W Surrey General Section clubrun approaching East Worldham from Wyck. That's me on the right looking back at Ken Bolingbroke, who simply dropped back to take the photograph while riding along. - CRJ |
The 'cuttings' selected for this page come from the period 1974 - 1980, i.e. for a few years before the DA Newsletter started, plus CTC Centenary year and a bit more.
. WSDA in "the C.T.C. Gazette" . . WSDA in "Cycle Touring & Campaigning" . . WSDA History & Archives home page.
The curious name of Grim apparently refers to an old charcoal burner who used to live in the neighbourhood. The Kitchen has been a tea room for at least thirty years, and was ideally placed for an afternoon run from town. There were nearly always bikes parked against the pink walls of the seventeenth century cottage or the old forge workshop behind. In fine weather, one could sit in the back garden beside the small stream and look across the watercress beds to the fields beyond. Young waitresses carried out trays of whipped-cream, watercress salad, home-made scones, cakes and jam. It was all too idyllic, and as a memory one will never be certain that it really existed.
The honour of being last customer fell to the West Surrey DA, who have held 13 successive AGMs at Grim's. They presented Mrs Wood with a Patterson plaque in recognition of the devotion and service that she has always given cyclists. As they said goodbye, the setting sun - casting its long golden light over the autumnal leaves of Surrey - signalled the end of a happy episode in cycling history.
IN VIEW OF the closing of Grim's Kitchen (Miscellany, December), readers may like to know about its beginning.
Around 1927 the south London members of Kibbo Kift, a camping movement founded by John Hargrave (former Scout Woodcraft Commissioner), used to spend weekends exploring the Surrey woods, a favourite stretch being that between East Horsley and Gomshall. Tea at Abinger Hammer tea-rooms was the high spot of such occasions.
Hargrave wrote a satyrical play which he called Grim's Frolic, borrowing the title of a 17th-century play but inventing his own fable. It was a 'death and resurrection' play in which Grim, condemned to death for his intransigence, is executed but comes to life again as a wood-deity, teaching the dependence of man on the fertility of the earth. But it was a good deal funnier than that sounds.
A few of us rehearsed the play and constructed a portable theatre, which could be carried by the company along with their camping kit.
At that time the tea-rooms were run by Mrs Morgan, who had for two or three winter camping seasons shown us the hospitality of her front room with its roaring log fire. She was happy to agree to a change of name for her home - and accordingly, on the day we first performed Grim's Frolic on the green, we presented the house with a carved and painted signboard and formally named it Grim's Kitchen.
It is only fair to say that we ourselves contributed to the legend of the local charcoal-burner. That countryside is rich in historical associations and contains a substantial stretch of the Pilgrims Way. For us it was populated by the past, and we reckoned Colekitchen (above Gomshall) wasn't so called for nothing, so made it the headquarters of the archetypal charcoal burner - or collier as he is called in the Jacobean play.
He became for us the tutelary deity of the whole wooded area of the North Downs, and of the extensive forests of Andredsweald which he had long since cut down and made into charcoal to feed the furnaces of the Surrey and Sussex ironworkers.
His intransigence was read as irreligion by the Church: he was discountenanced and, perhaps because his face was blackened by his calling, was equated with that Grim who alone had the superhuman power to be credited with the digging of Grim's Dyke or Ditch in other parts of the southern counties - not to mention the Devil's Dyke near Brighton.
All of which has taken us far afield from Abinger Hammer, but serves to show how even a modern 'old legend' can have real roots in the past.
C. W. Paul-Jones, London NW11
(Helen Leheup is better known in W Surrey DA as Helen Juden. In the same issue of "Cycletouring" there is a letter from her detailing the campaigning work of Nottinghamshire DA, and a photograph of her and Aidan Leheup and their mother Doreen, a CTC Councillor, wearing the new Notts DA T-shirts. - CRJ)
A record 30 riders enjoyed a weekend at Truleigh Hill YH in Sussex, when the tout ensemble of Ray Craig's and Eddy Hargraves' tandem-trike and luggage trailer made its debut. Along the top of the Downs, the party lingered to watch some hang-gliders in action before swooping down the hill in their preferred manner.
