SPRING 1997
Easter Meet Programme
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
THE MAYOR’S PARLOUR TOWN HALL SCARBOROUGH
NORTH YORKSHIRE YO11 2HG
TELEPHONE: (01723) 372351 FAX: (01723) 354979 COUNCILLOR TED AGAR}
22nd November 1996
Dear Delegate,
I am delighted to have this opportunity to welcome members of the National Clarion Cycling Club to Whitby for your Annual Easter Meet.
Your time with us marks the beginning of your year combining conference discussions, social and of course racing events which I hope you will enjoy in our beautiful countryside.
We appreciate your continued support in returning to us and we, in turn, will do everything possible to ensure a successful and rewarding meeting.
I look forward to meeting many of you during the Prize Presentation Evening and I wish you all a very warm welcome to Whitby.
Yours sincerely,
PAGE 2 SPRING 1997
MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY
Well, this looks like being the last newsletter from me. ....pause....... Yes, it’s all getting too much for this overworked official of this great club of ours. You see the peaks of work for something like a newsletter nearly always seem to fall at inconvenient times and then before you know it 2 months have passed and no newsletter.
OK, I'm sorry but it would be really handy if someone could take this work away from me, ask yourself now. “why, could do that, after all it is important and don't want to be one of those people who leave everything to someone else”. await the thunder of enthusiastic helpers rushing to help.
In the meantime quite a bit has happened behind the scenes, firstly at the last meeting tried my best to resign, not because hate the Clarion but purely because doing three Clarion official jobs is a little tiring for even someone as fit and dynamic as me. As luck would have it no one stepped forward at the committee meeting, however Kevin was duly elected as membership secretary a position he accepted when he turned up after the decision, thanks Kevin!
We hope that we can find a new racing secretary at this years Easter Conference. Allan Wray has decided that he must now pass over the work to someone else so please, please ask around and find someone suitable as the committee cannot ‘magic’ new officers out of the ether. Finally Easter, the official meeting time of the Clarion membership, if you have never been before why not make this your first. Whitby in the North Yorkshire Moors is very beautiful and the preferred ‘meet’ venue of many Clarion members. Book early and see you there!
lan Clarke Secretary, Newsletter Editor, Knight of Fenland, Head Monk of Guildenburgh Monastery and Lord and Master of the Isle of Ely. (honest!)
lan Clarke National Secretary 18 Sapperton, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 5BS Tel: 01733 577108
SPRING 1997 PAGE 3
EASTER MEET PROGRAMME
OF EVENTS
Friday March 28th to Monday 31st March 1997 Good Friday 7.00pm Meet registration starts (Crystal Lounge) 7.45-10.00pm play in the theatre “No sex please we're British” with bar open ‘till 12.00pm
Saturday 7.00am 10 mile time trial (entries via RTTC h’book)
(maybe later) (Starts Village of Ruswarp B1416 head south to join A171 then left along Al7I to finish just past the
Whitby sign) 10.30am National Conference (Northern Lights Suite) open to all Clarion members delegate voting 2.00pm Organised Clarion Club Run
(see Allan Wray’s route) Starts at the Pavilion car park
7.30pm Disco (Northern Lights Suite)
9.00pm Fancy Dress judging bar open ‘till 12.00pm Easter Sunday
7.00am 25 mile time trial (entries via RTTC h’book)
(maybe later) (Starts on the Aislaby road nr Al7I just outside Whitby proceeds along AI7I then retraces back to the finish)
2.00pm Whitby Abbey Hil Ride Starts at the Pavilion car park
7.30-12.00pm Disco and prize presentation
9.15pm Prize presentation
(Conference social events will be held at the Whitby Pavilion)
Other things to do in and around Whitby:
Robin Hoods Bay, North York Moors Railway, Dracula Experience, Captain Cook Staithes Heritage Centre, The Pannett Art Gallery, Museum of Victorian Whitby, Whitby Sands, Cliff Lift, Whitby Abbey, Mini Golf, Boating Lake, 199 Steps (count ‘em and weep)
PAGE 4 SPRING 1997
ALLAN WRAY’S ‘TOUGH EASTER RIDE’ (Low gears recomended)
Start 2.00pm Saturday
Leave Whitby on the AI71. At about 6 miles turn left to Egton. In the centre of the village turn right to Glaisdale. (Beware of Limber Hill, it is in 3 with a 90 deg’ bend at the bottom, which, if you miss it, will put you in the river Esk!). Through Glaisdale keep to the tops heading towards Houlsyke but keeping to the left for Danby. Just before going under the railway bridge (before Danby) look to your left you should see a pack horse bridge named ‘Duck’s Bridge’ not built for ducks to swim through but named after the man who built it. Also on the hill-side above it, can be seen Danby Castle it looks similar to a large farmhouse but it does have connections with Henry VIII and his wives. About a mile further on is the visitor centre which will explain itself. Sharp left and up the hill and you are in Danby. Here, just before the cross-roads, you will find a breadshop/cafe where they bake their own bread and confectionery (note, it’s closed Sundays).
