NRC Centenary celebrations kick off in style.

NRC Team get ready to welcome visitors at Newbury Town Hall

Newbury Road Club's 2025 centenary got off to a stellar start at Newbury’s Town Hall on Saturday, 15th March, with a Club ‘open house’, showcasing 100 years of its cycling history.

On a chilly March morning, Newbury’s Town Crier boomed a warm welcome in the marketplace, announcing the event to busy shoppers. It must have resonated as, during the morning, the NRC volunteer team welcomed over 100 visitors into the Town Hall Chamber. Decked in Blue and Gold, the room proved a fitting backdrop to bring a rich cycling history to life.

Visitors were treated to a timeline of the Club’s history on dynamic display boards and exhibits, including historic NRC Club strips and a vintage 1925 REXOR cycle (complete with candle lantern) alongside a top-of-the-range 2025 Specialized SL8 racer.

The Mayors’ Honours Board, featuring Mayors since Tudor times, looked down on proceedings – that roll-call features a few former NRC Chair holders too. Newbury Road Club can trace its roots back to the 1870s but was officially formed in 1925. The Club has historically started its Club rides, every week, from the Town Hall, but usually meeting outside rather than in!

NRC Chair, Lorraine Murrell, Newbury Mayor, Andy Moore, Chair of West Berkshire Council, Billy Drummond, Club Historian, Dave Portwood and Exhibition Designer, John Murrell.

The NRC showcase was attended by Mayor, Andy Moore OBE, and Chair of West Berkshire Council, Billy Drummond. Current Newbury Road Club Chair, Lorraine Murrell, commented, “It was fantastic to welcome so many visitors on the day. A mix of old and new members and those from the local community who were simply fascinated to discover the special and precious history of a thriving Newbury institution. It is important to mark the past, present and future of this wonderful Club and keep it strong for the next generations of riders.” She also thanked the many contributors and NRC volunteers who helped to host the event.

Dave Portwood and Lorraine Murrell present Club Veteran, Joe Newman, with a 2025 Centenary Shirt.

If you weren’t able to make it, the Newbury Road Club Centenary Exhibition moves to a dedicated space at the West Berkshire Museum from 9th April – 18th May 2025. On the 23rd April, there will also be an accompanying talk by Club Historian, Dave Portwood – prior booking is highly recommended.