Cyclists’ Touring Club
Bristol Section
ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 2006

Dave Amesbury Section Secretary October 4th 2006

Introduction
Entering my 10th year of having the honour to be your Secretary it pleases me, once again to report that the Section is thriving. A couple of our usual events did not occur this year namely the Fancy Dress Weekend at Slimbridge and the Winter Hostel Weekend, but by and large things went on happily as before. We must not, however be complacent. We do need to attract, and keep, more new riders and CTC Members if only to keep things going when the old ‘un like me fade away. I have no doubt that the Section will flourish in future years – it may evolve into something quite different as it has in the past. But crystal ball gazing ‘aint in my remit.
Next year is the 100th Anniversary of the Bristol DA and a number of celebrations are planned including an Anniversary Ride, Dinner and Dance, anniversary Tri-Vets, Photo Competition and a series of 100 mile rides by each of the Sections. Any other ideas will be welcome – just contact Me, Reg Porter or Joan Orchard.
This is my penultimate Annual Report as I am standing down next year. Why doesn’t the old fool go this year you may ask? It’s because I want be involved in the Anniversary celebrations, so there. Next year I am 69 (stop sniggering at the back there) so enough will be enough. The job needs someone younger, with at least a memory, some energy and no irritating old man’s habits. Please form an orderly queue.

2005 AGM
The attendance at the 2005 AGM was, I am sorry to say, down again on last year with only 23 members present and even sorrier to note that most of these were not regular riders. If this continues the only people present are likely to be the Committee! Nevertheless a lively and constructive meeting ensued. A few changes to the Committee resulted, with Jane Chapman taking over from Dave Baxandall as Treasurer, Joe Prosser rejoining the team as YH Secretary and Richard Shopland occupying the Press and Publicity seat albeit on a temporary basis.
The Chairman thanked Dave for his work as Treasurer over the last 3 years.

Section Awards
These were presented by Ted King, Section President.

• Attendance Trophy Barrie Bailey
• Club Member of the Year Sue Hawkins

Composition of Committee – 2005/2006

• Chairman Hugh Marshall
• Secretary Dave Amesbury
• Treasurer Jane Chapman
• Runs Secretary Sue Hawkins
• Social Secretary Reg Porter
• YH Secretary Joe Prosser
• Press/Publicity Sec Richard Shopland
• Bike Week Coordinator Jane Chapman
• Ex-officio members
• Joan Orchard
• Richard Burton
• Mike Fairman

Club Rides
The long Winter and the grey, cold, windy and wet early Spring took its toll regarding numbers out on rides – but all have been supported and none have had to be cancelled, a couple curtailed perhaps, but not completely abandoned. And it must be said that a couple of Sundays turned out better than the forecasters dared to hope. When the weather finally decided to get its act together and realize that it was, in fact June and not November then we enjoyed a summer of really great cycling – even if it was TOO hot at times! It is pleasing, too, to note that we have been seeing a small but significant number of new riders appearing.
As last year, as her contribution to the CTC “Women into Cycling” initiative, Sue Hawkins’ month long programme of Women’s rides on selected Saturdays and Sundays in June got under way. These coincided with Bike Week and were quite successful with several new riders taking part.
However, although we have, by and large managed to run two rides on most Sundays it seems that it is the same core of Leaders that regularly appear and this means that sometimes Sue is pushed to fill the Programme. So come on you shrinking violets, get your names in print – LEAD A RIDE! We are keen, by the way, to have some “themed” rides – e.g. to a garden, an NT property, a museum or perhaps a country fair etc. And, if a Saturday is better for you then that’s OK. As noted above, Sue has been running Women’s rides on Saturday with some success

Boxing Day. We always look forward to Hugh’s Boxing Day ride where after the morning trip around the lovely Avon Gorge, Pill and the architectural delights of the Chittening Trading Estate, mulled wine, mince pies and other goodies are partaken of at Chez Marshall. As always thanks to Ann, whose mince pies are one of the glories of the age.

New Year’s Day. Continuing the age of goodwill to all men (oops! – and women) and the coming of the New Year, a select band left their headaches at home and ventured out on our traditional New Year’s Day ride to Hinton Blewett, where the usual friendly landlord, good beer and food awaited us.

