title page
CLARION HOUSE
AN ARTIST PROJECT
BY ALAN J WARD
CLARION SUNDAY: SEPTEMBER 19TH 2021
A PENDLE RADICALS COMMISSION
BY MID PENNINE ARTS
All roads lead to... FELLOWSHIP IS LIFE
Barnoldsw
Black Blackpo
Bolt Brighton & Ho
Bu Crewe Clarion
Clither Cyclists’ To
East Br Leeds Cycling
Lond Nation National Cl
North Chesh North Lancashire Cla Nottingham Clarion + Tan
Pendle Rough Stuff
Saddlewor
Se Sou Stockp
Todm Yorkshire Co Cotswold Clarion [in
#I_AM_CLARION
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#I_AM_CLARION
CLARION HOUSE
AN ARTIST PROJECT
BY ALAN J WARD
CLARION SUNDAY: SEPTEMBER 19TH 2021
All roads lead to...
A PENDLE RADICALS COMMISSION
BY MID PENNINE ARTS
14.06.2020 CLARION SUNDAY A virtual ride from M21 > Clarion House
digital video, 13m 23s, a fly-through created in mapmyride and google earth
CLARION SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH 2021: #I_AM_CLARION
As an artist I’m a collector of stuff. I’m to be found buying things on eBay that will at some point in the future inform or appear in a project at an appropriate moment. These invariably include old maps, photographs and in particular ‘lost negatives’. Amongst my collection, there are numerous cycling related items. When Mid Pennine Arts approached me to discuss working on something to celebrate Clarion Sunday 2020, I immediately began to think of my old cycling maps and the journeys that have been made to Clarion House over the many decades.
At this point my engagement was loosely titled ‘Fellowship of the Wheel’ after William Morris’ reference. I began immersing myself in the Clarion culture and then suddenly we were engulfed by a pandemic. I’d just bought a gravel bike before lockdown and took the opportunity of my one hour daily exercise routine to explore the tracks and paths around the Mersey Valley on my doorstep, as a way of escaping the confines of the city.
As Clarion Sunday drew nearer it became clear that the event would have to be cancelled. I wondered about the route I might have taken on my new bike if I’d been riding there, and made a little video exploring the journey from my home to Jinny Lane. Partly inspired by the fly-throughs of Tour de France stage previews, it was a reminder of the varied landscapes we inhabit on our bikes, and a gentle nod to the celebration that
couldn’t happen. A ride from a city, through its industrial heartland, out to the wide open countryside. Very much a journey referencing the liberation and mobility the bicycle gave the working classes in the formation of those first Clarion clubs. I launched the video online the morning of the 14th June 2020, the day we should all have been gathering at Clarion House.
Somehow a year was lost to limited riding and Clarion Sunday 2021 was again delayed. Almost a year to the day of my video, mainstream press began running stories that the National Clarion Club had voted to remove references to socialism from its constitution, ‘after a majority of members decided it was “divisive and non-inclusive” and could alienate new members.’
As someone who believes strongly we are informed by our geographies, whether these are physical or metaphorical, it seemed particularly sad that those formative links were being written away, it’s what makes Clarion Cycling so unique – its USP in modern terms.
The commission suddenly took on a different energy. On two previous projects, I’ve adopted a character’s persona in making a piece of work (a journeyman footballer in one, and an engineer/photographer in another), and I began to do the same with this piece of work. I made a simple declaration #I_Am_Clarion and began sharing it on social media. I combined old glass negatives of cyclists with the statement and also made self portraits, using a 100 year
old camera. I created a limited edition printed musette with the message as a visible yet abstract statement of identity. It was about sharing a pride in the heritage. I became a fully paid up Clarion cyclist, kit and all.
Others began using it in their social media, a club produced a bike frame sticker using the declaration. I realised, despite not riding with Clarion groups on club runs, I felt part of something, I had a shared identity and commonality.
Making this book is a small reflection of what being part of Clarion means. It appears the original foundations of the Clarion message may sadly not be universally acceptable, with some cyclists seeing the word ‘socialist’ as having negative connotations. But the basic belief and principle that society needs to be fairer and more just is increasingly prescient, and for that alone, its socialist roots and spirit should not be forgotten, indeed it should be widely celebrated.
It was a privilege to finally make this piece of work through the Pendle Radicals project funding, to collaborate with Charles Jepson, who has been so supportive in preparation, and to meet all the participants. I thank you for your time and written contributions, you have all made this what it is: a collective piece of work.
I look forward to riding out to next year’s Clarion Sunday and just being part of it, come rain or shine.
