No words could be read on this page.
Featured this issue is a collection of photographs from the golden years of the
Clarion Cycling Club.
As you can see from the cover picture the numbers attracted to Clarion events were very impressive and even though lan and Jane have worked very hard to promote this years Easter Meet they will struggle to achieve quite the crowd that is gathered there.
Many thanks for the pics
1912. Copster Green. First left: Helen Rogers (later Benson); fifth left: Robert Blatchford
The opening of the new Dining and Concert Room, Yorkshire Clarion Club House, 11th May, 1912
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1912.Copster Green. Second from left, standing: Robert Blatchford; seventh from left, standing: Helen Rogers (later Benson)
Cragg Vale, 1915
1912 Copster Green Third from right: Robert Blatchford, standing; tenth from right: James Benson, standing;
eleventh from right: Helen Rogers (later Benson), standing
1913. Oversley Ford Handforth Second from right, standing: Robert Blatchford
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Resume of the National Committee Meeting held at Wortley Hall, Sheffield on Saturday 6th November 2004,
Present: John Lees, Ian Clarke, Ruth Coates, Charles Jepson, Peter Roscoe, Ken Hemsley, Merlin Evans, Denis Pye, Jayne Bevitt and one member Mrs Silvia Roscoe. Jackie Mortel (Racing Secretary) had telephoned to say she was on her way but would be slightly late.
Vice President Ian Clarke was elected Chairman and the circulated provisional agenda was approved. The minutes of the last meeting were approved as a correct record.
Matters arising: As the idea of photographing the trophy winners at the Easter Meet had not worked particularly well at Scarborough it was suggested that Julian Mortel be asked to take the photos immediately before the dinner.
Peter Roscoe was thanked for organising and running the Points Competition which everyone agreed had been a most successful enterprise.
An appeal to be launched via Boots Spurs to see if any members knew the whereabouts of the Individual Pursuit Trophy, last seen around 1992. The President was nominated to present Richard Povell (Mikron Theatre Company) with a framed citation of his Honorary Life Membership at the Meet Dinner.
It had been decided in consultation with Francis Grafton of Nottingham Clarion not to pursue the idea of an Open 25.
The Secretary instructed to forward a resume of the committee meeting minutes to Richard for publication in Boots Spurs. Also to mention mistakes in officials addresses. The Secretary to leave some copies of Boots Spurs at the Pump House Museum.
Correspondence:
The Secretary read out a letter from Richard Povell expressing his delight at being honoured with Life Membership.
Secretary's Report:
The Secretary reported on three rallies he had attended over the summer. stating that he felt the Club should support the CTC York Rally and the South Yorkshire Festival at Wortley Hall in 2005.
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This was agreed as was a budget of £250 for the York Rally and £100 for the South Yorkshire Festival. A sample of a woven ribbon for the Easter Meet was circulated for inspection.
As these worked out cheaper than the printed ribbons used in recent years, the committee agreed that they be purchased. H A'mock-up' of a Members Handbook based on the handbook of 1955 was circulated. The cost to be 69p per book, after discussion it was agreed that a 2005 handbook be purchased and sent out with January's Clarion newsletter to all members.
The Tandem Brian Burchell had bequeathed to the club had been loaned out to two members of Bury Section over the summer.
No progress has been possible on the issue of Third Party Insurance.
General purpose membership forms are urgently needed, these to be (a) handed out at rallies and (b) insert into Boots and Spurs as the spare copies are now being circulated to cafes and cycling shops.
Treasurers Report:
Peter Roscoe suggested we develop a programme
of planned spending for the forthcoming year. To
this end he tabled the following suggestions’ for
discussion.
(1) That £250 be allocated to the York Rally
(2) That £300 be allocated to the Track Championship
(3) That £60 be allocated to the Wortley Hall Meet
(4) That £146 be allocated to an advert in the CCT handbook
(5) That £400 be allocated for the Members Handbook
(6) That £100 be allocated for May Day Greetings in the Morning Star
(7) That £100 be allocated for the South Yorkshire Festival
These seven suggestions were agreed by the
committee, a suggestion that outstanding stock be
sold off at discount prices was rejected. A
discussion regarding the purchase of future stock
for re-sale was inconclusive.
The Vice President asked if "Socialism-Hope of
the World" had been used in CTT handbook advert
and if it was not too late could it be changed to "Fellowship is Life", as this was the clubs motto. The secretary agreed to check with the printers.
Racing Report
Jackie reported that the Road Race Championship had bee very successful and had attracted a top class field which had generated a lot of good publicity for the Clarion. Dave Langlands (Fenland) was the Clarion Road Race Champion for 2004.
She also reported that she had received some ‘claims’ this year which was a step in the right direction.
Membership Secretary's Report
Membership currently stood at 587. Merlin pointed out that there is some difficulty in traci some Life Members. At times he receives notification of their deaths many years after they have passed away. It was agreed to place a 'where are they now’ item in Boots and Spurs. Fenland are the largest section with 92 members, Birmingham the smallest with just two. The proposed Members Handbook will contain much of the information which currently appears on the membership card, so it was agreed to have a simpler, credit card size membership card, this would speed up the printing and cut the cost of the cards. It was agreed to send out the new membership cards to each member rather than to Section Secretaries. The cards could be posted along with the Members Handbook and the Clarion Newsletter. Section Secretaries would still collect the subscriptions from their members in the normal manner.