On a February weekend, runs secretary Russ Mantle was dismayed to find his bicycle surrounded by three trikes and the tandem-trike - but by the time Charlbury YH was reached five other riders had joined the group and placed the two-wheelers in the majority.
The 50-mile standard ride took place over a course running south from Woking over Clandon Downs and Pitch Hill to Kirdford in Sussex, then back north to Holmbury St Mary. Of 24 entrants, 12 finished in under 3½ hours, and another 7 in under 4 hours.
Over 50 members thoroughly enjoyed Chris Davies' slide show covering last year's tours and races, including the Paris-Brest-Paris reliability trial. Russ Mantle rounded-off the evening with slides of a Devon tour.
Runs attendances continue good, averaging 26 over the past two months and 9 on Thursday evenings. In May the Thursday-nighters enjoyed a weekend in Wiltshire, with excursions to Frome, Shaftesbury, and the beautiful National Trust grounds at Stourhead. The spring bank holiday tour was based on Cranborne and Swanage hostels in Dorset and included visits to Corfe Castle, Bovingdon tank museum, and T. E. Lawrence's house.
A resurgence of interest in the DA enabled a 100-mile standard ride to be organized after a lapse of several years: 16 riders started on a baking hot July day, and 11 finished eight hours and an unspecified number of shandies later. Half-a-dozen members enjoyed an August bank holiday YH tour in Somerset. Both Sunday and Thursday evening runs have continued to be well attended.
The September tourist trial took riders into the Chilterns and was won by Russ Mantle, who was again victorious in the October hill climb. Graham Richardson proved he knows how to oil his bike by winning the freewheeling competition.
Three weekend tours, a supper, and a joint run with South Bucks DA's Windsor Section have been enjoyed.
The annual photo competition and slide show attracted a full house of 60, and prizes were won by R. Mantle (two) and R. Lewington. Special thanks go to the ladies who provide refreshments at these events. Weekend YH tours have taken riders to Patcham and Whitwell.
Russ Mantle impressed a capacity audience with his slides of last year's tour of the Pyrenees. Hamish Smith showed an interesting selection of photos, and the evening was rounded-off with Chris Jeggo's slides of a German tour. Nine Thursday-nighters have enjoyed a weekend in the Cotswolds.
1978, when the DA celebrates its 50th anniversary as well as the Club's centenary, will see commemorative rides and a special annual dinner which it is hoped will be something of a reunion.
Short rides for newcomers have been held on Saturday afternoons, and several train-assisted runs have been planned to take advantage of British Rail's special cycle ticket offer.
Of 14 starters in the 100-mile standard ride, 10 finished in 7 or 8 hours, including John Coleman stoking his father's tandem. Tandems are becoming more popular in the DA and have appeared on a joint run with Windsor Section and on one of three train-assisted runs arranged to take advantage of the British Rail free cycle experiment.
Graham Richardson won the roughstuff competition, and Fraser Pett (14) did well to come third, beating several experienced riders. A small group spent August bank holiday weekend in South Wales.
Making the tourist trial a half-day competition was a popular move, the entry of 12 being higher than in previous years. It was won by Chris Jeggo, who was also victorious in the hillclimb which attracted 20 entries. The freewheeling contest was won by Harold Coleman. Weekend hostel tours have continued popular.
The history of cycling, the CTC, and the DA is to be covered in a slide show in March, and old photographs, slides, drawings, films etc will be gratefully received and returned in good condition: please contact H. Coleman, Lane End, Highlands Lane, Westfield, Woking, tel 60385.
Members' tours in the French Alps, Norway, and Yugoslavia were recalled at a slide show, when entries in the annual competition were also screened, the winners of the three classes being Ken Bolingbroke, Russ Mantle, and Hamish Smith. An Isle of Wight weekend, a disco, and a Christmas tea have been enjoyed.
Guildford borough councillor Bill Bellerby, guest speaker at the annual dinner, explained to the 70 present the many ways in which cyclists can influence matters which affect them at local level, and urged members to make more use of them. His wife presented awards which included the Edwards cup (attendance) to Bill Inder, and the Benstead cup and Bernard Howell memorial trophy to Chris Jeggo.