Mother’s Day. The Mothers Day ride to Priddy exceeded the seaweed-feelers dire warnings with visibility on the Mendips down to 25yds and a good dosing of Somerset wind and rain. However lunch and pint for a fiver, accompanied by a folk band, at the “Hunters Lodge” more than compensated.

Annual Barbeque And so, once more to that last bastion of comfortably untidy traditional English pubbery – the “Blue Flame” at West End, Nailsea – for our Annual Barbecue. Over 40 riders turned up to enjoy good weather, good food and beer (not forgetting the cider!) and even better company making for another memorable day. Thanks to Sue Hawkins, Nick Rechter, Joan Orchard, Dave Tout and Hugh & Ann Marshall for all their work in preparing and cooking the food.

Rounders. We inflicted ourselves on Clevedon this year for our annual foray into team games. With all the goodwill in the world and in spite of the efforts of a certain games mistress of our acquaintance to impose some sense of order and adherence to the rules (Rules? There are Rules?) the annual Rounders match degenerated into its traditional afternoon of mayhem and genteel thuggery. Good try, Alison! Casualties were, mercifully, light.

Weekends Away & Club Holidays
Winter Rent a Hostel Weekend. It was unfortunate that this year, for various reasons we were unable to arrange this hitherto popular weekend break.

Skittles and Fancy Dress Weekend It was a great disappointment that our Fancy Dress and Skittles weekend at Slimbridge had to be cancelled for lack of support. One hopes this is not a portent for the future. However, you were spared my self- indulgent reportage of the event here and in the Tourist! I suppose the reason is that many of the core members who always supported it were just not available this year or it could be, that like so many things, it has just lost its appeal. This happens, as we all know and it will no doubt, in the fullness of time be replaced by other activities. However we will try again next year if support is forthcoming.

Easter Weekend The Bristol Section Easter Weekend at Danywenallt YH near Talybont on Usk will long be remembered for the Great Penderyn Pickled Egg Raid. In an action reminiscent of the trepidations of Edward 1, who inflicted such suffering on the Welsh (and probably vice versa), a renegade band of English cyclists descended upon a sleepy village near Hirwuan and, in an act of unparalleled ferocity and revenge at the unavailability of food, relieved the inhabitants of the complete stock of pickled eggs at the Lamb Hotel.
This weekend must count as one of the best ever. 35 members attended – 27 at the hostel and the rest camping or B & B – and enjoyed cycling or walking as took their fancy. The Hostel really is worth a visit, in a lovely quiet setting near Talybont Reservoir with views across the Brecon Beacons. The catering, as organised by the Warden and her amiable and willing staff was superb with a varied and original menu.
The weekend started well, with some 20 or so riding, in bright sunshine, to Talybont via Bettws Newydd ( gives the Spellchecker a nervous breakdown, does Wales!) and Crickhowell finally all landing in a congenial heap at the “Star” at Talybont prior to the last lap to the Hostel.
Saturday was less bright but a ride up the Taff Trail, route of the northern part of the old Brecon and Merthyr Railway to the Brecon Mountain Railway for coffee – and to admire a real operating 1930s American steam locomotive - began a strenuous yet satisfying day. Merthyr Tydfil avoided, the fourth reservoir of the day was glimpsed at Llwyn-on and the atrocity carried out at Penderyn after the lonely crossing of Cefn Sychbant. On then to Ystradfellte, where there was once a Youth Hostel before climbing up the quiet, lovely valley of the Afon Llia to the head of the “Devil’s Elbow” Then on, with a welcome call at the Brecon Beacons Visitor Centre for a good old British queue and tea. Brecon was reached, where, after the customary appreciation of the local ales, battle was joined with various hot, succulent dishes from the sub-continent to make up for the lunchtime fast. And on top of all those pickled eggs, too!
Meanwhile, the walkers had a good day out on Fan-y-Big. Yes, well, that’s what it’s called.
Sunday’s ride, in somewhat brighter weather, allowed the Section, once again, to make a nuisance of itself up the Gospel Pass, frightening the sheep, caravanners and the parascenders to enjoy lunch at Hay-on-Wye. As well as the “official ride”, some of us walked or rode elsewhere with a few riding to Brecon and attending the Easter Day Service at the Cathedral and enjoying boat a trip on the Canal after lunch. It was that sort of free and easy weekend.
An excellent communal meal at the Hostel rounded off a wonderful day and weekend and we owe our grateful thanks to Joe Prosser, our YH Secretary, for organising the Hostel and leading the rides. A fitting return to the fold for Joe after his absence in foreign parts (Aberdeen) and from the Committee.