To get back, turn right at the cross roads to get to the AI7I or if you have a railway time table take the train from Danby station.
For Whitby accomodation details please contact Merlin Evans or lan Clarke, addresses later in this newsletter.
EASTER RAFFLE
Please club together with your section to buy a raffle prize for the Easter Meet raffle. Please hand donations to Brian and Anne Burchell.
SPRING 1997 PAGE 5
WHITBY
Whitby ancient and dramatic with its narrow streets and bustling quayside.
Whitby has long attracted holidaymakers who enjoy its fine beaches and strolling about its quaint streets set around the harbour on both sides of the River Esk.
The steeply rising East Cliff is surmounted by the dominating ruins of the historic Abbey of St. Hilda, with the nearby church of St. Mary, complete with box pews and the central Three Decker pulpit, nestling in its mighty shadow.
On the West Cliff stands a bronzed statue of Captain Cook which overlooks an arch of whalebone jaws recalling yet another milestone in maritime history of the port. Further along the cliff is the Pavillion Complex with entertainment for all ages.
DID YOU KNOW 250 YEARS AGO JAMES COOK AGED 19, JOINED THE CREW OF THE ‘FREE LOVE’.
PAGE 6 SPRING 1997
WHY TOURING IS GOOD FOR YOU!
When many club riders think of touring they think of Sunday runs at 14 mph, tea stops, getting wet and cold and waiting at the top of every hill for the ‘owd gits’. It’s not really touring is it? Well maybe it is, but consider a weeks touring in Tuscany in October after a hard racing season, a custom made holiday in one of the best parts of Italy... all in for £500......
For me the tour (or holiday) started as soon as we got out of the car at the airport and checked in for the flight. That’s when you realise that this was quite different from a package holiday to Costa del Lagerdrinker.
As we flew over Switzerland, out came the map, this is where we started to plan where we were going to stop that night. Sure, we could have planned it ages ago but why bother?
Out of the airport, saddlebags on, and cycle through Florence, wrong side of the road, lots of traffic and a desire to follow that Ferrari straight into the countryside.
Well, don’t know what you’d expect but the pictures I’ve seen of Tuscany were open rolling hills with cigar-shaped trees everywhere....big hills within twenty minutes of leaving the airport and more to come.
40 miles that afternoon and now to find our first nights bed, at the top of a long climb for the last 30 minutes and we're now in the heart of Chianti region.
SPRING 1997 PAGE 7
We were lucky, a quick check at the Tourist office and meet a man in the post office who has a room for three. All we needed was a shower, a bed and somewhere to leave the bikes. We checked in, showered and then shot back to the town to find a meal and to try the Chianti.
The following day started at the local grocers where we bought our breakfast and then headed off to Sienna. Many people could spend a week here but for us it was part of our soon to become usual routine, to cram as many sights, miles, espressos and cakes in our short week in Tuscany.
Breathtaking as it was, we only spent an hour or so before heading off for towards our planned stop at Massa Maritima, this would place us perfectly for picking up the ferry to Elba, but more about that later.
The views got better and the hills longer, as we clocked up the miles. Eventually, after about 75 miles, we got to Massa, it seemed shut it was no longer the holiday period (this was early October) so we rode around for 30 minutes eventually finding a cheap room with a shower, three beds and a painted ceiling.
We were travelling light, so every night we had to wash our kit out and hang it over the streets before wandering, tight legged into town for evening dinner.
As the accommodation was quite reasonable this allowed us to spend more on food, which am sure you will agree is a much better way of enjoying yourself.
More pizzas, more Chianti, not too much coffee, after all we're going to need our sleep.
The Island of Elba was where Napoleon was exiled, the ride to the ferry was
PAGE 8 SPRING 1997
longer than it looked on the map but first there was a very steep climb and then another, before we could settle down to 22 mph on the flats to the ferry port. The temperature was climbing towards 25 yet it was still comfortable in the sea breeze as we headed for Elba.
The hills on Elba are quite severe, we didn’t stop for lunch this day, we missed the supermarket closing times so had to carry on, and with one bottle cage this was proving to be a tough day.