Easter Meet Secretary's Report
Jayne Bevitt reported that everything was currently going to plan: The Meet HQ would be the Green Man Hotel in the centre of Ashbourne. There would be no disco on the Friday evening as it was felt members just wanted to chat. The Conference would be held on Saturday morning to be followed by road race with an alternative event for those who did not want to race. Saturday evening's Ceilidh would be held in the nearby town hall, finishing at 11pm then back to the disco in the Green man. Sunday there would be a 10 Mile Time Trial. It was agreed to make the prize presentation a more formal event, Ian Clarke agreed to “front’ the presentation, the President to hand out trophies.
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The possibility of having a Meet photograph on the lawns of the Isaac Walton is to be investigated. A Meet programme will be printed in order to keep all members informed of when events are to take place. It is hoped to attract an attendance of 100.
The Points Competition
All agreed that this competition had been a great success in achieving its objective of getting more Clarion members riding in more Clarion events. The recent Nottingham 25 had had excellent support, something the organiser particularly appreciated. Congratulations to the winner: Andy Horner of Bolton Section.
Track Championship
This had not run as smoothly as had been hoped. The programme of A and B races had succeeded in attracting a larger field but had been too ambitious for the time available. Thanks had been sent to coaches Ray Groves (Oakhill) and Fred Smith (Bolton) for running the event on the day. A four hour session to be booked for 2005.
Combined 10 and 25 TT Weekend
The plan to hold both championships over the course of the same weekend was going ahead thanks to Steve Clarke (Fenland Section). This promises to be a really great weekend of Clarion Competition and fun down in the Fens next summer and may set a precedent for years to come.
Any Other Business
lan Clarke questioned the appropriateness of the slogan ‘Socialism Hope of the World’ which was now being used on Walter Crane's Winged Angel logo, as the Club Rules state our motto is ‘Fellowship is Life’. The Secretary said the Club Rules make no reference to the letterhead therefore no rule was being broken and the letterhead in question did contain the statement ‘Fellowship is Life, Lack of Fellowship is Death’. After lengthy and inconclusive discussion Ian Clarke asked if someone would propose that Fellowship is Life' be the only slogan used on all Clarion publicity material. Proposed by Jayne Bevitt, seconded by Jackie Mortel. The motion was lost.
Place, date and time of next meeting: Pump House Museum, Saturday February 5th at 11.00am.
Brian Braithwaite Photographic Competition winner, Easter 2004
This photograph was judged the winner by our President, John Leese and the Meet Organiser, Kirsti Straker.
The photo by Charles Jepson shows his Tandem partner, Ruth Coates, looking down on the ‘Infant Lune’, just north of Sedburgh.
Please submit your photos for this years competition. Entries may be taken to the Meet or sent to:
The National Secretary, Charles Jepson J.P. Aysgaard, Beardwood Brow, Blackburn BB2 7AT
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Resume of National Committee Meeting held on Saturday 5th February 2005.
Present: Nick Biden, Ruth Coates, Merlin Evans, Charles Jepson, Ken Hemsley, Denis Pye, Jackie Mortel, Peter Roscoe.
Ruth Coates took the chair.
The minutes of the last meeting were approved as a correct record.
Matters arising: Photographs of prize winners and their trophies to be taken before the Annual Presentation Dinner. New woven Easter Meet ribbons had arrived and the New Members Handbook appears to have been well received. The Tandem Brian Burchell left to the club is being put to good use by two members of the Bury Section. A full page advert for the Club appears in the CTT handbook. It was agreed to set up a Finances Sub-Committee to look at: (i) Budget Controls, (ii) advertising expenditure, (iii) Expenses. It was agreed not to hold a Committee Meeting at the Wortley Meet.
Correspondence: The Club’s website message board is generating some interesting contacts from home and abroad.
Secretary’s report: The Secretary had little to report as everything appeared to be going smoothly. All members had been circulated with a Members Handbook and a copy of ‘the Clarion’. The advert in the CTT Handbook looke well and would promote the club even if it didn’t attract new members. The Easter Meet ribbon was good. Books and badges are selling slowly but they are selling.
Treasurers report: Stock control remains a constant problem which would be partially solved if one person held all the stock, but he felt he had a good idea where all of the present stock was located. He said the experience and difficulties arising from the Club having a separate Easter Meet account had convinced him that it was essential the Club holds a single account with additional cheque book if necessary. All cheques being protected by the requirement of two
signatures. Even given the increase in expenditure over the past two years there was no need to look at increasing the annual subscription for next year as the Club’s finances could be described as healthy.
Racing Secretary’s Report: Jackie reported that she had received a small number of ‘claims’, but was hopeful that htis would increase as individual members became aware of what awards they could claim for now that they all had a copy of the Rules. The Secretary to notify Section Secretaries of the winners.
The accuracy ofClarion Records were questioned in some quarters. The Secretary said it is not the job of the Records Secretary to search the cycling press for good times by a Clarion rider. All members now have a handbook which clearly sets out the procedures they should follow.