Spring Bank Holiday Weekend .The late Spring Bank Holiday Tour took a party to Northern Ireland, led by Joe Prosser. An unusual and very interesting week ensued with everyone agreeing that that this corner of the UK, with its spectacular coastline, including the Giants Causeway, the quiet roads and historical towns is undeservedly neglected as a holiday destination. A boat trip on Lough Foyle was particularly enjoyed. The Civic buildings in Belfast were greatly admired but a walk around the walls of Londonderry still showed evidence of sectarian divisions. One hopes that the people of this troubled province will continue to enjoy the peace they so richly deserve.

August Bank Holiday Weekend. A Youth Hostel attached to a pub? The Section’s wildest dream come true! Yes, indeed, because the August Bank Holiday Weekend saw 16 us at the Bunkhouse/Hostel at the Goddard Arms at Clyffe Pypard. The beer and food were good and the Warden cum Landlady, Libby, somewhat incredible – as was her hubby. A real pair of characters! Saturday’s ride, led by Dave Baxandall and Mary Doyle took us on a circular tour via Marlborough for elevenses, Savernake Forest, Great Bedwyn for lunch, a 360 degree ride around the Wilton Windmill, the Crofton pumping station for tea and Avebury for a look at the stones and a pre-dinner reviver. An interesting, undulating and varied route ending in a downhill swoop to the Hostel – a good ending to the day!
Sunday saw, in effect, three rides after elevenses at Wootton Bassett with one party opting for any easy trip to the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, the fit ones heading out via Cricklade and Faringdon for a circuit of Swindon ending at Wroughton and a third group aiming for the Marlborough area as they had not been on Saturday’s ride. All met eventually back at the Hostel to partake of the usual conviviality commensurate with the last night
Unusually the showers cost 50p a throw. Members, of course found a way around this by sharing. Up to three were able to partake at a time. Whether the trios were mixed or not I will leave, I think, to people’s salacious imaginations.
A great weekend, with good weather so thanks to Joe for setting it up

Clubroom and Social Activities
Clubroom. The Clubroom, with its interesting programme of presentations, thrived, in its own way – any profits will never buy the Committee members a holiday in Barbados - but it has regular band of supporters, mainly our older members, who give a good deal of loyal support. I must say, however, that the Committee will be keeping a close eye on the costs involved in running this facility, especially as the rental for the room has increased
The season got off to a somewhat shaky start in temporary accommodation as the main hall was being extensively refurbished. However, within a few weeks all had returned to something like normality and I am pleased to say that numbers attending were reasonably encouraging with Richard Sale’s and George & Ann Martin’s show pulling in well over 30. Our Auction did not reach the dizzy heights of last year neither in income or items on offer, but a reasonable £130 resulted thanks to the generosity of members and some judicious bullying by Gary Harris, our Auctioneer, and myself.

Christmas Dinner & Lunch. There was a double gastronomic treat for us this Christmas season with our traditional pasta and pizza night out and a turkey-free Sunday lunch ride. The first took place at Zios, new venue which supplied some excellent food – although the price of the beer caused some to blink. Come on chaps, what’s £9.00 a litre these days? Thanks to Sue Hawkins and Reg Porter for organising this night out. Sue in particular who had quite a stressful evening sorting out menus on the move! Our old friend Roger at the “Port of Call” welcomed us at the end of our Sunday morning lunch ride and this time there were no complaints about the beer. Turkey was forbidden and in any case was not on the menu. Thanks to Sue, again.

DA , National & Other Events
DA AGM The overall attendance at the DA AGM mirrored that of the Section, with a much reduced number on previous years. However we made a tolerable showing and were pleased to see Hugh Marshall elected DA President, taking over from Ted King who is standing down after many years of sterling service to the DA. However he has decided to carry on as our Section President as he enjoys the catering after our Committee Meetings.
Joan Orchard remains as DA Social Secretary, Joe Prosser as Registrar and the bloke that does strange things with the DA Website. Hugh retains his other hat as Outdoor Events Secretary and Geoff Perrett has a houseful of interesting stuff as DA Archivist.
Ted King and I were raised to the peerage as DA Vice presidents.

