Spring 1994 Newsletter
The National Clarion Cycling Club is 100 years old. Founded in Birmingham on February 28th 1894 our great club is still going strong, how many cycling clubs can boast such a historic background and strong foundation
We are the largest all-round Cycling Club in the UK and have a bright future, we should celebrate this milestone in cycling history with great pride and ensure that our fellowship continues for at least another 100 years.
Current Clarion Officials
The following are Officers of the Clarion for 1994, these will be reviewed at the Easter
Conference:
Secretary
Membership Sec’ Easter Meet
Organiser
Racing Secretary
Treasurer
Minutes Secretary
Records Secretary
Wortley Hall Weekend Organisers National President Committee Member
Committee Member
Committee Member
Tan Clarke 18 Sapperton Werrington Peterborough PE4 5BS
Jan Clarke (as above)
David Gaffrey 124 Sowood Avenue Osset, W Yorks., WF5 0DB
Allan Wray 15 Hardie Road, Havercroft Wakefield, WF4 2EN
George MacKay 'T Shona, Lusset Road Old Kilpatrick, Glasgow, G60 SLU
Denis Pye 34 Temple Road, Halliwell, Bolton, BL1 3LT
Audrey Waddilove 36 Brookland Drive, Sandbach, CW11 OLX
Brian and Ann Burchell 13A Highlands Gardens, Redbridge, Ilford, IG1 3LE
Bob Waddilove 36 Brookland Drive, Sandbach, CW11 OLX
Peter Shepherdly 74 Albion Road, Hounslow, Middx., TW3 3RT
Kevin Hulbert 6 Montague Street, Clitheroe, Lancs, BB7 2EB
Joan Lister 15 Hardie Road, Havercroft, Wakefield, WF4 2EN
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0733 577108
0924 278421
0226 724588
0389 74131
0204 842869
0270 761446
081 518 0184
0270 761446
081 572 9672
0200 442973
0226 724588
From the Secretary..
At the recent training weekend for the Clarion racing squad we dropped in at the village tea shop for refreshment whilst we waited for the doors to open at Hartington Youth Hostel. The village was busy, even for mid-February, and the tea shop was already full with quite a number of cyclists. After a short wait for a table we were invited to sit with some cycle tourists who swiftly asked where we were from. "We're from all over, we're the Clarion "ah, yes it's the Clarion's Centenary year isn't it" he replied.
That brief comment means so much to me, after the last few years of trying to increase the profile of the Clarion, especially with the Centenary, our image and the awareness of the Clarion is on the up. Over recent weeks I have received so many letters and phone calls about interest in the Clarion from old members and total strangers who have just read about the Clarion, that it now looks as though we are set to see a strong up-turn. With racing members of the Horwich CC joining the Bolton Clarion to form a team, the strength of the Nottingham Clarion and with two new sections being founded during 1993 it seems unfair to ask for more.
I hope that we can all take this year as an opportunity to spread the word of the Clarion to non-Clarion people and those new youngsters who may not seem that interested, and explain why this Club of ours is so different to Wobbly Wheelers or the 2 year old 'VC Team GS Whatever' up the road, and hopefully some of our words will stick.
New members need welcoming, developing members need encouraging and evergreen officials need thanking, but then that is fellowship and as we know fellowship is life.
Ian Clarke National Secretary, newsletter editor, membership secretary and all-round good chap.
National Clarion Newsletter 3
The Clarion Centenary Easter Meet program
The Lawns Centre Lincoln (Home of the National Cycling Museum)
Friday the Ist to Monday the 4th of April
All cyclists, Clarion and non-members will be made welcome to celebrate our Centenary Easter Meet. With a full program of events including road-races, criteriums, high bicycle (penny farthing) races, touring rides, talks from celebrities and evening functions there should be something for everyone in the beautiful cathedral city of Lincoln. Our provisional program is as follows:
Easter Meet organiser: Dave Gaffrey 124 Sowood Avenue Ossett West Yorks. WE5 0DB Tel: (0924) 278421
Non-racing program
Friday 1st April
12.00 17.00 Registration at the Lawns Conference Ctr.
19.30 23.00 Civic reception at the Lawns The Mayor of Lincoln welcomes the National Clarion Cycling Club to Lincoln.
Lincoln Brass Band entertains Licensed bar and bar snacks are available.
Saturday 2nd April
09.00 return CTC Tour ride A 50 miles
10.00 17.00 Registration at the Lawns
10.00 13.00 National Clarion Conference at the Lawns 11.00 return CTC Tour ride B 45 miles
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Saturday 2nd April (cont.)
19.30 23.00 Disco fancy dress at the Lawns
Sunday 3rd April
10.00 17.00 Registration at the Lawns
10.00 return CTC Tour ride C TBA miles
13.00 17.30 Talks and demonstrations by various prominent
speakers from the world of cycling. A full program of 5 speakers to cover areas including racing, training, Clarion history etc.
