Magazine of the National Clarion Cycling Club
Cover: Roller Racing at Stockport
CLARION EVENTS 2003
FEBRUARY 15th (SATURDAY)
Clarion Committee Meeting at Wortley Hall March 1st (Sat) Clarion rules review at Oakhill College Whalley
MARCH 9TH (SUNDAY)
CLARION ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS
(South of Peterborough’)
E,1,2,3 (plus supporting race 3.J,L,V)
see BC handbook/magazine for details or call Steve Clarke on 01733 252595
APRIL 1ST TO 15TH
Clarion Training Camp by Stockport in Palma Nova, Mallorca Contact Julian Mortel on Julian.mortel@ntlworld.com
APRIL 18TH TO 21ST EASTER MEET AT MORECAMBE IN LANCASHIRE
Socialising, cycling, dancing, annual conference, annual prize presentation Contact Kirsty Straker for details on 07904 890857
JUNE 8TH
Clarion 1 mile Grass Track Championships Birmingham
JULY 26TH (SATURDAY) Fenland Clarion Grass Track Meeting, TBA events:
JULY 27TH (SUNDAY)
National Clarion 25 mile championships on the J2/9 organised by the Crewe Clarion Wheelers
CLARION 25 MILE CHAMPS
CLARION 10 MILE CHAMPS
CLARION TRACK CHAMPS
OCTOBER 3RD TO 5TH
WORTLEY HALL SOCIAL AND CYCLING WEEKEND At Wortley North of Sheffield, including Hill Climb Champs, 10 mile hilly time trial
Fditorial....
Hallo all, here we go again, a new season in front of us and fresh new year resolutions resounding in our heads. The training schedule, carefully worked out in between courses at the christmas dinner, has already gone the way of it’s predecessor. Now, listening to the timekeeper counting down the last five seconds at the start of the first event of the year you fervently wish you hadn’t thrown it away along with the wishbone Still, with icy February winds blowing round the saddle and 25 or 10 or ahead you know in your heart of hearts you would rather be in front of the fire re-reading the lost training plan.
Fear not though, in my role as timekeeper, I sat hunched against the icy blast desparately trying to remember how to subtract hours minutes and seconds as did, I have no doubt, many other dedicated mathematicians who were manning the clocks, while the jolly racing lads and lasses enjoyed riding their bikes.
Down here at the Fenland we unearthed the tea wagon, emptied dead spiders and stuff out of it and let rip with the “Place to Place” this is our first outing of the year and chosen particularly, in my view for the uncomfortable point at which the timekeeper must place himself.
With that aside, I gather the last issue of Boots Spurs went down fairly well, so perhaps a slightly controversial approach is favoured by many readers of our fabled mag. Please, if anyone disagrees get word to me, moan and criticise, put in your twopennyworth and I will print it. Don’t forget, email: tichard@newcombe67 .freeserve.co.uk. Or by snailmail: R Newcombe, 67 Hall Lane, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6RA.
Also, send me the information about your section. I consider this the vital part of our Boots Spurs magazine. The aspirations of our club members when discussed between us all via these pages will throw up many similar ways of thinking and then when joined together the opportunities to make things happen will inevitably take place.
Here is a case in point. Some members wish to ride events under the National Clarion Banner instead of their local section. This looks good in some ways, for winning national honours for the Clarion, but I'm sure that there is someone out there with an objection or two.
Ihave heard that the defunct Leicester track is being looked at. I have watched track racing there from when it was first opened until it’s close. If a possibility of resuming racing there exists then it gets my vote and any support I can offer.
OK, read on
NAT SEC RESIGNS
this week (3/3/03) letter was received by all the section secretaries Penk Bibby informing them that as of 1st March 2003 he would no longer hold the position of National Secretary and Racing
Sees National Committee line up will put pressure
This development in our on the remaining committee members who will need all our support
lub. ti to run the affairs of our National C ones Frank for the work he has done on our behalf will be
hoed by all Clarion members. ee eaekcs to stand for National Sec or National Racing Sec then
a word to any of the National Committee would be welcomed.
POSTCARD FROM MERLIN Hi Clarinettes, Greetings from the Clarion Road Race Championship on a sunny but very windy day on the edge of the Fens. I have just been driven round the circuit and believe me, it’s hard. Although at times speeds are reaching 46 mph, up the main hill into the wind the riders are sometimes reduced to 8 mph. As we were driving round my thoughts drifted to Charlie Reekie, an early Clarion dreamer and visionary, who in 1894 “fancies I saw a team race between the different Klarion Klubs for the Klarion Kup.” Charlie saw one of his dreams come to fruition in 1898 at Belle Vue, Manchester when the first Clarion Championship was shared between Nottingham and Rochdale in adead heat. Sadly neither of these sections are represented today, in fact Rochdale haven't been seen for some time. Stockport were also there in 1898, but were not mentioned in the results, unlike today! What would Charlie think today if he could see the Carbon Fibre bikes, following cars and even the modern clothing? Him being the visionary he was, I suspect he saw it all rom those far off days. If only we could see the future of the Clarion from now; but we can only guess and work together to guide the club in the direction that we think will bring us progress, fellowship and growth. As you will know, we are at present carrying out a review of the constitution and rules of the National Clarion, perhaps long overdue, (All changes will of course have to go to the Conference for approval in 2004), one point which has come forward from the discussions of these changes is a strong desire to bring the Clarion sections closer together. Regular Easter Meet attendees, notably from Fenland and Stockport have been discussing this for a long time and the result is that they now race together as the National Clarion.
This means that we now have squad from which we can pick a national pursuit team for the National Championships. Speaking to Dave Langlands (Fenland) today, he says that it is his prime target this season.
