In the Beginning there was the Guildhall Club
The Guildhall Club was established in November 1886, by a Mr John Eyre Nelson, who proposed forming a club for young men, who lived within a 3-mile radius of Newbury; subscription was set at 6d a month. The club took its name from the Guildhall Coffee House in Mansion Street in Newbury. It was intended as a resource for young men and catered for both outdoor sports in the summer, including cricket and cycling, and providing an educational resource in the winter by arranging lectures – politics and religion being excluded!
It was later, in 1890, when Newbury saw the creation of two new cycling clubs, namely the Guildhall Cycling Club (or Association), under the umbrella of the Guildhall Club, and the Newbury Victoria Cycling Club. It was also during 1890 that the Guildhall Club moved its headquarters from the Coffee House in Mansion Street to Bank House in Bartholomew Street (Bank House was previously the Newbury Savings Bank premises and prior to that a boarding school and temporary home to the museum of the Literary and Scientific Institution).
Club Runs Begin in Newbury with a Stutter.
In 1890 cycling activities in the Newbury area were reported in the Newbury Weekly News by a reporter who went by the pseudonym of the “Roadster”: who recorded activities of both clubs. In his column in June, whilst he was very pleased to see the “resuscitation” of the new clubs, he was clearly musing as to the whereabouts of the old club (Newbury Cycling Club) and suggested that perhaps those interested may indeed wish to ask the tennis club which it had morphed into a few years earlier.
In the early part of 1890, the Guildhall Cycling Club started their series of club runs which initially were on both Wednesday and Friday evening, as well as on Bank Holidays. The first run was at the end of April and only had a few takers, not a particularly auspicious start. However, the run went west from the Marketplace via Speen and Stockcross to Wickham, then through Welford Park and Easton to the “Bell at Boxford” where there was a stop for refreshments, before returning to Newbury via Donnington. Their second run, which was held on a Wednesday evening was a little better attended, went via Greenham Common through Brimpton, turning left and past Midgham Station where a refreshment stop was made a stone’s throw away in Woolhampton at the “Falmouth Arms”, before riding home via Thatcham. A total of 13 riders turned out for this second ride. On Whit-Monday the club had a run to Caversham, near Reading, to spend time by the Thames; presumably a stop at a pub may also have been on the agenda!
In July they held runs to Silchester, leaving at 6:30pm on a Wednesday evening; the route was via Greenham Common, Brimpton, Aldermaston and Wasing before arriving at the “Old Roman City” of Silchester, where the intrepid cyclists paid 6d to visit the ruins, before embarking on the return journey at 11 o’clock. One of the less strong riders (a beginner) was “towed” home over Greenham Common; something we’ve all experienced in our time! The club were expecting a second run on the Friday of the same week, but some misunderstanding led to its cancellation. Indeed, the Friday rides appeared to not be particularly popular and were abandoned mid-season.
In July there was a run to Kingsclere where the “Guildhallites” attracted attention on meeting up with the locals with whom they engaged in some impromptu racing. The races involved a 50-yard dash to a lamppost and back, cyclist versus a local pedestrian; interestingly only six of the eight races being won by cyclists!
Evening rides would often return late and even in 1890 riding without lights at night was not a good idea! Indeed, Newbury Borough Magistrates were not very impressed and cyclists who were brought to book would find themselves being fined for riding without illumination. At this time cyclists would typically have a front light, but it was not until a few decades later that rear lights would become compulsory.
Twenty-mile handicap cycle races were being widely run; there were events locally and races were reported in Winchester and Wallingford. The Guildhall Cycling Club held their first race for club members on August 13th. There were 12 competitors. The start was from the top of Pyle Hill, near Greenham Common, and the distance, of around 18 miles, went via the Common to Aldermaston and the “Hind’s Head” and then by way of the London Road to the finish at the “Greyhound” in Newbury. First prize was an egg cruet which was won by J.F. Vine, second a silver medal won by J.R Earwicker, and third a cycle gong won by G.W. Carter. There was some “dispute” as one of the competitors, F. Andrews, handicapped for a tricycle, ended the race on a bicycle having damaged two tricycles and two bicycles during the race, so was technically disqualified. However, the Club appeared to be sympathetic, resolving the matter before the end of season prize presentations.
It was interesting to note that in the Reading paper, not the local Newbury Weekly News, the course was reported as starting from the “Swan Inn” near Newbury, and turning at “Jack’s Booth”, Aldermaston before retracing back along the Bath Road. The paper appears to have also reported the winner as J. F. Vine and the winning time of 1 hour 10 minutes from an 18 ½ minute handicap start. The return would have been along the Bath Road irrespective of the outbound route. The scratch rider, F. Andrews, completed the distance in one hour 30 ½ minutes, presumably on a mix of tricycle and bicycle.
