appointed Membership Secretary and Dennis Pye (Central) be re-appointed Standing Orders Secretary. Further Committee meetings were held at the Pump House Peoples’ Museum in June, at Wortley Hall in October and at the Pump House again in February. All of these meetings were duly minuted. In addition, those members of the National Committee appointed to the Standing Orders Committee met at the Pump House in December to finalise the work of the on-going Rules Review, a process that had begun in October 2002. Attendance at these meetings has been good, the debate lively and the democratic process observed.
The past twelve months have been particularly productive ones for the Club. The Morecambe Easter Meet organised by Kirsti Straker was a great success and a good indication of things to come.Merlin Evans initially struggled to transfer the membership details off a very old Amstrad computer onto a more up to date model. Thanks to his efforts we now have a membership database which is both easy to understand and easy to download. A new membership card has also been designed which better reflects the status of the Club. Thanks to Julian Mortel the Club Website is up and running and has already brought some interesting and beneficial enquiries.
‘May Day Greetings’ to all Clarion Members past and present, appeared in the Morning Star newspaper and resulted in enquiries from two former members, one who subsequently rejoined after a lapse of 30 years. A National Clarion Pursuit Team raced at the Manchester Velodrome in the National Track Championships and were placed fifth a most commendable effort from our combined Stockport and Fenland Team an exercise definitely worth repeating. Our own Track Championship organised by Steve Clarke of Fenland saw Stockport re-capture the prestigious Czechoslovakia Trophy. The attendance at this
well organised event was disappointing and did give cause for concern. This years championship will take place on Sunday 5th September and will offer races to cover all abilities in an attempt to boost support. On a more positive note there was an increase in activities between Sections both socially and competitively, hopefully this trend will continue to the benefit of all concerned.
The annual Wortley Hall Meet was tremendously successful largely due to the efforts of Peter Roscoe who organised the weekend’s activities. These included the 10 Mile Time Trial and the Hill Climb, both National Championship events, won by lan Clarke (Fenland) and Carl Price (Sunderland) respectively. Thanks also to Peter Shepherdly (London) for his Friday cine film show and the Sunday lunchtime quiz. On Saturday evening before dinner, Richard Povall of the Mikron Theatre Company performed his one-man play about the life of Victor Grayson, Independent Labour MP for Colne Valley. In terms of ‘feel-goodfactor’ the weekend certainly scored 10 out of 10. This years Wortley Meet will be held over the weekend of November 5th, 6th 7th. The National Hill Climb Championship will once again be held on the Finkle Lane course at 1.30pm on the Sunday afternoon.
Over the past twelve monthsNational Committee has implemented several new initiatives:
We have co-operated (and supported with a £1000 donation) Richard Povall in the writing of a play about the history of our Club called ‘Pedal Power, the continuing journey of the National Clarion Cycling Club’. The play’s first performance will be in Manchester on Sunday, May 8th prior to a five month tour of Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire. A performance will be given at the Wortley Hall Meet on the Saturday evening. We are confident this venture will reap rich rewards for the Club. 1000 copies of an updated version of Dennis Pye’s book ‘Fellowship is Life’ have been ordered. To purchase a copy costs little more than the price of a cycling magazine and I would urge all members to promote this book at every opportunity, pester their local Library to obtain a copy, even give copies as Christmas, or if you prefer May Day presents.
A Club stall has been booked at the annual CTC
York Rally, any comrades wishing to help run the stall even for just an hour would be most welcome. The Clarion, a short, twice yearly supplement to our excellent Club Magazine has been introduced. I would urge sections to send articles for publication in Boots and Spurs to Richard Newcombe. Richard does the Club an outstanding service by producing the magazine but it certainly makes his life much easier if he has an abundance of material to choose from. Spare copies are now being circulated to cycle friendly cafes.
Thanks to a great deal of work over the past twelve months, our treasurer, Peter Roscoe has come up with a formula for a new Points Competition aimed at encouraging greater fraternisation between Sections and greater support for Clarion events by Clarion members. The National Committee and I are most optimistic about this season long competition which offers all Clarion members a chance to see their name on a result sheet. There will be nominal prizes at the end of the season thanks to an anonymous donation.
Finally keeping the best news ‘til last, we have a new Section down in Brighton and Hove. At the moment it is a small band of just three comrades, but the seed is planted and the good news of what fun it is to ride with The Clarion will soon spread along our southern shores.
I feel the Club has had a generally good year, the
much needed Rules review has caused concern in some Sections. Wuite a lot of money has been spent, The Committee and I think wisely, others may question. Sadly a long standing rift with some of our comrades in the Nottingham Section has not yet healed but there is still hope. Membership is slowly climbing, but it is climbing.
As to ‘Our Future’: Some believe the future success of the Club lies in grand youth development schemes. Some wish to return to the age of our founders, others just want to ride with their friends, happy in the knowledge there will always be a weekly cafe run. I believe a healthy future probably lies with the latter. If we ride for fun, share our laughter with others, meet strangers and call them friend, not only do we have a good time, we also live the socialist dream of our founders. To lose that dream we would lose what makes the National Clarion Cycling Club so very special. We are not simply another cycling club, we ride for fun and our aim is Tom Groom’s aim ‘To spread good fellowship’. To those who still wish to wave the Red Flag of Social;ism, I say GREAT! To those who wish to ride Time Trials or Audax, GREAT, do it, have fun, get others involved! To those who simply wish to cycle to the cafe and reminisce, GREAT, ask the next table to join you! Al;as, to those who would abandon our past I would have to say thank you and good bye, our past is too precious to lose.
A CLARION RIDE TO REMEMBER JUNE 2004
I could be wrong but I feel that our Club, when we consider ourselves as Sections of The Clarion rather than individual clubs, is in a period of rejuvenation. This was reinforced by the Club’s ride from the Pumphouse, Peoples’ History Museum in Manchester which houses the Clarion café to the ILP Clarion Clubhouse at Roughlee (see last issue of Boots and Spurs). Twenty three members turned out for this memorable event two not being on bikes. Most Bury members cycled from Bury but Donald Lever who has been a member for 55years took the trouble to ride out to the start and lead the group through Bury. It was a glorious summer’s day as the group made its way northwards through many a mile of built up roads but at summit before Burnley a splendid panoramic view of the North Lancashire hills emerged. Onward they rode down a three mile, high speed descent into Burnley and then, after Barnoldswick, the delights of the Lancashire hills and Pendle Witch country.
Alas myself and Sylvia were not cycling but travelling by car. Sometimes I call us the Motoring
Section of the Clarion there will not be many Clarion members who know that we did have motoring sections back in the 1930’s. I was there to welcome the group but by Roughlee, as on an hard stage in the Tour de France splits had occurred. And so I remember in particular the arrival of a smiling Merlin Evans from Stockport, to be followed by Oakhill’s Charles Jepson steering his young comrade Ruth Coates on their tandem and a weary but smiling Ian Bullock. Ian had travelled up from the Club’s new Section down in Brighton to be with us. These along with members from the Bolton and the North Lancs Clarion meant that six Sections in total had responded to the Clarion Call. So where to from here? Well Bolton Clarion has offered to organise what Tony Bowles calls an Heritage Ride next spring. When the details are issued by Tony, please make the most of this opportunity fraternise with Clarionettes from other Sections for today’s strangers are tomorrow’s friends.