Alan J Ward
Bacon’s Cycling Road-Map of NW region, from personal collection of the artist
All roads lead to... Ride made on 18 April 2021 by Alan J Ward to Clarion House by road name and turn, [first Sunday Clarion House reopened after pandemic]
‘All roads lead to... FRONT DOOR
Right onto Silverdale Road Right onto Edgerton Rosd North
Left onto Wilbraham Road Right onto St Werburgl's Road
Nell Lane Left onto Burton Read
Right across St Peters Sq Left onto Qaiaadg
Right onto Deramore Str Left onto Great Southern Street Right onto Santiago Street Right onto Claremont Road Left onto Yew Tree Foad Right onto Wilbraham Road Right onto Edgerton Roid North Left onto Silverdale Road FRONT DOOR 18 April 2021 78.08 miles -4020ft clevation sunny weather #1 km Clarion
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CLARION SUNDAY 2021 SOME VERY ROUGH DATA FROM PERMISSIONS FORMS
92
110
Barnoldswick Clarion Blackburn CTC Blackpool Clarion Bolton Clarion Brighton & Hove Clarion Bury Clarion Crewe Clarion Wheelers Clitheroe Clarion Cyclists’ Touring Club East Bradford CC Leeds Cycling Campaign London Clarion National Clarion National Clarion 1895 Nelson CC North Cheshire Clarion North Lancashire Clarion C+AC Nottingham Clarion + Tandem Club Pendle Forest CC Rough Stuff Fellowship Saddleworth Clarion Sedbergh CC Southport CC Stockport Clarion Todmorden CC Yorkshire Coast Clarion Cotswold Clarion [in absentia]
3500
149.1 miles
the car park according to one form!
37
Portraits taken
Participants in photographs
Cycling clubs listed on forms [alphabetical order]
Rough total mileage of #I_Am_Clarion participants
Longest ride by bike on the day
Shortest travelled
Locations ridden from
Boots!
Charles Jepson
I joined the Clarion Cycling Club some 30 years ago because I was sympathetic with the aims of those early pioneers who, in 1894 founded a Cycling Club ‘to combine the pleasures of cycling with the propaganda of socialism’. I did not expect to be discussing Marx and Engels whilst out cycling the lanes. What I did expect to fi nd, and I was not disappointed, was the comradeship of progressive people who share the founders’ beliefs that a new and fairer form of society was possible. A society where people would work harmoniously together for the common welfare; a socialist society with Justice as its Foundation and Love its Laws.
‘MEET A STRANGER, MAKE A NEW FRIEND’ IS WHAT THE CLARION COMRADESHIP MEANS TO ME
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE: SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
Zz z
SALFORD
Seán and Dawn Warren: Bolton Clarion Rode from Salford, joined up with with Ben Greenaway and Nigel Blandford, camped overnight at Clarion
CLARION HOUSE
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE If cultural heritage were measured in ‘cow shite’ then we have lots of it! [SW]
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Ben Greenaway Rode from Old Trafford, Manchester
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE There’s lumps of it, but these days it’s hidden round the back – hidden away from view but in quiet resurgence
Nigel Blandford: Bury Clarion Rode from Bury
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Cycling plus bonuses
NORTHWICH
Neil Shand: North Cheshire Clarion Rode from Northwich with Tom Bannister and Jim Todd, overnight at Clitheroe, then to Clarion House and back
CLARION HOUSE
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Tom Bannister: North Cheshire Clarion Rode from Warrington, overnight at Clitheroe, then to Clarion House and back
Jim Tod: North Cheshire Clarion Rode from Warrington, overnight at Clitheroe, then to Clarion House and back
MELLOR
John Verity: Nelson Rode from Mellor, Blackburn
CLARION HOUSE
CYCLING + SOCIALISM = HEAVEN
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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Rochdale Clarion Cycling Club © Local Studies Centre, Touchstones Rochdale, Rochdale Arts & Heritage Service
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Andrew Livesey: London Clarion
I’ve been a member of the Clarion since 1958, I was Club Captain of Burnley Clarion CC in the 1960s.
The Clarion was an important part of my ‘growing up’ my mother was weavers union and ILP. My father supported her. He was in the motor trade.
Yesterday, Saturday, I set a record for riding up Pendle Hill on an electric bike. In 1961 I rode the Nick o’ Pendle Hill Climb in 5 minutes 35 seconds, age 15, one of the fastest in the day, yesterday I did it in 5 minutes 40 seconds on an electric bike – you still have to pedal. 5 seconds after 60 years is good, I think.