Volunteers are requested by Keith Parfitt (tel Guildford 60776) to help publicise cycling and lead Saturday half-day rides for newcomers - see small-ads pages.
A large group of vintage cycles, including some fine examples of early machines, owned by the Southern Veteran-Cycle Club and local enthusiasts, will accompany, for the initial couple of miles, the first relay team composed of members of the West Surrey DA. The Silver Jubilee bicycle, presented to HM the Queen last year and later auctioned in aid of the British Heart Foundation, will also be making a guest appearance.
And to remind us that this is not the first event of its kind, some of the riders who participated in the 1928 Relay Ride organized to celebrate the Club's Golden Jubilee will be present.
Five days later, on Thursday June 1, the final team, composed of junior members from DAs throughout the British Isles, will cross the Thames into Windsor and roll to a ceremonial halt in view of the great royal castle.
Led by Ivy Thorp (Chairman of the CTC Council) and Les Warner (CTC National Secretary), they should arrive at 5.20 pm and members are invited to join the Club's President, William Oakley, in welcoming them. Assemble at Home Park, just to the north of King Edward VII Avenue (the B 470) which runs between Windsor and Datchet on the south side of the river.
The new Intermediate Section is enjoying such good support that the committee have been 'ticked off' for not having formed it before!
A 'bikers dozen' riders took part in the first of the YHA Southern Region's CTC Centenary year weekends at Arundel. Runs attendances have remained steady despite wintry weather.
Based on 'home-ground' for West Surrey DA who are leading the runs, the programme of events - open to all CTC members - starts on the Saturday afternoon with two short circular runs, both visiting the National Trust's Winkworth Arboretum.
There is ample camping space at the local Rugby Club ground, which has a pavilion with good toilet and washing facilities, lockable cycle storage, tea room/hall and kitchen. The nearest youth hostel is at Ewhurst Green (about six miles away), and other accommodation possibilities are outlined in a leaflet describing the weekend.
A barn dance is planned for the Saturday night. Sunday will give a choice of three runs - one including lunch in Windsor Great Park (41 miles), another west through attractive lanes and villages (56 miles), the third south to Bignor Roman villa and Petworth (58 miles). There is a slide show on the Sunday evening, and on Monday morning a choice of two short local runs.
Please note that tickets for buffet meals, packed lunches and social events can only be purchased in advance, using the official booking form. For this and further information, write immediately to J. L. Chappell, 45 Underhill Road, Dulwich, London S E 22 (tel 01-693 1044).
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Centenary 250 and 200 km in 13 hrs open reliability ride organized by
Refreshments - Centenary certificates SUNDAY JUNE 4 Start 6 am from Ash (NOT Ash Vale) railway stn, nr. Aldershot, Hants.
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In perfect weather 34 rode the 50 in 3½ or 4, and ten old-timers enjoyed a leisurely ride for a '50' certificate (untimed). All met at Elstead for the 50th birthday tea, complete with cake, when we were pleased to welcome National Secretary Les Warner and family.
As DA secretary, Harold Coleman made a presentation to Bill Inder, leading light in founding the DA in 1928 and continuously in office since as secretary, treasurer, and now president. In his 74th year, he hardly ever misses a run, and does more than his share of the work of running the DA in addition to involvement with the cycling proficiency and Duke of Edinburgh's award schemes.
Nothing less than gold would suffice to demonstrate our esteem and affection, and the subscriptions of his many CTC friends provided a Centenary filigree badge. A slight surplus enabled us to add a CTC tea-towel - just in case he could not pay for his tea!
CTC Headquarters, just along the road from the rugby club ground and pavilion where the rally was based, opened up specially on the Saturday, and a brisk trade was done in Centenary souvenirs.
The event was not blessed with fine weather, but it was gratifying to see that this in no way deterred the majority from participating each day. After Saturday warm-up runs, both taking in Winkworth Arboretum (National Trust), Sunday saw large groups joining rides to Odiham, Windsor, and Bignor in Sussex. Led by West Surrey DA members, they seemed to reach their destinations though, perhaps due to the rain, a few corners were cut here and there.