Peter Roscoe
RACE ROUND UP
The main contenders in the British Best All rounder championship have a good idea of what they need to do to win from the results published in Cycling Weekly. A weakness in our time trial competition is that riders do not know whether they are in with a chance or not. Furthermore interested members such as myself do not know how the competition is progressing during the season. I have attempted a trawl of those who I expect to be at the top of the table (if we were to draw one up) and find that 71 years old Derek Hodgins, Stockport, is to the best of my knowledge and as I write, leading our time trial championship competition. Up to the 29 August he had posted a 59.40 at 25 miles a 1.57.32 at 50 miles and a 4.18.51 for 100 miles. The latter time was done in the Cleveland Coureurs event when Derek had aimed to do a 4.10. 00 ride to secure the record for his age group. Alas the weather conditions were against him but who else in the Clarion can match this splendid ride. His average speed for these events is 24.6mph which compares with the 24.2 mph of Paul Dickinson, Bolton, the next best rider I have information on. Hopefully all other riders who have completed the three distances will be submitting claims to racing secretary Jackie Mortel so that we can have a BAR table. Looking through the results each week it has been pleasing to see John Waddilove win five
events and observe his name cropping up each week in Cycling Weekly with good placings. Duncan Hewitt, Stockport, has not been so prolific but it has been good to see his name ona number of occasions and the fact that he is riding for the National Clarion as his first claim club. This also applies to Derek Hodgins. Some of our ladies have also made us aware of their presence on the racing scene. Kath Smith, Nottingham, enjoyed a splendid third position in the National hundred mile championship with a 4.24.30. She also rode the National 12 hour championship and was the second fastest lady rider and 21st overall out of the 46 finishers, with a sterling 234.49miles ride. Alison Lilley and Jayne Bevitt got to the final of the National 800 metres grass track championship at the Mildenhall rally and finished in 4th and 5th position respectively. By the time this article is with you entries for the Nottingham Clarion 25 which incorporates the our Clarion Club’s 25 miles championship will have closed. I am hoping that Russell Charlesworth, Calder, will have entered to spice up the competition. He has posted a 21.25 for ten miles and 1.52.05 for fifty miles time trials. understand that Andy Horner, Philip Albiez and Derek Hodgins are riding so the competition will be a good.
Peter Roscoe.
THE CLARION TEN CHAMPIONSHIP HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH BOLTON CLARION TEN HELD ON 24TH APRIL 2004
On an ideal day for racing 13 Clarion members faced the timekeeper although only three of these Philip Albiez, Andy Horner and Paul Dickinson could be considered in contention for the championship. The others though were not only supporting a Clarion event but scoring valuable points for their section in the points competition. As he was warming up on his rollers Philip Albiez was informed that Andy and Paul had tied the previous week posting twenty two minute tens. In response he said I'll have to do a 21 minute ten then. This he did to take the title by 16 seconds from Andy. Alas Pauline Cooper a second claim member of Oakhill was in collision with a car arising from the inattention of another vehicle driver. Fortunately she was not too badly injured and was released from hospital the same day. She scored five points for starting
the event. The police stopped the race but only ten riders did not complete their ride and it did not affect the Clarion championship. With no ladies team Jayne Bevitt takes the Bert Brown Trophy with a sterling 26min 49 sec ride. Please advise Peter Roscoe if any second claim members have been missed.
1. Philip Albiez Bury 21 56 2. AndyHorner Bolton 22 12 3. Paul Dickinson Bolton 22 #14 4. lan Clarke Fenland 24 06 5. Steve Smith Oakhill 25 01 6. JoeHardman Oakhill 25 21 7. Jayne Bevitt Fenland 26 49 8. Charles Jepson Oakhill 27 «204 9. Mark Rudy Bury 27 «(05 10. Bob Duckworth Bury 27° «55 11. PhilCulshaw Oakhill 28 06 12. Sally Roy Bolton 28 «38
THE CLARION FIFTY CHAMPIONSHIP HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MDTTA 24 JULY 2004.
With the shortest handicap of the Clarion riders in the field and a recent 1.56.30 under his belt Paul Dickinson, Bolton Clarion, was the clear favourite to win the inaugural 50 championship. However, with Andy Horner, also of Bolton, and Derek Hodgins, Stockport riding as a National Clarion entrant the outcome was not clear cut. Derek though is no longer doing fast times on sporting courses so he had conceded the title before the start. Andy on the other hand had the confidence to win so he was matching Paul’s starting effort for the first ten miles of the three lap circuit. Stylish Paul though failed to maintain pace on this demanding course made all the harder by a headwind on the final leg of the course. On the other hand Andy was in his element powering through ‘the elements’ to forge
ahead on the second two laps to take the title with his 1.59.14 ride against Paul’s 2.3.08. An amazing 71 year old Derek Hodgins returned a 2.7.27 for third place. Frank Jefferson had mechanical trouble but valiantly finished to hold the table up. Please advise Peter Roscoe if any second claim members have been missed.
Andy Horner Bolton1 59 «14 Paul Dickinson Bolton2 03 «08 Derek HodginsStockport2 07 «22 Julian MortelStockport2 08 38 Michael PottsStockport2 12 30 Tony Peach Crewe2 13. 13 Dave Albut Crewe2 14 43 Vincent Eastwood Bury2 21 03 Bob Duckworth Bury2 39 56 10. Donald Lever Bury 2 44 55 11. Frank Jefferson Bury2 56 37
THE POINTS COMPETITION
Information on all Clarion events up to the 26 July have now been sent to me. So after fourteen events with seven still to go Andy Horner, Bolton, is in a commanding lead with 480 points. Andy has taken on this competition with great enthusiasm and has led throughout. First from Philip Albiez who unfortunately has had to abort his 2004 racing programme and currently John Waddilove who has 321 points. John is still in with a chance of overtaking Andy but he does have a reluctance to travel. Fifty six riders have so far scored but I had been hoping for a much better response than has been the case. Ten sections have riders in the competition with Crewe at the top of the table with 958 points. Plaudits must be given to London section for holding up the table with 55 points. Those finishing in the top ten will be awarded a certificate. First £25, second £15 third £10. Any member wishing to have a current league table should ring me on 0161 761 6856.
Section Order as at 26 July
Crewe 958 Bolton 767 Bury 583 Stockport 478 Oakhill 430 Fenland 359 Heanor 277 Sunderland 225 Nottingham 154 London 55
Top Ten as at 26 July Andy Horner Bolton 480 John Waddilove Crewe 321 Philip Albiez Bury 275 Paul Dickinson Bolton 198 Tony Peach Crewe 167 Julian Mortel Stockport 163 doe Hardman Oakhill 151 Derek Hodgins Stockport 145 Michael Potts Stockport 143 Mark Namgauds Crewe 140
National Clarion 10 Mile TT Held on 11th April 2004
1 Mick Storey Scarborough Paragon 25.14
2 Andy Horner Bolton Clarion 25.39
3 John Galway Scarborough Paragon 26.30
4 Julian Mortel Stockport Clarion 27012
5 Michael Potts Stockport Clarion 27.19
6 Jim Morrison Scarborough Paragon 27.37
7 John Royle Fenland Clarion 28.06
8 Elaine Ward Scarborough Clarion 28.33
9 Lindsay Clarke Fenland Clarion 29.09
10 Steve Hope Fenland Clarion 29.51
11 Joe Hardiman Oakhill Clarion 30.00
12 Steve Clarke Fenland Clarion 31.51
13 George Fenwick London Clarion 34.07
14 Merlin Evans Stockport Clarion 34.16
15 Martin Perfect London Clarion 34.37
16 Charles Jepson Oakhill Clarion 35.56
17 Ruth Coates Oakhill Clarion 36.56 DNS Jayne Bevitt Fenland Clarion DNS lan Clarke Fenland Clarion
TROPHIES PRESENTED AT SCARBOROUGH 2004
The National Clarion Awards are competed for throughout the year by all members of every section for racing and social achievement. At the Easter Meet, this year held at Scarborough, the winners are tabled
below. NON RACING AWARDS
Trophy Awarded For Winner
British Workers Sports Association Trophy Highest Mileage to Easter Meet Stockport Clarion
Neil Duckworth Memorial Trophy Greatest Numbers at Easter Meet Stockport Clarion
Brian Braithwaite Award Silver Salver Stand Photo Competition Charles Jepson (Oakhill)
Clubman of the Year Meritorious Service Steve Clarke (Fenland)
Clubwoman of the Year Meritorious Service Ruth Coates (Oakhill)
Harold Lamb Cup Junior Club Person Ben Addis (Oakhill)
Tom Groom Memorial Trophy Meritorious Service Oakhill Clarion RACING AWARDS
Trophy Awarded For Winner
10 Mile Time Trial Champion Medal 10 Mile Time Trial lan Clarke (Fenland)
The Kenneth Humphrey Memorial Angel Trophy 25 Mile Time Trial Jon Waddilove (Crewe)
7
MESSAGE IN A SADDLE BAG
The invention of the Safety Bicycle in then 1830’s allowed working people to enjoy the freedom of the open country. The ‘magic wheel’ was seen by many as a means of spreading the newpolitical gospel of socialism and the Clarion cyclist was born. Yorkshire based Mikron Theatre Company’s new production, Pedal Power, follows these very British radicals, with their saddlebags full of leaflets, along the road from politics to time trials, cloth caps to helmets, worsted to lycra.
