Cyclists’ Touring Club
Bristol Section
ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 2004

Dave Amesbury Section Secretary October 9th 2004

Introduction
I didn’t think that I would be still here as your Secretary seven years after taking over suddenly, temporarily from Maggie Judd. I just hope that I haven’t outstayed my welcome because the job gives me a great deal of enjoyment and if my small contribution helps to make the Section even more successful – then I am pleased. Besides that, I would miss the suppers at the Committee Meetings.
I have to say that it has been another good year for us with numbers on the two Sunday rides remaining buoyant and the Club Weekends well supported, Easter in particular being over-subscribed. It was especially good to have the Fancy Dress and Skittles night at Slimbridge again after a year’s absence.
We have seen quite a few new riders out and they seem to like us as, by and large, they haven’t disappeared after their first ride! So a warm welcome to all of our new friends – we hope you stay with us.
May I just mention that in three years (2007) it will be the Centenary of the Bristol DA. Various celebrations are in the early stages of planning and if anyone can think of any ideas to mark this august occasion please speak up – we all want it to be a cycling year to remember.
Just think, I may even be still here!

2003 AGM
A slightly better attendance than last year with 37 present. The composition of the Committee remained as 2002 with the exception of Sue Hawkins who took over from Joe Prosser as Runs Secretary and Mike Fairman who filled a vacancy as an ex-officio Member.
Section Trophies were presented by Ted King to the following members

• Attendance Trophy. Stan Watts
• Club Member of the Year John Vince

Club Rides
Sue Hawkin s, now bears the title “Rides Secretary” and the “Runs List” is now the “Rides List”. A small step perhaps, but one probably more descriptive of what we do and certainly a title favoured by CTC HQ. It will only take another 30 years for people to get used to it. Also all of our Committee members, Organisers and regular Ride (oops, nearly said “runs”) Leaders are now registered with HQ for insurance purposes, another positive step – one hopes that the facility will never need to be invoked, but in today’s litigious world one has to have this protection.
The usual two Sunday rides have seen sound support with a combined average of around 30 riders. Sue Hawkins, our Rides Secretary, holds the record so far this year – nearly 30 for her ride to Cheddar. The Wednesday Evening rides have a dedicated band of adherents who sample various real ale hostelries in the area and also, as an afterthought, get some miles in.
Some of the regular and more notable rides are mentioned below
Boxing Day Hugh Marshall’s ride took us to (S)leigh Woods, the Avon River Path, Pill and a conducted tour of the architectural glories of the Avonmouth and Chittening Trading Estates culminated in bread and cheese, Polish cheesecake, very moreish mince pies and wine, mulled exquisitely, courtesy of Hugh and Anne at their home
New Years Day This excursion attracted some dozen hardy souls for a pleasant ride around the Chew Valley. At least it was dry and quite sunny, unlike last year’s sub-aqua trek.
Saul Canal Rally This looks like becoming an annual event for the Section and was enjoyed by a few of our people, anxious to sample the delights of the camping area, not to mention the beer tent.
Rounders The annual demonstration of gamesmanship (not to mention gameswomanship) and downright cheating returned to its traditional venue at Uphill in August. The ball wasn’t lost in the bushes this year, but the aforementioned characteristics were still much in evidence.
Barbeque The smoke from the burnt offerings at our greatly enjoyed meat and veggie fest rose over Kenn Moor in September. In spite of an unpromising weather outlook nearly 40 attended and we owe many thanks to Joan Orchard, Sue Hawkins, Jane Chapman, Jenny Jones, Hugh Marshall and Nick Rechter for the organisation, preparation and cooking
Newport Velodrome An innovation this year, Joe Prosser’s trip to the Newport Velodrome attracted 20 riders who enjoyed it so much that they are all considering buying track irons! Who said that going around in circles never got you anywhere?