.DA Carol Service. Winter tends to get under way with the DA Carol Service which I was unfortunately unable to attend. The service and accompanying tea were, as usual, thoroughly enjoyed with the massed ranks of the Bristol choir in fine voice for this always welcome event. Thanks again to Ted Berryman and our friends at Stroud Valleys CC.

DA Dinner & Dance. We were consoled for the loss of the Slimbridge weekend by the DA Dinner and Dance at the new venue at Eastwood Park. Bristol of course provided the largest contingent and everyone seemed to enjoy it. We owe our thanks to Joan Orchard for all the work she put into the organisation. It was pleasing to see Sue Hawkins receive the Arthur Powell Trophy. I was very gratified to get the Baker Merit.

DA Photographic Competition. This event was not held this year but it is hoped that it will return as one of the events in 2007, the DA Anniversary year.

DA Castle Combe Church Service. Our numbers on the ride to the Castle Combe Church Service were down on previous years, as was the overall attendance and the efforts of the ladies of the WI in supplying the customary tea and cakes were sadly missed, However, as usual, the service under the amiable direction of our cycling clergyman Canon Roger Clifton was enjoyable and we all had a good sing!

DA Veterans 100 in 12 Hours. The Annual Geriatric Outing organised by Bristol Section and known as the Vet’s 100 in 12 hours took place on its traditional first Sunday in June with 21 on the road climbing up and over Cotswold edge to Tresham, Tetbury, Rodmarton, Coates and Siddington near Cirencester then rambling around the Cotswold Water Park and various Cerneys and assorted Keynes to Cricklade for lunch and home via a couple of Somerfords and a singular Malmesbury. The weather was good apart from the late afternoon cloudburst which the laggards in the café at Malmesbury missed. It never pays to be too hasty in these events, I always say. Many thanks owed to Ted King who rode shotgun and Berry Parker whose moral and practical support was, as ever, invaluable. Not forgetting of course the Le Bas Mobile Caterers and the hard working crew who provided the tea and cakes at the finish.

DA Inter-Section Grittleton Meet The annual Inter Section meet at Grittleton, blessed again by fine weather, was attended by some 50 riders with Bristol being well represented. Many thanks to Hugh Marshall for his sterling work with the tea urn and commiserations over the fact that his Treasure Hunt had only one entrant. Made it easy to determine the winner, though (But what if he had lost?).

Cheltenham Section Cotswold Weekend An elite band of 9, in various Motorhomes, caravans and an extremely attractive two-tone trailer tent attended the Cotswold Weekend at Winchcombe. The weather was a bit like the Curates Egg but nevertheless did not mar a really enjoyable weekend. We all thought that the meal on the Saturday was excellent as was Ron’s slide show which followed. The easy ride through attractive countryside to Broadway was lovely. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to Bourton on the Water on Sunday, the weather causing us to fall by the wayside for an extended lunch at the “Black Horse” at Naunton after which we scurried back to Winchcombe for tea. We owe many thanks to Cheltenham Section and in particular to Ingrid & Rupert Harris for a super weekend. We shall return!

CTC York Rally. As in past years members of the Section visited, and enjoyed this event

CTC Birthday Rides. Ray & Jean Broome represented us at the Birthday rides in Scotland and enjoyed themselves, apart from the sparse haggis dinner on the Burns Night.

Semaine Federale There was no official presence this year. However there will be a contingent going next year.

Section members also attended the Mildenhall Rally and The South Bucks “Golden Beeches” weekends

Audax Events
As always many of our members take part on Audax events all over the area and farther afield including those such as the Brian Chapman 600, the Brevet Cymru and the Cotswold Corker which are so well run by Cheltenham Section. Our own home grown events, as below, continue to attract a good following.

The South Glos 100k Once again Jane Chapman could relax after a job well done in organising the South Glos 100k which again attracted well over 100 riders and although the weather wasn’t as good as in previous years, the rain kept off and a good cycling day out was enjoyed by all.

Tasty Cheddar 100k . Joe Prosser’s popular ride around the North Somerset coast and countryside and the Mendips retained excellent support again with 130 entrants.

These events function because of the backroom help of many of our members. So many thanks to all the people at the Controls who stamp cards, count bodies, comfort the despondent and account for the lost and wandering at the end of the day. Volunteers are always welcome, just contact the organisers.