On the Saturday evening 200 or more packed into the hall, conveniently situated next to the bar, for a barn dance, called by Les Skinner. Here members from all DAs, plus individuals from Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand joined CTC Headquarters staff in riotous foursets and lively polkas, finally getting tied into knots in the cowboy reel.
More sedately, but with great interest, even more rallygoers saw Jack Cotton from Bristol treat us on the Sunday evening to excerpts from previous shows, plus more recent slides of touring and Birthday Rides.
The campsite provided occupants of the 80 or so tents with good views of the lake. The caterers did us proud with occasional refreshments during the day, at the events, pack lunches, and buffet meals. Only the poor old milkman failed to turn up. Thanks are due to all who helped in the organization, particularly Julian Chappell (West Kent), Harold Coleman and Bill lnder (West Surrey), and Brian Young (West London) who 'held the fort' so loyally that he had all too little opportunity to take part in the rides.
Most rewarding for the organizers was the tremendous participation by everybody. To see good numbers reporting on the Monday morning in pouring rain for the final runs typified the spirit that CTC members have always shown.
A special run for less conventional machines attracted 4 tandems and a tandem-trike, while 2 other DA riders, Stuart Jackson and Edwin Hargraves, were occupied chopping an hour off the London-Bath-and-back tandem-trike record.
Success crowned the DA's new venture, a longer reliability ride. Ten cyclists, riding mainly on minor roads, covered either 200 or 250 km. to Stonehenge and back well inside the 13 hours allowed. George Alesbury and Les Sutton were notable participants in this year's speed-judging competition.
From the Godalming start, John Way sets the scene:
'Cotterell House had an air of carnival, with a gleaming roadside banner, a marquee on the lawn for refreshments, a cake iced with a British Isles map, Headquarters staff girls - in colourful Centenary tops - selling copies of the Book of the Route, crowds lining Meadrow with cameras at the ready, and smiling co-operation from the police.
'Billed as official starter, David Shepherd, the well-known wildlife artist who lives in the district, was a popular figure as he signed autographs, posed for photos, and cut the cake. He did more than "start" the event: he led the parade on a tricycle dating from the 1880's which he rode for some distance through the town, waving to the Saturday shoppers. This machine was one of several kindly loaned by Peter Hoyte, an enthusiastic Surrey collector of historic cycles who also brought along the Queen's Silver Jubilee bicycle he had acquired in last year's charity auction and which was ridden by his wife.
'Closely following David Shepherd were members of the Southern Veteran-Cycle Club, in period costume and riding an interesting selection of their own vintage machines including several High Ordinaries. Then, on conventional cycles, came three CTC members who were proud to have ridden in the Club's Golden Jubilee Relay Ride in 1928 - Tom Hart of Monmouth, Les Hayter of Yeovil, and Reg Newman of Gloucester.
'Finally the first of the Relay teams proper, colourful with blue and gold waistbands, set off on the first "leg" of the great ride. It comprised 30 members of West Surrey DA, led by secretary Harold Coleman, and included 15-year-old Fraser Pett who was also to take part in the final ride-in to Windsor. After a police escort for the first few miles out of town, the old-timers turned aside and called "Cheerio" as the team cycled south towards Sussex'.
Over to Portsmouth DA president Chris Davies:
'It was all plain sailing outside The Ship at South Harting where the first changeover saw our contingent of 16 (including one member from East Kent) carry the Birthday Book from the foot of the Sussex Downs across the border into Hampshire and along lanes flanked with cow parsley to the village of East Meon. With the afternoon temperature climbing to 75°F, several members rode bareback by the banks of the Meon, and the undulating route over Corhampton Down at Deacon Hill proved a warm prelude to the drop down St Catherine's Hill into Winchester, where the Book was handed over to Southampton DA at the base of King Alfred's statue right on schedule.'
. . . . .