My bike, in the photo, is a Hill Special, made at the Clarion Cycle Works in Padiham, Lancs by Adam Hill. It’s a 1951 track bike, sold in Paris, France, used at the Paris cycle track, Parc des Princes. Possibly ridden by Reg Harris for training for the Festival of Britain 1951. Although he was working for Raleigh it is known that he had Hill Specials.
IT WAS A MAJOR PART OF MY CHILDHOOD
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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Alan Kiddle: London Clarion Rode from Blackburn
Nick Butler: London Clarion Rode from Blackburn
a
2 3 3
William Brownlow
Rode from Bolton
CLARION HOUSE
Skülly: London Clarion Rode from Manchester and Heptonstall
My cycling pal and I arrived at Manchester mid morning
on Saturday, the day before Clarion Sunday. We rode interesting
& picturesque miles up the Rochdale Canal, stopping for a certain
fermented ‘performance’ drink at The Summit pub, then down into
the lushly wooded cut to Todmorden and Hebden Bridge.
Leaving the canal, we pushed our tent-laden machines up the
steepest cobbled path I have ever seen, then a steep road, to Heptonstall.
Made our dinner on bit of Common nearby: then tents up when it was
a bit darker, a little more fermented liquid, and sleep.
Up late to let some rain (and headaches) subside,
riding absolutely stunning country up and across the moors,
down to Nelson and up once more to Clarion House.
Proud to say we spotted Red Plaques back in Manchester
commemorating Chartists and the St Peter’s Fields battle.
How refreshing that civic pride extends to socialists up here.
MANCHESTER
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No words could be read on this page.
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Graham Wareing Rode from Downham
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Real value, especially at the moment!
Ian Appleby: Blackburn Cyclists Touring Club Rode from Haslingden
Tim Mitchell and family: Saddleworth Clarion
The Clarion is fellowship and history, it is my heritage and
the radical fight the Clarion fought has provided my family
and community with much to be proud of.
It is a shared vision of a future free of exploitation,
a story that is not yet finished.
I am Clarion, a European, born of Yorkshire grit and
Northern Passion, progressive and inclusive. I am proud to
have added my story to that of the Clarion.
IT IS A SHARED VISION OF A FUTURE FREE OF EXPLOITATION, A STORY THAT IS NOT YET FINISHED
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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Ross Glover: Bolton Clarion Rode from Bolton
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Meeting nice people
Gary Mellor: Rough Stuff Fellowship Rode from Whalley
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Fundamental part of North West social and cycling history
Leon lveson
Chris, Brian and Stephen Nightingale: Clitheroe Clarion
[ BRIAN ] I was president of National Clarion and served on the committee – 1966
Ann Wareing Rode from Downham
Andrew Bibby: Todmorden Harriers Rode from Todmorden
STALYBRIDGE
STOCKPORT
CLARION HOUSE
Paul Manchester: Saddleworth Clarion Rode from Stalybridge
Paul Manchester
David Grimwood
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John Rooney: Saddleworth Clarion Rode from Hyde
David Grimwood: Saddleworth Clarion + CTC Rode from Stockport
Peter Neumann: Cyclists Touring Club Rode from Burnley
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Long history
Adam Neumann Rode from Burnley
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Fellowship is life
Fascism Iu SPAIN OLersnaw= Case Maz 38
Warts ~THEE®2o SEPT 38
9
Robin Hatherell: North Lancashire Clarion Rode from close by
BURY
CRUMPSALL
CLARION HOUSE
Kevin Nolan: Bury Clarion Rode from Bury with Phil Karran and Mikey Tattersall (Crumpsall)
BEING PART OF AN ‘OWD’ MOVEMENT
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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Phil Karran: Bury Clarion
Rode from Bury
Mikey Tattersall: Bury Clarion Rode from Crumpsall
Lesley and Nigel Hood: Bury Clarion Rode from Bury
Chris Maffei: Bury Clarion Rode from Bury
Paul Van Der Kamp Rode from Holcombe Brook
Alison Sugden: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
Frances Kelly: Lincolnshire Rode from Padiham
I ride to belong.
Belong to the land, taking my place on the road, knowing
we’re all just out there on our own roads, travelling our own
journeys. Other cyclists inspire me, challenge and collaborate
in these miles and moments; we find others sharing a view,
a mile of greasy tarmac, a hot drink in a warm cafe and a
moment of ourselves.
Cycling keeps me sane: a place to think the unthinkable,
speak the unspeakable and feel feelings that anywhere else
might render us breathless and incapable. Riding out at bike
pace vividly reveals the world to us; and we understand our
temporary custodianship of this incredible planet.
In cycling, we pass more lightly across the land and leave less
traces of our brief lives. Those who rode before us fought
fascism, injustice, poverty, and prejudice; and we owe our
freedom to ride to their sacrifice, conviction and courage.