19.30 23.00 Prize presentation and guest introduction at the Lawns followed by disco
Racing Program Saturday 2nd April
12.30 Criteriums at the Yarborough Centre Juveniles, Seniors, Vets, Ladies, High bicycle (penny farthing)
15.15 Junior Stage race Stage 1, criterium
Sunday 3rd April
08.00 25m open TT, details in the RTTC handbook TBA Junior Stage race Stage 2, final Road Section
Monday 3rd April
08.00 10m open TT, details in the RTTC handbook For further details of this Easter's races contact:
A Wray Clarion Racing secretary (0226) 724588
full address earlier in this newsletter.
Junior 2 day and Criteriums are being promoted by VC Lincoln.
Organiser: Roger Hobby, West Manor, Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe Lincoln LN6 SUR. Tel: 0522 682600(home) 0522 868844(work)
National Clarion Newsletter
Clarion racing Squad news
Over the past two to three years the Clarion racing Squad has begun to take shape, initial work done by Rick Clark, lan Clarke and Gordon Baker is now being taken over and complemented by Steve Clarke of the Fenland Section. Steve (33) husband of BCF medalist Lindsay Clarke and experienced track and road rider since he was 11 organised the recent Hartington training weekend and is already making plans for events during 1994. From the turnout at Hartington he believes that we now know of all key road riders within the Clarion, however if you believe you should be involved or just want to attend the training weekends and pick up tips on massage and nutrition etc. Please contact Steve at the address shown later.
Whilst initial plans are for a number of Junior Team races and 2nd Cat Team races, Steve will consider a Ladies Squad and possibly even a Vets Squad, these will be entered in races to lift the profile of the Clarion racing squad.
Hartington Training Weekend
Held on the 12th and 13th of February we hope that all members were aware of this, (if not tell us) certainly by the large numbers of riders that turned out it would appear that they did. The weekend began Saturday afternoon with a brisk steady ride (it wasn’t Ed.) we covered 30 miles before dark through some quite steep hilly terrain. Very promising Juvenile Neil Wallbank performed to his name and as he descended a hill (Bank!) he lost control and hit a wall! Fortunately there was nobody called Ford with us as later we descended at speed and nearly ended up ina river crossing, although Simon Gow did lose his front wheel between the planks on the foot bridge (nice one Simon!).
During the evening we had a pep talk from supremo Steve Clarke and some useful massaging tips from BCF qualified GB masseur Bill Vetcher of the Melton Olympic.
Day 2 we split into two groups, during the first few miles the ‘fast’ group nearly caught the 'very fast’ group until the first climbs up to Axe Edge increase the gap and the National Secretary dangled on a very long piece of elastic (thanks for waiting lads!). A tricky descent into the Goyt Valley saw many bums on ice, fortunately most of them were some over confident mountain bikers. From here we hit the hard stuff and continued through Buxton, Dove Holes, Sparrow Pit and on to Castleton. After a brief tea stop we slogged back to the Youth Hostel for a late dinner prepared especially for the Clarion by the helpful and accommodating staff.
Allin all, the weekend was a huge success and there was a great number of very
promising riders there which will hopefully see some results over the next couple of years.
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(Training weekend continued)
We had riders in attendance from the following sections; Bolton, Teesside, Bay (Robin Hoods), Fenland, Stockport and Sunderland.
Riders to note were promising juveniles Neil Wallbank of the Sunderland and Stuart Ormes of the Bolton, Stuart has only been riding for a year and still managed to stay with the 'very fast' group. First year junior Chris Bray of the Fenland was also climbing well but says he is going to concentrate on mountain biking. Will Sanderson of the Stockport, Paul Ingham, Bolton and Simon Gow, Fenland were amongst the stronger riders, Will had to ride 30 miles to and from
the training weekend.
For further details of the squad's activities or to register your interest please contact Steve on:
Steve Clarke 1026 Lincoln Road Walton
Peterborough PE4 6AS Tel: (0733) 575421 or wk (0733) 331500
Exciting prospect Neil Wallbank Climbing well, Bolton’s Paul Ingham. of Sunderland.
National Clarion Newsletter 7
The Clarion Centenary Ride for Veteran Cycles Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May
To celebrate the Centenary of the Clarion a two day ride is being organised for period cycles (ie up to and including 1894).
The event is being organised by Merlin Evans (Stockport Clarion) and John Pinkerton, Cycle Historian and restorer.
Route The route will begin at Birmingham where the Clarion was formed and head to
Ashbourne where the first Easter meet was held. Accommodation will be around Ashbourne. The route will continue from here on the Sunday to finish at the Museum of Labour History in Manchester.
Eligibility Anyone can ride as long as they are riding a pre 1895 cycle. John Pinkerton has an accurate description of what a pre 1895 cycle is like.