Yesterday at the Nova 2-up TT in Cheshire I was talking to Audrey Grace from Crewe, who was riding the event with Dave Allbutt, and he was wondering why Derek Hodgins (Stockport) was racing for the National Clarion. It seems that news of the changes have not reached Crewe, so maybe they haven't reached the far north either. Come on Teesside and Sunderland, we know you have some great trackies, get on the squad! Derek, by the way, partnering Jan Clark (not lan Clarke, but the father of Stockport top triathlete Doug) rode round to finish with a plus of 13-16 to win the vets award. This despite going over the bars at one point when Ian braked.
I think this is the first time trial victory for the National Clarion in recent times.
Soon it will be the Easter Meet again, this year at Morecambe, with the Headquarters and all indoor events at the Clarendon Hotel Starting on Friday night with our usual gathering and a few drinks, the Conference at 10.00am on Saturday, Saturday night Dance followed on Sunday night by the Prize Presentation and Meal.
The club run will leave from the hotel on Sunday morning with rides for all abilities. Why don’t you make a special effort to be there in this important year and give your views on the future of our great club. It will be the main point of discussion all weekend.
At this moment I can’t tell you who has won the Tom Groom and Clubman/Woman awards this year, as the committee have not yet completed the voting, but I can tell you that there are strong submissions from Oakhill, Stockport, Calder, York, Bury and Fenland, no wonder the judges are still deliberating.
tell you though that Nicholas Tighe of Oakhill has been awarded the Harold Lamb
Trophy. This valiant 13 year old has had a great season, including a win in his local heat of the Raleigh Challenge Competition, but his was the only entry in this category. Surely there are many more under 18’s in the Clarion, or are there?
There are none in Stockport Section,wxcept our mascot and he is not yet a year old, so let us know and send in your claims for next
A result like that makes the drive down fromStockport worthwhile and the journey home more pleasant.
I must tell you before I go about a certain North -Western member who decided to start his own website. He called it Boots Spurs, but in his hurry to get it on line he missed out one of the letter o's. Imagine his surprise when he got 483 hits in the first
year. hour! Back to todays big event and what a finish, after seventy hard miles the sprint for the Clarion Championship was by Stockport’s Duncan Hewitt from Peter Todd of the Fenland, with another Stockport rider,
Will Sanderson, in third place.
See you at Easter
Merle
NATIONAL CLARION FORMS
ELITE PURSUIT TEAM
A number of riders from 2 sections (Stockport and Fenland) have put together a Clarion squad in readiness to enter a National Clarion Team in the British Cycling National Track Championships in August. The members of the squad have joined the National Clarion 1st Claim and their local sections 2nd Claim to allow them to enter the Championships under the National Clarion name.
As part of our preparation we have booked the Manchester Velodrome for the following times:
June 28th (Sat) 3-6pm
duly 26th (Sat) 3-6pm
The event is only for team pursuit preparation but we will welcome any helpers or people who wish to come along to encourage us. There may be some time for other riders to try between our sessions, but this will be confirmed closer to the day.
Hi Folks
This year's Easter Meet is at Morecambe in Lancs for the usual fun and frolics of riding, drinking, dancing and of course collecting our hard earned trophies.
It's a good social weekend and we always have fun with all the other sections, if you have a family it's also ideal because there's plenty to do.
I am going to book some accommodation in either apartments or a hotel, but I need to do this very soon.
Can you let me know if you are interested in coming?
lan
Any members with an
We have already sent received #9 in February have your correc About 10% to different su
pscribers. Please
e-mail address should e-mail janrclarke@hotmall. com
out 9 email n (@11th) then it is p
t or latest email of all messages are re
Ss
ve not
rs, so if you ha ewslette
robably because we
address. turned beca end us your
use you have moved on latest email addresses.
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.
BURY
At the end of last year we arranged a programme of Sunday clubruns in response to enquires on the internet but no potential members came out so we have reverted to impromptu rides. New members have come to us asa result of our weekly notes in Bury Times, our annual six summits 100k reliability ride or our annual ‘Have a go' hill climb held in conjunction with Ramsbottom Sports Week.
At the end of the year we expected Adrian Smith lifting the vets league title for the Association of Cycle Traders meetings at
6
the Velodrome in 2002. Alas this was not to be as an inspired John Harris of Team Lusso snatched victory on the last night. In February our annual prize presentation and social evening at Walshaw Sports Club was a memorable occasion. The fifty plus members their families and friends whose ages ranged from three years to late sixties enjoyed Bob Benyon's magic and mirth act and a superb buffet. All round cyclist Neil Orrel was guest of honour as a mark of our appreciation for his organising of the ACT Monday night meetings at the Velodrome. He presented trophies and certificates for members’ achievements during 2002. The main
recipient was Philip Albiez who won four club championships and notably broke the clubs 10 miles and 25 miles records which have stood since the early 1970's. Phil Collins was presented with the 25 miles championship trophy and a bottle of beer for winning the freewheeling competition. Peter Adams was presented with a medal for winning the handicap championship. After the previous evening's activity the 'A’ section had a forty mile ride over Belmont to Abbey Village and through Wheelton before cutting through the suburbs of Chorley to ride the pleasant lanes that run southward towards Horwich and then the main roads home.
John Yates's ten year old twin sons, Adam and Simon, have started riding at the Velodrome. After only two Monday sessions they were ready for Saturday's
higher standard meeting Adam taking third place in the flying start 200metre time trial. Adrian Smith is building up his points at this year's track league meetings.