Chapeau la Clarion!
THE PROMISE OF THE ROAD AHEAD
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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a. 4 vi Hannah Dobson and family P-tgeh.
Rode from Barley
Diane Hill Rode from Clitheroe
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No words could be read on this page.
LANCASTER
CLARION HOUSE
Bruce Bennett Rode from Lancaster with James Fox and Bill Dudman
HOPEFUL
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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James Fox Rode from Lancaster
James Fox
“NOW MY LADS MASH AWAY”
The Lancashire Loombreakers’ Riot at Middle Mill,
Helmshore in 1826 was the starting point for this cycle top.
Mary Hindle, a mill worker from Helmshore, was sentenced to
transportation for life to Australia for shouting “now my lads,
mash away” to the men entering Middle Mill that year and
supposedly inciting a riot. Mary was held at Lancaster gaol
for nine months before being deported to Australia where she
committed suicide six years later, never to see her husband
and child again.
I wore this top to cycle from Lancaster to the Clarion House
on Clarion Sunday, closely following the route taken by Mary
Hindle, in reverse, when transported to Lancaster Castle
through the Ribble Valley and the Trough of Bowland.
Installation photograph of James Fox’s ‘Now my lads , mash away’ cycling shirt part of ‘Rights, Riots & Routes’ at Helmshore Mill, British Textile Biennial 2021
Bill Dudman Rode from Lancaster
Matthew Hargreaves: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barrowford
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE The sense of brotherhood, cycling with like minded people
George Bradbury: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Amazing heritage!
Albert Counsell: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
Alistair Sherriffs and Judith Howard: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE It’s brilliant we live in a beautiful area for cycling and the company is great!
CREWE
CLARION HOUSE
Brandon Edgeley and Ian Wilson: Crewe Clarion Wheelers Rode from Crewe
GREAT SOCIALIST TRADITION NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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CLARION SUNDAY 2021
I asked around the CCW randonneurs to see who was interested in a 240km bike ride starting very early with the aim of getting to Clarion House, Nelson for 10am/11am, spending a couple of hours there and then heading home. Only Ian Wilson came forward, inspired by our trip a couple of weeks earlier to The Dover Cycle Fellowship where Charles Jepson had given an excellent talk on the Clarion’s history.
Ian plotted a route out and I plotted the route back. We met at 05:00 at Wells Green and set off, both of us feeling overdressed., within an hour we were cold and wet. We rode through Crewe, Middlewich, Ashley and Altrincham. In Altrincham we picked up the canal network that would take us right though the heart of Manchester, safely away from the traffic, the compromise was the slower speed of the variable surfaces which would make our overall day longer. Just South West of Prestbury we picked our way through the excellent Drinkwater Park, offroad trails through the woods again sacrificing speed for scenery and the absence of traffic (apart from the early dog walkers). The trails took us to Radcliffe where we found a McDonalds serving breakfast including great coffee and a refuge from the cold, when I got in my clothes were cold and damp and my fingers had turned white. We watched in disbelief as at least 10 Uber or Just Eat drivers collected food for delivery to people in the vincinity who couldn’t be bothered getting it themselves in the half an hour or so we were there.
I was in a much better frame of mind as we left feeling a lot warmer, it wasn’t long before the sun poked
through occasionally and warmed us up nicely. We rode a really rough lane that took us eventually to the A680 for an absolutely superb descent into Rawtenstall. Next to Burnley where again we jumped on a canal towpath to get away from the traffic, we were already behind schedule so what’s another 5 miles at 10mph? We passed a couple of riders on the path who were also heading to the Clarion House, a brief chat and we pushed on to Nelson where we went to the Morrisons to get some dinner to eat at the Clarion House (as they only usually serve tea /coffee). With my provisions and some of Ian’s stowed in my saddlebag it made the uphill out of Nelson a slow affair, we passed through Roughlee where we stopped for a photo of the Alice Nutter monument. Alice was found guilty of being one of the Pendle Witches and hung in Lancaster, the bulk of the testimony coming from a 12 year old! Onward to the Clarion House which was further up the hill, you could see it about 1/2 mile away as there were flags and cyclists in colourful outfits outside. We were greeted on entry by Charles Jepson who said there was free sandwiches and cake laid on as well as other things.