Souvenir programs, commemorative tee-shirts and bonk bags are all expected to be part of the occasion. We also expect to be able to get some TV and media
coverage. Anyone interested with or without a period cycle should contact:
Merlin Evans 3 Green lane Heaton Moor
Stockport SK4 3LE Tel: 061 442 8441
For Sale
National Clarion Centenary Cycling Jersey Special limited edition for 1994 top quality Impsport
Short or long sleeved road jerseys with pockets and tracksuit tops Prices range from £30 to £40
Orders to Ian Clarke at National Office or buy them at Lincoln Easter Meet
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Hill Climb results
Thanks again go to Allan Wray for organising the Clarion Hill Climb Championships, this event is slowly becoming established and now always shows a good field of riders. Hopefully this October there will be a Clarion
Trophy to be contested for:
1st Clarion Mark Bragan Calder 2nd R Banks Calder 3rd A Spittlehouse Calder Overall
1st overall Stuart Bowering Leeds RRC 1stJunior Banks Calder 2nd Junior M Burton Calder
3rd Vet Dennis Hall Calder
4th Vet Steve Burton Calder
3-56-15 4-24-38 4-43-94
3-39-59 4-24-38 4-53-48 4-44-98 4-47-61
Other Clarion sections represented on the day were London and Fenland. Thanks also to Joan Lister of the modern day Clarion Van, Joan always runs the best after-race refreshments, free tee shirts and all.
Labels for free
The Clarion has a_ full database of all it's members, secretaries etc. If anyone ever needs to send out a circular to sections or members then please call the National Secretary for help.
Are your details correct
Check the address on your envelope, if it's wrong tell us. Also ask your club mates to make sure they received this newsletter.
Sunderland ’Step it up’
According to Sunderland toy company, Fisher-Price, AKA Carl Price and
Simon Fisher, the fitness craze 'Step-Aerobics’ was originally developed in the north-east by Bill Fisher of the Sunderland Clarion for Club Circuit training some three years before it became popular.
Please write to us so we can keep the Clarion membership informed.
Raising Fire
Merlin Evans will be performing some of his fire breathing, eating and juggling antics at this years Easter meet at Lincoln.
How Many can you get there 2?
There will be a prize at Lincoln for the largest number of members attending from any one section. Will it be your section
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Tom Groom our f
Below is a picture sent to me by Fred Lambert of the Heanor section showing our founder Tom Groom (second from the right). Others are (from left to right) Tom Tyass, secretary of the Handforth club house, Dr Garrett from Manchester, George Poole, maker of early meet ribbons and Randell Roberts of Chester.
Clarion Cafeteria
Plans are being made at the Manchester museum of Labour history to have a Clarion cafeteria in a new exhibition hall.
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Sheriff of Lincoln
The Sheriff of Lincoln will be one of the dignitaries at this years Easter meet as well as the Mayor of Lincoln.
Easter Meet 1995
Ashbourne in 1895.
The 100th Easter meet
is likely to be at York in 1995. Watch this space.
National Clarion Newsletter
Marshalls wanted
Marshalls are sought for the various events at this years Easter Meet.
If anyone is going to Lincoln and is not riding could you please get in contact with Allan Wray, his address is shown under Clarion officials.
Wyre Clarion
Initially called the Bowland and Wyre Clarion a recent meeting decided to simplify it's name to Wyre Clarion.
Section Information
The following are the 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, or invite nearby sections to join your section at social events, dinners etc.
Scotland
West of Scotland Clarion JJ-Harris Cumbernauld 0236 730157 North-East
Bay Clarion Velo Tony Marshall Whitby 0947 821204 Sunderland Clarion Richard Betts Whitburn 091 529 3722 Teesside Clarion Colin Armstrong Middlesboro”’ 0947 880488
North-West (Cheshire and Lancashire)
Bolton Clarion Barbara Thompson Bolton 0204 656399 Bury Clarion Donald Lever Bury 0204 883584 Clitheroe Clarion Kevin Hulbert Clitheroe 0200 442973 Crewe Clarion Wheelers Audrey Waddilove Sandbach 0270 761446 Manch' Stretford Clarion Harold Lamb Wilmslow 0625 533357 Stockport Clarion Derek Hodgins Stockport 0625 873480 Wyre Clarion Donald Taylor Lancaster 0524 39453 Yorkshire
Calder Clarion Tim Moss Wakefield 0924 251515 Leeds (Yorkshire) Clarion Dave Binns Huddersfield 0484 648144 York Clarion Angela Beardshall Wakefield 0924 264898
East-Midlands
Heanor Clarion Fred Lambert Newthorpe 0773 713946 Nottingham Clarion Ken Hemsley Nottingham 0602 873118 Si South-East
Fenland Clarion Harry Berridge Peterborough 0733 348235 London Clarion Peter Sheperdly Hounslow 081 572 9672
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Dates for Clarion events 1994
Saturday 26th Feb. Clarion Birthday Dinner Birmingham Sunday 20th March Clarion Road-Race Champs W. Yorks. see BCF handbook 1st to 4th April Clarion Easter Meet Lincoln (see full program in this newsletter) 30th April, 1st May Centenary Ride for Vintage Cycles Birmingham to Manchester Sunday 3rd July Clarion 25 mile TT Champs*
inc's open event Cheshire
Saturday 6th August Clarion Centenary 100Km TT* York to Scarboro', open event
Sunday 7th August Clarion Centenary 10 mile TT* open event, Scarborough
Sunday 21st August Clarion Track Champs Middlesborough
Sunday 16th October Clarion Hill-Climb Champs* Wooley edge W Yorks.
For all time trials please refer to the RTTC handbook.