With humour and original songs and music, the show tells the entertaining and inspiring story of the 7 National Clarion Cycling Club from its foundation by Tom Groom in Birmingham 110 years ago. It is a moving evocation of a movement which was a way of life for thousands of men and women for much of the 20th century and which, though reduced in numbers, still survives today, its members embracing the same aims of mutual aid and good fellowship. Pedal Power the continuing story of the National
Clarion Cycling Club is Richard Povall’s first full-scale production for Mikron and marks his directorial debut. The Company’s four actor-musicians Elizabeth Eves,
Marianne McNamara, Robert Took and Peter Toon
will spend the summer months travelling the waterways on board the traditional narrowboat, Tyseley, tying up to perform at canal and riverside venues along the way.
two Mikron productions on tour this summer. On the Line celebrates the bicentenery this year of an important part of our 4 heritage by tracking down the real story of the railways. Both shows can J be seen on Mikron’s 33rd National Waterways Summer Tour until 5th September and_ then during the Company’s Northern Autumn Tour from 21st September to the 13th November.
This production of Pedal Power has been made possible with the support of the National Clarion Cycling Club and Sargent Company.
Fenland Members recommend seeing this production
group of Fenland members went to see this production of “Pedal Power” at the Black Horse in Hose, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. This was the nearest venue to our Peterborough home. The round trip of some 80 miles proved to be an excellent investment of time and trouble because the evenings entertainment was superb. The four talented actors, two women and two men, were able to convey a range of characters from Tom Groom to Roy Hoyland. All real figures from the Clarion’s
past history.
The action included musical numbers which demonstrated the verstility of the cast all of whom sang_ whilst accompanying themselves on a range of instruments. Afterwards we all agreed that the play provided a very interesting insight into Clarion History.
For me, the best song in the production was “Fast Lads” which portrayed a musical look at racing and touring.
THE WORTLEY HALL WEEKEND
5th 6th 7th
The spring issue of Boots and Spurs states that I am the organiser of the Wortley Hall weekend. This is not really the case as Charles Jepson has done most of the spadework. However, I am keeping my finger on the pulse and with ten weeks to go as I write, nearly all our block booking has been taken. In the event I have booked more rooms in attempt to avoid any disappointments. You will, though, need to book early particularly as our block booking ends on the 5th October and you must mention the Clarion when you book for what is going to be a memorable weekend. The Mikron Theatre are performing the Clarion story ‘Pedal Power’ on the Saturday night. On Friday Charles is bringing the highly acclaimed film show ‘Belleville Rendezvous’ an animated cycling adventure. On Saturday morning we have our usual walk led by Steve Heath and on Saturday
NOVEMBER
afternoon at 1.30pm we have our championship hill climb which may be the decider for the points competition. This year the event is also a ‘come and try it’ competition so here’s hoping for a good entry. Time has been left for a short social ride after the event. On Sunday morning we have a treasure hunt followed by the Peter Shepherdley quiz. One last thing on Saturday night we have our Annual dinner and it is very important to note that you must book this meal with myself by sending a cheque made payable to Clarion Cycling Club to cover the cost of £14.50 per person by Monday 18th October STRICTLY NO CHEQUE NO MEAL A more detailed programme of events was published in the dune edition of The Clarion.
See inside back page for my address and telephone number. Peter Roscoe
Any members, or members families who own any material, documents or memorabilia which is relevant to the Clarion are respectfully asked to donate such material to the National Clarion Committee if it is no longer wanted.
Archive material wanted
serious lack of archive
has been noticed by the Committee who are currently investigating having a permanent display at the Pump House People’s History Museum.
PETERBOROU or
good sharp photos welcome, or
Acer YOUR NEWS AND VIEWS AL
EMAIL OR POST YOUR INFO TO: RICHARD NEWCOMBE 67 HALL LANE, WERRINGTON,
AROUND THE CLUB
GH PE4 6RA
richard@hallane.com
high res jpeg if sent by email
Minutes of the Annual Confe
rence held at the Clifton Hotel,
Scarborough, Easter Saturday, 10th April 2004 Commencing at 10.00am
Prior to opening the meeting the National Secretary circulated to all present copies of the agenda, the Secretary’s report, the income expenditure account for the year ending December 2003, the Constitution(Version 13.1) and Standing Orders. The National Secretary informed the meeting that the National Committee would be withdrawing the item relating to badges from the agenda.
Attendance: 29 delegates and members from 11 sections.
Election of Chairman: Vice President Ian Clarke was proposed, unapposed and duly took the chair. Apologies for absence: Anne Burchell(Central), Ben Addis(Oakhill)
Election of Tellers: Nick Biden(Stockport) and Jayne Bevitt(Fenland) were appointed tellers. Minutes of last years conference held at Morecambe: It was pointed out for the second year running that Brian Burchell’s name had been misspelt. Wendy Pye(Central) proposed, President John Leese(Heanor) seconded that the minutes were a true record. Agreed. There were no matters arising from these minutes.
Standing Orders Secretary’s Report: Denis Pye(Central) confirmed that one nomination had been recieved for the post of President and four nominations received for seats on the National Committee. He explained that the Standing Orders Committee had received numerous amendments from Sections to the National Committee’s proposed changes to the Constitution and Rules document Version 13.1. Some of these had been inserted and now formed part of the document Constitution and Rules: Version D which would be voted on at the Rules Review Meeting to follow the Annual General Meeting. Section’s whose amendments had not been included had been contacted individually by the National Secretary and given an explanation for their omission(usually because they were either direct negatives or sought to re-insert an existing rule). He stated that the Annual General Meeting and the Rules Review Meeting were being kept separate in order to avoid confusion and to make it easier for the Secretary to record matters. He then went on to explain clearly the voting procedure to be used at the Rules Review Meeting.
National Secretary’s Report: The National Secretary had circulated a written report and invited
questions. The Meeting accepted the report as written and gave a vote of thanks to the National Secretary for his work over the past twelve months.
Treasurers Report: The Treasurer had circulated an income and expenditure report and offered to answer any questions on his report. He stated that in the preceding year expenditure had exceeded income by almost £600 but the Club had money in the bank and there would be no need to think of a subscription increase in the immediate future. The accounts had been audited and were in the opinion of Nick Biden (auditor) a ‘fair and accurate record’. The meeting recorded a vote of thanks to the Treasurer and to the auditors.
Appointment of Auditors: Merlin Evans(Stockport) proposed and Ken Hemsley (Nottingham) seconded that Nick Biden and Cheryl Biden serve as auditors for a further twelve months. All agreed.
Election of National Officials and Committee: The Standing Orders Secretary reported that Heanor Section had proposed John Leese(Heanor) for the position of National President. Appointed unopposed. Merlin Evans(Stockport) proposed and Ken Hemsley(Nottingham) seconded Ian Clarke (Fenland) for the post of Vice President. Appointed unapposed. Cheryl Biden(Stockport) proposed and Ruth Coates (Oakhill) seconded Peter Roscoe (Bury) for the post of National Treasurer. Appointed unapposed. John Leese (Heanor) proposed and Kath Leese (Heanor) seconded Jackie Mortel (Stockport) for the post of Racing Secretary. Appointed unapposed. Ken Hemsley (Nottingham), Merlin Evans (Stockport), Denis Pye (Central), Ruth Coates (Oakhill) had all been nominated by Sections for seats on the National Committee. All were appointed unapposed. Charles Jepson (Oakhill) proposed and Ken Hemsley (Nottingham) seconded Nick Biden (Stockport) for the remaining vacant seat on the National Committee. All in favour.