The others left me on one of the climbs and I was wringing every last drop out of the bottle, even in the shade of the trees the midday sun was too much. This was one mad Englishman who just realised it was too late had blown. The combination of the hills, no dinner and no water was just too much.
At last we made it, we found a cafe, it looked expensive but the views of the ocean were great and an ice cold running tap cooled my head, drunk so much water. Imagine how that toasted sandwich with mozzarella, herbs and large tomatoes grilled with olive oil tasted? Who needs a breville? That was gorgeous.
I was back in the land of the living then, we headed off around the coast road with rocky cliff top views, the mountains to the left, the blue sea to our right. The road was almost flat and we stumbled across that nights accommodation. 2 minutes walk from the beach and it was only 3.30pm, this is what recovery is all about, floating on your back, cooling off and with the chance of cramp slowly drifting away with the tide.
Elba is a beautiful place and we wanted to stay an extra day, what’s more the 600m hill in the middle of the island looked tempting from the map. The never ending climb was painful, but the false flat was welcomed. Strangely enough that was the top, still covered in trees we could now see the descent ahead, this was going to be
If you like climbs then you won’t be disappointed, if you like descents you will be convinced that every Italian road builder is a cyclist, the bends are perfect the surface is just as good and with no surprises. You won't get descending joys like this in Britain.
Still more climbs today, by now it seemed as though we had seen the island from every angle and from all the best roads. Sure, a week here in May or September would be good but we've got more sights to see and more miles to cram in.
After the only night without cover for the bikes, the skies opened. Although we only had 5 minutes ride back to the ferry we were already soaked.
A bit saddened left the ferry back on the mainland and lost the lads. Whilst they were checking the map round a corner assumed they were up the road waiting for me, what a waste of an hour that turned out to be.
Another day without an early break the skies cleared and the roads dried as we passed though the metal mountains. The hundreds of pipes, metre in diameter, carrying the hot spring steam for the country’s latest energy project. Imagine a water-fun park over forty miles across and you'll get the picture.
SPRING 1997 PAGE 9
At last some lunch, the others could go off but was determined to eat and drink before we hit more hills this was going to be another 85 mile day. The snack only took 10 minutes and that’s not a lot on a 8 mile climb especially if you're feeling good.
At the top of the hill we were in Voltaire, a stunning ancient town with towers and city walls, surely this was worthy of more than the |5 minute stop (and 10 of those was for cakes and drinks) a shame but we had to get on now to San Gimignano.
San Gimignano a very ancient old town, city walls, unbelievable towers and architecture, no rooms they said. Still the youth hostel was good and what with the price of the beds being cheap we could have a real blow-out in a very nice restaurant.
Starter, prima piatti, secondi piatti, desserts, coffees and Chianti rounded off with grappa on the house. The memory is still there and the credit card bill is long forgotten, a meal to remember.
And now to Pisa, the following day, very few hills meant that we could make good time more 22 mph stuff, race into Pisa at 25-28 mph over taking scooters and dodging potholes (it’s a city thing!).
Still, it is Pisa and spending 15 minutes would be sacrilege, instead we took a few photos and lobbed around on the grass trying to work out how we were going to put it all straight. If the Italians, Americans and Japanese had failed what chance would we have? The tools in our saddlebags were limited.
Another day another 85 miles ride, tomorrow big mountains. The slow drag to the bottom of the main climb was about miles, the main climb would take us to 1500m in another 18 miles, wasn’t even going to try to hold a wheel. Now these were views, the mountains were spectacular, the air thinned and the temperature dropped, wasn’t going to dehydrate today. At 8-9 mph this hill took some time. When we got to the top we still
PAGE 10 SPRING 1997
had time for a quick cake and an espresso. Let's face it, it was downhill from here. After 6-7 miles of exhilarating descending another 7 mile climb, was getting knackered, had to eat. Biscuits may be good enough for the others but needed more. Two more climbs like this really took their toll but it was worth it.
You'll have to believe me on this one because really cannot write how beautiful that ride was. The last descent was welcomed as we took our life into our own hands to get by traffic on blind bends. After 80 odd miles like that, was not going to let a tarmac lorry stop my fun, wow what a downhill.
Tours like this always seem to have the customary long walk for evening dinner, you need to find a good restaurant and it's worth a walk, after 30 minutes walk we ended up in the Pizza place next to our hotel.
The last day took us back to Florence, after riding a few Italian roadies off our wheels we got there around lunchtime with enough time to take in the major sights. It was a bit of an anticlimax to a great holiday. We had the whole afternoon to see just one city but it really seemed too much for us. Maybe next time we’d make a plan to give us a 50 mile ride to back to the airport before take off, that would seem to round things off nicely.