In March six members had a week in Majorca for some early season training
Events for 2003
Tuesday 10 June ‘Have a go’ hill climb. Sign on 7.00pm at the Hare Hounds, Holcombe Brook, Ramsbottom
Sunday 15 June Annual six summits 100k reliability. Sign on 9.30am at Macdonalds. Woodfield Retail Park
Peter Roscoe, 6 Horncastle Close, BL81XE Tele: 0161 761 6856
BOLTON
Iasked each section for contribution to Boots Spursand was sent a 44-page news letter from Bolton Clarion to choose an article from! I get the impression from some of the articles that there are plenty of characters in the club and overall a very active section. Ed.
CLUB 100k
The 100k attracted a fair number of participants. Early morning frost had dispersed by the time we arrived at the Town Hall, though it wasn’t half cold! The cold morning had me stripping the wardrobe in a frantic effort to find my overshoes; thankfully I did. Amy also turned over her wardrobe to find the right winter gear.
The speed of the change in the weather
has been incredible; hot autumnal days replaced by cold east winds, frost and rain. The dry weather stayed with us for most of the day. Paul Dickinson and Andy Horner didn’t. Tonge Moor was the last we saw of them.
The climb out of Bradshaw raised the internal temperature a little but cold feet were a common complaint. The next climb of note was up to Edenfield; again it was warm work, but to remove any clothing would have been fatal. Burnley Hill was kind with a wind assisting over the top, the same kind wind nearly put us in the deep freeze on the long descent. Thank God for thermal underwear. Breakfast in Burnley consisted mainly of fried breakfast and coffee. Richard, however, insisted his order of double beans on toast was anything but. Two beans are not the same as double beans! He was told however that he had been given ‘double toast’. Richard did not look
impressed.
We set off again, trying to catch the Hon Sec. who had carried on to Barley without stopping, but we failed. The climb from Barley was as tough as ever; it also seems to be longer every year. The drop down the other side was cold, really cold. The scenery was as nice as ever and the lanes through Rimington a delight. Downham came next with a quick toilet stop for Ian and we were off again. From this point on, the route is easy going and before long we were sweeping down to Whalley looking forward to a pot of tea at the abbey. As we entered the cafe, Amy was just receiving her pot of tea we had caught her at last. dust to emphasise how hard Amy is to catch, a five minute start on us from Whalley and it was the other side of Blackburn before we saw her again.
As we reached Darwen, the rain that was
ile phones! Is there any ge and lorry drivers turning mobile phone in one while holding his m! carrying a mobile is w!
Why should the rest gotamatked when she waited for
back on his bike and proceded to ri off and left the man, who wa: wasn’t. There was a time on
different. Obviously there are reporting accidents or breakdown:
A MATTER OF COMMUNICATION
i list uy thing else that can wind cyc orners and changing gear whi
hand? I've even seen one lor obile and picking his nose. hen the club run has to stop w
the riders have to wail one rider who stopped, got o'
ide while holding the phone to sn’ta club member. She was club runs when making aca
times when mobiles ar s, but should we use them to excess?
I’m miles from home,
i t a puncture, Piabe, p, no mobile phone!
No tube, no pum
forecast began to fall and it was cold enough for snow. By the time we reached the top of Bull Hill, it was coming down hard and waterproofs were donned. The temperature had fallen to three degrees by this time and whilst the drop down to Bolton was very nice, it was very cold. Into Bolton and we spotted the early arrivals at McDonalds and quickly joined them for a large warm coffee. A few of us really appreciated the warmth, especially as we saw the arrival of other wet beings who made for home rather than have a prolonged wet day. The day was tough, the cold contributing and making a quite hard ride harder.
I have done the 100k many times, but this was the first cold, wet ride good warm weather has always seemed to predominate. Did someone say something about global warming?
ip more than seeing le holding a ry driver steering with his elbows The only problem with cyclists hilst the call is being answered.
t, particularly in winter? Amy was ut his mobile, got
his ear. Amy rode speechless but he obviously Il meant something entirely
accredited to ‘Jim the Rim’
CREWE
Last season saw some noteable performances by Crewe riders on the time trial scene. Jon Waddilove managed, despite a serious knee injury, a time of 20.34 for an open 10 anda time of 55.05 in an open 25. over the winter period he has undergone surgery on the knee and we look forward to seeing what he can do with two legs this year. Nick baker achieved a time of 1.58.18 in an open fifty. Club President Dave Gillott achieved a massive plus of 88.55 to win the veteran’s BAR once again.
Much of our attention involved working closely with the Anguilla team in preparation for the Commonwealth games. Anguilla is a small island in the Carribean measuring twelve miles by eight and the three riders on the day showed very well considering the might of the opposition, but what really matters in
We're just revving up for the camping season when York section and associated friends will be out and about most weekends in the Dales and the North York
sport is taking part and they very much enjoyed the experience. We enjoyed working with them and maintain close ties.
There were some humerous times. One day in particular, it was the hottest day of the year and we were out helping them adapt to local conditions. Our lads were sweating in shorts, but they were well wrapped up in winter riding gear including thermal tights and overshoes and were still shivering with cold.
We maintain a membership of about forty members, not all of whom are active in the sport. The club runs on Sunday are usually steady affairs catering for riders of varying levels of fitness and we have weekly club nights in a local pub.
So if any Clarion members happen to be in our area please get in touch. You will be certain to receive a warm welcome.
Dave Gillott, President, Crewe Clarion
Moors, riding and walking. Some of us will be coming to the Easter Meet at Morecambe. An annual
pilgrimmage. The first ‘break’ of the year and always enjoyable. See you all there, Jean Hall.
OAKHILL
The Oakhill Section, based at Oakhill College, in Whalley, Lancashire seems to have hurtled into the Clarion like a firework, shooting sparks of enthusiasm and keenness into every aspect of the sport. Below are highlights from their latest newsletter.