Congratulations are due to the seven riders who completed a tough '100' course around the DA's boundary. Weekend tours have visited youth hostels at Blackboys and Slimbridge, and the DA's roughstuff competition was an entertaining event won by Graham Richardson.
It would be a great pity if the present spirit of involvement and co-operation were not to be built upon. To this end I do hope that DA committees will be adventurous in their planning for next year and include events aimed at attracting participation by riders from other areas.
Harold Coleman
Westfield, Woking, Surrey
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W Surrey General Section clubrun approaching East Worldham from Wyck. That's me on the right looking back at Ken Bolingbroke, who simply dropped back to take the photograph while riding along. - CRJ |
February / March 1979 - DA NewsCTC Merit Medallion for West Surrey stalwartThere was only one complaint about West Surrey DA's golden jubilee social (writes Chris Jeggo) - it was over too soon. Guest of honour the Mayor of Woking entered into the spirit of the occasion with a few deftly aimed cross-toasts, including one to members of the 'chain gang' (DA president Bill Inder had a true cyclist's 'chain of office': (Shimano + SunTour + Brasso)!CTC National Secretary Les Warner spoke on the past, present, and future, and the applause was tremendous when, on behalf of the CTC Council, he presented to Bill Inder the Merit Medallion, the Club's major national award for distinguished service. Bill's great work during 50 years was referred to when the DA made him a special jubilee gift (June 1978 issue report). Other awards, presented by the mayoress, included the Benstead challenge cup and the Bernard Howell memorial trophy to Chris Jeggo, and the Edwards cup to Bill Inder. Cycles (old, new, and miniature), DA scrapbooks, photos, posters etc, were on show. In the annual photo competition, winners of the three categories were
E. Hargraves, G. Alesbury, and C. Jeggo, and slides of 1978 tours were
shown by S. Jackson (Greece) and H. Coleman (Pyrenees).
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Bill Inder |
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WEST SURREY. Only a few runs were abandoned because of the weather, the remainder being well attended. The events programme for 1979 is published in the latest newsletter. Also, a DA information sheet and a 'handout' on the Benstead Cup competition have been prepared. Any of these may be obtained from DA secretary Chris Jeggo (s.a.e. please), 4 Carlyon Close, Mytchett, Camberley.
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West Surrey DA
250 and 200 km reliability ride on minor roads Sunday June 3 Start: Ash railway stn, nr Aldershot, Hants.
Details s.a.e: R. Craig, 45 Second Ave, Ravenswing
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On the same day the veterans '50' finished at the birthday tea, when about 70 members were joined by Les Warner, CTC National Secretary, who presented the Renold Adventure Trophy to Emma Harper, winner of last year's competition for participants in the annual CTC/YHA Youth Adventure Holidays.
'Long lost' David Wells has returned to Surrey with many tales of his travels round the world with his bicycle.
A new venture, a barn dance run jointly with the Charlotteville CC, was so enjoyable (and profitable!) that it will certainly be repeated. Cycle accommodation at Arundel YH was congested when 18 members met a further 16 from East Sussex and West London DAs for a weekend. The DA have enjoyed a slideshow, 'Hostelling Hotch-potch' by Peter Smith.
Four members wonder if they cycled the furthest to attend the Meriden
memorial service, having set out at 1 am; in any case, can anyone
better (if that is the right word!) their 100-mile ride home in continuous
rain? Weekend tours have taken riders to the Test valley, Dorset,
and Somerset, and the first night ride for some years
gave an opportunity for a dip at Brighton before breakfast.
Les Sutton and Hamish Smith tied for 1st place in the speed-judging competition.
A new style of tourist trial, with the speed element removed, was won by Graham Richardson. A golden October day saw Edwin Hargraves fastest up one hill, and Chris Shambrook able to freewheel farthest down another. Graham Richardson also won the attendance competition and the Benstead cup for the best overall performance in competitions and standard rides.
Guest of honour was CTC Councillor Colin Quemby, and the evening included a "light show/disco" arranged by Harold and John Coleman, and a display of photographs, many dating from the early years of the DA.