Weekends Away & Club Holidays
Once again this year, Richard Shopland our YH Secretary has put a lot of effort into giving us some memorable weekends away.
Winter “Rent a Hostel” Weekend Our weekend at Litton Cheney, on the traditional last weekend in November, caught the depression that really signalled the end of the autumn drought and we suffered two days of cold, windy and extremely wet weather. However the depression applied only to the weather, for in spite of it and buoyed up by England’s World Cup win which we watched live in the local pub on the Saturday morning, in company with the only Welsh Australian in Dorset (he lost his bet with the landlord), the weekend went its usual merry way. The rides around the Dorset hills were somewhat curtailed both in length and in numbers riding, but people did other interesting things and the evening entertainment more than compensated for the lack of cycling with the usual convivial pub evenings followed by a musical soiree with “good ole’ boy” Ray Broome on guitar, assisted by the Karaoke Krew on vocals. I must admit that the latter are getting, slowly, ever so slowly, better. And to Hugh Marshall and Andrew Philips, who had a sock and glove-wringing 80 mile ride home on the Sunday – our profound admiration. Slimbridge New Year Weekend After a year’s respite, the good people of Slimbridge and the regulars of the “Tudor Arms” in particular had the pleasure, once again, of witnessing our annual descent into fantasy land and somewhat outrageous behaviour known as the Fancy Dress and Skittles Weekend. Although numbers were down on previous years our bunch of aspiring actors and prima donnas were as inventive as ever, so it is always worth describing the catwalk in detail:-
From the world of show business, Mark Tiley’s (moustachioed) Geri Halliwell (nice legs!) accompanied by Shirley’s generously endowed Dolly Parton set the scene. Lynwen Croome lent an air of elegant comedy as Charlie Chaplin with Mike Atkins displaying his muscles as a Circus Strong Man and swinging Jenny Jones hanging around as a Trapeze Artiste. From the films our émigrés Helen & Brian Knell recalled the “Wizard of Oz” (or is that how they usually dress in Kent?).
Two cowpokes, Richards Shopland and Burton brought the Wild West to Berkeley Vale, the home team being represented by Rob Jenner’s countryman from the bucolic deeper reaches of Thornbury. Meanwhile, from the jungles of darkest Alveston, Jerry Croome supervised proceedings as The Great White Hunter, complete with pith helmet (no comment) and fly whisk.
Jackie Bressington’s witch evidently cast a spell on Richard Dixon who appeared in a very elegant Gold Lame gown, with matching accessories. I won’t say what these were but there’s no thong like an old thong.
Dave Tout & Joan Orchard were a very convincing Spanish Fred and Ginger – as we know, it takes two to tango and flair to flamenco. Jean Broome represented the nation’s culture as a painter, though of portraits, landscapes or bathroom ceilings, she wasn’t saying.
Our worthy D A Treasurer and guitarist of note, Ray Broome apparently has a secret life and one hopes that what was revealed under the dirty raincoat were only strategically placed balloons. Never mind, Stan Watts, displaying a good habit as a rather dissolute monk was available for spiritual guidance should Ray have required it and had medical intervention been necessary Joe Prosser was there to administer the kiss of life as a rather fetching, long legged, mini-skirted, nurse.
Easter Weekend The Section spent Easter at Malvern Hills YH and made the most of the good weather. Richard Shopland was leader for the weekend and his rides reflected the variety of countryside one encounters in this small country of ours. A hilly ride there via the Forest of Dean on Friday was followed on Saturday by a fairly level exploration of Severn Vale and the area around Bredon Hill, lunching at Ashton under Hill. There is no truth, incidentally, in the rumour that Croome Court, near Kinnersley, is up for sale to finance the retirement of a certain gentleman from Alveston.
Hills featured again on Sunday, northwest of Worcester with an energetic day dipping in and out of the Teme Valley. Lunch was taken at the Bell near Pensax, reputedly the best pub in Worcestershire. With seven or eight real ales, some pretty lethal looking local draught ciders and doorstep sandwiches to slaughter granny for, one could see why. The temptation to work one’s way through the drinks menu was heroically resisted.
A ride home following the Severn via Gloucester returned to less hilly terrain and set the seal on another memorable Section weekend away. We owe our thanks to Richard for doing all the work and providing us with some great rides.
August Bank Holiday Weekend South Wales, or more specifically, the Western Black Mountains hosted this weekend, based on Llandeusant YH. Richard Shopland planned some interesting rides – “interesting” being the least abusive comment heard about the traverse of the “Devil’s Staircase” on the Saturday. But one does expect hills in Wales and of course the up-side of these is the wonderful views, the solitude and open skies one encounters. Sunday’s ride explored the Twyi Valley towards Llandeilo and Carmarthen, encountering a good Ceilidh Band in a pub en route to add to the day’s entertainment.