Constitution and Rules Review: It was agreed that a short refreshment/comfort break would take place before the commencement of this meeting. To avoid confusion there would be no discussion of the proposed changes at this point. The Standing Orders Secretary stated that if the attendance for the second meeting changed an adjustment in the number of votes required to change arule would be made and the
10
meeting would be informed as to what number constituted the two thirds necessary for a change of rule.
Wortley Meet: The Secretary stated that this would take place over the weekend of November Sth, 6th and 7th. The National Hill Climb Championship would be held on the Finkle Lane course on the Saturday afternoon commencing at 1.30pm. There would be no 10 mile Time Trial due to the time of the year. The Mikron Theatre would perform Pedal Power after dinner on the Saturday evening. Peter Shepherdly (London) would organise a quiz for Late Sunday morning. A detailed programme will appear in the June edition of the Clarion Newsletter. He cautioned that early booking was absolutely essential as there were only a limited number of rooms available for our use.
National Clarion Championship Events 2004/2005: The Racing Secretary stated that all this year’s events had organisers: (i) Oakhill to organise the Track Championship as opposed to Fenland as previously stated and (ii) the Rylance, Linklaker Ogden 50 Mile Time Trial Trophy to be awarded to the fastest Clarion rider in the M&DTTA event on Saturday July 24th (course J12/16) subject to Bury Section’s amendment 10.12/I being passed at the Rules Review meeting. The Racing Secretary requested that organisers send him copies of their result sheet as well as claims for records, titles and trophies.
Events for 2005.
Road Race. No organiser. The Racing Secretary to pursue this matter.
25 Mile Time Trial and 10 Mile Time Trial to be organised by Fenland Section. Steve Clarke said he would endeavour to run both events over the same weekend.
50 Mile Time Trial. Subject to the outcome of Bury Section’s amendment 10.12/I i.e. if passed the National Committee to nominate an event for 2005. Hill Climb. Bury Section in conjunction with Wortley Meet.
Cyclo-Cross. Heanor Section.
Grass Track. Fenland Section.
Track. Oakhill Section.
Annual Meet 2005. The meeting gave a vote of thanks to Kirsti Straker for all her hard work in organising three very successful and enjoyable Easter Meets. Jayne Bevitt (Fenland) offered to organise the Meet in 2005, this offer was quickly and gratefully accepted. Members expressed a view that we should once again move away from the coast to a more central location. It was pointed out that as one of the
proposed rule changes called for an Annual Meet as opposed to an Easter Meet, if passed, the organiser would have the flexibility to move the Meet away from its traditional Easter date. The meeting agreed, without vote, that the location, duration and date of the Easter/Annual Meet should be determined by the Meet Organiser, Jayne said that she would attempt to get some information to the National Secretary by the next meeting of the Committee in June and in time for inclusion in the next issue of The Clarion Newsletter. Any other business:
The Secretary asked members to support the 10 Mile Time Trial on Sunday morning either as riders, helpers or spectators.
Tan Clarke said he had found a Pub, the Cellars Bar, where it would be possible to watch the Paris- Roubaix on Sunday afternoon.
Tony Bowles(Bolton) proposed a vote of thanks to the Membership Secretary for getting the new membership cards out early and to Charles Jepson for organising inter-Section activities between Oakhill, Bury and Bolton.
Chery] Biden made a request that we actively find and record Clarion memorabilia. In thruth for a Club that is over 100 years old we have very little in the way of records and memorabilia, outside of the collections of individual members.
Denis Pye stated that a re-issue of the book Fellowship is Life is now available price £4.95. Copies available from himself or from the National Secretary. Radio Four are also to broadcast a series of programmes on cycling, one of which is about the National Clarion.
Tan Clarke asked members to forward him their email addresses in order that they may receive copies of his regular bulletins.
Wendy Pye asked members to advertise and support the Mikron Theatre and their forthcoming production “Pedal Power the History of the National Clarion Cycling Club’. The first performance will take place in Salford on Sunday May 9th at the Working Class Movement Library, 51 The Crescent at 2.00pm.
The Secretary said that thanks to Ian Clarke the Club now had a xupply of window stickers advertising the Club. He urged members to get these put up in cafes, cycling shops, clubs and the workplace.
The Secretary appealed for members attending the CTC York Rally to help run the Clarion Stall for the odd hour or so. This is a new venture and should present us with a good chance to spread the message the The National Clarion is the Club to join if you love cycling and laughing.
Meeting closed at 11.12.
11
2004 Clarion Track Championships
35 Riders from 7 Clarion Sections competed in an exciting, accident free days track racing. The results are as follows
Team Pursuit heats: Team Pursuit Final: ‘B’ rider 20 lap scratch:
Fenland 2.36.51 Champions Stockport 1st Paul Morphet (Crewe) 7.21.97 Stockport 2.27.12 caught Fenland 2nd_ Les Copeland (Stockport) Oakhill 2.40.40 3rd_—_ Linday Clarke (Fenland)
Bury 2.42.45 Individual Pursuit:
Bolton 2.48.92 Champion: D Langlands
(Fenland) 2.29.34 Flying 200 Time Trial. Fastest 6 qualify for 2nd_ Clarke (Fenland)
Individual Sprint Semi-Final D Hewitt (Stockport)
P Culshaw (Oakhill) 13.56 4th Sanderson (Stockport)
J Tarpay (Oakhill) 14.04 5th S Lawman (Bolton)
B Halstead (Bolton) 14.00 6th —S Smith (Oakhill)
T Bowles (Bolton) 14.97 Flying 200 continued
P Morphet (Crewe) 13.57 G Miller (Stockport) 14.09
G Downs (Oakhill) 13.16 J Yates (Bury) 14.12
Ms L Clarke (Fenland) 14.00 S Yates (Bury) (Junior) 15.19
P Smith (Teeside) 12.66 Qual A Yates (Bury) (Junior) 16.59
B Duckworth (Bury) 13.44 S Lawman (Bolton) 12.91 Qual
V Eastwood (Bury) 14.20 Clarke (Fenland) 12.81 Qual
M Ruby (Bury) 13.50 D Gillibrand (Oakhill) 14.59
Tipping (Bolton) 14.44 S Smith (Oakhill) 13.15
D Hessian (Bolton) 14.08 L Copeland (Stockport) 15.06
B Firth (Bolton) 14.25 J Mortel (Stockport) 12.56 Qual
Ms J Bevitt (Fenland) 14.50 D Langlands (Fenland) 12.25 Qual
K Hodgkins (Stockport) 14.47 W Sanderson(Stockport) 13.04
J Harris (Bury) 13.78 D Hewitt (Stockport) 12.65 Qual
Individual Sprint Final
Semi Final: Champion: J Mortel (Stockport)
D Langlands(13.07) beat S Lawman Joint Second: D Langlands (Fenland) and
J Mortel (13.31) beat I Clarke D Hewitt (Stockport)
D Hewitt (13.08) beat P Smith 5 Mile Championship Race Champion: D Hewitt (Stockport)
12 Lap Scratch Race for ‘B’ riders 2nd D langlands (Fenland)
1st Lindsay Clarke (Fenland) 4.28.12 3rd W Sanderson (Stockport)
Team Sprint Unfortunately due to a lack of time the remainder of the team
Oakhill ‘A beat Bolton Sprints and the Flying 500’2 Up’ Time Trial had to be cancelled.
Bury beat Oakhill’B’ Note to Secretary: must book more time next year!
The National Clarion Cycling Club hard track Champions for 2004 are: Team pursuit and winners of the Czechoslovakia Trophy Stockport Clarion Individual Pursuit Champion: Dave Langlands (Fenland)
Individual Sprint Champion: Julian Mortel (Stockport)
5 mile Champion: Duncan Hewitt (Stockport)
A vote of thanks goes to Track Coaches Ray Groves(Oakhill) and Fred Smith(Bolton) who combined to organise the event. To Peter Roscoe (Bury) for supervising the signing on and collecting the money and to all those voluteers who made such an important contribution to the success of the day by acting as timekeepers and pushers off.