The athletic prize presentations for the cycling and swimming clubs, of the Guildhall Club, were held at the end of September in the Newbury Council Chamber. Prizes were presented by Colonel Howard Vincent MP. F. Andrews was awarded a cycle gong, so special dispensation was indeed made. The cycle club also awarded a prize for a one-mile handicap road race, although there doesn’t appear to be a report of this race.
First Athletic and Cycle Meeting
The multi-sports nature of the Guildhall Club was obvious when to help raise funds for the Gymnastic Society, an athletic and cycle meeting, took place at the Cricket Club. As well as one-, two- and five-mile handicap races for cyclists, there were running events and the charmingly named menagerie races providing entertainment for the crowds. After expenses and prizes, the meeting made a profit of £4 of which 50s went to the Gymnastic Society and the remaining 30s to the Cricket Club.
The two-mile handicap final was won by E.J. McLennan (scratch) by 5 yards from E. Martin (270 yards) and H. Eggleton (350 yards), prizes were a cake basket, and a bag for the first and second finishers respectively. In the first heat Mr E.R. Rankin was thrown when a dog got under his wheel, however, he remounted to finish the heat, although the incident jeopardised his chances of making the final. No mention was made of the wellbeing of the dog! The afternoon’s races also included one- and five-miles handicap distances, which were contested by both members of the Guildhall and Victoria cycle clubs.
In September “Roadster” published a letter in his column from a concerned member of the public, with a grievance towards cyclists, complaining of the “unnecessary shouting, bellringing and houtering that went on on a Sunday evening”. He was particularly concerned about the “pace of the cyclists” through the streets of the town!
Cycling Lectures Begin!
The educational nature of the club was clear in October when the Guildhall Cyclists were presented with a map of the area, during a lecture, complete with contour lines; the idea of which must have been quite new to many club members at the time. The speaker reporting that the highest point near Newbury was Walbury Hill at 972 feet on the Newbury Downs close to the town. To help the riders understand the map a few lines of poetry accompanied the talk.
Reverand J.M. Bacon of Cold Ash
Throughout the existence of the Guildhall Cycling Club, they had an active supporter in the shape of Rev. J.M. Bacon of Cold Ash, who was to eventually become the President of the Guildhall Club, in 1893, and would host members of the club regularly at his home, Sunnyside in Cold Ash.
Bacon dreamed of balloons! He was an astronomer, aeronaut, and scientist, who would have been a remarkable figure head as their President.
This was the first occasion, reported in the Newbury Weekly News, of a visit to Cold Ash on Saturday afternoon in April 1891. Twenty-five riders assembled at the Marketplace at three o’clock and rode via the London Road to meet the Reverend Bacon at Sunnyside, where they “made arrangements” for some races. Races were held along Bucklebury Common (a short ride from Cold Ash) and included a slow bicycle race – first prize being a live duck - and a two-and-a-half-mile handicap race. There was also a twist on the egg and spoon race: a bicycle and egg race! Riders would carry an egg, ride 200 yards, dismount, and ride back. Being gluttons for punishment the next race involved carrying two eggs! Rev. Bacon then provided a substantial tea, after which there was an impromptu smoking concert (smoking and songs from club folk) before decorating their cycles with Chinese lanterns – and riding back via Thatcham to Newbury, arriving back at 9:30 in the evening.
Better Support for Club Runs in 1891
Club runs were better supported in 1891 when in the first week of June the weekly run of the Guildhall Cycling Club was to Woolhampton. Twenty-five club members met up with members of the Reading Cycling Club at the “Angel Hotel” for drinks, cigars, and a few songs.
On 5th June the Guildhall cyclists had their first Friday evening run of the year. The run went via Newtown, south of Newbury, to Penwood stopping at the “Carnarvon Arms” where songs were sung. This ride was led by the sub-captain Mr J.F. Vine.
Grand Evening Athletic Sports
Probably the most important event in their calendar of 1891 was the Cycling Sports event initially proposed to be held on Wednesday July 22nd. The “Grand Evening Athletic Sports” event under N.C.U. (National Cycling Union and A.A.A. rules) took place at the Newbury Cricket Ground. The “Spectator” reported in Newbury Weekly News of the upcoming event where “valuable prizes were provided by local tradesman”.