I said a brief hello to Neil Shand from North Cheshire Clarion who had cycled up the day before with two other members and camped nearby. We had sandwiches and cake and a big mug of tea whilst we chatted to a chap from Todmorden and were entertained by a delightful Clarion Choir, all the time we were there we basked in absolutely glorious sunshine. As we were getting ready to go we bumped into Michael Prestwich, the chairman from the Dover Cycle Fellowship that we had visited two weeks earlier. No time to waste so we set off, 75 miles
done, 75 miles to do. Initially it was uphill then downhill to the outskirts of Padiham. Another traffic free bike path took us out of Accrington, albeit, slowly. On the far side of Accrington it got cold and wet again so it was back on with arm warmers and gilet. At Ramsbottom we purposely lost all our height to climb back up The Rake, #72 out of the top 100 uk climbs, over 1km at an average of 10% with a 25% max thrown in, again damp roads and a saddlebag did little to help my endeavours but I rode it in one without putting a foot down.
At Greenmount we passed a tea shed so got two take away teas and ate the dinner we had bought from Morrisons Nelson, which lightened my saddlebag for me. More slow progress, this time through Bolton as we used side and back streets away from the traffic. We passed a garage later on, it was now about 18:30. I used their toilet and got a bottle of Lucozade for the bidon.
It took forever to cross the Warburton Toll Bridge even though we were back on decent tarmac and making reasonable progress. High Leigh, Great Budworth, Northwich, Winsford and Church Minshull could not come quick enough especially as it was cold again and then dark, we got to the end of my drive at 20:30 and congratulated each other, Ian had a further 4 miles to get home, I had to have a bar of chocolate just to get me up the drive! I got home, absolutely shattered but delighted by such a fantastic experience at the Clarion House, they’re doing it again next June, so it will be pencilled in the diary. 150 miles, cold and wet, slow miles along canals etc were all worth it on balance for such a memorable day!
Brandon Edgeley and Ian Wilson: Crewe Clarion Wheelers
Mike Jay: Blackburn CTC Rode from Blackburn
Blackburn 4 District cre
Derek Graham: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Come here nearly every Sunday all year round
Juliet Horrocks: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE It’s just great being part of this cycling organisation
Alex Southern: London Clarion Rode from Blackburn
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Fellowship through cycling. Socialism, the hope of the world
lain Mentiply: London Clarion Rode from Blackburn
Dave Metcalfe: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Friendship, shared interests and values
Jeremy Rabjohns: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Companionship + support whilst cycling
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No words could be read on this page.
Georgina Ormrod: Rough Stuff Fellowship Rode from Burnley
As a local person and a socialist coming to the Clarion has been a big part of my life and my family’s.
KEEPING THE TRADITION GOING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS PROVIDES A GOOD LINK TO OUR CULTURAL PAST
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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Geoff Smith: Rough Stuff Fellowship Rode from Whalley
Allan Henson: Rough Stuff Fellowship Rode from Whalley
THIRSK
CLARION HOUSE
Chris Goode: Yorkshire Coast Clarion see following spread for details of rides
CELEBRATING FELLOWSHIP AND CYCLING
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
Saturday 18th September
Sunday 19th September
SCARBOROUGH
CLARION SUNDAY 2021 # I AM CLARION
The journey from Scarborough to Clarion House begins shortly after 9am on Saturday, 18th September. As usual it takes a while to cut down the luggage in the small Carradice saddlebag1, various pockets and a craftily positioned musette, inside the orange, Yorkshire Coast Clarion jersey. The plan is to ring Colin of Barnoldswick Clarion at 2pm, when near Ripon; he will then head eastwards and our paths cross on the road between Grassington and Pateley Bridge.
The Team Raleigh from the 1980s is ideal for such a journey over hilly terrain with a gear range from 33” to 75”, double chain ring and a six speed block, Brooks saddle, Schwalbe Durano tyres and Bluemels mudguards. It is a warm day and I am dressed for the predicted rain on Sunday so overheated at times. Shorts and a helmet are worn, with lights on front and rear. Tyre pressures at the lower end of what is recommended, on 25 mm tyres. The headset, which had too much play, is tightened before departure. Just the one large bottle to fuel the journey... and some spare powder2.
I stop a couple of times, in the first six miles, due to the mudguards rubbing on the tyres. All was well on the bike stand, but not when going uphill; this causes a reduction in pace and some frustration! Due to Forge Valley’s closure, the main route along Seamer Road is used to leave town. It is generally downhill and not particularly bike friendly, even with a cycle path for part of
the way – the usual narrowing due to the central reservations and poorly designed roads.