12
Round the Sections
Every issue of “Boots” will have a round up of local news from the various Clarion Sections providing I can put sufficient pressure on someone from each section to send the info to me. Please send me photos and text of your sections activities and it will all go in.
Email: richard@newcombe67.freeserve.co.uk
BOLTON
Things look a little more even in the Club 25 competition this year. Andy Horner and Paul Dickinson again locking horns in a do or die struggle for superiority.
On a breezy afternoon on the J2/9 in Cheshire it was tough for all riders, we also had riding Sally Roy, Frank Myers and Ken Bath.
Sally, brave as ever in the face of adversity, unable to train due to work commitments battled round in 1.17.5. Frank Myers, his last race(again), 1.13.16. not bad for an aging
BURY
We now have 34 members and of these we welcome new members John Trevor Harris, John Butterworth, Vince Eastwood and Stanley Colls. Stanley was a member for three decades covering the 1940’s 50’s and 60’s. Special mention must also be made about Vince Eastwood who won our club 50 championship with a 2.21.03 for his first ever time trial. Hopefully we will be hearing more of his exploits. General activity has not been as good as we hope for but weekly impromptu clubruns continue. Donald Lever having taken over from Frank Jefferson as
FENLAND
This season has been a good year for Fenland Clarion on their favoured grass track racing. In the National ladies 800m championships Alison Lilley (nee Ede) and Jayne Bevitt took 4th and 5th places respectively.
Alison Lilley also took 3rd place in the WCRA ladies championships at Hertford in May.
In the National Mens 8km series over some 5 events throughout the year Dave Langlands
Richard Newcombe, Editor
veteran, going better for all his complaints. Ken Bath at 1.5.33 unable to profit from his speed training at the Velodrome the previous Thursday. Andy Horner was a little diappointed with his 58.51, a good time but not quite the 58.34 put in by Paul Dickinson to clinch the ‘25’ title.
Pinging Paul
Paul Dickinson is right on form, 1.59.38 for the ‘50’. The first 25 done in 57 minutes. as the modern saying goes “he is pinging”. This is a new personal best for Paul and as the conditions were not exactly ‘float day’ there may be more to come.
club captain. In June Frank ran a very successful ‘come and try it’ hill climb in conjunction with the Ramsbottom Sports week. Philip Albiez was the fastest of our entrants and so takes our hill climb championship. He is also the Clarion and Bury Clarion 2004 ten miles champion as a result of his winning ride in the Bolton Clarion ten held in April. In June Bob Duckworth ran a return match with Oakhill at the Velodrome. Last year Oakhill were the winners but this year our riders rose to the occasion and won nine of the ten races in the programme.
and lan Clarke also took 4th 5th respectively. lan took his 5th place through some consistent rides finishing between 5th and 10th in most events, whereas Dave took a more impressive result by winning the Winterton round and taking 2nd and 3rd at Mildenhall and Biggleswade.
Sadly the Clarion 1 mile champs was abandonned at Biggleswade when the ever threatening black clouds finally reached the track centre just before the last race of the day.
13
LANCASTER
A few organised Clubruns still left this year with the Lancaster Section.
27.10.04 Start at Stork Hotel, Conder Green, 9.15am. Morning stop Scorton Cafe, Lunch Cartford Arms. 55k
3.11.04 Start at Millenium Bridge,
OAKHILL
The section continues to thrive, membership currently stands at 56. Activities over the passed months have included the Road Sections Annual Whitsun Tour which takes place over the late May Bank Holiay weekend. This year 14 members enjoyed a three day tour of Cornwall.
Our Track Riders responded to a challenge from Bury Clarion to meet at the Velodrome, unfortunately on the night we were well and truly beaten.
Damside Si. 9.15am. Morning stop Longlands, Tewitfield, Lunch The Ship Inn, Sandside.50k
10.11.04 Start 9.15am. Morning stop Longlands, Tewitfield, Lunch Crooklands Hotel. 50k
More info if you want to join these rides from runs leader Donald Taylor 07971 872167
The Mountain Bike Section’s fifth annual downhill race trip to Morz*ine took place early in July, sadly no Tour de France speeding past our chalet’s door this year, however ‘Oakhill Clarion’ was still clearly visible where we had written it on the road some twelve months ago. Our downhill race for the ‘Terror Trophy’ was won by Matthew Jones, in second place was the Flying Angel, Amy Boardwell. The Snails Tales Trophy for the worse excuse for losing going to Amy’s brother Chris.
Pauline Cooper pictured having just competed in the Women’s National TT
Above: Ruth Coates, President of Oakhill, Riding Merlin’s “Ordinary” at the South Yorkshire Festival at Wortley Hall.
14
SUNDERLAND
A programme of mainly competitive events planned for 2004 began with a series of three, open Spring criteriums organized by section secretary Allan Smith. These were held on successive Saturday afternoons in March ona one mile, purpose-built, asphalt cycling circuit. Once the site of a Durham coal mine, it has now been transformed gradually into a reasonably picturesque area around a large lake. Other sporting and leisure activities such as soccer, windsurfing, fishing and horse riding take place in what is now known as Hetton Lyons Country Park. Full marks then to Sunderland Council who continue to steadily upgrade and maintain the area.
With regard to the horse riding, it has not been unknown in recent years for horses and their riders to be involved every so often in the cycle races. That they were once runners at Epsom trying to rekindle former glories is just one theory of several suggested as an explanation for these occurrences by observers. However, this particular theory doesn’t hold too much credence, for, as one wag pointed out, if that had been the case then the horses at least, if not those mounted upon them also, would have known in which direction the race was going! To give added weight to his view, and not without a hint of triumph in his voice it seemed at the time, he pointed out perceptively that riderless horses in the Grand National have no difficulty in determining in which direction they ought to continue running.
In this year’s races, an average of thirty five riders contested each event in the series. Some, together with their supporters, travelling from as far afield as Hull and Leeds. Indicating
possibly both a scarcity of races in their particular regions and an eagerness to put to the test the hoped-for benefits of winter training. Some good racing was provided, despite different levels of fitness and ability being apparent when categories 1 to 4, women and juniors were included in the same event. However, the group handicapping system used did help to minimize differences, even to the extent that winners of two of the events were junior riders.
In the case of the last race and with regard to the scramble bike rider who shot out of the breakaway group not far from the finishing line and attempted to claim first spot It ought to be mentioned here that scramble bikes appear on the circuit almost as frequently as horses do! His claim, thankfully, was rejected by the
overwhelming majority of the judges, with only one dissenting and another choosing to abstain. After all, the far reaching consequences for our sport had the scramble bike rider’s claim been upheld hardly bear thinking of.
It was pleasing to see two members from the Oakhill section, Joe Hardman and Charles Jepson, lending support to our open 25 miles time trial held in June on our ‘sporting’ Ponteland course. And perhaps our open hill climb, to be held in September on the severe 1 fi miles Silverhills course, might similarly attract the odd rider from a section other than our own too.
Apart from the racing scene, our Sunday club runs continue throughout the year for those not wanting to race. There is a choice of either a fairly long, fairly high tempo run with a group that includes riders from other clubs, or a moderately long (50-70mls.), moderately paced run of section riders only.
A variety of Sustran and other off road tracks are easily reached from the Sunderland area and, by linking one track to another, lead to a variety of other, quite distant areas. Most noteable of these trails, and one which has probably been tackled by a number of Clarion riders from other sections, is the almost continuous Coast to Coast track which starts (or finishes) in Sunderland.
With traffic ever on the increase, it is noticeable that evermore cyclists are choosing the trails rather than risk life and limb on our roads. That is not to deny, however, that equally there are many other good reasons for the increase in riders, for the appeal of the trails goes far beyond the safety factor alone.