Membership Secretary’s Report:
Membership fees were arriving slowly and Section Secretaries had been notified by the Secretary of the deadline if members votes are to count at the Annual Conference.
Easter Meet Organiser’s Report:
Jayne Bevitt stated that everything appeared to be going to plan. Members will need a BC day licence to ride in the circuit race. The Easter meet is being widely publicised in the Cycling press and the local press, the Mayor has been invited to attend. Bryan Steel will present the prizes and then answer tabled questions. A special Clarion beer is to be brewed for the event, this will be available on draught. It may also be bottled. Volunteers are needed to help with the crit and the TT. For those not paying the Meet Levy, the Ceilidh on Saturday night would be £10. Sunday night’s dinner would be £20. An informal Get Together for members of Central Section and planned Friday Night at the Green Man. In the 10Mile TT organised by Heanor Section, Clarion teams will compete for the Kenneth Humphries Cup.
Non-Racing Awards:
The following non-racing awards were agreed: Tom Groom Fenland Section
Clubman of the Year Steve Smith (Oakhill Section)
Clubwoman of the Year Alison Lilley (Fenland Section)
Harold Lamb Trophy Adam Yates (Bury Section)
Competition Rules Review:
It was agreed that a Competition Rules subcommittee would meet on Easter Monday 10am the Green Man in Ashbourne to review the Non Racing and Racing Awards with a view to making recommendations for Rules changes at the Conference in 2006.
York CTC Rally and South Yorks Festival: The Secretary said stalls were booked and asked for volunteers to help on the stalls and also for suitable photographs which show the depth and fun of cycling the Clarion Way. Items of Clarion stock will be offered for sale at these events.
Any Other Business:
Discussion took place on the possible purchase of a Clarion cycling top that could be used by all Sections as an alternative to their Section Colours. As some Sections could not afford the high costs incurred when ordering small numbers. Attempts will be made to acquire a sample for display at the Easter Meet.
The possibility of entering a Clarion pursuit team at the National Track Championships was discussed. Such a team would most probably be a combined Stockport/Fenland effort, but a proposed track training session would be open to all Sections.
Concern was expressed about the Track Championship clashing with Fenlands Road Race. The Secretary stated this had occurred because the Velodrome had forced us to change from our preferred date in mid September because of the World Masters.
Next Meeting:- Pump House Museum, Saturday JUne 18th at 11.00am.
The Meeting closed at 2.35pm
A short poem written in 1950 by the late Vic Backhouse.
Vic was a member of the then Ashton Clarion.
You can’t think of everything, or “I showed ‘em”
At least ten thousand people packed the stands at Upper Mudton Velodrome that night,
A hundred flags were flying, and the band
was playing rousing tunes with all it’s might.
I'd reached the final of the big event,
I'd fought and cursed my way through every heat And now [had my chance to reach the stars
only had one other man to beat.
The other finalist was Rupert Screege,
The handsome, dashing idol of the fans,
His reflexes were famed throughout the land. His sprinting was as good as any man’s.
Twas obvious to those who knew the game That Rupert was unbeatable that day,
But, if I couldn't beat him fair and square
I knew I'd have to find another way
And so I thought I’d wage a war of nerves. I'd make him nervous, jittery and tense. And he’d go to pieces on the track.
It seemed to me to make a lot of sense.
I kept him waiting on the line.
Re-taped my bars and then I oiled my chain.
I fiddled with my toe-straps needlessly
I changed my wheels, then changed them back again.
Atlast I felt my purpose had been served.
The man who once had stood so calm and proud Was trembling as he waited on the track enduring the slow hand clap mof the crowd.
The crowd was hushed as I walked to my mark Twas plain to see poor Rupert’s nerve had gone. But when I slipped my suit off it returned. Thadn’t put my flaming track shorts on!
Clarion Easter Meet 2005 Ashbourne Derbyshire
March 25th to 28th
PROGRAM OF EVENTS
Friday 25th March
7pm onwards
Meet at the Green Man Royal Hotel for drinks and gathering Registration and collect meet ribbon
Saturday 26th March 10am National Conference, all welcome but delegate voting only 2pm-5pm Open Circuit races: Darley Moor Racing Circuit under BC Rules Entries: Jackie Mortel 14 Ingersley Rd, Bollington, Macclesfield. Cheshire SK10 SRF 2pm Dovedale Ramble with Charles Jepson, leaving from the Green Man Royal 8.00-11.30pm Evening Social with Ceilidh Band "FIVE GO OFF" at the Ashbourne Town Hall Bar available with 'Real Ale' brewed for the Clarion CC Sunday 27th March 10am Clarion CC (Heanor Clarion) hilly 12 mile Time Trail on the AH/8 course Between Ashbourne and Belper. Entries in advance as per CTT rules to: M Taylor-Wilde 145 Ilkeston Road, Marlpool, Heanor. Derbyshire DE75 7LX 12pm Club run to the Bentley Brook Inn, Fenny Bentley Then on to the Isaac Walton Hotel for a group photograph to commemorate the first Easter conference in 1895 7pm-12pm Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation Guest of Honour Mr Bryan Steel, Multiple Olympic and World Track Medalist Awards All annual racing and non-racing awards to be presented Other awards to include: Section mileage award for highest aggregate mileage for riding to Ashbourne Greatest number of members in attendance from one section Brian Braithwaite photographic award (display open to all members) Easter Meet Levy £30.00
Includes all evening entertainment and the annual dinner
Contact Jayne Bevitt on: 01767 314207, email: clarioncc @ntlworld.com
www.derbyshiredales. gov.uk/tourism/ashbourne.asp
Telephone: 01335 343666
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Every issue of “Boots” will have a round up of local news from the various Clarion Sections providing 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@hallane.ccom Richard Newcombe, Editor
BOLTON
A quartet of Bolton Clarion went over the Wortley Hall near Sheffield on bonfire weekend, three went to take part in the hill climb, one went for the beer. Admittedly Dave Hession also took part in the hill climb but as the weekend w 0 a social event Dave took advantage of all that was on offer. Back to the hill climb. Andy Horner took first place just missing the event record by one second and in doing so cemented his first place overall in the season long points table run by Peter Roscoe for top Clarion rider.