So that’s why touring is good for you... Forget the Sunday runs, forget the package holiday, just book a plane ticket and fill a single saddlebag with only the essentials the rest is just about the best cycling you can get, good views, great food and great memories, that’s why.
Recommendations for a cycling tour
Italy was certainly good for a cycling tour, the hills are hard but not too hard, they're not quite alpine or pyrennean.
Try to find somewhere warm and always check the weather for that time of year before you go, a lot of rain can really spoil a holiday.
would always travel light, use one Carradice Camper Longflap saddlebag, the longflap is handy for extra things later on.
Remember tools are essential but extra clothes are not, if in doubt leave it out. Spread your tools between you, it’s pointless all carrying the same tools.
I never book accommodation in advance, sometimes the first night is handy but only if the flight lands late in the day. have never had a problem finding a bed in Italy, Germany, Austria, Portugal, France or Spain.
Flying by plane is easy, so long as the bike and your saddlebag isn’t over the luggage weight you won't get charged any more. When you book the ticket make sure the travel agent knows you're taking a bike. All you have to do to the bike is let down the tyres, take the pedals off and turn the bars round.
Don’t bother with bike bags or boxes, the hassle of finding somewhere to leave them isn’t worth it. You’ll find that a unprotected clean and shiny bike gets a lot more care and attention by the handlers than a heavy lump in a bag.
In hilly countries 85 miles can be easily enough per day. 60 miles seems too short unless you have somewhere special to visit.
SPRING 1997 PAGE II
A PROMOTER FOR THE CLARION ROAD CHAMPS 1998
George Masson has promoted his last Oliver Twist (1997), so we are looking for a promoter for the 1998 championships. Ideally placed in the calendar around May or June (other offers will be considered) the event can be part of an existing open event and should be open to all categories. There are awards for first Junior and first Senior (1,2,3,4 cats).
Any interested parties should contact the National secretary.
George Masson seen here in the ‘Three Peaks’ cyclo cross PAGE 12 SPRING 1997
WYRE CLARION
THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER
(BY STUART LINDSAY WYRE CLARION TENS CHAMPION)
If you're like me then you're one of those cyclists who always needs others to give him the final push. It’s not that we're lazy it’s just that we'll never be the type to put the final extra loop into the Sunday morning club ride or do the final effort or sprint unless someone else does it first.
We may never suggest it, but we're always pleased when someone offers the option of an early cafe stop. If most people are against the idea then we'll cycle on anyway but left to our own devices we'll probably never die from over work on the bike. It seems like an average introduction for an average biker who last year joined an extraordinary club: the Wyre Clarion Cycle Club.
did not believe it possible that could meet a group of cyclists with a greater dedication to cafes and the easy side of the road than myself until joined the Wyre. On signing the membership form was suddenly transformed from a no-hoper, middle of the road plodder with an affinity for an easy life on a bike into a scientifically tuned, workaholic, speedster. My 24 minute ‘10's suddenly catapulted me into relative super stardom.
This may sound difficult to believe but consider the following facts:
founder member and club stalwart Donald Taylor spent all season mentally preparing himself for his first mid-week time trial but autumn arrived and we'd all gone home befor he’d got his head round the idea.
Donald’s son and tandem partner Nick only agreed to accompany Don on club rides because it gave him the ideal opportunity to read a few decent books from the back of the tandem as_ the yards literally flew by he managed to achieve this feat in all weathers.
~The racing secretary John Hawtin went so fast during his record breaking 29 minute ‘10's that he had to wear a sweatshirt and a collared shirt underneath his Clarion top to stay warm.
The club’s touring secretary, Roy Davies, arranged the club riders for Thursdays to coincide with his crown bowling commitments.
I've had to leave the area now (the training was wearing me down) but if you live near Lancaster then could really recommend the club to you with a warning: don’t join unless you've got a serious affinity to long days in the saddle. The club meets every Thursday at Garstang tea rooms (approximately 1:15am for a sprightly 8-10 miles before lunch and the long weary return journey. The shortest recorded club run was Garstang to Scorton cafe (recorded distance 2 miles) but this must have been during a tapering down period.
Easy it isn’t. Friendly it is.
Stuart Lindsay
SPRING 1997 PAGE 13
CYCLING WEAKLY
THE OFFICIAL LETTER PAGE OF THE CLARION
Putting old Harry in his place
hope to say that auld acquaintance Harry Berridge will not take it amiss if say that Harry Herbert England was never a member of the Clarion CC (ref: Boots and Spurs Autumn 96)..although his father probably was!
