"Sixty Years On" - 1935

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This was a year of many changes and a great influx of new names, among them being Jack Manning, R. Ratcliff, Ken Gale, G. Lass, E. Dodd, P. Evans, Jack Taylor, Terry Collins, Reg Pollard, Basil Vowler and George Alesbury, the last three to remain loyal for many years.

Jack Thompson took on the job of runs secretary and Reg Best, Cab Stanley and Tom Keeble became committee members.  Early in the year 20 members paid a visit to Mr. Southon's collection of over 30 makes and styles of old bicycles at his Shalford home.  At that time he was reputed to have the largest private collection of such historic machines in the country.  Again, instead of the Annual Dinner, 50 were at a supper and social at Hazledene, Chobham, followed by a cine show put on by Norman Pearce.  Members also supported a public meeting at Slough when Club Secretary, Herbert Stancer spoke out regarding the appalling accident figures and against the current move for special paths for cyclists.  (At that time this move was seen as the thin end of a wedge to ban cyclists from main roads and to impose taxes for their use and upkeep).  Easter was unusual.  With a 7 am start, members rode through the West End of London to see the Jubilee preparations then went along the Mile End Road to Brentwood (lunch), Maldon (tea) and on to Colchester for the night, then crossed Suffolk to Newark, over fen country to Newmarket for a night in a village near Dunstable Downs.  For the Jubilee Relay Ride, West Surrey members took over the scroll at Guildford at 9.30 pm on 6th May after it had been signed by the Mayor with due pomp and ceremony in the Guildhall, the High Street being crowded as the party set off.  Actually, the document did not have to be at Reading until next morning so the team rode to Woking, had a good sleep and continued to Reading early next day to hand over to the Mayor and Reading D.A. by 8.30 am.

As was by now traditional, Whitsun was spent in the Isle of Wight and that year's "100" attracted 21 riders.  It was a very hot day with plenty of melting tar to gum up the works.  Members could choose their own routes between checks at Kingsclere, Overton and Medstead.  Tea was at Shamley Green and all riders qualified.

Eleven were on a night ride in July.  Breakfast was at Northleach after 72 miles and there were 21 to tea at Hare Hatch.

Saturday and Sunday invitation rides in September, to Elstead and Burnham Beeches attracted 12 and 25 respectively.  Laurie Mitchell came into the fold in October and, as usual, Godalming was the popular venue on Christmas morning.


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Web page by Chris Jeggo.  Last revised:  2 January 2005.