Andy Skinner and his son David also took part taking Bolton Clarion well up in the team points table.
MALHAM WEEKEND
With hopes high for a trouble free trip to Malham a large contingent of clarion members began their journey heading for Tockholes via Belmont then on through Pleasington.
Hopes of a trouble free ride were dented with a shout of ‘Puncture’. I can’t think of many hostel
weekends that have gone that smooth on the outward leg, it’s almost as if the bikes just aren’t going to take the extra weight without protest. So it was that breakdowns and punctures seemingly took first place in a telling manner. Obviously the route to the ‘Dales’ is as nice as ever though for many such scenery is taken for granted.
Malham was eventually reached, about four thirty pm. Darkness had fallen and riding with lights on along lanes without the familiar lamp posts was something of a novelty for some.
One or two of our stronger riders with a desire to down a pint or two had gone on ahead, no prizes for guessing who.
After a good evening meal and a nice chat about the day’s events the call of the pub grew stronger and off the members went. Some had been in the hotel for some time and it was quite obvious by some yardage who had had the most. These evenings are what the weekends are all about, good times, good yarns and relaxation to the full. The usual chaos ensued the following morning as bikes were retrieved from the bike shed
BURY
Atthe end of 2004 our membership had risen to 38. The last time we had a membership this size was over 30 years ago. Amongst these members is Vincent Eastwood who has proved to be one of our most active and enthusiastic members. He has been so enthusiastic in fact that he has introduced another new member Steven Hepworh to our club. We are then pleased to report that Vince won our time trial championship over 10, 25 and 50 miles, our 50 mile championship and our handicap championship. Philip Albiez retained his 25 mile championship and was only narrowly beaten by Vincent in the handicap championship. He also
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won our 10 miles championship over three tens. Most Sunday’s we have an impromptu clubrun. Alas the weekly reports in Bury Times each week do not bring any enquires about our activities. However, over the years these reports have meant the recruitment of some racing members and most of these have remained in membership.
Ten members rode 25 times in 10 Clarion promoted events and championships. This support resulted in Bury Section securing Sth place in the points championship. Bury members ran the Wortley hill climb
Our national secretary will be our guest of honour at our awards evening on the 12 March when we expect to enjoy the usual successful event after
all Bob and Christine Duckworth are in command. Besides weekly reports in Sports pages of Bury Times we also had a write up in the ‘Clubs Corner’ of this newspaper on the history of our club. This was written by a member of the local history society after an evening’s talk by me at one of their meetings. The report laid an emphasis on our glorious socialist past as did my talk although I was obliged to mention (as I do here) that I have been with the Clarion since 1949 for cycling not socialism. Three members lent their support on the evening as did our ever energetic national secretary who came down from Blackburn on the evening. Our delegates continue to attend Bury Cycling Forum and the Bury Sports Advisory Council’s meetings. This then is a valuable contribution to the cycling scene and also we keep the Clarion flag flying
On Friday 11 April Bury Clarion were part of a
strong contingent of cycling supporters attending the Bury Sportsmen of the year evening. Our entrants did not achieve any of the top awards but the validity of their nominations was recognised as they were named and called forward to receive medals in an Oscar's style presentation. Bury Clarion medallists were veteran Frank Jefferson for his 1300 mile ride from Rome to the Dome in 14 days, Simon and Adam Yates for their first and third places in the junior 2004 track league at the Veldodrome. Also awarded a medal was Bolton Clarion's Andy Horner for winning the Clarion's points competition and 50 mile championship. Andy couldn't be with us on the night as he was receiving his club champion award at Bolton Clarion's dinner. The Bury Sportsman award went to Ben Cranage of the Bury Cycle Speedway club. Bury Clarion were awarded a shield in recognition of our contribution to the local community.
FENLAND
Not too much racing for the Fenland over the winter, although they organised a counting round of the Eastern Region Cyclo Cross League in November.
They had to find a new venue at the last minute and switched to Stibbington Quarry near Wansford, where they have held short course Mountain Bike races in the past.
The event was run off in miserable conditions on an ‘Old School' traditional cyclo cross course and saw over 40 senior riders take part including Fenland's Dave MacNamara, plus Youth and Under 12 riders, including two riders from Fenland's Go Ride scheme.