Born in Halifax in 1894 he is on record as saying that one of his earliest recollections is of playing with the Silver Trumpet Badge of England senior. But in the late twenties he lived in Blackburn for a time, working for a firm of credit drapers. He had absolutely no connection with cycling apart from having a son who rode about Blackburn on an all-chrome Sibbitt bicycle. How such a man became editor of ‘Cycling’ and apart from errors of policy, made a very good job of it for 30 years can only have been to journalistic flair, a knowledgeable staff of practical cyclists (one of whom was Harold Briercliffe, Rochdale Section, and great reliance on former staffman and editor George Herbert Stancer.
But as a rock solid reactionary H.H.E. could never have been a Clarion member and indeed until the intrusion of Jack Taylor into the Best All-Rounder competition which H.H. is said to have instituted, Clarion activities at home and abroad were disregarded. So when he moved to Ilford in 1929 he joined the Goodmays Wheelers to learn what Cycling and Club life were all about. Right well did he absorb the details but always with a heavy proestablishment bias. Would anyone now believe that he could write ‘why it is impossible to hold a road race on the roads of this country’ and ‘it would be a tragedy if track briefs (he meant shorts) ever made an appearance on the road.
So, ‘de mortuis’....and all that, but would we have wanted him in the Clarion? Yours Fraternally
Harry Aspden
Out drinking the out drinkers.....
Would you please pass on thanks to Brian and Anne Burchell and all the other members involved in organising activities for yet another great Wortley Weekend.
All who attended from Nottingham agreed that the addition of Friday night went down very well and it has been the only time we have been able to out number and out DRINK the Stockport section!
Thanks again and see you at the Easter Meet. Regards
Anneatta Hemsley
PAGE 14 SPRING 1997
New Secretary at Bury
Donald Lever has passed over the reigns of Bury Clarion secretaryship to fellow member Sylvia Roscoe.
Sylvias address is:
6 Horncastle Close
Bury BL8 Tel: 0161 761 6856
New Secretary in Scotland George Mackay has taken over from J.J. Harris as secretary of the West of
Scotland Clarion. George, ex National Treasurer can be found at:
Shona Lussett Road Old Kilpatrick
Glasgow G60 5LU Tel: 01389 874131
Obituary Harry Beard
Clarion life member Henry (Harry) Beard died suddenly in Oswaldtwistle, Lancs on February 4, 1997. Aged 80, he had joined Blackburn Section in 1935 and quickly became absorbed in club life. Although not constitutionally robust he became interested in time trialling and in 1938 joined the North Lancs Clarion C.&A.C. taking part in club events and training runs In those days, ‘getting fit’ implied riding long distances on 69” fixed and it was soon found that while Harry might be dropped on the Pennine and Lakeland hills, he would never give up trying. He helped to keep the C&A.C. functioning during the war and afterwards rode all of the distances up to 12 hours, figuring in several team wins. He was a founder member of North Lancs. Veterans Group in 1956 and promoted events on their behalf. His active cycling came to an end about ten years ago because of a heart condition but he will be remembered by his friends as a willing worker and an enthusiast who often rose above his physical limitations.
H. Aspden
SPRING 1997 PAGE I5
Apait 8, 1954.
ERNEST SUGDEN
A TRUE CLARIONITE
Secretary of the National Clarion C.C. from 1921 to Date, Ernest Sugden Ends a Lifetime of Service to the Club at Retires from Office
Easter When he
WHEN Ernest Sugden, secretary of the National Clarion C.C., retires from that office at Easter, it will bring to a close a lifetime of service to the Clarion cause. Born in 1884 Mr. Sugden became a member of the Clarion C.C. in 1902 at the age of 18 when he joined the Bradford Section. It was not long, however, before he and a few friends decided that the number of members resident in Halifax warranted the formation of a separate. section and in 1903 they formed the Halifax Section which has continued without, a break ever since.
It that Section that Mr. Sugden first took an official position and during the following years held every office in turn including that of secretary. He played a leading part in the formation of the Yorkshire Union in 1905 at Ravensthorpe to which Union he was Section delegate for many years, taking the Yorkshire secretaryship at the 1910-11 meeting. This was closely followed by his election to the National Committee in 1912. With the coming of the first world war in 1914 Mr. Sugden was fortunate—and so was the club—in being in an occupation that exempted him from military service. Because of this he was able to devote much time to club activities during that period and he played a leading part in keeping the club alive and active during the four years of hostilities.