Note:- Jane also organises the Jack Cotton 100k which although not a Section event, benefits the charity Cancer Research UK, so is well worth supporting.

Section Finance
(see Treasurers Report). Jane Chapman took over the Treasury this year and has proved to be a most effective Treasurer, managing the difficult task, these days, of changing our bank account with the minimum of uproar. We now, as agreed at the last AGM, bank with the Co-op. (do we get a “divvy?)

National Bike Week
Sue’s rides led us nicely into National Bike Week during the last week in June in which her rides were joined by a couple of rides organised especially for Bike Week in addition to our usual weekend programme. This all culminated in Bristol’s biggest Bike Ride for which the Section has for many years provided a significant stewarding input. The weather once again was great, although not as hot as last year, (which was a blessing!} and around 4000 cyclists of all ages and abilities had a grand day out on the various routes.

Press & Publicity
Richard Shopland managed to get our activities, such as rides, published in the various local media outlets.. Sue Hawkins produced some very effective publicity material for the “Women into Cycling” project.
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 some details of our rides in the South Glos area published in the local “Gazette” via a useful contact on the paper.
The Section publicity stand was present at the Bike to Work Breakfast and at the finish of the Biggest Bike Ride.

Cycling Rights & Network Activities
Richard Burton continues in the capacity as Right to Ride representative with regard to South Glos Council – an uphill battle if ever there was one!
Ted King our Section President, Jane Chapman and your Secretary attend various Forums and meetings on the Club’s behalf. Steve Kinsella has been playing an active role in rights work in the North Somerset area.
I think it is, as last year, 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
It is always sad to have report that one of our members has been hurt in a road accident especially around this time of year. Tony Tape, our popular Cornish expatriate was seriously injured in a collision with a car at Westerleigh on his way home from the Thursday Group Christmas lunch. He suffered a broken leg, in two places, shoulder and hand and had to spend Christmas in Frenchay Hospital. Now discharged and in the care of his friend Margaret, we wish him, and her, well and hope to see him out again on a bike again soon.
It was a surprise to learn that our Section President, Ted King was rushed into hospital just before the Church Service with what turned out to be an acute viral infection. He, thankfully, recovered well, still rides on Thursdays and attends Section Committee meetings whenever possible. Plus all the other activities he is involved with outside of the world of cycling.!
Our thoughts were also with Gary Harris who recovered from surgery for a brain tumour. His workmates paid for him to have brain scan privately, without which he would have died. We were very pleased to see him in his “Dr Bike” role at the Big Bike Ride.
Bristol’s own cycling Wonderwoman, Jane Chapman, gave us all a nasty shock when she was rushed into hospital with abdominal pains in early June and had to undergo surgery. Everyone is overjoyed that this very brave lass made a full recovery. She is, of course, back on her bike – did you expect anything else?
It was very pleasing to learn that Cyril Slocombe has received a very well deserved Volunteer of the Year award from the CTC. For some years now Cyril has been the engine behind that most successful midweek cycling group The Bristol Old Time Cyclists. This bunch of pedalling reprobates is probably one of the best adverts for the benefits of cycling known with sometimes over 60 over 60s assembling for lunch! But you don’t have to be over 60 to join in!
It is not many people who fall out of a boat on dry land, but it happened to Mike Fairman! Unfortunately it resulted in a broken thumb which is kept him off of his bike for some time. Seriously, though, he fell some eight feet – it could have been a lot more serious.
I am pleased to report that couple of Bristol riders have completed solo End to Ends. Steve Clark for the Stoke Association Charity in memory of his late wife and Dave Boon who rode for the sheer hell of it.
Pauline Porter, in the company of Randy (her camper) and Rex (her bike) did extended solo tours in Scotland, France and Spain. Brave lass! (please read her article in the Tourist) We think the Scots have recovered and there is no truth that Margaret Becket had to travel to the Continent in her caravan to resolve any subsequent diplomatic crises.
I am sure that we all miss Mark & Shirley Tily, noticeable by their absence for most of the year due to illness and domestic problems. However the arrival of their first grandchild is a cause for congratulations and we hope to see them out on a ride again soon.

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.
I would personally 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 a Secretary’s task an easier and more pleasurable one. Again, I would like to thank our President, Ted King, who has been attending our Committee Meetings where his wide experience of Club matters and cycling in general has been invaluable

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