The photo competition attracted 91 slides, and prizes went to Robert Pidgeon and Russ Mantle. DA rules were adopted at a well-attended AGM. A pre-Christmas meet with East Sussex DA at Arundel YH, the Christmas tea, and Christmas morning appetiser run were all well supported.
They could ask candidates, for instance, whether they have read the Department of Transport's document, "Ways of helping cyclists in built-up areas"*, or whether they have seen the DTp film '.Freewheeling"* or would arrange a screening of it at the highways committee. They could point out hazardous conditions on local roads, and suggest improvements.
If you say something you might achieve something. If you say nothing you will achieve nothing.
Chris Jeggo*Information from the Traffic Advisory Unit, Department of Transport, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3EB.
Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey
It is hoped that a tour of Normandy and Brittany in April will be the first of several overseas trips. Plans are well under way in organising the southern section of the CTC's Triennial Veterans' Rides in June.
Runs attendances continue to improve, and it is encouraging to see two
younger members riding with the General Section. On a different note,
DA members were saddened to hear of the death of Mike Sharples.
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200km Randonnee 'Brevet Stonehenge' Aldershot - STONEHENGE - Aldershot
Sunday, June 1 s.a.e. Ray Craig 45 Second Ave, Ravenswing Park,
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Despite poor weather, 20 of the 32 entrants finished the 50 in 3½, CTC Councillor Harold Coleman riding the course on a 1906 Dursley-Pedersen in a creditable 3 hours 38 minutes. The veterans had their own '50' and all met at Elstead for the birthday tea.
Some DA riders achieved success in the Reading-Salisbury and Dorset coast 'Audax' randonnees. Camembert cheese, caviare, and red wine seem to have been the staple diet on a recent expedition to Normandy, and reports also indicate that the locals enjoyed free entertainment at selected restaurants by courtesy of the DA!
Surrey HQ start: photo by Tim Staton (That's DA member John Harper in the centre. - CRJ) |
Most of the journey to elevenses (at Selborne, Hants) was ridden in pleasant sunshine, including a private road through the beautiful grounds of Hampton Lodge near Puttenham. Later, however, heavy showers alternated with dry spells - to the extent that some riders decided to keep their capes on and get hot; others to keep them off and get wet.
Lunch was taken at Tilford, in the picturesque village hall overlooking the cricket green. The route then headed east for a refreshment stop at Cranleigh and on to Ockley and Weare Street, one of Surrey's prettiest lanes. An excellent home-made tea was provided by the ladies of the WI at Bucks Green, with a colourful display of flowers on every table.
Tea inside them, and most of the miles behind them, the riders started confidently on the run back to Godalming. Except for one lady who retired at this point, so as not to delay her husband and risk his certificate! Unfortunately, the day's heaviest shower was still to come, but at least it was followed by bright evening sunshine and a fine rainbow.
At Cotterell House 56 successful members received their certificates, including 81-year-old Henry Stanislas, 76-year-old Bill lnder, and six of the seven lady entrants (the seventh deserves a medal!) Of all the finishers, Henry and Bill seemed the freshest and most cheerful - further proof of the healthy longevity awaiting cyclists.
Harold Coleman
Kingston Bypass. West Surrey DA's planning officer, Chris Jeggo, has written to Surrey County Council, pointing out that cycle lanes recently introduced along part of the Kingston Bypass are causing problems for cyclists, because lane markings require them to give way to traffic entering or leaving the main road at an intermediate minor junction. The CTC view is that cyclists should receive the same priority as other traffic using the main road.
Monthly meetings continue to take place at the new clubroom, and the second evening featured a wheelbuilding demo by Harold Coleman.
Back in May the annual roughstuff and speed-judging events were held, blessed by good weather, with new member Clive Paxman taking away the roughstuff prize. In July several members finished the 100m reliability trial inside seven hours. Touring hasn't been forgotten, however, and over the August bank holiday eight travelled up to Shropshire for the weekend. (Report by Tim Staton).
. WSDA in "the C.T.C. Gazette" . . WSDA in "Cycle Touring & Campaigning" . . WSDA History & Archives home page.
Web page by Chris Jeggo. Last revised: 29 May 2006.