Unfortunately, the races experienced a torrential thunderstorm, and the meeting was abandoned and subsequently rearranged to be run the following week on 29th July. The prizes were then placed on display at Messrs. Smart and Son’s Cycle Depot in Newbury for participants to view. To compensate for the cancelled meeting a concert was given during the evening of the 22nd in the Town Hall. The weather was still not playing ball on the second occasion, but the races commenced, nonetheless. The one-mile handicap was won by E.J. McLennan, winning a head lamp curtesy of Smart Bros., value £1 1s (one Guinea). The three-mile handicap was won by McLennan again in 10minutes 4s, winning a tea and coffee set, value £3 3s (three Guineas), and the 100 yards slow bicycle race for club riders was won by Westbury Wilson who won a cruet value 17s 6d.
The two-mile handicap for club riders was again one of the more prestigious events of the meeting. It was on this occasion, July 29th, when a three-guinea silver Challenge cup was presented to the winner, a gift from the Rt. Hon. The Earl of Carnarvon (Patron of the Guildhall Club), together with a clock value £3 the race being won by J.F. Vine, from a handicap of 175 yards, completing the distance in a time of 7minutes 6s.
Typically, at this time races were handicaps rather than scratch, as here. Handicaps could be found published in advance of the athletic sports in The Sporting Life alongside details of the upcoming horse racing from Goodwood and Liverpool in adjacent columns!
Church Parade in Winchester
Cyclist church parades in the 1890’s was not an uncommon occurrence, and in June the Guildhall cyclists held a ride to Winchester to participate in a parade at the Cathedral. The riders left the Town Hall at 9:15am reaching Whitchurch in an hour and a half where a stop was made before completing the ride to Winchester.
Following on from the church parade in Winchester, the Guildhall cyclists decided to organise their own parade in Newbury in August 1891. They convened in a meadow adjoining Shaw Avenue at 2:00pm when they were placed in club order. The parade was led by Mr. John Rolfe on a tricycle and there were clubs from Swindon, South Reading, Newbury Guildhall Cycling Club (Captain J.F. Vine), Newbury Victora and Andover Cycling Club; a total of 143 cyclists. The route took the cyclists to the Town Mill where they left their machines and walked into St Mary’s via the west door for the thanksgiving service. After the service a short ride took the cyclists around Shaw House and Donnington before returning to the Broadway to conclude the first cyclists church parade in the town.
Annual Meeting 1891
The annual meeting of the Guildhall Club was held at the end of November 1891. Votes of thanks were given to Earl Carnarvon, for the donation of the silver Challenge Cup and the services of Rev. J.M. Bacon for his hospitality and “intellectual treats” in the lecture room. It was also reported that the club would hold a 20-mile race towards the end of “next year”.
The Bicycle Touring Club
Cycling was increasing in popularity in the late 1800’s and the Bicycle Touring Club was established in 1878, becoming the Cyclist Touring Club, the C.T.C. a few years later to allow the inclusion of tricyclists as well as bicyclists. The primary purpose of the C.T.C. was to encourage touring and safeguard the rights of cyclists. The club handbook with lists of hotels, repair shops and “consuls” were an invaluable resource for any cycling tourists of the time. In January 1892 Mr C. Adrian Hawker of Northbrook Street, Newbury was appointed consul of the C.T.C. for Newbury. Mr Hawker was secretary of the Guildhall Cycling Club, which gave him a good knowledge to help tourists visiting the district.
Special Meeting to Setup Cycling Committee
At a special meeting in April 1892, the Guildhall Club set up the committees to organise the athletic activities of the club, including swimming and cycling. The cycling committee included J.F. Vine, S. Guy, E. A. Strickland, C. Paine, G. Martin, F. Pittard, and S. Smith. Secretaries were E. J. Forster and C.A. Hawker, the local C.T.C counsel. Later at the end of May, when the Guildhall Club held their half-yearly meeting of members, the Club decided to ask the cycling committee to liaise with other clubs in the town regarding the possibility of holding a combined cycling sports meeting.
Club Runs Restart
The Guildhall held their first run of the 1892 season at the end of April accepting another invitation to visit Rev. J.M. Bacon at Sunnyside. Sports were arranged on the lawn and prizes were awarded; following supper the riders returned home with lanterns illuminating the way.
A further run was reported as being held in May to Aldermaston, via Greenham Common and returning along the London Road, Basingstoke and Pangbourne; there were probably other runs as well, just not reported in the Newbury Weekly News.
Second Church Parade in Winchester
At the end of June ‘92, the second annual cycle church parade took place in Winchester. Over 1000 cyclists congregated from all over the south of England, with the Newbury Guildhall and Victoria Cycle Club providing 36 riders. A fair proportion were military cyclists and there were also visitors from Andover, Alton, Basingstoke, Reading.