“2002 was a great year for our Club. Membership has grown from 22 at the start of the year to 35. We won three non-competitive awards at the National Clarion Club’s Easter Meet for 2002 at Whitby. Our youngest riders won a silver cup from the British Cycling Federation for being voted The Most Sporting
Club at the Improve Development League meetings. The Road Section, led by Ivan Bland, rode from London to Paris; and then the Section turned out in force for the Manchester 100. We also had a presence on both the Fred Whittam Challenge and the Morcambe to Scarborough Rides.
The Track Section rode regularly at the Manchester Velodrome and exceeded all expectations at the National Clarion Track Championships in September. A good base has been laid for the 2003 championship. Nicholas Tighe won the Mountain Bike section’s newly created “Terror Trophy”, and the section's third visit to the Alps was
rewarded with 10 gloriously sunny days.
We ran a successful Cycle Jumble at Oakhill, Sam Whigham designed the Club a cycling shirt and we acquired a box trailer for transporting the bikes. Our first attempt at running a cyclocross meeting (in conjunction with Science in Sport) was a great success and the local M.P., the mayor of Ribble Valley and the Chairman of British Cycling, Brian Cookson, attended.
The year ended on a high note when Dave
Gillibrand won the Keiran race at the Vets Track Meet just before Christmas. The Highlight of the Year has to be Colin Wright winning not only a race at the National Clarion Track Championships but also his first ever cyclo-cross race at Oakhill.
Details of forthcoming events for the 2003 season are available from Charles Jepson (Club
Secretary) Tel: 01254 51302
STOCKPORT
Roller Racing
We have successfully started a roller racing series in South Manchester with Seamons CC Dukinfield CC. The set of racing rollers we use are pretty old domestic (and they belong to Seamons, not Stockport Clarion). Also there are only two sets we are looking for a four set linked to a dial with bigger drums (like the ones pictured below).
We get the rollers set up on our club night, which is held at the Arden Arms, 23 Millgate, Stockport. It has created a lot of interest not just with the cyclists. The evenings have been reported in the local press radio have been very well supported. Events raced are 500m sprint, 1000m sprint 2000m pursuit. Typical
times recorded being 18.30s, 41s 1.29s respectively on a 106” gear. Anyone know of such a roller racing set (above)? If so please email me. The same goes if your club fancies a challenge. Why not, it's a good, fun event.
Track Racing
Stockport section are showing well in the results at the Manchester Regional Track League, Premier Division. Performances from Duncan Hewitt, Will Sanderson Julian Mortel regularly getting in the results. It’s hard work in the Premier
10
Division with the odd world champ dropping in for a spot of racing; Chris Newton, Craig Maclean not to mention Paul Manning, Kristian House, Steve Cummings Kieran Page.
Achtung Baby
Congratulations to Caroline Paul Butler. Caroline gave birth to a baby boy called Luke on 03 Oct at Stepping Hill, he was 16 days late (must take after his father). Luke weighed in at 8lb 140z. (possible
in Mallorca 2003
contender for the SCCC downhill)
Triathlon
Congratulations to Doug Clark SCCC USA section on another successful completion of the Hawaii Ironman. Doug beat his time from last year despite having to walk the last 5 miles in the marathon. A mere 3 weeks after the Hawaii Ironman Doug finished 16th in the 30-34 age category at the Short-course World Triathlon Champs in Cancun, Mexico.
early season training. That’s training the
Another excellent two weeks are planned Stockport Clarion way, beer boogying on this superb island for leisure cycling by night smooth tarmac twisting climbs,
Continued on page 14
11
re Portfolio
A happy group outside the Clarion Café, about to start on the annual summer ride.
A pause by an interesting industrial sculpture during the ride. This is situated not far from the Lowry, facing the scene of the Commonwealth Games Triathlon.
For those interested this years ride, it starts from the Clarion Café on June 21st. Further
details from Merlin, Tel: 0161 442 8441
proudly wearing the Jersey of National he Veterans Sprint Champion pictured
Championships in 2001. In the foreground is Ian Haltby.
Below: The victorious Fenland Section Pursuit Team at full speed.
How Time Trialing has changed! Harry Williamson in black alpaca winning the Clarion 50 championship in 1920. Though I have some of Harry’s medals, sadly I don’t have the one he won for this, so I don’t know his time. A great Clarion rider of his day, he went on to build bicycles at his shop in Dukenfield. A friend of mine still rides one today, complete with Osgear.
Picture courtesy of Greater Manchester Record Office
This year when the Clarion visits Morecambe for the 108th Easter Meet, it will be our fourth visit to the Lancashire Town.
The first visit was in 1963 for the 68th Meet and that is when this picture was taken. On the float are Audrey Waddilove of the Crewe Section, currently the keeper of our National Racing Records and Frank Hyamm of the Birmingham Section.
Picture courtesy of Greater Manchester Record Office
13
descents vino tinto) by day Depart: Tuesday 1st April 2003 07:00 from Manchester
Return: Tuesday 15th April 2003 19:05 in Manchester
Hotel Location: Hotel Tobago, Palma Nova, Half Board
If anyone wishes to join us in 2004 please
contact webmaster @stockportclarion.org.uk or tel 01625 575959 at or
CLITHEROE
Where are they now?
