History of the Cycling Club

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The origin of the St. Christopher’s Catholic Cycling Club has been the source of much discussion and argument over many years. The following points are an attempt to clarify the situation from documents, minute books, result sheets, diaries and letters.

In 1957 a spiritual bouquet was sent by Archbishop William Godfrey from Westminster on behalf of the members of St. Christopher’s Catholic Cycling Club on the occasion of their silver jubilee.  This was acknowledged by the Vatican on October 24th 1957. Father Donald Proudman offered a date of the August 14th 1932.

The National Club

The History of the National Club can only be appreciated by studying the formation of the Sections and their relationship to each other. This was the result of the enthusiasm of members who were willing to cycle hundreds of miles to meet socially, worship together and compete in time trials.

In 1937 Bernard McLinden and secretary Frank Ellingham proposed that London should have two sections, one in the North and the other in the South. Club runs would be lead by a Captain or Leader responsible for the group. At that time according to Club rules no rider was permitted to overtake the Leader who would keep a pace to protect the slowest rider. Bernard then went on to establish the Liverpool Section and convince Carl Ehrenzellar that he should change the name of BIRMINGHAM CATHOLIC CYCLING CLUB to “Birmingham St. Christopher’s Catholic Cycling Club”.

The seeds of the “National St. Christopher’s Catholic Cycling Club” were now sown only to be interupted by the Second World War.

“All sections of St. Christophers were united as far back as 1939 when the Handbook was published after the Rally at Buxton” Unfortunately  no documents of this period have yet to come to hand.

 

 

Birmingham

Carl and Marion Ehrenzeller founded a cycle touring club in 1932, the title on their rules sheet was “Birmingham Catholic Cycling Club”.Following discussions in 1938 with Bernard McLinden and the approval of the Archbishop of Birmingham the Club was re-named “Birmingham St. Christopher’s Catholic Cycling Club”.

 

London.

Veronica Floate arranged the first meeting at her home on the 11th February 1935. 17 prospective members who had responded to her letter published in a a catholic newspaper attended her house at 39 Connaught Road, Crouch Hill, N4. The first club run was arranged for the 23rd February to “The Anchor” public house, Ripley.Twenty three members attended and Veronica was elected secretary. At a further meeting on the 27th March assisted by Carl Ehrenezeller from Birmingham the title of ”London St. Christopher’s Catholic Cycling Club” was formally adopted.

Following the intervention of Bernard McLinden and Frank Ellingham two sub sections were formed in 1937, one for the North and the other in the South. In 1939 Frank Magatti was a Runs Leader and tour guide in Ireland with Eugene Donetti. Three riders P A Vanek, T W Thompson and G C McCaffery took part representing London in the 1939 Inter City  25 miles time trial. After the Second World War with the large increase in cycling activity Sections were started all over the country. London was represented by North, South. East ,West and Harrow Sections. The revival was lead by war veterans and enthusiasts Terry Chappe, John Brennan, Betty and Alec McNally. The latter founding The Old Members Association in 1951.

In 1982 the Club resigned from the National Organisation and became a dormant club in 1999. Formal closure followed in 2017  but the St. Christophers Old Members Association continued until 2019.

 

 

 

Photos:  J. Cunningham.

North London

Although proposed as a Sub- Section of the London Region in 1937 there is little evidence of it operating until 1950. At the 1954 London Rally 25 mile time trial 6 riders represented the North London Section. J Martin, B Conroy, M Conroy and 3 ladies M Woodhouse, K Richardson and J Tyerman..

Founder Members, J Brennan, F Duchezeau. Alec Mc Nally, Bill Wild and Brian Calnon..

South London

Although proposed as a Sub-Section of the London Region in 1937 there is little evidence of it operating until 1950. At the 1954 London Rally 25 mile time trial 10 riders represented the North London Section, L Mason, D Spooner and A Marner won the 25 mile time trial team award. Founder members L Willig, P Willig, V Crosby, B Dove, M Johnson and 2 ladies M Wilkinson and A Sproule..

West London

Owing to the large increase in membership the London Region was reorganised in 1950. Five Sub- Sections were formed each with a Sub Captain reporting to the main body.:- North, South, West, East and Harrow. Rides would be commenced from the Brompton Oratory..At the 1954 London Rally 25 mile time trial 8 riders represented the West London Section, A Desmond, R Smith, D Valdambrini, E Smith, M Bertini, J Mathews, M Burton and M Anglim. By 1965.the Section was dormant.

Glasgow.

“Glasgow St. Christopher’s Wheelers” was formed on the 14th April 1935 at theBellevue Nursery.Following an advertisement in the “Irish Weekly” some twenty interested persons attended the first meeting but none of the initating  members were elected to the committee. After some early difficulties P. Tracy  became secretary aided by new experienced member W.H.Reddick  and they consolidated the organisation.

Founder members included Willie Rafferty, Willie Fox. Jack Dougherty and Michael Gallagher who died whilst touring Ireland. In 1982 the title was changed and the word “Catholic” dropped. The St. Christophers Cycling Club cotinues based on East Kilbride.

Liverpool.

Having moved from London in N0vember 1937 Bernard McLinden arranged a meeting with Archbishop Downey and sought his approval to form the “Liverpool St. Christopher’s Catholic Cycling Club”. On February 22nd 1938 the Club was formed using the rules provided by London. Founder members H. Hughes and T Davey. He then went on to do pioneering work which resulted in the formation of the Lancashire, Yorkshire and Potteries sections.

Ten riders L Reynolds, J J Carroll, E Lorenzo, G Woodburn, T Davie, A Mandy, J Doran, J Hughes, T Treanor  and T Davie took part representing Liverpool in the 1939 Inter City  25 miles time trial.