The first ten miles are fairly uneventful, though Graham goes past, as I fiddle with the back wheel, in Ayton. Our paths cross again on the back road towards Wilton. Another road is closed in Thornton le Dale, but I manage to get through and enjoy a mostly traffic free stretch before a detour through a farm yard. This helps avoid the main Malton to Pickering road; then, straight on to Kirby Misperton (home of Flamingo Land) and a different route to usual around Malton via Great Habton and Amotherby. There is a lovely gentle climb onto the Howardian Hills, and then to Coneythorpe (close to Castle Howard). I catch up with one cyclist and have a chat before pedalling on. The two cafes in Terrington tempt me, but I keep going to the Durham Ox in Crayke, perched on a hill, with many interesting buildings. Fluid levels were topped up with coffee, tonic water, a glass of water plus the water bottle re-filled. A friendly couple regale stories of cycling in France and more recently in Lancashire. He takes an interest in the bike and notices the 531 Reynolds tubing, built to last.
The terrain is flatter from this point so the pace picks up through Easingwold, Cundall, Asenby, Dishforth and along the minor road to Ripon. Here I make a quick phone call to Colin who is already on his way; sixty miles covered so far. Colin, Shaz and myself first met at the Southend Easter Meet, organised by the impressive London Clarion. We have enjoyed many adventures since then, most
recently a three day Wolds Way adventure, mainly in East Yorkshire, in May. Colin and Shaz3 are great supporters of Clarion House as volunteers, alongside Charles Jepson. All three do a massive amount of work to make Clarion Sunday such a success.
There is not too much traffic on leaving Ripon; the hills begin in earnest with a 1 in 5 near Risplith, mudguard still rubbing, then onto the tops near Brimham Rocks, before the swift descent into Pateley Bridge. Heading to the west is Greenhow Hill, a one and a half mile climb, starting steeply with temporary traffic lights two-thirds of the way up, as an extra challenge. The mudguard issue slowed the ascent and the lights were on red on one of the steeper sections. A bit further on I see Colin approaching and within a minute we ride together at a reasonable tempo. Another cyclist joins us, taking a tow but no shout of “boots” so not a Clarionette; perhaps he was short of oxygen! He turned off in Greenhow village, a desolate place even in fair weather, and he thanked us, as he headed in the direction of Harrogate.
Once we turn off the Grassington road, we find a wooden bench and share some jam sandwiches and watch some cyclists battle the incline. A technical descent follows, before passing a pub in Appletreewick; by chance Ed and Michelle, from near Scarborough, notice us so we stop and catch up. I’d mentioned a video on Clarion House to Ed a week or so ago and he had watched it learning more about the Clarion movement and its roots. Colin and I had about twenty miles to
Chris Goode: Yorkshire Coast Clarion
go, taking a beautiful walled, side road to Thorpe and Cracoe. By this stage I was ready to throw the offending mudguard into a field; as a temporary improvement, I took off the mudguard bridge and that helped considerably. Thence we pedal to Hetton, Gargrave and along a short stretch of the A59 to our destination, arriving not long after 6pm. The reward a superb fish pie and vegetables, with a fruit desert created by the Michelin starred Shaz.
One hundred and one miles covered at an average of 13.1 mph, with 6,427 feet of climbing. It was a good day out and the prospect of meeting up with many familiar friends the following day.
Clarion Sunday
Colin organised the Pop Harry Hill ride, starting from Clarion House and meeting a large contingent of over twenty members of Barnoldswick Clarion, in the centre of Barnoldswick. Matt led the ride and there were plenty of opportunities to chat to the riders from the different sections including Saddleworth, Blackpool and London Clarion. Photographs were taken at the bench. As you would expect from Colin, it was an undulating and ingenious ride, taking in some quiet lanes and spectacular views.
We caught up with a number of London Clarion members at the pub in Roughlee and it was particularly good to see Alan Kiddle, Alex Southern and Martin Perfect. As a result of the pandemic, we had not met for over a year. The spirit and comradeship
of Clarion Sunday shows that “Fellowship is Life” is more than a motto. David Bisset from Bolton kindly provided some sandwiches for all participants, the tea flowed and the many savoury and cake donations were much appreciated.
C. Goode
PS I am sure that someone will document the ride on Sunday more accurately as some of the roads were unfamiliar to me. It was approximately 26 miles and over 3000 ft of climbing. My Sunday ride on my Strava page continued to Thirsk, an extra 56 miles+ good hills.