In about 1954 I cycled from Barrowford in Lancashire to Dacre Banks Youth Hostel in Nidderdale, Yorkshire, with a school friend, david Stansfield, pictured on the left in the photograph. We met at the Youth Hostel and again on the way home,
before the Easter Meet at Morecambe. Café Central, Bunyola Julian Mortel
Stockport Secretary
Clarion Cycling Club
14 INGERSLEY ROAD, BOLLINGTON, CHESHIRE, SK10 5RF. Tel: 01625- 575959 www.stockport-clarion.org.uk/
three young ladies from either Bolton or Bury Clarion I can’t remember which who are also on the photograph. I took the picture on the return journey in the area, think, of West End near Blubberhouses.
I met the ladies again, not long after, at a hill climb, possibly the National, up the Nick 0’ Pendle in Lancashire.
Can anyone identify these three girls?
Contact Melvyn Hirst of the Clitheroe section with your identification
of the three lady cyclists pictured here. 14
CENTRAL
Our little gang of six, led by the redoubtable Albert Winstanley, (87 this April) discovered a farmhouse ‘elevenses’ place near Riccall, about 10 miles down the old railway to Selby now a cycle track in 1992. Year by year our traditional Saturday run has gathered strength (and the farmhouse tea rooms have been extended to cope.)
last year our run attracted between 35 and 45 bodies mostly grey haired but it was noticeable that the pace was far easier than it used to be. Quite a number of us now ride ‘folders’ or carry our bikes up on the car, as
cycling to and from the rally and camping on the hard ground has got to be a bit too painful for the multitude of athritic joints and hip replacements among us.
Blimey! I've been laughing at Johnny Helms’ cartoons since first seeing ‘em in “Cycling” in the early 50’s both he and his wife Ruth are among our regulars!
Do look us up if you go to the York Rally. We usually meet for the elevenses run by the “booking-in tent” about 10.00am on Saturday morning just look for a bunch of about 10 grey haired warriors the rest meet us on route or at the farmhouse.
Central Section member.
Minutes of the National Committee Meeting
held at Wortley Hall on Sa
Present: Frank Bibby (Nat Sec), Ken Hemsley, Kevin Hulbert, Charles Jepson, Graham Pearce, Peter Roscoe.
Item 1. Ken Hemsley proposed that Frank Bibby took the Chair. Agreed.
Apologies for absence:
Item 2.
Nick Biden, Merlin Evans, John Lees (President), Kirsty Straker.
Minutes of last meeting:
Item 3
The minutes of the last meeting were approved as a correct record, though Ken Hemsley pointed out that Item 13 implied that Nick Biden was still Club Treasurer and this was not strictly correct. The observation was noted.
Matters arising:
Item 4. Club Secretary (FB) said that he still had not been able to obtain a contact address for York Section and hoped that Merlin Evans may be able to help.
Correspondence: Item 5. A letter had been received regarding a sponsored
turday 15th February 2003
mountain bike event in Wales. No action to be taken. Item 6.
Letters had been received from the Oakhill Section. One stating their intention to send a delegate to the meeting of the Constitution and Rules Sub- Committee meeting on March Ist. The second stating their willingness to organise a 10 mile Time Trial and/or a hill-climb in conjunction with the Easter Meet, the section being willing to fund the events and pass all profits on to the Easter Meet organisers. Charles Jepson stated that the letter sent to Secretary (FB) on 20th November 2002 has stressed the offer was conditional on an early notification of interest by the Easter Meet organisers. To date no notification had been received by the Section it was now too late to organise and publicise either event.
Item 7. 25 mile Time Trial is being organised by Crewe Clarion
Item 8. Fenland Clarion are organising the Road Race event.
Item 9. Receipts for last year’s Wortley hall weekend had been received.
Item 10. Members racing licenses from British Cycling have been sent to Secretary(FB) who now has to post them on to members (9 to date). This arrangement clearly saves BC postage but entails us in an additional cost.
15
Secretary’s/Race Secretary’s Reports
Item 11. Secretary informed the meeting that Stockport Clarion intend to race under the banner of National Clarion rather than Stockport in the Manchester and District Time Trials as this gave them an eligibility to win awards. Secretary had paid a £10 affiliation fee to Manchester and District and it was now assumed that members of any Clarion Section would be eligible to ride in events run by this Body. This seemed to contradict arrangements in the past where Sections had to affiliate separately. Ken Hemsley said it was a huge grey area but we should go along with it until challenged by someone. Item 12. Claims for awards at Annual Conference had been received from some Sections though not as many as last year. Secretary stated that he intended to pass these on to Merlin Evans as they were basically self explanatory and there was little for Committee to discuss. As no one challenged this somewhat unconstitutional arrangement (see Rules 8.1 8.2) Secretary passed the said claims to Graham Pearce who promised to hand them on to Merlin Evans.
Item 13. Affiliation fees to RTTC and BC have been paid by the Secretary.
Item 14. Wortley Hall has been booked for this October.
Item 15. Trophies will have to be returned if they are to be engraved in time for the Annual Conference.
Treasurer’s Report:
Item 16. No report available: Graham said that he had spoken with Nick and the work on completing the accounts was complete save for an unaccounted £16, also he did not know the whereabouts of the stock of caps. Secretary said that he had the caps. Graham to notify Nick of this fact. It was felt that the accounts and cheque books should be passed to Secretary as a matter of some urgency. Graham said that he would see Nick and then liaise with Secretary.
Item 17. Membership Secretary said that he was owed sum of money and had encountered difficulty in getting this from the Treasurer. Secretary asked him for details of exactly what is owed and said he would write a cheque to Kevin as soon as he acquired the cheque book from Nick.
Item 18. Secretary said that on his arrival at Wortley Hall he had been handed an email from the Treasurer which gave ‘notes to the accounts’ for the
meeting. Secretary stated that he was not happy with certain aspects of ‘depreciation’, particularly with respect to the display boards and the computer. Peter Roscoe said that as long as the computer was working it still had a value to the Club and this is not the same as ‘market value’. Peter Roscoe proposed and Ken Hemsley seconded that the depreciation on the computer be changed from £100 to £200. Passed unopposed.