After an enforced and lengthy absence due to a persistent leg problem, road man Ian Taylor was able to make a welcome return to open competition last year. Steadily improving throughout the season, Ian was finally rewarded for his efforts when in the October he won two open hill climbs, which included one he organized himself. Further confirmation of his rehabilitation continued on in to early 2004, when he gained an excellent third placing in the long-established, 80mls. Sloan Trophy road race. And more recently (late June), when he was second overall at the end of five days of racing in an event in Surrey.
Footnote: Long ago boundary changes mean that Sunderland and Hetton Lyons are now in Tyne and Wear, whereas previously both were in County Durham.
Bill Childs.
15
THE EARLY DAYS OF ROAD RACING
Dirty Ricks, Thunderflashes, missing arrows and spiked drinks!
It is now some 50 years since I first came into cycling. To celebrate those fifty years I will try to describe what racing used to be like and to convey something of the atmosphere at the time and the obstacles which every road racer had to overcome
In early 1948 I was 15 and about to leave colege and start work. At the time I was living in Brighton and I was an ice hockey fanatic. My sporting heroes were Brighton Tigers. I’d had a sheltered childhood as I had nearly lost a leg due to osteomyelitis but now I aimed to get fit and I had just bought my first bike, a Hercules Kestrel, which I used on exhausting trips to such faraway and exotic places as Falmer, Lewes and Ditchling, which I could only find using a compass and an old map I had managed to acquire. It was only a few years since the end of the war and maps were only just beginning to appear in the shops.
One day during 1948 I happened to see a poster advertising the start of the six-day Brighton to Glasgow cycle race on Brighton's Madiera Drive. I went to take a look and was fascinated by the atmosphere. The riders, with their cotton caps, colourful jerseys and spare tyres knotted round their shoulders, looking supremely fit. There weren't many official cars but there was a loudspeaker van and masseurs were busy massaging the riders, mechanics were fiddling with strange gears, such as the Osgear and so on. There was a huge cheer as the Mayor lowered the Union Jack and the riders sprinted away along the seafront. I was completely hooked there and then on this Continental sport!
I met some other cyclists during my rides and I took their advice and turned up at the old Brighton Labour Party HQ in London Road to enquire about joining the Brighton Clarion which was affiliated to the National Clarion. The driving force behind the Brighton Clarion was Wally Newman, a prominent local councillor, who led the local club runs. Wally signed me up and was given a copy of the National Clarion’s rules. These included advice on how to recognise other Clarion members. On seeing another club rider you had to shout ‘Boots’ at him or her and if they were Clarion members they would reply ‘Spurs’. But the only riders who responded were riders I knew anyway and I came to realise that shouting ‘Boots’ at other riders was not a good idea. They might have thought I was shouting ‘Boo’ and could have ended up at the funny farm so I soon gave up the practice.
After a couple of months I was persuaded to enter the Clarion’s club 25. I knew nothing of cycling politics then but the Brighton Clarion was a
National Cyclists Union club, although most members adopted the British League of Racing Cyclists dress code and wore berets, sunglasses and trousers elasticated just below the knee. A string of onions round the neck would have completed the fetching ensemble! By contrast the typical NCU riders wore plus fours, woolen sweaters and carried their kit in large saddlebags falling over their back wheels. remember the late Allen Packett of the Brighton Mitre producing a spare chainwheel from his saddlebag one evening after he had chain trouble!
Anyway, this club 25 began at 6.00am from the bottom of Dale Hill on the main London Road. not that there was any traffic to worry about. I was sent off first, which concerned me as I had no idea where the course went. I finished in a state of complete exhaustion in lhr.25m. Everyone overtook me and as I lay on the grass the officials took one look at my face, which had apparently turned blue and from then on I was known as ‘Blue Boy’. It stuck with me throughout my cycling career. Having read a few cycling articles in the meantime, I approached 1949 with more confidence and after having devoured a whole packet of glucose tablets I rode my second 25 and crossed the line in 18m. Heady days indeed. Then in 1950 I joined Brighton Excelsior, a more serious racing club and my 25 time came down to Ihr 9m 34s. in a Prestonville Nomads event and I was third in a hilly event. A few years later came down to 1hr 2m 15s, a respectable time when only a few riders were beating the hour. I had also learned an important lesson, which was that I really wasn’t cut out for time trialling, at least not on flat courses. It wasn’t that I lacked the speed but I was unable to motivate myself. I only came to life when another rider passed me, such as Brighton's ‘Silver Ghost’ Arthur Linington. Yet when I went on training runs and could see other riders I could not only stay with them but often drop them, even those who were easily beating me in TTs. One day I was out training and I met some riders from the Brighton Velo, a BLRC club. One of them, Eric Clark, who now lives in Crawley, is still racing in veteran TTs. Their club TTs went up hills such as Ditchling Beacon, handcross and Devils Dyke. I found I enjoyed these events far more and my performances improved. As a result I made a fateful decision and joined the Velo. I began to learn about how to train properly. I bought a decent bike and from now on racing was to become a serious business.
16
CYCLING WARS
I will now explain what all the hostility between the BLRC and the NCU/RTTC was about. In 1942, six years before I took up the sport, the NCU and the RTTC were bitterly opposed to bunched racing on the open road. A group of enthusiasts defied them to promote the first open road race from Llangollen to Wolverhampton. Tne CCU, with RTTC approval, suspended all those who had taken part and asa result of this, the British League of Racing Cyclists was born. For years there was intense rivalry between the BLRC on one hand and the NCU and RTTC on the other. Did I say intense? It was red hot! The RTTC, meanwhile, followed a set of rules that present-day time-triallists would find bizarre. All start sheets were ‘Private Confidential’. Nobody was allowed to divulge where TT’s took place, in the ludicrous belief that if the public knew, they would be lining the streets to watch events at 6am! I was actually called to account by the Syssex CA for mentioning in one of my early newspaper reports that a rider had punctured at ‘Handcross’. To compete in RTTC events you had to wear ‘inconspicuous clothing’ consisting of black socks, black jerseys and black shorts. Some riders even wore hairnets. Today,they would probably be detained as potential terroists! Yes, it may seem absurd now, but such attitudes helped to set back British cycling for many years. Had the RTTC concentrated on TT’s and left the BLRC to run road racing and the NCU had just run track racing then the sport would have thrived.
RIVALRY Despite such outdated attitudes as outlined above, it was a great time to be a racing cyclist. The intense rivalry even helped to spur the BLRC and the NCU to greater things. Eventually the NCU were forced to run some road races themselves. I took part in the Brighton Velo’s two-day race which started on Madeira Drive and headed east, while on the other side of the raod, starting at the same time, the NCU’s two-day to Folkestone and back was starting! The rival traders traded insults before setting off. Training runs then were more like road races with large numbers of riders taking part. The Velo’s riders used to hide behind some trees at Patcham and wait for the NCU clubs to pass, then the Velo riders jumped on their bikes and sprinted past shouting ‘Up the League!’ On Tuesday evenings many riders would end up at The Forge cafe at Sayers Common around 9pm. The cafe would have about 50 riders there and then everyone would gather outside for a mass
‘burn-up’ back to Preston Park. A car passed me one evening and the passenger stuck two fingers out of the window. I gave a two-fingered salute back, but it turned out to be an unmarked police car. The passenger shouted ‘two abreast, you lot, two abreast!’