Clubroom and Social Activities
Section Christmas Meal A change of venue this year, but keeping the Italian theme at Bottelino’s. Some 40 of us, in very cosy surroundings, did the usual demolition job on, for the most part, rather vast pizzas of various and often mysterious composition accompanied by slightly extravagant quantities of vino rosso. The evening is, traditionally, the time when we exchange our Christmas Cards. Funny, there are always at least three people who give you a card which you are unable to return. It was, as it always is, a good night out and many thanks to Sue Hawkins & Reg Porter for making it possible.
Clubroom The Clubroom season, ably assembled by Reg Porter, was reasonably well supported, although for some reason numbers tailed off towards the finish. Highest attendances were Richard Sale’s Arctic show with over 40 and the Auction – which realised over £180.00, thanks to Gary Harris’s selling skills.
Curry Night The final Wednesday ride was celebrated with a good gathering enjoying an evening with the sub-continent’s revenge for 200 years of the Raj at Rangeworthy.
(Rajworthy?)

DA & National Events
DA AGM Bristol sent a strong contingent to the DA AGM as usual. The following Section members were re-elected to the DA Committee;

• Hugh Marshall - Outdoor Events Organiser and Vice President
• Joe Prosser - IT Representative
• Joan Orchard – Social Secretary
• Brian Griffiths – Press and Publicity Secretary and YHA Representative
• Geoff Perrett remains as DA Archivist

Audax Events
Bristol no longer organises the Brian Chapman Memorial 600k which is now run by Mark Rigby of Cheltenham Section, but members are still involved as helpers at the Controls as, indeed, are many of our folk at Audax rides in the DA and whose efforts make these events possible.
South Gloucester 100k. This popular event, hitherto run by Jerry Croome is now in the capable hands of our own action lady, Jane Chapman. Jane was nervous about the support she would get – not to fear, over 100 took part and she had people knocking on her door, cheques in hand, almost pleading to ride. This isn’t surprising as the ride takes place in a lovely area and has always seems to have been blessed with superb weather. Perhaps it is because it follows so closely on the heels of the Church Service and is a reward from a Higher Authority for being good. Tasty Cheddar 100k. Once again, Joe Prosser’s Autumn extravaganza, the Tasty Cheddar 100K proved to be very popular with 112 starting and 106 finishing this varied and interesting ride. Made a thumping good profit for the DA too!

Section Finance
Dave Baxandall manages the thankless and often unrecognised task of running the Section accounts with calm efficiency, with Berry Parker casting his eagle eye over affairs as Hon Auditor.

Press & Publicity
Jane Chapman manages to get our activities, such as rides, published in the various local media outlets and has been interviewed by Radio Bristol. Brian Griffiths, the DA Press and Publicity Officer still finds it a daunting task trying to get items published relating to cycling in general in the local press, though not for want of trying! Both he and Richard Burton have had letters published in the “Evening Post” on various cycling topics. Reg Porter continues to get details of our rides in the South Glos area published in the local “Gazette” via a useful contact on the paper. Richard Burton has, in conjunction with South Glos Council, produced a highly informative and professionally presented series of maps of local cycle rides. These are really of a very high standard but unfortunately funding for the project has dried up so he is urgently seeking sponsorship to get it off the ground.