Item 19. Graham said that Nick was genuinely sorry to have to give up his post as Treasurer. Ken Hemsley asked that a note of thanks be recorded in recognition of Nick’s service to the Club and for the extra twelve months he had given beyond his resignation. All agreed.
Easter Meet Secretary’s Report:
Item 20. No report available: Secretary (FB) had encountered difficulty in contacting the organiser, adding that this was most probably due to the recent personal tragedy Kirsty and her family had suffered. Item 21. Secretary stated that he did not know what was going on with regard to this year’s Conference planned for Morecambe and had hoped that either Kirsty or Merlin would have been present to shed some light on the situation. Graham said that he was aware from his conversations with Merlin, who had been in touch with Kirsty, that the venue was booked and the meet ribbons ordered. Charles Jepson offered to get in touch with both Kirsty and Merlin to see if he could offer any assistance as time was short and if the event was to be a success, members would require some information very shortly. Ken Hemsley asked if Secretary knew when the next issue of Boots and Spurs would be sent out as that could give members the details they required. All present commented favourably on the content in the last issue of Boots and Spurs. It was agreed that the importance of this publication could not be overstressed and everyone looked forward to the next issue.
Item 22. Secretary stated that he would not be attending the Easter Conference as a change of family circumstances meant that he would have to spend a great deal of his time away in Newark, commencing with immediate effect.
Item 23. The minutes of last year’s conference are still with Nick Biden, Secretary. Graham said he would collect them and forward them to Frank. Item 24. The Trophies need to be collected and t
16
aken for engraving before the Conference. N.B (obviously the engraving cannot be done until the claims have been sorted by Merlin Evans).
Race Team Manager’s Report:
Item 25. Graham Pearce reported that an invitation to enter a team in the Irish Milk Race had been received but in his view it was not practical to enter a team this year.
Item 26. Graham stated that he had hoped Ian Clarke would have attended the meeting to outline plans to enter a combined Fenland/Stockport team pursuit squad under the banner of National Clarion in this year’s British National track Championships. Graham suggested the money ‘ring-fenced’ for the Irish event could be used to support this exciting venture. Secretary (FB) said that there was also ‘ringfenced’ money left in the Harold Lamb account, which could also be used to support the pursuit team for the next two years. Secretary proposed and seconded by Ken Hemsley that £500 be allocated to the track pursuit team for this year. All agreed. Whilst members recognised that this venture could incur an on-going expense, everyone felt it would be money well spent as it would get the Club good publicity at a national level and there was always the chance of off-setting some of the cost by finding sponsors for the team kit.
Item 27. Graham reported that the Velodrome had been reserved on two occasions for team preparation. He extended an invitation to Sections to attend, stating that watching a squad train under the eyes of a top coach was a valuable learning experience and there would probably be the opportunity to ride the track.
Ten Mile Time Trial
Item 28. Peter Roscoe tabled the result of the 10 mile time trial he ran in association with the Wortley Hall weekend. Whilst the entry had been slightly disappointing the event had proved most enjoyable with some good times. Peter felt that there was every reason to believe the event would grow in popularity and on this basis he asked Natinal Committee to take the following proposal to the 2003 conference.
New Rule 10.6. Proposed by Peter Roscoe:
‘That the title of National ten mile time trial champion be awarded to the fastest Clarion rider in a ten mile time trial organised in the name of
National Clarion or any Clarion Section. The National Committee shall normally designate the event for the forthcoming year at their last meeting of the year. A medal shall be awarded to the champion.’
(Note: it was necessary to insert the word ‘normally’ as Peter was hoping that conference would agree that the first running of this championship would take place at this year’s Wortley Weekend.) Proposal seconded by Frank Bibby. All in favour.
Item 29. The Bert Brown Trophy. Peter Roscoe asked Natinal Committee to take a proposal of amendment to National Conference.
Amendment to rule 10.3. Proposed by Peter Roscoe.
Rule to now read: ‘The Bert Brown Ladies 10 time trial shall be in conjunction with the men’s National ten mile time trial championship. The fastest lady shall be awarded the trophy and a commemorative medal but there must be at least two finishers for this award to be made’.
1.20pm Ian Clarke and Jayne Bevitt (Fenland Clarion) joined the meeting.
After a brief discussion Peter agreed to replace the word ‘finishers’ with the word ‘starters’. The proposal was seconded by Charles Jepson. All in favour.
Item 30. Peter Roscoe expressed the hope that both of these ten mile time trials would take place at this year’s Wortley Weekend. Whilst not opposing the idea lan Clarke stated that he believed that any resolutions passed at conference did not come into force until the following year. He felt that in light of possible ammendments to the constitution following the forthcoming Rules Review meeting it was important that all changes were in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution. Meeting supported Peter’s idea whilst at the same time rcognising the importance of following procedure, a point Graham Pearce had made strongly at the last meeting.
POST MEETING NOTE: Rule 6.9 indicates that resolutions take effect as soon as Sections have received the Minutes of Conference ‘within two months at the latest’ If this be the case and if
17
conferences passes Peter’s new rule and amended rule then there should be no reason why the events cannot take place at this year’s Wortley Hall.
Any other business:
Item 31. lan Clarke gave a more detailed account of the proposed track pursuit team plans and preparations and thanked Committee for their
support.
Item 32. It was hoped that we would have a clearer picture with regard to the Easter Conference by the time of the Rules review meeting on March Ist.