Footnotes:
1. Made in Nelson, Lancashire
2. All Sports summer training fuel, manufactured in Doncaster. I would also recommend the winter training fuel
3. Colin and Sharon Urmston
Chris Goode: Yorkshire Coast Clarion
Image credits: Nick Hider
CLARION HOUSE
Colin and Sharon Urmston: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
IT’S GREAT TO SEE SOCIALISM IN ACTION AND MEET UP WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDLY PEOPLE
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
BARNOLDSWICK
BURNLEY
Note: This map shows both the rides of London Clarion from Burnley and the Pop Harry Hill ride to Clarion House in conjunction with Barnoldswick Clarion
Barnoldswick f
Clarion
Dorothy Altham: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
Pamela Prenton: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
HEBDEN BRIDGE
CLARION HOUSE
Tracy and Kevin Smith: Nottingham Clarion and Tandem Club Rode from Hebden Bridge
JOY OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS AND MEETING AMAZING PEOPLE
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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Jack Burrows: Nelson Clarion (Former)
Daniel Kramer and family: Saddleworth Clarion
CLARION HOUSE
BLACKPOOL
Andrew Kay: Blackpool Clarion Rode from Blackpool
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Paul Whitefield: Blackpool Clarion Rode from Clitheroe
Stephen Garthwright: Bolton Clarion Rode from Downham
Graeme Walters: National Clarion Rode from Clitheroe
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Everything
Nick Hider: Brighton & Hove Clarion Rode from Blackburn
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE Socialism and cycling is a unique combination which remains relevant today
CLARION HOUSE
THORNTON IN CRAVEN
Glyn and Paul Complin: Pendle Forest CC Rode from Thornton In Craven
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Dennis Thornler: North Lancashire Clarion Club run for many years
David Sherwood: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barrowford
Malcolm Sutcliffe: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
Mark Faulkner: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
Anthony Tomlinson: Barnoldswick Clarion Rode from Earby
KEIGHLEY
CLARION HOUSE
Paul Carr: East Bradford CC Rode from Keighley
NO WEAL SAVE COMMONWEAL
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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GIGGLESWICK
CLARION HOUSE
James Palmer: Sedbergh Rode from Giggleswick
WORKERS’ RIGHTS EGALITARIANISM A NORMAL WEEK HEALTH & FRIENDSHIP
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
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SADDLEWORTH
CHADDERTON
CLARION HOUSE
John Baker: Saddleworth Clarion Rode from Saddleworth
Steven McKenna
John Baker
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Steven McKenna: Saddleworth Clarion Rode from Chadderton
Neil Warner: Saddleworth Clarion Rode from Saddleworth
John Malone: Saddleworth Clarion Rode from Barnoldswick
Ian Bailey: Southport CC, RSF, CTC Circular route from Clarion House
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Bacon’s Cycling Road Map Sheet 3, from personal collection of the artist
Clarion House sign and Pendle Radicals panel, the panel celebrates the Clarion House’s importance to the region’s radical thinkers www.pendleradicals.org.uk
David Archer: North Cheshire Clarion Rode from Longridge
Nick Mackey: North Cheshire Clarion Rode from Clitheroe
CLARION HOUSE
CHORLEY
Bill Nickson, Erica Booth with Andrew Guy of Southport CC Rode from Chorley
LOVE THE HISTORY, VENUE, AND THE EVENT
SUM UP THE VALUE OF CLARION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE:
SHIRE
CLUB
CLARION HOUSE LEEDS
Jon Farley: Leeds Cycling Campaign Rode from Leeds with Allan Luckton, Kathy White and Andy Gibson
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Allan Luxton: Leeds Cycling Campaign Rode from Leeds
Kathy White: Leeds Cycling Campaign Rode from Leeds
Andy Gibson: Leeds Cycling Campaign Rode from Leeds
Tim Wadsworth: Cotswold Clarion
COTSWOLD CLARION & THE LEVELLERS
The Cotswolds probably doesn’t spring to mind when you think of
political radicalism. The area was once known for the high quality
of its sheep’s wool and honey coloured stone. More recently, it’s the
influx of the super-rich, which attracts the public’s attention.
And yet, on 17th May 1649, outside of Burford Church in Oxfordshire,
the Cotswolds witnessed the execution of three men on the orders of
Cromwell. They were leaders of 400 troops, the ‘Banbury Mutineers’
all of whom adhered to the ideas of the Levellers. Defeated by
Cromwell, and their base within the New Model Army destroyed,
it marked the end of the Levellers movement.
Some of their aims were eventually realised, like the right to
silence, but others, such as the abolition of corruption within the
parliamentary and judicial process, can at best, be described as
work in progress.
In 2018, some 369 long years later, a new band of rural rebels
calling themselves the Cotswold Clarion was formed. Having
proudly joined the family of sections making up the National Clarion,
we are ever mindful of its political and social history. We regard
our membership as an enduring act of solidarity and not one of
coincidental convenience.
An important milestone in our short history was to have been
our first attendance at a Clarion Sunday event. Sadly, Coronavirus
and other factors conspired against us, and we had to content
ourselves with being there in spirit. Undeterred, we’re already
making plans for 2022.