Challenge Cup Racing at the Cricket Club
In September 1892 the members of the Guildhall Cycling Club held their two-mile (10 lap) handicap race for the Challenge Cup at the Cricket Ground. According to reports many people were in attendance encroaching on the course and making it “inconvenient for the riders”, although there were no reports of incident. There were five competitors on this September evening, J.F. Vine, B.C. Rhodes (both off scratch), G. Johnson (25 yards), H. McLaren (30 yards), and E. Martin (50 yards). The going on the grass track was reported as soft, but the winning margin was a comfortable 20 yards, with a winning time of 9minutes 5s set by J.F. Vine picking up the trophy and a guinea for his effort. Martin had been in contention for second place but in the soft conditions skidded and fell, however, he remounted and finished third, having made the pace for much of the race. All the competitors rode pneumatic safeties, and the winner was riding a “Muswell”. Mr Stickland was handicapper and Mr C.A. Hawker was starter and timekeeper. If Vine was to win a third time, he would be able keep the trophy in perpetuity.
First Winter Concert
The Guildhall Club held its first concert of the season in October, which included presentations for sporting events, including the formal presentation of the Challenge Cup to J.F. Vine, which he had won for the second time, by the ex-Mayor, Councillor Knight, and a travelling bag to the value of the first prize.
Guildhall Annual Meetings 1892/93
The general meeting of the Guildhall Club was held in October in 1892. It was reported that the athletic branches (cycling and swimming) had not had a good year; the cycling club had lost members and discussion ensued on what could be done; it was hoped an influx of new members would help the clubs’ prospects.
A further annual meeting of the Guildhall Club was held in January 1893, having moved the meeting from the previous November. Again, it was noted that the cycling and swimming branches had had a less than successful season in 1892, but was considered a mistake to drop them, however, they needed some reorganisation to prosper.
Club rides started in May in 1893 with a run south to Whitway, and during the year there were runs to Reading, Silchester, Welford and the Hungerford show. Members also took part in a cycle parade in Basingstoke in August, taking a run via Baughurst on the outward run and returning via Kingsclere.
Once again there was a church parade in Winchester in June. Nine members of the Guildhall and seven of the Newbury Victoria Club attended, in total there were between 300 and 400 cyclists; so, the numbers had declined from the previous highs. Participants assembled in Kingsgate Park who then proceeded to the Cathedral for a service led by Rev. Canon Basil Wilberforce.
Special Meeting Appoints New President
The Guildhall Club held a special meeting in June 1893, due to the stepping down of Mr J.E. Nelson, who had resigned the presidency, to appoint his successor. Rev. J.M. Bacon of Cold Ash was proposed by Mr Forster and seconded by Mr W.H. Paget; the vote was carried, and Rev Bacon duly elected to the position. Apparently, he promised to take responsibility for the rent of the club rooms and would give a donation to club funds.
Newbury Cricket Club Sports Athletic Sports
In September 1893 the Newbury Cricket Club athletic sports events were held at the Newbury Cricket Club and incorporated the Guildhall Cycling Club handicap races. The sports were reported as very good, but the attendance was poor. The one-mile race for Guildhall club members only was won by B. C. Rhodes from S. Guy, with H. Comyns in third. Rhodes also won the two-mile handicap for the Challenge Cup by half a lap from Guy who fell but remounted to finish second. Vine, last year’s winner, had been ill so well out of contention and missed the opportunity to keep the trophy.
It was clear the club had been struggling a little for membership and one of the initiatives was placing advertisements in the Newbury Weekly News to try to drum up extra interest.
Annual Meeting 1894
At the annual meeting in January 1894 there were reports of the cycle club struggling with membership. It was noted that during the previous two years the club sports were not promoted by the Club but incorporated into other athletic meetings. There was a suggestion that at this time members tended to ride for business and not pleasure, hence the low numbers participating in club events and the decline in membership.
In January Mr C. A. Hawker, one of the Hon. Secretaries and still the local Consul of the C.T.C. gave a lecture describing his summer holiday in North and Mid Wales. His route followed the River Wye from its mouth passing through Chepstow, Tintern, Monmouth, Ross and Hereford until he reached Chester after which his ride took him a west to Holywell and a visit to St, Winifred’s Well, an “ancient wonder of Wales”.
Planning for the Challenge Cup
In August the cycling committee were instructed to plan for the Challenge Cup. The Newbury Victoria Cycle Club had sent an invitation to join them in holding a combined athletic sports meeting later in the year. The cycle committee reported that they could use the Cricket Ground for the races and Mr B C Rhodes supported amalgamating the race meeting with the Victoria Cycle Club; it appears that he was probably a member of both clubs.