Item 33. Secretary asked for an assurance that everyone would fulfill the obligations they had made to the meeting. As no one dissented, it must be assumed that everyone will do their duty and work to ensure the success of the Easter Meet at Morecambe.
Place, date and time of next meeting. Easter Conference, time and venue to be confirmed.
Meeting closed at 1.50pm
We have a time trail championship that follows the national BAR championship requirements ie. 50mile 100mile and 12 hours. This should be the Blue Riband of the club championships but there does not seem to be much interest in this title from either participators’ view or observers like me who is winning at any point in the year. To create a more interest in National Clarion championship event I am suggesting that we should run a points competition over the following Clarion championships 10 miles (if resolved at Easter conference) 25 miles, road race, cyclo cross, hill climb, the Clarion Grass track mile and the Clarion Smiles track hi ionshi
It would not be a requirement that a rider had to participate in all events to win and the points system should be such that all contenders would score points so that the points table would include all participants would be give a certificate. If we did this the points table could go on the internet as the season progresses so that contenders would know what they had to do to secure the title of points champion eliminating at a stroke any flaws in t he points scoring system.
I think it would stimulate interest in our National Clarion Championships is there anyone out there who agrees with me.
Peter Roscoe
Velodrome. Team Pursuit Championship. be.
or Email steve@fenlandclarion.co.uk
2003 CLARION TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Clarion Track Day has been booked for Sunday 20 July, 2-5pm at Manchester All members are welcome, whatever ability. The day will include the 5 mile, Sprint and The cost will be £5 per rider (Youths Free) and you can hire bikes from the track if need For more information or if you have any questions call Steve Clarke on 01733 252595 (Note from Steve: There are very few dates available at the track and this would seem
to be the most suitable. On the face of it not clashing with too much, however if you have a MAJOR problem let me know and we may be able to change it.)
18
Qakhill Clarion Cycling Club Please go, tell everyone
Liz is at the Rubicon
The Motor Neurone Disease Association WILL YOU HELP?
campaigns to support people with MND and
those who care for them. In all campaigns there call on all Clarionettes and fellow cyclists to isaline, which once crossed commits one toact. consider donating just 1 penny per mile for the line that divides words each mile they cycle between from deeds. In ancient times it now and April 13th.
was called the Rubicon, after Such a gesture would be an the river which divided Rome enormous help to those suffering from gaul. from this dreadful debilitating Crossing the Rubicon was a disease. ‘No contribution is ever commitment to action. too small, none too large’, every Liz McHugh, Treasurer of single penny really does count. @akhill Clarion Cycling Club Please do your best to help Liz has, in a moment of absolute raise £2000. Cheques payable to madness, decided to turn her the MNDA, should be sent to Liz words into deeds by running 1 McHugh at Oakhill College, in the London Marathon on April 13th. Heraim Wiswell Lane, Whalley. If you are on the is to raise £2000 for the Motor Neurone Internet, money can be sent ‘on-line’ to:
Disease Association. www.justgiving.com/lizlondon
CLASH OF THE TITANS Reputations at stake
Bakhill Clarion versus Bury Clarion
A challenge was issued, the gauntlet hurled to the ground.
Without delay, courageously and giving no thought to the consequences, brave Bury Clarion stood firm and in retrieving the mailed trackmit, accepted the Qakhill promise of wheeled war.
This event is to take place at the Manchester Velodrome on Thursday 22nd May in the year of our Lord 2003. Full details of the outcome will be available in the next issue of B&S.
NATIONAL CLARION CYCLING CLUB TEN MILES TIME TRIAL
Under RTTC Regulations 19 October 2002 Event Secretary: Peter Roscoe Timekeeper: Keith Lightfoot, Ravensthorpe Ce 6 Horncastle Close Bury BL8 1XE. Tele:0161 761 6856 Min Sec Sunderland 27 55 Sunderland 28 01
Ist Carl Price 2nd_ lan Taylor
3rd Allen Armstrong Sunderland 28 25 4th Allan Smith Sunderland 31 26 5th George Masson Calder 32 58 6th Colin Benn Fenland 33 49 7th Martin Perfect London 34 56 TANDEM PAIR
Peter Paul Milsom Calder 28 07 The entry for this first ten miles time trial associated with the Wortley Hall weekend was disappointing but helpers, riders and officials enjoyed this inaugural event. V915 high on the Pennines between Huddersfield and Sheffield is arguably the hardest ten miles course in the country especially when there is a head wind finish which was giving a time differential of around four minutes on this out and home course. The chill factor has also to be taken into account especially at the height of the course which can mean temperature difference of four degrees. The competition for the top spot was keen which highlights the performance of 65 years old Allen Armstrong who was only 30 seconds down of winner Carl Price. This year Allen has done a 2-4 personal best 50 this year and at 25 miles his 1-0 is his best for seven years. Mention has also to be made of seventy year old George Massons record setting ride for the event which will be hard to beat.
NATIONAL CLARION CYCLING CLUB HILL CLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP
Under RTTC Regulations 20 October 2002
Event Secretary: Peter Roscoe 6 Horncastle Close
Bury BL812XE
Timekeeper: Keith Lightfoot, Ravensthorpe ce
Min Sec 1st Ian Taylor Sunderland 2 48.8 2nd Carl Price Sunderland 2 49.1 3rd_ Julian Mortel Stockport 3 17.8 4th Allan Smith Sunderland 3 54.4 5th Colin Benn Fenland 3 55.4 6th Martin Perfect London 3 58.3 7th Allen Armstrong Sunderland 4 04.2 8th Agnes Vosen Stockport 4 17.4 9th Charles Harvey Central 5 59.6
Car! Price going for his third consecutive win pulled off a personal best for the event. However, clubmate lan Taylor who returned to racing this year realized he had the form to win after being only 4 seconds adrift of Carl in the previous days ten. Allen Armstrong slipped down the ranks compared with the previous day but he took over a minute off the 65-70 year age group record. Agnes Vosen only joined Stockport 3 months ago. Her first event ever which must be regarded as very promising. Three cheers for Charles Harvey who gamely made up the field as a 'Have a go’ rider.