DIRTY TRICKS
In 1951 the BLRC got yhr Daily Express to sponsor the first Tour of Britain. In 1952 the BLRC sent a tean to the Warsaw-Berlin-Prague race and supplied the winner in Ian Steel and also won the team prize. A BLRC team went on to win the Tour of Mexico and Brian Robinson won a stage of the Tour de France. The BLRC’s membership increased by 24% and it was promoting over 1,000 races a year. The BLRC’s riders still had to put up with no end of dirty tricks, however, There were reports of tim tacks strewn on the raod, direction arrows being turned round or torn down, bogus cancellation notices and so on. In one race at Cowfold, I left my bike outside the HQ for a couple of minutes and during the race found my water bottle had been spiked with salt. In one race
at Winchester, a Velo team even had thunderflashes thrown at them! RACING SUCCESS AT LAST
Soon after I had joined Brighton Velo in April 1952, I was advised to enter the first available road race, which just happened to be the Southern Section BLRC (Sussex) road race championship. The 62 mile race took place over three laps of a Newark-Maresfield-Nutley-Wych Cross-Chailey circuit. As it was my first ever bunched race and first race over 25 miles naturally asked some of the old hands for some advice regarding tactics. I was warned to watch out for certain star riders. I was told ‘they will wait until everyone’s tired and then they will attack on the hills and just ride away from everyone’. So I was pleased and rather surprised to still find myself in the leading bunch after the first tough climb up Wvch Cross. Second time up, I swear in all innocence, asked a team mate, Dave Penfold, when the stars would be launching an attack. ‘They already are’, he gasped, and then promptly dropped off the back ofthe bunch! During the final lap I went to the front on Wych Cross and at the top found myself alone in the lead. I decided to press on to win the senior title by 7m45s. Needless to say I was well pleased. I soon had my first category racing licence and found myself riding in races alongside riders such as Ian Steel and Dave Bedwell, who was one of the first British road race winners abroad, taking the ‘Grand Prix Il’Humanite’.
In 1953 I won the ‘Sussex Roadman Trophy’ held on a league basis and I finished second in the
17
ISouthern BLRC championship road race. The winner was Brighton Velo’s Derek Cover, who like me had started cycling as a Brighton Clarion member.
n 1954 I was second again in the BLRC championship and when the Sussex NCU ran their version of the Sussex road race championship in September I decided to take out a NCU licence and have a go. Four of us broke away last time up Wych Cross and in the sprint finish at Newick I won the sprint by a length. The NCU supporters on one side of the road were silent and motionless while the BLRC supporters opposite were leaping around and ecstatic! Several NCU riders sportingly congratulated me but one NCU official raved “fancy letting that BLRC bastard win”.
I went on to enjoy my racing for another six years
although a training accident in 1956, when I was hit from behind by a learner motor-cyclist and injured my back, meant I never fully realised my potential. still picked up some useful placings, including a third in the Tour of Ashdown Forest, third in the Sussex criterium championship, seventh in the Isle of Wight Grand Prix round the Island, etc.
When I retired from racing in 1960 stayed in the sport as a freelance reporter for several national magazines and local newspapers and of course, as editor of Chequered Flag for some twenty years to date. So although you may never have seen me on a bike, at least now you know I did do my bit in the past!
Brian Hutton
FINANCIAL REPORT
The club’s finances seem to be a turn off for most people but I do think members should take an interest in how the National Committee is expending subscriptions and other income. Please ring me if you would like a copy of the accounts for the year ending 31 December 2003. Members who do not have this interest should at least note that in 2003 expenditure exceeded subscription and interest income by £592 compared with £674 in the previous year. We also expended £330 from ring fenced funds on the team pursuit squad in the
national championships. This left us with £12 603 at bank. Since the year end major transactions have been £2547 spent on a reprint of the Clarion History ‘Fellowship is Life’ and £1000 to Mikron theatre towards the cost of their production of Pedal Power. The latter expenditure was from the ring fenced funds arising from the Harold Lamb legacy and the donation by his nephew Geoff Manson. Currently cash on hand and at bank amounts to £8300.
Peter Roscoe, Treasurer
So that we can keep you more up to date with news about the Clarion, please ask to be added to our email newsletter mailing list. You can email Ian Clarke on clarioncc@ntlworld.com
Please note that many people have given us email addresses that are no longer valid or may have been spelt incorrectly. About 20% of all
Clarion email newsletter
contacts we have on our email mailing list are bad addresses. So if you think you should be getting email newsletters and are not, then please email us again. Thank you.
Please also remember that we can add you club's events to this list to help promote it amongst other Clarion sections.
NATIONAL CLARION STOCK
National Clarion Jerseys £35.00 nal Clarion Bib Shorts £28.00
National Clarion Caps £3.50
Clarion Metal Badges £3.00
The above prices do not include the cost of postage. Ring Nick Biden 0161 485 5437 for available sizes.
‘Fellowship is Life' The National Clarion Cycling Club 1895 1995. £4.95 includes postage and packing. Ring Denis Pye 01204 842869
18
NATIONAL CLARION RECORDS
New record setters will receive a certificate in recognition of their achievement and everlasting glory
10 Miles Senior Dave Langlands Fenland 19.57 1998 Woman Lindsay Clarke Fenland 22.11 1994 Juvenile David Lunds Teeside 22.35 1980 Junior Paul Hodgkinson Crewe 21.23 1989 Veteran NOT CLAIMED!!! (There should be dozens of claims this year) Vet Tandem Alan Wray Ken Hartley Calder 21.20 1982 Vet Tandem Team Alan Wray Ken Hartley Calder 21.20 1982 R.Asquith A.Lumley Calder 1982 D, Smithers L.Smithers Calder 22.09 1982 Tandem Dave Hinde Alan Roberts Crewe 18.59 1982 Mixed Tandem Dave Hinde Jayne Connell Crewe 20.03 1985 25 Miles Senior Paul Hodgkinson Crewe 51.29 1996 Woman Christine Spotswood Crewe 57.18 1987 Veteran Roy Hodkinson Crewe 54.16 1994 Junior James Williamson Crewe 56.10 1998 Tandem A.Barroclough Alan Wray Calder 48.35 1984 Mixed Tandem Dave Hinde Jayne Connell Crewe 50.02 1985 Trike W. Fisher Sunderland 1.03.58 1986 Vic Trigger Crewe 1.03.58 1992 30 Miles Senior Gary Wharton Nottingham 1.06.01 1993 Tandem Jon Waddilove Bob Waddilove Crewe 1.03.40 1993 50 Miles Senior Alan Robeits Crewe 1.45.00 1997 Woman Christine Roberts Crewe 1.59.35 1987 Trike Vic Trigger Crewe 2.05.53 1990 Tandem Mixed Alan Roberts Christine Roberts Crewe 1.51.35 1991 Team Frank Taylor Notts/Derby 1.46.01 1976 Dennis Hoe Notts/Derby1.51.05 1976 Francis Grafton Notts/Derby1.53.50 1976 100 Miles Senior Alan Roberts Crewe 3.48.48 1992 Woman Christine Roberts Crewe 4.10.03 1994 Trike Vic Trigger Crewe 4.54.50 1990 Tandem Alan Wray Ken Hartley Calder 3.56.50 1985 12 Hours Veteran Roy Hodgkinson Crewe 270.99 1995 Woman Christine Roberts Crewe 256.78 1994 Trike Vic Trigger Crewe 218.00 1990 Team Alan Roberts Crewe 262.81 1991 Roy Hodgkinson Crewe 257.51 1991 Christine Roberts Crewe 253.88 1991 24 Hours Senior Mark Botteley Fenland 469.277 2002 Woman Christine Roberts Crewe 461.446 1993 Veteran Ken Hartley Nottingham 400.79 1987
No Veteran Records at 10, 30, 50, 100 miles something must be done about that! Claims for records can be sent by Section Secretaries or by individuals to the Records Secretary, Mrs. Audrey Waddilove, 36 Brookland Drive, Sandbach,Cheshire CW11 2LX. She needs to know: DATE, EVENT, COURSE NUMBER and YOUR RESULT. To be a Record Holder at any level of sport is a really meaningful thing as it gives others the incentive to improve, so our National Record Holders really do deserve a BIG VOTE OF THANKS. They have done their bit for The National Clarion, will you do yours?
19
FLYING THE FLAG
Just seven of us braved July’s wintry weather to fly the Clarion flag (or at least display the banner) at Wortley Hall’s South Yorkshire Festival. Fortunately the early rain gave way to spells of sunshine in the afternoon, so that the several hundred visitors to the beautiful grounds of the ‘Workers Stately Home’ could enjoy the stalls and entertainment. It felt good to be a part of this gathering of like minded people.