The race meeting of the Victoria Cycle Club took place on Saturday September 8th and started at half past two, the crowds were between three and four deep, although apparently the income from ticket sales was not enough to cover the cost of the race meeting. Apparently, the sports were well organised, and the course was “enclosed by wire” to keep back the crowds; the only excitement being caused when a terrier ran in front of the competitors.
The Challenge Cup handicap race was held during the afternoon; in total there were five competitors in the race, which last year had been won by B.C. Rhodes, however, he chose not to race as they were now held under professional rules. In 1894 the race was won by C.W. Burns who took home the cup and a Gladstone Bag, E. Martin was second winning a stick value 17s 6d. Burns had the race practically given to him as he had 200 yards handicap which gave him a significant advantage and Martin, off scratch, had 12 lengths to make up. This year’s winning time was 6 minutes 31 2/5ths. The timekeeper was Mr C. Stradling, and other organisers were members of the Victoria Cycle Club.
Club Runs are Dead!
In 1895 there was further discussion within the club on the popularity of club cycling, and agreed that except for the C.T.C., both Newbury clubs were struggling with membership, although they still organised weekly runs and continued to promote the race meeting.
According to a report in the Newbury Weekly News, the favourite discussion amongst the cycling fraternity was whether “Club runs are Dead?” The answer apparently was “Yes”. It was reported that club runs had been poorly supported all over the country and in 1895 the Guildhall were no exception. This year, though, the Cycling Committee had decreed that “no member would be eligible to compete for the Championship Cup unless they attended at least half the runs, with “special dispensation if they were prevented by business reasons”. Apparently, this had the effect of doubling the attendance compared with the three previous years!
Racing at Palmer Park Reading
The annual two-mile handicap of the Guildhall Cycling Club was held in September 1895. Although unclear from the reports it seems likely this was the first year the race was held at the Palmer Park track in Reading. There were four participants, H. England (scratch), C.W. Burns (150 yards), F.E. Frampton (300 yards) and W. Howe (400 yards). The four being separated by just 30 yards at the finish; England won, and Howe beat Burns into second place, with a winning time of 5minutes 29 2/5th seconds. Mr B.C. Rhodes was the starter, Mr J.C. Pinniger, judge and Mr W.H. Jenner the timekeeper.
Annual Meeting 1896
In 1896 the annual meeting of the Guildhall Cycling Club was held on a Thursday evening in April. During the meeting it was decided to admit outside members, at an annual subscription of 2s, to try to increase the membership and further to award a club run attendance medal. The committee would arrange a set of rules for the club and seek affiliation to the National Cyclists Union (N.C.U.). Mr B.C. Rhodes was elected captain, J. Pinegar sub-captain and Mr C. W. Burns honorary secretary and treasurer. There were also long discussions concerning the “advisability of admitting ladies” to the club, but it was eventually decided by a large majority to postpone the matter.
Club Visit to Cold Ash
Once again, the branches of the Guildhall Club, including the cycle club, held a visit in April to the Rev. Bacon in Cold Ash for sports and games. There were several novelty events for the cyclists, including “tilting” and “tent-pegging” on the steep slope of the lawn (although no explanation given as to the rules).
Club Runs Restart
In May 1896, the club had a run to Highclere Station. The Secretary also organised runs, which included trips that year to Aldermaston, Whitchurch, Silchester, Basingstoke, Pangbourne, Reading, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Southampton, Andover, Winchester and Virginia Water. This ensured competition for the attendance medal which was to be given to the member attending the greatest number of runs during the season, and plenty of opportunity to qualify for the Championship Cup.
Spanish Rider Dominates Challenge Cup
In 1896 the annual two-mile handicap race was held in October. There were four competitors, J. Barreras and T. Hunt, both on scratch, P. Fowler at 150 yards and W. Edwell on 440 yards. C. W. Burns was at 175 yards but failed to start. Edwell made the pace when the flag dropped, but after a mile it was Hunt who was struggling and he retired; on entering the finishing straight a sheet could have covered the remaining riders, but Barreras, a 17-year-old Spanish rider, finally came through winning by three lengths from Fowler, in a time of 4 minutes 29 4/5th seconds.
Guildhall Annual Meeting 1897
The annual meeting of the Guildhall Club was held in January in 1897. Mr C.W. Burns read the report of the activities of the club during the previous year. They had lost several prominent members, including B.C. Rhodes and W. Howe, the later having recently died. The average attendance on club runs was only 6, however, Mr Barreras who won the club championship and the attendance medal, had attended 15 runs. The club also had two tours to Salisbury and Stonehenge, and a second to Southampton and the Isle of Wight. Total receipts for the year were £2 2s 6d and after expenditure of £1 19s 6d, they had a balance in hand of £1 3s and 3 club badges. (The Guildhall Cycle Club badge was in the form of a button with the borough coat of arms in enamel and the name of the club around the outside).
