80 WHEELER YEARS

 - A POTTED HISTORY OF STOCKTON WHEELERS

 BY SYD HUTCHINSON

On 9th March 1916, 14 cyclists met as usual at the Stockton Arms Hotel. It was late in the evening, and it was after a few drinks that one of a number suggested forming a cycling club; all were in favour. The club was to be named Stockton Wheelers Cycling Club. Appointed were Dave Evans as Chairman, W. Cooper as Secretary, J. Nicholson as Timekeeper and Mat Brown, already a town celebrity by virtue of running round on his trike, Treasurer.

The club then affiliated to the National Cyclists Union and Richmond Meet attracting new members, J. Murray and J. Gunn two of them. A charge of two pence was collected on club runs, the total sum being spent on food parcels for serving members of H.M. Forces and prisoners of war.

Post war a number of Ladies joined the Wheelers on their runs, the captain being Miss H. Fowler. They also entertained the men by holding a field day, how they did so was not disclosed. Destinations for club runs became quite ambitions; Pateley Bridge, Buttertubs and Scarborough being examples.

The first time trial, a 25 was held in 1920 while the 50 mile to be called the Dave Evans became an annual event. Joe Robinson during this period took a very large part in organising the Richmond Track Meeting and Road Race- very popular venues for the Wheelers. They competed in a variety of events: A Jones and W. Robinson on the Donnington Track, while H. Heatley in 1934 and P.J. Howes l938~9 became Teesside Cycling Association Best All Rounder (T.C.A. B.A.R.) champions. The club runs were also very well attended, always a full day's run, while the annual hill climb was held at Scarth Nick.

Existence was difficult through the 1939-46 period, but a few loyal members kept affairs ticking over. The post-war years became a golden era for cycling. Membership increased rapidly eventually exceeding 150. It was not unusual for forty or fifty members to meet at the Town Hall on a Sunday morning for club runs. Racing members completed their events and met up afterwards for lunch. W. Bradburn held the secretarial post for a number of years, while S. Hutchinson became Racing Secretary, and organised all the events. The first Stockton Wheeler's '100'  on the time trial calendar was won in 1947 by Brian Robinson, Tour de France rider, then by his brother Desmond in 1948. Shop owners in the town were persuaded to provide prizes. Club 10's were held weekly on the Mile House to Sadberge road.

During this period a very good road race team could he selected. Led by J. Hood contenders included Harry and Horace Bishop, W. Robinson, and K. College.  They competed with success in the Isle of Man and at Richmond. J. Hood was selected for the England team while J. College gained an award in the Island Mountain Trail.

The 'Island' was a popular venue for quite a number for a few years. Roller competitions were also very popular and W. Jackson and S. Kirk represented the club in the area finals held at the Globe Theatre. Weekly sessions of Cycle Polo were fought out at the Tilery Recreation Ground; not easy- and the bruises!  Touring remained popular and there was a general exodus to Keswick for Christmas and New Year. Meanwhile officials altered in personnel, D. Kitson, C. Leckonby and Tom Walker each acting as Secretary for a number of years, ensuring continuity; each in turn organising club affairs such as our Annual Dinner and Prize Presentation, field days etc.

In 1958 Don Morrison accomplished 250.58 miles in a 12 hour and was T.C.A. B.A.R. The 60's was a barren period, with not one rider qualifying as club champion, for six consecutive years. Club runs were still very popular. To mark the advent of the 70's a Stockton Wheelers member became T.C.A. Junior B.A.R. for seven consecutive years; B. Grievson and I. Mucha once, I. P. Murray twice, and then P. Curran three times. Ian Murray progressed to become T.C.A. B.A.R. twice and club champion eight times- a wonderful achievement . Paul Curran became a top exponent at all forms of racing, gaining a Commonwealth double road race gold meal, to add to a very impressive list of victories.

It was in the sixties that the club almost foundered through lack of a Secretary. Eventually Ray Appleby, a long time member and past club champion decided to save the day. He carried out this duty from 1968 to 1993 representing the club on all the local cycling organisations, organising two National time trials on behalf of the T.C.A. when also secretary of that association. The highlight of this era was the wheelers 60th Anniversary Dinner held at the Swallow Hotel with the Mayor of Stockton in attendance. Les Johnson, the Wheelers' Chairman, Bob Notman, President, and 183members and guests were present. Harry Mansell who had supervised the Junior runs for a number of years was killed while cycling. Due to ill health Joe Robinson resigned as Treasurer, Bob Notman took over but later resigned.

Midway into 1979. S. Hutchinson then took over as Treasurer and Recorder. The club 10's and the Tourist Trial were resurrected. Len Downs a late-comer to the club took up the job as Social Secretary, while also organising time trials. D. Marwood became club champion for five consecutive years whilst approaching the veteran stage.

The 7Oth Anniversary Dinner was held at the Swan Hotel, with Paul Curran as Guest of Honour, S. Hutchinson Chairman, while the following year at the same venue, Beryl Burton  was the guest of honour.

Doug Howes became Racing Secretary in 1992 organising all the time trials and engendering enthusiasm amongst the club time triallists. He became T.C.A. SPOCO winner and B.A.R. in 1992, and T.C.A. B.A.R. in 1993- leading by example. The team of D. Howes, S. Whitell and Nick Calvert were T.C.A. Champions with a record time. All through this period faithful members such as C. Parker, F. Smith, A Barrett, H. Cowan assisted at the turns and starts. Members also competed in Cyclo Cross events, with S. Noble as mentor and organiser, while Margaret Bishop ensured that the Tourist Trail survived every year.

Doug Howes took on the role as Secretary after Ray, followed by Keith Roberts  For two busy years Keith endeavoured to update the production of reports, notices and minutes with the aid of a computer, with excellent results. This year Bernard Ozelton appears to have settled in to good purpose. George Black, our President ,continues to organise the Joe Robinson Road Race, won by Paul Curran, both in 1995 and 1996.

With Bernard at the helm, Doug to maintain the racing enthusiasm, Judith as Social Secretary, Kath and the C.T.C. contingent, K and L Duckers now as Time keepers, members can rest assured that the club is in good hands.

N.B. Thanks to all those stalwart members not mentioned who have given service to the club in so many years and apologies for not giving you all a mention.

1996