Elected Secretary
He continued to serve on the National Committee and in 1921 was elected Honorary National Secretary at the Chester Rally conference, a position he held until 1935 when he took over the full-time secretarial duties.
This change from honorary to paid secretary was found to be necessary because of the club’s ever increasing membership, which by 1939, reached 10,000, bringing with it increasing administrative work. When Mr. Sugden first joined the club the subscription was Is.
PAGE 16
for the year and later a voluntary insurance scheme was started with a fee of Is. ayear. This early scheme was supported by the majority but not all members and it soon became apparent that to make this insurance a success it must become obli-
gatory for all. The subscription was then fixed at 1s. 3d. per member including the
insurance fee. This continued for many years until it was decided to increase the benefits (the demand for this coming from the members) and this further increase meant extra work dealing with claims, paying out benefits, keeping records and making reports im accordance with the Friendly Societies Act.
Even this latest scheme outgrew itself and the insurance facilities offered today were instituted, providing members with coverage against third-party risks, legal aid and personal accident benefits, Thus in 1935 the full-time secretarial position was born in the club’s first paid secretary —Ernest Sugden—who set about the task of doing a job, and doing it well, with a selfless devotion that was to mean so much to Clarion members throughout the country.
Never Raced
A keen touring cyclist, Mr, Sugden has never taken part in a cycle racing event, although he can still be seen “up the road assisting as a marshal or at a feeding station when events are held in his locality or that covered by the Yorkshire Union. He has never cycled abroad, confining his attention to the British Isles, where he has toured extensively. On two occasions he accompanied Clarion teams who were competing in the Workers’ Sports Olympiads to Europe, once in
1927 at Prague and again in 1931 at,
Vienna. The 1939-45 war upset the Continental Workers’ Sports Association and to date it has not been successfully reformed. although the British Association still exists.
335
Ernest Sugden (centre) pictured at the 1953 Cumnock Rally where he was Chairman,
He well remembers a south coast tour when his route took him from Halifax to Bournemouth, then along the coast as far as Eastbourne, to turn northwards, skirting London, to join the Great North Road at St. Albans. He had four companions on that occasion, who left home on a Friday evening and returned the following Sunday week at a total cost of 14s. Sd. each! His week-end riding usually resulted in a mileage of 100 to 160 miles being covered, on which occasions he rarely slept under a roof; a sleeping bag and an accommodating farmer's haystack being made into a comfortable home” for the night. This was the method used on the tour of southern England.
Wonderful Spirit
Blessed with a keen cycling wife, he purchased in 1912 his first tandem, which gave good service, taking himself and his wife to many inter-Union Meets all over the country. Of those Meets, he says that they were great affairs with a wonderful spirit of fellowship.
Now in his seventieth year, Mr. Sugden can look back on his 52 years of service to the Clarion Cycling Club with pride and satisfaction, for during his period of office he has played a leading part in the building of this national organization. Although having reached his three score and ten,” he still looks and feels as ft as he ever did and stresses most emphatically that he is only retiring from the secretaryship, not the Clarion. He is to retain his membership—and his interest in the club, When at Easter-tide he hands over to his successor we feel sure that the delegates at the conference, when he gives the traditional Clarion cry of Boots!” will be unanimous in their reply of Spurs!
al3
SPRING 1997
CLARION WINNER AT THE WORLDS
At the recent World Track Championships in Manchester the Clarion can claim a winner, it wasn’t in the Sprints, the Kilo or the Individual Pursuit, it was in the.......raffle! Anneatta Hemsley of Nottingham won the one and only prize on offer......a dirty, sweaty, snotty GAN road top worn (and now autographed) by the man himself Sir Chris Boardman after his earth shattering pursuit rides.
The top was worn on the day top man in the Dauphine Libere, Laurent Jalabert, cracked. Chris ride past him and the other big names on the super category climb of the Izoard. The top now takes pride of place amongst the cycling memorabilia at Hemsley junior’s residence. It is regularly touched to see if the magic will rub off, so far the only success has been........dirty hands!
Winner of the Lindale Road-race Carl Price (Sunderland) last year won the 45 mile 2/3 category road race following a successful last lap breakaway.
Loser of the secretary’s pump Carl Price (Sunderland) last year lost the 24 inch frame fitting pump following a puncture on a ride to Holme Moss.
Did You Know?
Barry Hoban (Wakefield Clarion), finished second to CD Watson (Houghton Clarion) with a 1.1.05 in the Kenneth Humphries Memorial 25 in 1960. In fourth place was Tom Hoyle Clitheroe who is still in the Clarion
Did You Know 2?