Mr Barreras was described as a “Spaniard, now residing in Newbury, who spoke excellent English”. Mr Barreras made a few comments at the meeting where he thanked the club for the “many favours and courtesies during the 15 months he had spent so pleasantly in their town of Newbury”. He was “also most pleased at the flourishing condition of the Guildhall Club”. Finally, he was very proud of the medals he had won and “should any of them care to come to Spain to ride against him he should be pleased to try to beat them”.
Challenge Cup Racing at Palmer Park
In 1897 the annual race for the Challenge cup was held at the end of August again at Palmer Park. Contestants left from the Guildhall in Newbury at a quarter to three for a club run to Reading. After punctures to one bicycle, they arrived at Palmer Park at 7:30pm, taking 4 ½ hours to cover the 17 miles from Newbury! A quick start was made to the two-mile race, nine times round the track and the starters were Peter Fowler (scratch), C. W. Burns (50 yards), H. J. Andrews (70yards), and W. Keep (350 yards). High winds made the going difficult, but the riders quickly came together, the race then became a crawl; Keep had about 150 yards lead going into the final lap as the others were not prepared to follow the pace but when the sprint started the others failed to catch up and he won by 30 yards from Fowler, Burns and Andrews. The race time was a comparatively slow 5 minutes and 33s due to the antics of the riders. Keep rode a heavier machine than the others, with a lower gear, and as well as benefiting from the other rider’s tactics, he also probably benefitted from being better able to cope with the high wind because of his gear choice.
Success Reported at the Annual Meeting of Guildhall Club
At the annual meeting of the Guildhall Club in 1898 it was reported that for the first time the cycling club had competed in open races the previous year, winning a three-mile race, and securing three second prizes and a third place. The annual championship race had been held at Palmer Park with Keep. Keep also won the attendance prize with 15 out of 16. The club had held four all day runs to Henley, Wallingford, Virginia Water and Stonehenge, when the events had been photographically recorded by Mr T. Morris (although no evidence of the photographs has been found). They had a balance carried forward from 1897 of £1 3s, received subscriptions of 18s and together with other items, this gave an income of £2 12s 6d, and with outgoings of £1 17s this left the club a balance of 15s 6d. The report was adopted, and Mr Hamblin urged members to join the club runs.
Annual Meeting of Guildhall Cycling Club
The Cycling Club held their annual meeting in March and reported much of that from the Guildhall Club annual meeting held in the January. Mr C. A. Parker, the local C.T.C. Consul presided with C. W. Burns, honorary secretary, and Harold Andrews the captain, helping. The secretary’s report showed the club had been very successful during the last year. At Abingdon the club carried off five prizes amounting to a value of £14. The challenge cup had been won by W. Keep who also won the attendance medal. Harold Andrews was re-elected as captain and C. W. Burns honorary secretary and treasurer. An animated discussion took place about the terms for which the challenge cup should be competed for, and it was decided to abolish the attendance qualification leaving it open to all members of the cycling club who had paid subscriptions. A decision was also made to hold Saturday runs as well as Wednesday afternoon, with runs commencing after Easter, having abandoned Friday runs a few years earlier. Mr Burns then proposed that they take a run to Thatcham Station to meet the president Rev. Bacon who had just returned from India. Several members subsequently met the president at the station and then accompanied him back to Cold Ash.
Easter Racing at Palmer Park 1898
On Good Friday in 1898, the Guildhall Cyclists rode to Reading to support Peter Fowler in a race on the track at Palmer Park. The same weekend, Easter Monday, about 12 cyclists led by the Andrews brothers triplet, journeyed to Oxford to attend a cycle meeting where Fowler was racing. Unfortunately, the return journey was in a storm of wind and rain and the headquarters were not reached until 10:30.
(Image from the Newbury Weekly News August 1969)
Guildhall Club Gymkhana
The Guildhall held a Gymkhana on July 27th, 1898, at Shaw House. This included a slow bicycle race for ladies only and a grand cycle polo match for club members, captain vs sub-captain teams. A novel cycle race was held entitled “Heads and Posts” where competitors on cycles had to cut the “heads” with a cavalry sword. In the Victoria Cross competition riders had to ride around a course and pick up a dummy, remount, and then ride home. The later race being won by W. Keep. In addition, the president of the club, Rev. Bacon together with other scientists performed balloon experiments with captive aerial ascents and fireworks. Prizes had been on display in the shop window of Martin and Son, cycle agents, Cheap Street, prior to the races.