Julian Mortel did not have time to take his mudguards off but he found time to put his saddlebag back on to take the record for riding ona kitted out clubrun machine. He also broke the record for someone riding a fixed wheel on this gear course.
20
Obituary Heidi Pendragon Straker
Heidi, a lifelong member of the Clarion (York Section) sadly passed away on the 16th of January after a courageous battle with cancer over the last few years, she was in her early thirties.
Heidi will be known by many as one of a small group of York Clarion girls who have been attending Easter Meets since they were born.
Whilst never taking an active part in the cycling side of the Clarion, Heidi attended many of the Clarion's social events and most of York
section's camping weekends that the Straker
family and their clubmates have been
organising for many decades in the Dales at
places such as Reeth and Appletreewick. She
came from one of the strongest Clarion
families of all time, dating back to her
Grandfather Jim, Grandmother Ruth and
many other relatives in the Clarion.
Heidi recently changed her name from
Straker to Pendragon, reflecting her positive
and spiritual side. She had a personality which has left many of us with lasting memories of her charming and inspiring character. She will be sadly, but warmly missed and our thoughts will be of her at this year's Easter Meet at Morecambe where we shall all have a
drink to her.
lan
Obituary Jean Miller who died on 19th February 2003
Jean and her husband Roy joined the Fenland Section on 21-8-1949 and was a member until September 1951 when because of work schedules and then starting a family they left the club.
But then late summer 1975 we welcomed them back into the club with daughter Maggie and son Les who later became part of our club junior cycling teams. Jean became Social Secretary in October 1977, a post she held until her death (except for 1983) and was a always ready with refreshments at the clubroom whilst we had one and at our racing events. A willing helper at all club functions who will
be sadly missed. She was also involved with the Girl Guide Association for a great many years.
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 Section
EAST MIDLANDS
Heanor Clarion Anne Taylor Wilde Heanor 01773 761299 Nottingham Clarion Tim Fahy Nottingham 0115 9811938 NORTH-EAST
Sunderland Clarion Allan Smith Sunderland 0191 584 8948 Teeside Clarion Colin Armstrong Middlesborough 01947 880488 NORTH-WEST (Cheshire Lancashire)
Bolton Clarion Amy McLarty Bolton 01204 491595 Bury Clarion Sylvia Roscoe Bury 0161 7616856 Clitheroe Clarion Edward Ireland Clitheroe 01200 442609 Crewe Clarion Wheelers Andy Grace Crewe 01270 841836 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
SOUTH AND EAST
Fenland Clarion Ken Clarke Peterborough 01733 562217 London Clarion Peter Shepherdly Hounslow 0181 572 9672 WEST MIDLANDS
Birmingham Roger Shayes Solihull 0121 603 7536 Herefordshire A Smith Wigmore 01568 770327 WALES
Gwynedd Robin Hartley Rachub 01248 605424 YORKSHIRE
Calder Clarion Joan Milsom Wakefield 01924 274087 Leeds (Yorkshire) Clarion Dave Binns Huddersfield 01484 648144 York Clarion Angela Beardshall Wakefield 01924 264898
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 VACANT Minutes Secretary VACANT President John Lees
38 Nook End Road, Heanor, Derbys, DE75 7QQ
Vice President Ian Clarke,
31 Poppy Field, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 8TU
Racing Secretary VACANT
Treasurer Nick Biden,
50 Highfield Road, Cheadle, Hulme, Stockport 0161 485 5437
Easter Meet Organiser- Kirsty Straker/Jan Dobson
Flat 5, Block 6, Regents Close, Horsforth, Leeds.................. 0113 258 0801
Membership Secretary Kevin Hulbert
22 St James Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 1HH_ 01200 442879
Records Secretary Audrey Waddilove
36 Brookland Drive, Sandbach, CW11 OLX 01270 761446
Wortley Hall Organiser Frank Bibby 01204 393065 Peter;Roscoe™ 0.1.5.6 ee 0161 761 6856
Newsletter Editor Richard Newcombe
67 Hall Lane, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6RA................- 01733 706498
email: richard@newcombe67 .freeserve.co.uk
Press Officer Peter Roscoe
6 Horncastle Closes Bury BES {3.0.22 eee ee oe 0161 761 6856
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Graham Pearce
70 Springdale Gardens, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2SS 0161 4481928
Ken Hemsley
117 Southcliffe Road, Carlton, Nottingham, NG41ES 0115 987 3118
Kevin Hulbert ee
22 St James Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 1HH (.01200 442879
Merlin Evans 3 Green lane, Heaton Moor, Stockport ....................+-005 0161 442 8441
The abundance of social events, prize giving, eating and drinking has to be experienced to truly be believed.
Exesses beyond normal human endurance are of course achieved casually by the hardened cyclists of the Clarion. Guests frequently sit dumbstruck by the amazing antics of the spoked fraternity. Is this description a little over the top? Well you'll never know the truth unless youjoin in!
This revelry takes place at The Clarendon Hotel, 76 Marine Road West, West End Promenade, Morecambe LA4 4EP Tel: 01524410180 Fax: 01524 421616
WORTLEY HALL 2003 TO STH OCTOBER
10 mile TT on Saturday 4th Hillclimb on Sunday sth