Nazir Ifzal Writer, poet, artist
Craig Stubbs Artist
PENDLE RADICALS
Pendle Radicals has given our team all sorts of adventures, but not often more joy than this... To set up camp in the Clarion meadow, dodge the rain, and greet 150 two-wheeled pilgrims, arriving in small clusters from across the North to this very special place. We had been delayed for over a year for this chance to support Clarion Sunday, but it was worth the wait.
Mid Pennine Arts has been working around these parts for over 50 years. MPA develops original, one-off projects that tell stories about Lancashire people and places, projects that explore the DNA of some very special locations. But only lately have we come to appreciate what a priceless institution we have, here at the last Clarion House. The chance to do this came with Pendle Radicals.
Pendle Radicals is a part of the Pendle Hill programme, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund to promote the landscape and heritage of our unmistakeable landmark. Radicals explores stories of some extraordinary people who have been drawn over centuries to this inspiring place – nonconformists, dissenters, troublemakers, change makers. And many of them on two wheels...
Our stories spin off in many directions. But they keep on leading us back to this place, Clarion House. Clarion is without doubt the spiritual home of Pendle Radicals. A hundred plus years of
radical history, in banners, photos, posters, but captured too in the memories of Clarion stalwarts. And not just history, but a living culture of fellowship, more vital by the day as politics now abandons integrity and empathy. And though Clarion House is now just one sole point on the map, once a year we are reminded that Clarion cycling is everywhere!
Alan Ward is a Radicals regular, designer of all our visuals for the project. But we knew his artist practice and his cycling passion made him a natural for Clarion Sunday. When he bought the 1895 jersey, we knew he was immersed! I_Am_Clarion had been taking shape for many months, but when The Guardian broke the news from the CCC national AGM, it took on a new urgency. There are many other cycling clubs, but there’s only one Clarion. Why would you want to dismember it?
Alan and all of us have loved working on this project. Thank you for sharing Clarion Sunday with us, and for being part of this unique publication. We hope it will remind you, should you ever need it, of some of the reasons why you too are Clarion.
Nick Hunt Mid Pennine Arts
www.pendleradicals.org.uk
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Imagining #I_Am_Clarion on a virtual London Clarion ride on James Fox Hill
left: Oakenrod Cycling Club membership card extolling the virtues of winter tyre maintenance and gearing © Local Studies Centre, Touchstones Rochdale, Rochdale Arts & Heritage Service
# I AM CLARION Alan J Ward
Published by Mid Pennine Arts 1 Neptune St, Burnley BB11 1SF www.midpenninearts.org.uk
© Mid Pennine Arts and the artist 2021
Portraits © Alan J Ward, incidental photographs © Nick Hunt unless otherwise stated.
The right of the named authors to be identifi ed as such in this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.
British Library Cataloguing-in- Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN 978-0-9932606-1-2 softback First published December 2021
Compiled and designed by Alan J Ward Printed in UK
The publisher has taken every eff ort to correctly spell the names of all contributors. Please accept our apologies if there are any errors due to interpretation of handwriting.
Alan Ward would like to thank Shonagh Ingram and Craig Stubbs for their assistance on the day.
Alan Ward is an artist and designer who responds to ideas of ‘place’, ‘loss’ and ‘heritage’ in our surroundings. Many of his commissions are informed by research and engagement, whether historical or community led. Archives both personal and institutional have become a signifi cant reference point for exploration and refl ection on ideas around collective cultural heritage.
Ward appreciates the reciprocity of collaborative engagement and what it can reveal and is committed to giving people a voice and the opportunity to express themselves through this process.
He has recently completed a major exhibition and publication after a long-term photographic research project. Titled ‘Photographs from Another Place’, it is based around a collection of re-discovered 1920s glass negatives purchased from eBay. The exhibition tours to Norwich Cathedral in 2022. ‘Cambridge Rules: written in stone / interpreted worldwide / brought back to Cambridge’, also just completed, is a large scale public art commission with fellow artist Neville Gabie for Cambridge City Council, to commemorate the role of Parker’s Piece as the birthplace of the 1848 Cambridge Rules, which helped establish the modern game of football.
www.alanjward.co.uk alanjward_axisdesign @AXIS_DESIGN Alan Ward (#I_Am_Clarion)
Inner front cover: glass negative from personal collection of the artist
Right: self portrait of the artist
This publication is an edition 250, of which there are 111 numbered and initialled copies by the artist, plus 10 initialled Artist Proofs
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ISBN 978-0-9932606-1-2
9 780993 260612