Championship Races 1898
In 1898 the annual race for the cycling championship was again held at Palmer Park towards the end of the year. There was not a particularly very large field, however. The race started at 6:15pm and the cyclists who rode to the park passed through heavy thunderstorms. Competitors were Peter Fowler (scratch), H. Marshall (60 yards), H. Andrews (120 yards), W. Keep (300 yards) and T. Lake (325 yards). The race, seven times round the track, was won by Fowler by 30 yards from Marshall in second and Keep in third in a winning time of 4minutes 58s. About a dozen members or so of the club were also present to watch the racing. On returning to Newbury, a “lively time was had”, and Fowler was congratulated, the cup being filled with champagne and passed around. The Trophy found its home in the Reading room of the Club.
Annual Meeting 1899
In 1899 the annual meeting of the Guildhall Club was held at the end of January. Mr C.W. Burns presented the cycling club report where he commented that there had been a great success financially and numerically. Membership had increased to 43 from 18 in 1897 and 23 in 1896. The prize winners were Peter Fowler and Fred Marshall who won the club championship and the record for the hour’s ride respectively the previous year. The hour race appeared to be a new competition introduced by the club that year. The attendance prize was won by W. Keep (a lamp presented by Mr Martin) and a mahogany shield recording the “long-distance ride” was presented by Mr J. Eatwell (another new prize). Accounts in hand showed a balance of £1 6s and badges with a value of 10s.
Club Ride to Sunnyside
In March 1899 by invitation of Rev. J.M. Bacon, many of the members, mainly mounted on cycles, rode to Sunnyside in Cold Ash where they were entertained by their host who organised a full program of activities, and a few cycle races.
Annual Collections for Newbury District Hospital
In support of the annual collections for the Newbury District Hospital in June 1899 the Guildhall Cycling Club were invited to organise a cycle parade with prizes offered for the best dressed cycle. The club agreed to the request and C.W. Burns brought it to the attention of the executive sub-committee to arrange the details.
(Image from the Newbury Weekly News February 1967)
Guildhall Club Gymkhana
In July 1899 the Guildhall Club once again held a Bicycle Gymkhana in the grounds of Shaw House, which earlier in the week had been used for the Newbury Horse Show Society’s exhibition. Cycling events included a slow bicycle race, “Tilting at the Ring on Cycles” for ladies, a cycle obstacle race, and a comic costume bicycle race. Alongside the Gymkhana, the president, Rev. Bacon, held a balloon ascent and undertook wireless telegraphy experiments.
National Cycling Union Championship Races – Palmer Park
In September 1899 the N.C.U. held a Championship meeting at Palmer Park, the first meeting to be held in Reading. The track was in good condition as the Borough Surveyor had taken special care and had several men employed in ground maintenance during the preceding weeks. One of the events held was the one-mile amateur championship of the Berks, Oxon and South Bucks Centre of the N.C.U. A total of 18 cyclists were entered including the Guildhall Champion Peter Fowler. Fowler came second to G. Caudwell of the Reading A.C., in the second heat, by a wheel, in a time of 2min 23 1/5th s. The first two in each heat qualifying for the final. In total from the three heats 6 competitors lined up for the final with Fowler again coming second being beaten by Caudwell again, this occasion only winning by half a wheel in a time of 2min 25 4/5th s.
Finish of the final heat of the one-mile N.C.U Championship at Palmer Park
(The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, September 1899)
Championship Races at Palmer Park
Once again, the season finished in October with the annual races at Palmer Park. Despite the efforts by the club the number of entries was poor. The first race was for the championship of the club, the challenge cup, over two miles or seven laps round the track. There were only three starters, H.J. Andrews, S. Winter and F. Marshall. The race was not particularly fast until the last lap when Marshall took the lead and held on to win by a length from Andrews with Winter third in a time of 6minutes 3s. The track was not in great condition with furrows due to the rain and the home straight was very soft, so had clearly deteriorated since the N.C.U. races.
Afterwards the hour race had just two entrants, the speed was slow with no pacing being allowed, with just ten miles being covered in under the half hour; the cold wind affected the riders who both had to dismount due to cramp at the finish. Marshall rode 20 miles and ¾ lap and Andrews 19 miles 1 ½ lap. Marshall was, therefore, the club’s double champion for the year. The starter was C.W. Burns and the timekeeper J. Hall.
