August 2003

Memories of John Fox

With sadness I read of the passing away of John Fox in the Circular.

We joined the North End together - end of the 1940’s, after getting fed up with Club runs with the Liverpool Grosvenor, and the inevitable tea stops at Rhyn-y-mwyn or Nannerch. We wanted a "Man’s Club", which of course the North End was at that time, with day long runs providing a challenge.

John was the eternal optimist, who would have a go at anything - he had at the time a deceptive riding style which was far more effective than many experienced riders would agree with but soon discovered to their dismay. He would always "hang on in there" when it was tough and invariably still had a smile or indeed a laugh to diffuse a tough situation. Our equipment was basic but John was an innovator and as was required at the time if not a scrounger he always had an eye where to get a piece of otherwise difficult-to-get kit. He would share with us also the odd wheel or indeed tyre.

Tiny Thompson, Mike Robinson, Billy Fairhurst, Ted Hills, George Jones, Bill and George Hewitt, Ritchie Williams, Alan McCarthy, Les Jones, Alan Walmsley, Ernie Curtis, Andy Kelly, Gordon and Herbie Moore, George Brobin and many, many others passed on their knowledge to us.

I obviously remember with affection the many miles we rode together before all too soon I was called up and joined what was in one form or another to be my life-long career - away from Merseyside and sometimes away from the UK - and always with my bike and the memories of those North Enders in the 1940's and 1950's. Thanks John, if it wasn't for you I probably wouldn't have been privileged to have had those experiences .

Regards to the Club,
John Dalton

BNE Open 25

Paul Holt of the Wrexham RC won the John Burgess-organised BNE Open 25 back in June. Paul clocked a time of 54-33 over the course (a time which, incidentally, was 30 seconds quicker than the fastest club ‘25’ of this season). Darren White of North Shropshire Wheelers was second with 56-05, and our own Pete Davies was third with 56-25.

We won the team award (whoo-hoo!), with Ian Hawkins (57-13) and Keith Boardman (59-50) being the other two counters alongside Pete. Helen Tudor of the Oswestry Paragon won the fastest lady award (1-16-06), and Dennis Milsom of the Mid-Shropshire Wheelers was Fastest Vet on Standard, with +21-54.

10 North Enders took part out of a field of 40 riders. Well done to John for organising this important event once again.

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Club Time Trials

The final club events of the year were run off over the last month. In the ‘10’ on the 8th of July, Jeff Vernon beat Pete Davies and John Kent, with Alan Johnston winning on handicap.

Open Result
1. Jeff Vernon 21-12
2. Pete Davies 21-53
3. John Kent 22-50

Handicap Result
1. Alan Johnston 25-05 (20-05 nett)
2. Alan Negus 28-32 (20-32)
3. Steve Light 33-56 (20-56)

Jeff continued his winning form in the ‘10’ the following week, beating Ian Hawkins and Steve Gauller to the top spot, with Dave Thomas this time winning the handicap.

Open Result
1. Jeff Vernon 21-33
2. Ian Hawkins 22-17
3. Steve Gauller 22-55

Handicap Result
1. Dave Thomas 23-56 (20-56 nett)
2. Doug Watson 23-37 (21-07)
3. Alan Johnston 25-24 (21-24)

Marshalling Rota

The marshals for the 12 hour should be aware (and I believe they already are) that the date for that event has been incorrect up until now - it is the 31st of August. Sorry about this.

Isle Of Man 2003

The Chairman made a brief visit to see how the troops were performing, and is pleased to report that John Lyth won a bronze medal in the European Masters Road Race Championships, following two second places on Standard in the 10 and 25 mile events. Road race placings came in the Viking Trophy for Jeff Vernon (6th), for Andy Massey in the Mannin Veg (5th) and for Susy Massey in the Ladies Road Race (5th), Also-rans in the Masters included Clive, Dave Newby & Geoff Brandt, Tony Flannery scored points in the 10 & 25.

The Club competition was won by Liverpool Century in the absence of the Army (on tour in Iraq?) & pushed the RAF down to 3rd place (despite former North Ender Chris Byrne's efforts).

Geoff Brandt

John receives his medal

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