Ken ‘Spider’ Clarke of Fenland Clarion rode the Fenland RRA ‘100’ in July 1949 at the tender age of 19 with a 4.43.56. Ken is now secretary of the Fenland Clarion and he still races. Those ‘eighth place’ genes are often almost noticed in his offspring who may also be known to other Clarion members.
Bring back your trophies
The Easter Meet will be on us any moment now and with it the National prize presentation, please don’t leave someone without a trophy. If you won a trophy last year make sure it’s back with us engraved and clean well in time for the racing secretary to organise the presentation. Don’t delay do it today!
‘Fellowship is Life’
Denis Pye’s popular book about the first 100 years of the National Clarion has been reprinted, copies are available for £4.95 plus £1 P&P from Denis or the National Secretary. Sections may purchase 5 at a time for £20, please come to the Easter Meet armed with your £20 notes and take away the books for your members.
SPRING 1997 PAGE 17
For Meritorious Service Pictured below is Bolton section’s National Committee Member) Brian Lander with the
Ward-Gosling Trophy which he received at their Presentation Evening in November. The
trophy, Bolton’s premier award, is named after two members who died in the second world war. Also pictured: Graham Sutcliffe, section president (left) and Keith Tattershall
of the Lancashire Road Club, who was Guest of Honour.
PAGE |8 SPRING 1997
CLARION WINNER AT THE WORLDS
Lindsay Clarke (Fenland) has recently won the UCI approved World Masters Ladies Cyclo Cross Title the thinly contested event in Belgium allowed Lindsay who is still improving after her first child and past the age of 30, to take the Gold Medal and World Masters Jersey.
To prove her ability Lindsay returned home from the continent that evening only to ride again the following day at Lincoln. In this, the final event in the National series Lindsay finished 5th to move into 3rd place overall and take the bronze medal.
LINDSAY CLARKE National Clarion, Fenland Section World Champion
SPRING 1997 PAGE 19
Best all Rounder
Senior BAR Vets BAR Ladies BAR Junior BAR Juvenile
Derek Hodgins Derek Hodgins Christine Roberts Nick Dawes Jamie Williamson
25 Championships
Paul Hodgkinson Nottingham (Whitaker, Gitlin, Grafton) Calder (Peter and Paul Milsom) Lindsay Clarke
Senior Team Tandem
Cyclo-Cross Championships Paul Milsom
Peter Milsom Matthew Armitage
Senior Veteran Junior
Track Championships
Duncan Hewitt Dave Langlands Stockport
Paul Hodgkinson Thomas Butterworth
5 Mile Champion Sprint Champion Team Pursuit Solo Pursuit Juvenile Omnium
Other
Alan Roberts Hill Climb Champion Carl Price Road Race Champion Will Sanderson
Fastest 50
PAGE 20
NATIONAL CLARION CHAMPIONS FOR 1996
Stockport 23.86mph Stockport 25.62mph(+7.22) Crewe 24.45mph Crewe 25.47mph Crewe 24.44mph Crewe 54.47 2.50.15 1.03.10 Fenland 1.01.58 Calder Calder Calder Stockport 10.48.09 Fenland 12.63 4.54.33 Crewe 5.01.31 Bolton Crewe 1.46.25 Sunderland Stockport SPRING 1997
TROPHIES YOU CAN WIN
BUT ONLY IF YOUR GOOD ENOUGH
This is a list of the Clarion Trophies that we award yearly at the Easter Meet, if you think that you may have won one of these then please turn up at Whitby to be presented with your award (and well done!). There are also other events of many categories where we award medals and certificates, the full list of prizes and criteria are shown in the Clarion rules, avail-
able on request. Milsom Shield
Club Man Cup Club Woman Bert Brown Ladies
Skegness Cup Brian Braithwaite Handforth Clarion
Kenneth Humphry Tom Groom ‘Globe’ Ladies Rose bowl R.L.Ogden
5 Mile Trophy Czech Trophy
York Clarion
Jo Hoban BWSA Trophy
Neil Duckworth
E.R.Jones Cup Vaughton Trophy
SPRING 1997
For the fastest tandem pair in the National Clarion 25 mile championships. For National Clarion Clubman of the year Cup For National Clarion Clubwoman of the year For the fastest team of two ladies in the Easter Meet Bert Brown 10 mile time trial For the most aggressive rider in the Easter road race For the best judged photographs at the Easter Meet Newly re-awarded cup for the Juvenile omnium at the Clarion track championships Team award for the 25 mile championships For the section of the year within the Clarion For the fastest lady in the 25 mile championships For the fastest 50 recorded by a Clarion member For the winner of the Clarion 5 mile track event For the fastest team in the team pursuit at the Clarion track championships For the highest placed rider in the Clarion road race championships For the Clarion Hill Climb Champion For the highest ‘cycled’ mileage to the Easter meet by the members of a clarion section For the highest attendance at the Easter meet by the members of a clarion section For the BAR team champions 50,100,12hr. For the BAR solo champion 50,100,12hr. Section Information
PAGE 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 socials events, club dinners etc.