Early December saw nine members embark on a Youth Hostel weekend to Ivinghoe in Bedfordshire, a round trip of 150 miles from Peterborough. Fenland's Dave Langlands, Paul Alison Lilley, Michelle Buck, Stephen Hope plus Lindsay Steve Clarke hooked up with CC Ashwell, a club that Jan Clarke and Jayne Bevitt cycle with from their Biggleswade base. Ian Jayne rode with the Ashwell from Biggleswade. Over the first weekend in February, five members rode to Lincoln and met up with four members of the Stockport Clarion. It was another 150 mile round trip for the hardy souls from
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Peterborough and was useful preparation for the upcoming racing season.
Throughout the winter months Fenland riders have been going out with various local groups on Sunday mornings and since Christmas with the local chaingang on Saturday mornings, to hone their speed in readiness for the 2005 season.
Mid February saw a number of Fenland riders combine one of the Sunday rides with a 100km Charity Ride organised by the Peterborough Cycling Club. The ride went from Market Deeping to Wymondham near Melton Mowbray and back and raised over £650 for the Deaf/Blind Society.
As Boots Spurs went to press the season had just started. The first weekend saw success for the Fenland ladies in the first round of the WCRA Handicap Series at Milton Keynes Bowl. Lindsay Clarke finished in 3rd place, while novice road racer Michelle Buck was one place behind in 4th. Jayne Bevitt also rode and finished in 17th place. Ian Clarke rode the accompanying 2/3 Cat race and was a useful 12th.
The following day was the Fenland's opening event in their Club TT series and Chris Wright (39.34) was victorious over Paul Lilley (40.07) and Phil Ackerman (40.39) over the 15 mile hilly, out and back route between Washingley and Folksworth.
OAKHILL
Inter Club Track Match. Bolton Clarion and Bury Clarion have been challenged to a three-way match at the Velodrome on Thursday 10th March, 8 10pm. By challenging them both, it stops them from strenthening their teams by pinching each others riders.
The Oakhill time trialing section is growing and hopefully even more members will give ita go during the coming season. Congratulations to Steve Smith who went unde the hour for 25 miles
and also finished Sth in the National Clarion Poionts Competition, also to Joe Hardman who finished 6th in the National Clarion Time Trial Championship over the distances 25, 50 and 100 miles. Joe also had a top ten place in the National Clarion Points Competition. Plans are in the pipeline to target Clarion events wherever practicable in the coming season as participating a roup is simply much more fun. If you fancy trying a time trial a godd starting event would be Bolton Clarion’s 10 miler on the A6 just North of Garstang on Saturday 23rd April at 2.00pm.
NOTTINGHAM
Fenland Clarion Road Race
Harvey and I had a go at the Fenland Clarion RR at Glapthorne near Oundle (near Peterborough) yesterday. If anyone fancies doing this race next year do so itis well organised and friendly with 4th cats preferred.
The weather was fantastic, the course was pretty safe and well marshalled with no crashes to report. Unfortunately it had a bit of a hill on the course
which caused me great pain on each lap (seven laps of a 5.8 mile circuit).
The pace was so hat that I think the bunch shed about 30 riders in the first two laps but Harvey and I hung on grimly and managed to finish with the pack. A Fenland Clarion rider managed to get away on his own to solo victory. I think was favourite for the “Lantern Rouge” prize for most of the race as I was usually in last place over the finishing point at the top of the hill until the last two laps when I think other riders were tiring faster than me!
See you
SUNDERLAND
A total of fifty five members and guests attended the section's annual dinner and prize presentation held at the Sea Hotel, South Shields in January 2005. South Shields is a small seaside town only a short drive north from its bigger seaside neighbour, Sunderland. Excellent meals were served and enjoyed from an a la carte menu and were followed by a welcoming speech given by section secretary Allan Smith. The prize presentation then took place with the trophies, awarded for a combination of individual events and season-long competitions, divided between only four members: Ian Taylor (8 awards); Allen Armstrong (5); Kirk Robb (2) and Clive Surman- Wells (1). A traditional raffle, with prizes mainly
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contributed by section members, was then held and realized a profit of £68 pounds. This more than helped to defray expenses with the remainder going to section funds.
The section's open promotions for 2005 cater for the road/track rider with two criterium events held in Hetton Lyons Country Park on Saturdays in March; for the short distance time triallist with a'25' to be held on the sporting Ponteland course in June; and for the hill climbing specialist a hill climb on the infamous Silverhills scheduled for September. Points will be awarded to Clarion riders in any of these events and will count towards the season-long National Clarion competition. The hill climb, from personal experience, is an event that older clarion riders should not fail to miss!
Mrs Lottie Hurling who resides at the Woodberry Grove Care Home, Wellington Road, Bush Hill Park, Enfield EN1 2PW was one hundred years
old on the 25th of February.
She, with her late husband, were great tandemists in the North London Union and even at the age of 99 she remains very familiar with the old Clarion cry of Boots and Spurs. She says ‘cycling keeps you fit! and she
should know. The Club honours the name of this great Clarion Centurion and an
appropriate tribute will be sent on behalf of all members
CLARION KIT
Watch out at the Easter Meet for the sample short sleeved
Clarion Jerseys
in colours Red and Yellow
OPENNG OFFER PRICE OF £35.00 TO THE FIRST SIX ORDERED
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%
Clarion email newsletter
of all 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.