National Bike Week
Bristol provided its usual marshalling presence on Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride which was a great opener for Bike Week. Jane Chapman took over the co-ordination of our input with Bristol City Council at short notice. With her usual enthusiasm and the assistance of Joe Prosser in finding the marshals and Richard Burton supplying a very good write up on the Section for distribution on the Club stand at the finish and at the Bike to Work Breakfast on the Wednesday, all went well. Many thanks to all the members who manned the Club stand on both days and, as marshals, sorted out the traffic jams and deterred some of the wilder participants from their Kamikaze mission..
Special thanks are due to Gary Harris for his “Dr Bike” sessions at the Big Bike Ride finish and at the breakfast.

Cycling Rights & Network Activities
Richard Burton, now that he is employed by Bristol City Council has relinquished his role as Rights to Ride Representative for Bristol but continues in that capacity with regard to South Glos Council – an uphill battle if ever there was one! Ted King our Section President and myself as Secretary attend various Forums (should that be Forii?) and meetings on the Club’s behalf. We must not forget the efforts of Geoff Howard, the DA Rights Officer, who does a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes for us.
As mentioned above, Richard Burton works for the Traffic Management group in Bristol City Council and Pauline Porter and Jane Chapman are still labouring away with Sustrans so we have, if not moles then at least beavers in both outfits.
Steve Kinsella has been playing an active role in rights work in the North Somerset area.
I think it is worth mentioning the good work put in by people in Bristol Cycling Campaign, many of whom are CTC members, in creating and maintaining cycling facilities within the Bristol City and surrounding area.

People
Congratulations to Sue Hawkins & Nick Rechter on their forthcoming marriage in October.
It was good to see Jane Chapman back on her bike after her recent troubles – she has had her redundant replacement hip made into a personal Audax trophy – who said humour and courage were dead?
Jackie Bressington diversified from cycling once again and completed the Copenhagen Marathon after being disappointed at not being able to enter the London event.
Best wishes are due to Andrew Orchard & Emma-Jane on the birth of their son and of course to Joan on becoming a second time grandma. Apart from performing a near amputation of a finger at home, Richard Burton suffered a broken elbow from an encounter with some barriers on a cycle path which, apparently, shouldn’t have been there. (I would love to see the correspondence ensuing from this!)
We mustn’t forget Arthur Rich who unfortunately suffered a broken hip recently. He celebrated his eightieth birthday in April. A very successful racing cyclist with Bristol South CC in his younger days and almost a founder member of the Thursday Old Timers, Arthur has battled with poor health over the past few years but still turned up for our rides when he is able, an example to us all. I doubt a mere broken hip will stop him cycling!
We were sorry to learn of the death of Dick Wallis at the age of 92. Dick joined the CTC in 1928 and was a stalwart member of the Bristol Road Club. In recent years he rarely missed an evening at the winter club room. Our condolences go to his family.
As a final “stop press” item, we were pleased to hear that Brian Griffith has won the first prize in the CTC Summer Draw. We all thought it would be a good idea if he took the DA Committee out to dinner on the proceeds, He didn’t, though.

Appreciations
The Committee once again wish to thank all the members of the Section for their support and companionship over the past year. I am sure that next year will be as good as and possibly even better than the last. Personally I would like thank all the members of the Committee, and especially our Chairman, Hugh Marshall, for their continuing support, they are a top class team and make the Secretary’s task an easier and more pleasurable one.

A personal note. Thank you for the cards and messages I have received from all of my cycling friends after the sad and sudden loss of my wife Margaret. Your companionship and support will undoubtedly make the future easier to bear. I am privileged to have people like you around me. Bless you all.

Report 2001| Report 2002| Report 2003