The various stalls told the story. In addition to the Clarion, there were represented trade unions like AMICUS, the Co-operative Movement, Green Socialists, Morning Star Supporters, the Campaign Against The Arms Trade, Woodcraft Folk (young people for equality, peace and social justice), Women Against Pit Closures, Pensioners action groups, Fair Trade supporters, Community Railway activists you get the flavour! Speakers commemorated the 20th
anniversary of the Great Miners Strike, declaring that Socialism was still alive and well. Good fellowship abounded among the
crowds, who applauded the dancers (Irish, Appalachian, even ‘Egyptian’!) and the brass band.
Merlin Evans’ ‘Ordinary’ high-wheel bicycle(a Singer model, built in Coventry in 1886) attracted young and old to the Clarion stall. Older people who remembered the days of the Clarion Clubhouse at Dore Moor near Sheffield commented, “We didn’t know the Clarion still existed,” Younger people were interested in the display of photographs showing that our cycling club has survived for 110 years now with reduced numbers, but with its basic aims still in place.
The membership forms available on the stall were picked up by many of those who stopped to talk. Perhaps the most telling comment came from a blunt Yorkshireman who looked at what was on display before remarking, “I suppose you've left your Socialist principles behind, just like the Labour Party.” “No, we’ve not!”, came the reply. “And that’s why we’re here.”
Dennis Pye, Central Section
The National Clarion Cycling Club
A lifetime of Friendship and Competition
The National Clarion rider described is Peter Smith who may have enjoyed more competitive success than most during his years with the club but his experiences within the organisation are typical of so many riders.
Peter joined the Levenshulme Clarion (Manchester) in 1955 at the age of 14 witha group of friends. One of the group leaders at that time was Albert Hawes who is still actively involved in competition as a judge at the Manchester Velodrome every Friday evening in the winter season. That is quite typical of many Clarion members and gives a good idea of the lifetime service that many people give to the organisation that acts as a thread from one generation to the next. Peter "drifted" or progressed into the competitive scene at the age of 17 and enjoyed moderate success at all three branches of the sport at that time (time trials, road racing and track). Like many riders he got married and found that the demands of marriage and a young family were just not compatible with the training and racing regime of a competitive cyclist and went into hibernation.
About 20 years later he emerged from the chrysalis to find that absolutely nothing had changed except that the body had taken a beating and did not respond well to the training anymore. A full winter of steady riding with Clarion club mates (now in Teesside) saw a return to competition in the
spring and the start of a new career as a "vet". The next few years saw continued progress and a concentration on track racing until he eventually entered competition at the National level where he has enjoyed reasonable success. In the last two years he has won National Titles in three of the four disciplines in track racing (sprint, 500 metre standing start time trial, and 10kilometre scratch race). He has won four bronze medals at the World Masters Track Championships over the past three years in his age category and is certainly aiming to improve on this during the event this September. Age is no barrier to many people in track racing and Peter is typical of many in the Clarion who at the age of 63 years still competes at the Clairville Track League (Middlesbrough) in the summer and the Manchester Track League during the winter as well as the National Clarion Track meeting. There is no age segregation in these events and competition is on ability alone. On Sunday 5th Sept. he qualified fourth fastest for the National Clarion Sprint Trophy and was within 0.1 second over 200 metres of the second fastest qualifier. The event was absolutely typical of a Clarion meeting with people from all over the UK and competitors as young as 10 years up to 63 in a spirit of lifetime companionship. Many of the people there had known each other for more than 40 years.
Some years ago during an Easter meet at Llandudno Bob Harber a member of the Co-operative Party was on his bicycle going to that organisation’s annual conference. On asking for directions in Llandudno he was understandably pointed in the direction of the Clarion’s HQ whereupon opportunist Ian Clarke persuaded him to
join our central section. He has now joined the new Brighton section and has recently done his first Alpine tour posted 4hr 50min 100mile time trial which was a warm up for the national 24 in which he ran out with 346 miles. It is hoped that we will see his name in the Clarion time trial championships table.
21
SECTION INFORMATION
The following are names and telephone numbers of all Clarion sections throughout the country. Why not try to organise inter-section events, such as club runs, meeting half way between sections, or inter-club time trials. You may wish to invite them to your social events, club dinners etc.
CENTRAL Ann Burchell Honiton 01404 891740 EAST MIDLANDS
Heanor Clarion Anne Taylor Wilde Heanor 01773 761299 Nottingham Clarion Paul Harwood Nottingham 0115 9126436 NORTH-EAST
Sunderland Clarion Allan Smith Sunderland 0191 584 8948 Teeside Clarion Colin Armstrong Middlesborough 01947 880488 NORTH-WEST (Cheshire Lancashire)
Bolton Clarion Tony Bowles Bolton 01204 491595 Bury Clarion Peter Roscoe Bury 0161 7616856 Clitheroe Clarion Edward Ireland Clitheroe 01200 446488 Crewe Clarion Wheelers Andy Grace Crewe 01270 841836 Manchester Stretford Christopher Goode Scarborough 01723 341050 Oakhill Clarion CC Charles Jepson Whalley 01254 51302 Stockport Clarion Julian Mortel Manchester 01625 575959 Lancaster Clarion Donald Taylor Lancaster 01524 382673 SCOTLAND
West of Scotland Clarion John Harris Cumbernauld 01236 730157 SOUTH AND EAST
Brighton Hove Dr Ian Bullock Brighton 01273 682133 Fenland Clarion Ken Clarke Peterborough 01733 562217 London Clarion Peter Shepherdly Hounslow 0208 5729672 WEST MIDLANDS
Birmingham Roger Shayes Solihull 0121 603 7536 Herefordshire Alvin Smith Wigmore 01568 770327 WALES
Gwynedd Robin Hartley Rachub 01248 605424 YORKSHIRE
Calder Clarion Joan Milsom Wakefield 01924 274087 York Clarion Jean Hall Leeds 01924 253022
If you know of people who are not near a local Clarion Section then we are always interested to help establish new sections. All we need are three founder members to begin a new section. For further information please ask them to contact the National Secretary
22
CURRENT CLARION OFFICIALS
Secretary Charles Jepson Aysgaard, Beardwood Brow, Blackburn, BB2 7AT.................. 01254 51302 President John Lees
38 Nook End Road, Heanor, Derbys, DE75 7QQ
Vice President Ian Clarke,
31 Poppy Field, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 8TU 01767 314207 Treasurer Peter Roscoe
6 Horncastle Road, Bury, Lancs BL8 1XE..................00000 01617 616856 Standing Orders Sec. Denis Pye
34 Temple Road, Hallewell, Bolton BL1 3LT 01204 842869 Racing Secretary Jackie Mortel
14 Ingersley Road, Bollington, Cheshire SK10 5RF................ 01625 575959
Easter Meet Organiser- Kirsti Straker 15, Swincar Avenue, Neesdon, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS19 7PF 0113 202 9243
Membership Secretary- Merlin Evans
3 Green Lane, Heaton Moor, Stockport ........:.........-.-0008 01614 428441 Racing Secretary Jackie Mortel
14 Ingersley Road, Bollington, Cheshire SK10 5RF 01625 575959 Records Secretary Audrey Waddilove
36 Brookland Drive, Sandbach, CW11 OLX 01270 761446 Wortley Hall Organiser Peter Roscoe.................... 0161 761 6856 Newsletter Editor Richard Newcombe
67 Hall Lane, Werrington, Peterborough PE46RA........... buoead 01733 706498 email: richard@hallane.com
Press Officer Peter Roscoe
6 Horncastle Close, Bury BL8 1XE................. cece 0161 761 6856 Club Sales Nick Biden
50 Highfield Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 6EP ....0161 485 5437 COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Ken Hemsley
117 Southcliffe Road, Carlton, Nottingham, NG41ES 01159 873118 Nick Biden
50 Highfield Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 6EP 01614 855437
23
WORTLEY HALL 2004
5th, 6th and 7th November
RACING National Clarion Hill Climb Vital final points to be won
SOCIAL
Not to be missed performance by the Mikron Theatre of ‘Pedal Power’ a play based on the History of the National Clarion.
Treasure Hunt Quiz
Filmshow: “Bellview Rendezvous” an animated cycling adventure
INATIONAL CLARION CYCLING: CLUB TS
5) 6