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
Archive material wanted
wanted.
A serious lack of archive information has been noticed by the Committee who are currently investigating having a permanent display at the Pump House People’s History Museum.
GET YOUR NEWS AND VIEWS ALL AROUND THE CLUB
EMAIL OR POST YOUR INFO TO:
RICHARD NEWCOMBE 67 HALL LANE, WERRINGTON, PETERBOROUGH PE4 6RA or richard@hallane.com
good sharp photos welcome, or high res jpeg if sent by email
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THE 2004 FINANCIAL REPORT
The 2004 financial statements reveal that we have substantially increased our spending. The result is that previously accumulated funds have been reduced by £1 823. This is in accord with the policy of developing our club whilst we have excess funds. We have also released £1000 from the Harold Lamb/Geoff Manson ring fenced fund as a contribution towards the costs of producing Pedal Power by the Mikron theatre. If the present rate of spending continues, which will probably be the case, then in two or three years the committee will
have a proposal to annual conference that we increase subscriptions. This, of course, will have to be done in good time as the benefit will not accrue until the year following the Annual Conference agreeing to the increase.
Any member wishing to have a copy of the concise version of the financial statements
please ring Peter Roscoe on 0161 761 6856.
Peter Roscoe
THE POINTS COMPETITION
I think its safe to say that the first of these competitions went very well last year and now we can look forward to an even more successful competition this year. From my point of view the great advantage of this competition is that there are no formalised rules and I can enhance the guidelines as the circumstance unfold. For example Pauline Cooper after starting the Bolton ten hit a car as the result of the action of an inattentive motorist. Although she was not seriously injured she did require medical attention. So a suggestion was made that we give 5 points for every entrant who had taken the trouble to start an event. Later in the season Frank Jefferson endured a mechanical failure in the Clarion’s 50 championship. Under normal circumstances he would have packed but he continued to the finish because he was riding the event for our section’s points. In the event I agreed with him that he every
participant also deserves 5 points for finishing. Like most other competitions dependent on scores there are flaws but the percentage basis can be relied upon to find a worthy winner whilst including the contribution of every participant to their section’s points. The flaw is that below average riders have a scoring advantage in low fields. To amend would mean a complex system which I am inclined to avoid.
I do have the email addresses of all last year’s competitors but a trial mailing last year was not successful maybe people are not opening unrecognised email addresses. So if you get an email from susan@lomax2000 its from me. Otherwise if anyone wants the latest position they should ring me on 0161 761 6856.
Peter Roscoe
WINTER
Winter. For most cyclists, conjures up visions of cold toes, runny noses and sweaty boredom pedaling away in the basement. Riders are reminded of cold drizzle dripping down from helmets and soggy backsides. Most just want to endure winter, to somehow hang on until spring when the real training begins. Winter doesn’t have to be a training purgatory a lot can be accomplished that will make you fitter and faster for the season ahead. If this time is wasted with non-productive activities, you’ Il be off the back in early races and spend the spring trying to catch up.
TRAINING
The smart rider takes advantage of this time to get a jump on the upcoming season.
Plan Ahead Improve Strength Build Cardiovascular Endurance Improve Leg Speed Spin-ups Isolated Leg Lose Weight Get Mentally tougher
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AMY McLARTY BOLTON SECTION
The affection and esteem in which Amy was held was evident at her recent funeral when those attending massed into the West Chapel of Bolton Crematorium. It seemed as though there were as many standing as sitting. Besides her partner Tony Bowles, her three daughters and two grandchildren there was a grand contingent of current and former members of Bolton Clarion. Representatives from other clubs attended including Bury Clarion, Horwich CC and Lancashire Road Club, life long friends, neighbours and care home colleagues from where she worked before her retirement were also there to celebrate a life well lived. The national committee was represented by treasurer Peter Roscoe. The priest who conducted the service expressed his surprise at the number of congregating but those attending knew that this would be the case. In his service the priest made a brief outline of Amy’s love of cycling, her association with Bolton Clarion and the support of her partner Tony. Amy had loved her cycling and her membership of Bolton Clarion. Her interest did extend to our Clarion club and she attended many Easter Meets and Wortley Hall weekends. Not only was she an enthusiastic club girl she also raced and returned times as a veteran that many of her male contemporaries would have been satisfied with. She was also secretary of Bolton section for many years. During this period she contributed to the revival of Bury Clarion. This was recognised when she was invited to be guest of honour at a Bury Clarion reunion.
JACK KILPATRICK
Jack Kilpatrick life long member of the National Clarion Cycling Club passed away on the sixteenth February 2005.
Jack joined the Glasgow section of the National Clarion in 1947 and cycle raced under thye colours of The West of Clarion C&AC until family and work duties took over. Jack and Jean his wife, also a Clarion member of the Glasgow section, have for more years than I can remember turned out to help and marshall the Tour de Trossachs mountain timetrial.
Jack and Jean, with Willie and Nancy Pollack, attended numerous Easter Meets.
He will be sadly missed.
