Archive for 2007
Interclub Hill Climb at Dalham (Not So Sure)
12 club members, sound in body, but not in mind, assembled to wrap up the Interclub Championship at the Dalham hills. 5 souls had braved the strong winds and rain to cycle over. 2 had driven what was to be a 100 mile round trip for them to get there, for the last event of the year. Start time came and went without anyone else arriving, so after an informal ʻclub championshipʼ race to the top of the hill by our now disappointed group, we all made our way back home, slightly peeved that no one from the other 2 clubs had bothered to turn up.
So, cutting a long story short, it appeared that we were at the wrong venue as it was being held a mere 2 miles up the road at Primrose Hill, Moulton, all as detailed in our very own Spindle and from which 12 grown men had failed to spot. Hmm.
Next years event is to be held in Limbo, which is south/east of Newmarket. Details tofollow nearer the time.
2007 Semer Hill Climb
Our recent open hill climb at Semer, was held in almost perfect conditions, with Geoff reporting 26 entries which was 4 up from last years event.
What always surprises me, are the number of supporters it attracts, especially around the finish line, which adds to the marvellous atmosphere the event always provides. Also present this year was the local Press if form of Ken Watkins and photographer, article can be found here.
C.C.S. provided 7 entrants which was also an improvement over last years paltry entry of just 2.
James Ward from Cambridge CC had won the previous 2 events and his time of 47.9secs proved to be the fastest of the day to scoop a hat-trick of wins. He was followed home by Daniel Zagni and Phil Hetzel, both from Ipswich B.C., 3secs down on the winner.
Quickest C.C.S. rider up the hill was a close fought battle between James Rush and Peter Fradley, with James just shading it with a 55.1 sec compared to Petersʼ 57.4sec ride. Rob Davies followed with a 1min02.2sec, Rob Sidgwick with a 1min15.7sec, George Hoppitt with a 1min21.5sec that was good enough to beat dad Andrewsʼ time of 1min24.8! and finally Terry Law with a 1min35.4sec riding a fixed and complaining about his gearing being all wrong. It certainly looked that way at the top. A valiant effort though. George deservedly picked up the junior prize and it was nice to see some young riders coming through at last.
A well run event by Geoff as usual, ably assisted by Brian Webber, Alan Wiseman and the canteen boys and girls at the village hall. Winner Ward, congratulated the club in what he described as his favourite, best run and most enjoyable event of the year. Make a date in your diaries for next yearʼs event, to come and play or just watch.
2007 AGM
Last night at the Stevenson Centre in Great Cornard, we held our AGM.
The main point of concern were the standing roles of the committee members.
Geoff Morse was happy to continue to stand as Club Sectary, but Peter Whitely decided that it was time to step down as Club Chairman.
The tumble weed was rolling across the room when candidates were asked for. In a fear of a Chairman-less club Roger, Robin and Adam put forward an interesting idea. Robin Weaver and Roger Rush as vice-chairman with Adam as chairman. The motion was passed and seconded so the club has a new leading team.
Committee Members
Chairman – Adam Chamberlin
Vice-Chairman – Robin Weaver
Vice-Chairman – Roger Rush
Sectary – Geoff Morse
Clothing Sectary – Colin Dales
Acting Press Sectary – Roger Rush
Audax Secetary – Andrew Hoppit
Newsletter Editor – Adam Chamberlin
Committee Members – David Fenn
Stan Nichols
It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of Stan’s passing on the morning of 13th October 2007.
I am sure you will all have your own memories of Stan within the club, I know I have mine. From the first club run I took part in and his being one of the few faces I remembered. Also his expert advise on cleaning my bike; “never come on these bloody club runs”.
Looking back I think I spent more time reading Stan than talking to him. With his role of Press Secretary I would normally get a weekly email with articles that would appear in the Suffolk Free Press. He had such a creative writing style and could build a story out of a gloomy evening Time Trial with only 7 riders. Something that I think we will be missed by not only the club but also the Suffolk Free Press.
I managed to grab this picture of an ‘un-suspecting’ Stan during the Interclub TT event with Colchester Rovers earlier in the year. Whilst it is not a great photo it was the only way you could get a picture of Stan. He was always on the move, you have to; like this one, snap him as he moved towards you.
Of course there was more to Stan than just cycling and if you would like to reflect on the life and times of Stan Nichols please feel free to do so at his funeral:
Monday 22nd October. 3-45pm West Suffolk Crematorium, Risby, Bury St. Edmunds.
And afterwards at The Tollgate (Pub) Fornham Road. Bury St. Edmunds which is only a short distance away. A map will be supplied at the ceremony. The family would be delighted to see you at the informal event following the ceremony, a buffet will be provided.
Family flowers only please but donations to Cancer Research on the day or c/o East of England Funeral Service, Cornard Road, Sudbury, CO10 2XA.
It will be led by Lynda Morgan, of the Bristish Humanist Association. There will be the opportunity for friends & family to say a few words if they wish, we would welcome this. Please help us to make this significent day a celebration of Stan’s life.
There is no dress code, fishing & cycling gear is as acceptable as formal wear.
Please feel free to pass this information onto anyone you think is interested.
We would greatly appreciate RSVP.
Jessie
October Spindle
Another edition of the Spindle is available for download.
Check out the Spindle page for more details