Scotland
West of Scotland Clarion North-East
Bay Clarion
Sunderland Clarion Teesside Clarion
George Mackay
Tony Marshall Simon Fisher Colin Armstrong
North-West (Cheshire and Lancashire)
Bolton Clarion
Bury Clarion
Clitheroe Clarion
Crewe Clarion Wheelers Manchester and Stretford Stockport Clarion
Wyre Clarion
Yorkshire
Calder Clarion
Leeds (Yorkshire) Clarion York Clarion East-Midlands
Heanor Clarion Nottingham Clarion South and East Fenland Clarion
London Clarion
Central Secton
Brian Burchell
Amy McLarty Sylvia Roscoe Edward Ireland Audrey Waddilove Harold Lamb Julian Mortel Donald Taylor
Joan Milsom Dave Binns Angela Beardshall
Fred Lambert Ken Hemsley
Ken Clarke Peter Shepherdly
Glasgow-ish
Whitby Washington Middlesborough
Bolton Bury Clitheroe Sandbach Wilmslow Manchester Lancaster
Wakefield Huddersfield Wakefield
Newthorpe Nottingham
Peterborough Hounslow
(all non-attached Clarion members)
01389 874131
01947 880929 O19l 417 6414 01947 880488
01204 491595 016! 761 6856 01200 442609 01270 761466 01625 533357 445 6064
01524 39453
01924 274087 01484 648144 01924 264898
01773 713946 O1IS 987 3118
01733 62217 0181 572 9672
0181 518 0184
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 Clarion Secretary.
PAGE 22
SPRING 1997
CURRENT CLARION OFFICIALS
Secretary
Newsletter Editor President
Racing Secretary Easter Meet Organiser Treasurer Membership Secretary
Minutes Secretary Records Secretary Wortley Hall Weekend Organisers
Committee Member Committee Member
Committee Member
Committee Member
lan Clarke
18 Sapperton, Werrington Peterborough PE4 5BS
Bob Waddilove
36 Brookland Drive, Sandbach, CWII OLX
Allan Wray
10 Brier Lane, Havercroft, Wakefield, WF4 2AVV
Merlin Evans
3 Green Lane, Heaton Moor Stockport, SK4 3LE
Kevin Hulbert
Ferndale Court, Coventry Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3EZ Denis Pye
34 Temple Road, Halliwell, Bolton, BL! 3LT
Audrey Waddilove
36 Brookland Drive, Sandbach, CWII OLX
Brian and Ann Burchell
13A Highlands Gardens, Redbridge Ilford, Essex, IG! 3LE
Joan Lister
10 Brier Lane, Havercroft, Wakefield, WF4 2AW
Ken Hemsley
117 Southcliffe Road, Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 IES
Peter Shepherdly
74 Albion Road, Hounslow, Middx, TW3 3RT
Brian Lander
8 Nuttal Avenue, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 6QA
01733 577108
01270 761446
01226 722474
0161 442 8441
01675 464066
01204 842869
01270 761446
0181 518 0184
01226 722474
O115 987 3118
0181 572 9672
0161 766 7759
Please note that the above officers may be re-elected or replaced at the forthcoming Conference at Whitby this Easter.
SPRING 1997 PAGE 23
DATES FOR 1997 EVENTS
March 23rd Sunday Clarion Road Race Champs
Oliver Twist Road Race March 28th-3 Ist Easter Meet, events, races etc. July 26th -Saturday Clarion 25 mile Championships V331 (including tandem and ladies champs) Shipton in Yorkshire September TBA Clarion Track Championships October |0th-12th Wortley Hall Weekend October 12th Sunday Clarion Hill Climb Champs
Near Wortley Hall November TBA Cyclo Cross Champs
HELP NEEDED
Allan Wray is seeking help for the National 25, could all entrants please bring along a helper. Please put the name of the helper on your entry form. Helpers will not go away empty handed.
Ba Ken Hartley, Cliff Hill, George Gilliand, George Masson Joe Hoban