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 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 21:17 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/Derby1.46.01 1976 Dennis Hoe Notts/Derby1.51.05 1976 Francis Grafton Notts/Derby 1.53.50 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
Lets go on a club run 1950-style
by Ken Britain
When the Ashton Clarion Cycle Club won the team prize in the Manchester District Time Trials Associations 25-mile time trial (Along the East Lancs Road) on May 15th 1949 the combined time of Harry Hyde (1-3-48), Ronnie Horner (1-1-27) and the writer (1-3-39) was a Clarion team record.
There seems to be a lot of interest in the golden days of cycling in the late 1940’s and 1950’s and as I read the articles and letters the ghost of my old eagerness stirs and the memories come flooding back.
Although I am still club cycling, it isn’t like the halcyon days after the war, when traffic was minimal and the sun always seemed to shine.
To give lie to that last statement, the lifelong friendships forged then were because of the mutual help given and received on wet and windy Sunday afternoons with the wind full in the face and still 50 miles from that lovely coal fire burning in the home hearth.
There was no chance of ringing Dad or the wife to come for you in the car, as happens now, for there were precious few cars and telephones.
Cycling clubs enjoyed immense popularity in fact cycling and cycle racing (or time trials as they were and still are called) was the major participating sport despite virtually no publicity apart from the cycling press.
Clubs often had three sections with upwards of 20 riders in each. The ‘A’ training section, the for potterers and their families which was often replete with tandems, sidecars and sometimes even triplets!
Each section had a separate Sunday route, but usually everyone met up at tea-time at a cyclists cafe where prodigious amounts of food and gallons of tea were consumed. A full tea cost 1/9d to 2/-, lunch was 2/- to 2/6d and a pot of tea was 4d. I'd like to describe a typical ‘A’ section run by members of the Ashton Clarion Cycling Club circa 1949, a scene repeated many hundreds of times each Sunday around the British Isles.
Picture the forecourt of the Odean at Guide Bridge, about seven miles east of Manchester, on a cold and misty late February Sunday morning, and look towards Ashton-under-Lyne to see Edith and Bill twiddling their fixed wheel lightweights along Stockport Road, probably followed by Cyrus trundling his multi-geared Gillott bike somewhat less stylishly and all to leap off at the Odeon and
jump up and down or whatever to keep the extremities as warm as possible.
There would be a succession of ex-Army-clothed characters in combat jackets, Naval pullovers and invariably baggy plus fours and socks, arriving one by one, some not too bright of countenance (usually including myself) after a good time the night before in the hostelries of Ashton or Oldham, but ready to absorb the hammering the day would invariably bring.
Cyril Cartwright was second in the World Championships in Copenhagen that year so this was, for those days, quite serious stuff.
We would leave at 9.30am peddalling on low fixed gears, getting warmed up, with many a chuckle about the happenings of the night before and a lot of banter: what could be more natural for happy people about to enjoy a good day? The speed would increase, a steady 18 to 20 mph being achieved by each pair of riders taking a ten minute turn at the front, which was an unspoken but accepted rule of these rides. There were casualties of course: weaker riders fell back, but as long as the two girls, Edith and Doreen, were still there it was hard luck for anybody else. The theory was that if women could hang on there was no excuse for anybody else.
The big crunch used to come after about 40 miles. Ten miles from the lunch stop it became a survival of the fittest with everyone’s eyeballs out to see who would be the first into Whitchurch.
After a couple of pints of the amber liquid and a good lunch, usually accompanied by a good laugh and a discussion about politics, religion, girls or whatever, everyone would be raring to go again. Even in winter the lanes in Cheshire and Shropshire were a delight and our afternoon meanderings, although at a lively pace, were a joy. Towards Newport and Market Drayton we peddalled, again the mlast five miles to the ‘tea place’ being with everyone struggling to keep ona wheel. Mrs Lowe’s cafe at Somerford catered for probably 200 each Sunday: how these places coped in times of rationing was a miracle. The food was basic but good. The ride home in the winter darkness often under a glorious moon wqas more leisurely, with a stop for a convivial pint and a chat on the way, but the real joy was the feeling of mutual achievement with more than 100 miles having passed beneath the wheels.
Mind you, it was usually a trial to look bright eyed
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and bushy tailed at work on Monday mornings, but with much leaning on the bench or desk we seemed to survive and live to ride another day. It was a hard life with basic equipment and clothing, but at least our bicycles were beautiful lightweights.
The purpose-made clothing and sophisticated equipment had yet to be invented, but the old
phrase ‘what you never had you never miss’ was never more true and I’m sure the older generation is more self reliant because of it.
These times ‘just after the war’ were wonderful for cycling big cycling clubs, empty roads because of petrol rationing and that special feeling of relief at the end of hostilities.
National Clarion 25 time trial
Ona fine autumn day four members of the Oakhill section set off from Lancashire to drive south for the 25 Mile Time Trial Championship event organised by Francis Grafton and his comrades in the Nottingham Section. As we sped down the Al
in our minibus the weather definitely looked very threatening so we were all very pleased to see the sun shining when we arrived at the event headquarters. many riders were already busy warming up so I decided rather than waste my limited reserves of energy would have a cup of tea and a piece of homemade Carrot Cake (carbo loading!!).
The event had attracted a field of 98 riders and as the day was fine and sunny with just a touch of breeze it was rather surprising that 33 riders failed to appear, some but alas not all, having the courtesy to forward an apology.