 

North Staffs.

In late 1938 Bernard McLinden met four riders on a cycle ride, Fred. Brown Potteries C.C., George Bradshaw Stone Wheelers , George Norrey and Doug. Swinnerton. They were the key players in the formation of the “St. Christopher’s Catholic Cycling Club, North Staffs Section.” An inaugural meeting took place at the Sacred Heart School Hanley on the 30th November 1938. Twelve riders took part in the first cycle run to Bishops Offley followed by Benediction at Swynnerton on Sunday the 4th December.

At the first Annual General Meeting on the 25th January 1939 Canon Twiney was elected President, Mr. Bailey Chairman, George Norrey Secretary, Mark Coupe Treasurer, George Bradshaw Runs Captain and Father Murphy Spiritual Adviser. Founder Members:- D Beardmore, Denis Birchenhall, Margaret Corcoran, R Coupe, J Garrett, V Hancock, J Smith. Seven riders M Timlin, D P Swinnerton, G Bradshaw, A Timlin, WCohen J Beamish and F T Brown took part representing North Staffs in the 1939 Inter City  25 miles time trial.

Affiliation to B.C.F. ceased in 1998 and trophies were returned  or donated in 2008 . Riders continue with dormant organisation.

Southampton

Ron Carey Southampton Wheelers, secretary of the Southern Centre of the R.T.T.C, life member of the N.C.U., founder  of the Regent C.C. and Crabwood met Terry Chappe and Frank Magatti of London St. Christopher’s C.C.C. during Easter 1945 at Batheaston Y.H. At the first meeting attended by 6 members on the 11th May at St. Boniface Hall the first club run for Southampton St. Christopher’s C.C.C. was planned for Whit Monday.

At the 1946 A.G.M. president and treasurer, Father O’Sullivan, vice president Ron Carey, chairman K. Jones, secretary Miss Pegliara were elected . Messrs. Skeets and Walters were founder members.

Herts.

Herts was one of the Sections set up after the War in the London Region.

At a meeting on Friday 13th 1948, the committee was elected, Joe Pond  chairman, Catherine Jansen secretary, Len Richmond runs secretary and Father Rochford spiritual adviser.

Founder members, Paul Crook – Rumsey., J Clark and J Hessian. The Club had a tradition of long distance riding. Members won the National Rally mileage trophy in 1956 and 1957. Joe Pond won the National 24 hour in 1952, followed by Len Richmond in 1955.

Harrogate.

Wilf Greenwood moved from Manchester to work in Harrogate. Already a member of St. Christophers he sought the help of local cyclists notably Mike Taylor, Mike Breckon, Pete Trodden and John Peacock.  The section was formed in July 1951 at a meeting in the playground of St. Robert’s Catholic School. Wilf Greenwood was elected chairman, Mike Taylor secretary and Father E. Reynard of St. Joseph’s Bishop Thornton was adopted as spiritual adviser. The headquarters was at St. Robert’s Catholic Youth club.

After many successful years cycling numbers declined and at a meeting on the 7th  Octobe 1970 it was agreed to merge with Harrogate C.C. to form Harrogate Nova C.C. in 1971.

Harrow

Owing to the large increase in membership the London Region was reorganised in 1950. Five Sub-Sections were formed each with a Sub Captain reporting to the main body:-North, South, West, East and Harrow. In 1951 Dorothy Pearson reported that riders were actively touring and had visited Walsingham.

Founder members, John Weston and Teresa Sullivan, Quinn brothers, Club Runs Captain John G0lden and Eileen..At the 1954 London Rally 25 mile time trial 3 riders represented the Harrow Section, P Rohan, G Faenan andJ Condon.

The Section was disbanded in November 1961.

Nelson

In 194? Father George Bayley of St. Joseph’s invited Catholic cyclists to join a cycle run from his Church. Seventeen riders turned up and a 30 mile ride to Bolton Abbey was arranged. The bicycles were not in the best state of care and not all riders completed the course. However there were enough enthusiasts supported by Jim Kelly of the Manchester Section to form a new club. Jack Westhead became Chairman supported by his future wife Kathleen Irvine as Secretary. Catherine Smith and John Singleton were founder members.

Leeds.

Founded 1938. Bernard Williams and Jack Keavey. Eight riders F Harding, B P Nettleton, B Williams, T Winn, F P Nettleton, S Broadbent, A Gannon and J Watts took part representing Leeds in the 1939 Inter City  25 miles time trial. In 1982 the title was changed and the word “Catholic” dropped. The Leeds St. Christophers Cycling Club cotinues to this da

Haverfordwest.

Founded  1980. Mike Evans and David Nicholls following an appeal in the August parish magazine.

Jarrow.

Founded 1978. Jim Hamilton.

South Essex

Owing to the large increase in membership the London Region was reorganised in 1950. Five Sub-Sections were formed each with a Sub Captain reporting to the main body:-North, South, West, East and Harrow..Little evidence of activity is available until 1953 when the club based in Dagenham joined the National body and the name was changed from East Section to South Essex Section. .At the 1954 London Rally 25 mile time trial 6 riders represented the South Essex Section, T Millar, J Kelly, K Neary, P Smith, E Gloson and F Smith.

Surrey

In 1957 Ray Smith and Ann Crawley founded the Section based on theParish of Our Lady of the Rosary at Sutton.

John Newman, Chairman, and Mary Newman, Secretary.

At the 1957  Cirencester Rally 25 mile time trial Ann Crawley represented the Surrey Section and won the event.