Clarion riders comprised a quarter of the field with six different Sections being represented, I found thios level of support most pleasing and have little doubt that the new Points competition was succeeding in encouraging riders to travel further to events than they may have done in the past.
I have never ridden in this part of England before and my somewhat pedestrian pace gave me the chance to have a good look at the surrounding countryside, it also gave numerous riders the opportunity to shout a few words of encouragement as they sped past me.
Eventually I made it to the finish and in daylight too, much to the delight of many a doubting marshal. My time was slow, but my goals achieved; I hadn’t got lost thanks to some excellent marshalling; I had thoroughly enjoyed myself participating in a friendly and well organised event; I had picked up at least one point in the Points Competition but most important of all, by virtue of setting off about five hours before him, I had beaten Derek Hodgins of Stockport Clarion to the cake stall, just!
So a big vote of thanks to Nottingham Clarion, my comrades and I, and I am sure all other Clarion riders had a most enjoyable day and will be making the effort to ride when Nottingham next host an event in 2006.
Well done to the winners, both riders and organisers.
Result
Men: Fastest Dave Langlands Fenland 58.09 Second Mark Botteley Fenland 59.21 Third Andy Horner Bolton 59.55
Women: Fastest Kathryn Smith Nottingham 1.10.52 Second Jane Bevitt Fenland 1.11.46
Handicap First H/cap Mark Botteley Fenland 52.21 2nd H/cap Dave Langlands Fenland 52.54 3rd H/cap Andy Horner Bolton 53.40
Fastest Vet on Standard Derek Hodgins(70) Stockport +19.48
Fastest Team of 3 riders (aggregate) Fenland 2.59.35 Dave Langlands 58.09, Mark Botteley 59.21, lan Clarke 1.02.05
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ECTION INFORMATIO
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
EAST MIDLANDS Heanor Clarion Nottingham Clarion
NORTH-EAST Sunderland Clarion Teeside Clarion
Ann Burchell
Anne Taylor Wilde Paul Harwood
Allan Smith Colin Armstrong
NORTH-WEST (Cheshire Lancashire)
Bolton Clarion
Bury Clarion
Clitheroe Clarion Crewe Clarion Wheelers Manchester Stretford Oakhill Clarion CC Stockport Clarion Lancaster Clarion
SCOTLAND West of Scotland Clarion
SOUTH AND EAST Brighton Hove Fenland Clarion London Clarion
WEST MIDLANDS Birmingham Herefordshire
WALES Gwynedd
YORKSHIRE Calder Clarion York Clarion
Tony Bowles Peter Roscoe Edward Ireland Andy Grace Christopher Goode Charles Jepson Julian Mortel Donald Taylor
John Harris
Dr Ian Bullock Ken Clarke Peter Shepherdly
Roger Shayes Alvin Smith
Robin Hartley
Andrew Spittlehouse Jean Hall
Honiton
Heanor Nottingham
Sunderland Middlesborough
Bolton
Bury Clitheroe Crewe Scarborough Whalley Manchester Lancaster
Cumbernauld
Brighton Peterborough Hounslow
Solihull Wigmore
Rachub
Wakefield Leeds
01404 891740
01773 761299 O115 9126436
0191 584 8948 01947 880488
01204 491595 0161 7616856 01200 446488 01270 841836 01723 341050 01254 51302
01625 575959 01524 382673
01236 730157
01273 682133 01733 562217 0208 5729672
0121 603 7536 01568 770327
01248 605424
01226 709436 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
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CURRENT CLARION OFFICIALS
Secretary Charles Jepson Aysgaard, Beardwood Brow, Blackburn, BB2 7AT ..........00..0000c cece 01254 51302 President John Lees
38 Nook End Road, Heanor, Derbys, DE75 7QQ
Vice President Tan Clarke,
31 Poppy Field, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 8TU 01767 314207
Treasurer Peter Roscoe
Standing Orders Sec. Denis Pye
Racing Secretary Jackie Mortel
14 Ingersley Road, Bollington, Cheshire SK10 5RF ...............0.0.0 eee! 01625 575959 Easter Meet Organiser Jayne Bevitt
01767 314207
31 Poppy Field, Biggleswade, Beds. SG18 8TU
Membership Secretary Merlin Evans
Records Secretary Audrey Waddilove
36 Brookland Drive, Sandbach, CW11 OLX 2... 01270 761446 Wortley Hall Organiser ‘Peter Roscoe ssi, onic abs- Pome reeks 0161 761 6856 Newsletter Editor Richard Newcombe
67 Hall Lane, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6RA 01733 706498 email: richard @hallane.com
Press Officer Peter Roscoe
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 NG4 1ES 01159 873118 Nick Biden, 50 Highfield Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 6EP .01614 855437 Ruth Coates, Oakhill College, Wiswell Lane, Whalley BB7 9AF 01254 823546
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Clarion Easter Meet
2005 Ashbourne ys
Derbyshire 25th 28th March 2005
"If you only ever go to one Easter Meet, Ashbourne should be the one."
Why not ride out to join the Clarion at Ashbourne in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales?
CLARION: CYCLING: CLUB|
in first Easter meet The bourne since the
arion’s first ever in 1895.
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
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