Cycle Club Annual Meeting 1900
The 1900 annual meeting of cycle club was held in March and took place in the assembly room of the club. Mr C.A. Hawker was in the chair and about 20 members were present, Mr C.W. Burns, secretary, read the reports. The club had a balance in hand of £2, membership had fallen off slightly while runs had been badly attended and Saturday runs were now no longer taking place. It was reported that the Challenge cup had been won by F.J. Marshall who also won the hours ride with H.J. Andrews winning the attendance medal. H.J. Andrews was elected captain and C.W. Burns, treasurer and secretary again. Suggestions were made to try to improve the popularity of the runs with picnics and invitation meets suggested while camps at Pangbourne and Strawberry Gardens were also proposed.
Annual Championship Races at Palmer Park
The annual sports races in 1900 were at Palmer Park, the first event was the two-mile scratch race, not handicap this season. Unfortunately, there were only three riders F.J. Marshall (holder), H.J. Andrews and S.V. Winter, the race ending in a sprint on the home straight with Marshall winning by a length from Winter in 5 minutes 20 s. The next event was a one-mile handicap with F.J. Marshall (scratch), W. Greaves (25 yards), H.J. Andrews, H Penfold, S.V. Winter (all 50 yards), C. H. Baldwin (100 yards), T Lake (125 yards) on the start line. Baldwin jumped straight from the start and stayed in the lead for three quarters of the race before the others caught up. Going into the last half lap the scratch man left the field and won by two lengths in 2 min 25s with Andrews second and Penfold third. In the hour endurance race, there were only two starters, Andrews and Marshall. Pace making was introduced this time as a new feature, Marshall, the favourite, completed 22 miles 503 yards, Andrews, ¾ mile behind, suffered an attack of cramp at 12 miles. This was the third year Marshall had won the long-distance race and the third race he had won in the afternoon. Reading United C.C. provided the pace making, and the handicappers were E. Martin and C.W. Burns who also acted as timekeeper and starter.
Cycling Popularity on the Decline
The annual meeting of the Guildhall Club took place in February 1901, where it was noted that with regret “that greater interest had not been taken in cricket, football and cycling”, whereas swimming was clearly more successful.
Large Gathering at Rev. Bacon’s
Again, at the start of April there was a “big exodus” of a hundred of the club members by cycle and “brake” to Cold Ash to visit the Rev. Bacon where the first message sent by telegraphy was made over local “wire” noting that the headquarters had temporarily been moved to Cold Ash.
Annual Meeting of Guildhall Cycling Club 1901
The annual meeting of the cycling club took place in March of 1901. There were about 20 members in attendance and Mr E.J. Forster presided. Mr C.W. Burns reported that the year had not been very successful and there had been little interest in club runs. The club had held two events at Palmer Park in Reading, both of which were won by F. Marshall. H.J. Andrews was re-elected as captain and C.W. Burns was re-elected treasurer and secretary. Runs were arranged for the ensuing season with “new features being introduced”.
Championship Races at Palmer Park, 1901
The cycling sports races were held earlier in 1901, in August, at Palmer Park on a Saturday afternoon. The first event was the Championship two-mile scratch race with a start list including, F. Marshall, H. Penfold, H.J. Andrews, F.F. Smith and F. Edwards. The race was seven laps of the track. Penfold attacked on the last lap out of the bunch and was followed by Marshall who won by 20 yards securing the trophy for a fourth time, Penfold came in second, half a wheel ahead of H. Andrews in third, the winning time was 5 minutes 39 4/5th s. There followed a one-mile handicap where Fowler and Marshall started scratch, Penfold (65 yards), Andrews and Smith (85 yards), and Edwards (100 Yards). Smith won by a quarter of a wheel from Andrews in a winning time of 2 minutes 21 seconds. The third race in the program was the hour’s race with Marshall, Fowler and Andrews the only starters. After the second lap pacing was allowed, but Andrews failed to catch the pacer and shortly afterwards had a fall and retired. Fowler continued for about five miles but dropped out, leaving Marshall alone, who rode the hour covering 23 miles 100 yards which was a club record. Arrangements for the race meeting were made by C.W. Burns.
Circus Visits the Town!
Lord John Sanger’s Circus visited Newbury in March 1902, putting up tents in a meadow near Craven Road. There was a mid-day procession, and a huge marquee was erected. Crowds were entertained by a game of bicycle football with the same cyclists riding on a circular track at an angle of 70 degrees. A cup was offered to local cyclists who could ride a mile on the track and there were four entries, all appearing to be unsuccessful. The cup was finally awarded to W. Ashton, with W. Bishop second and Jeffery third.
Annual Races at Palmer Park, 1902
The cycling club’s annual race meeting was held at the end of July on the cinder track at Palmer Park. Once again F. Marshall retained the scratch two-mile championship for the fourth year with F.F. Smith second by a length and F. Edwards third at three lengths. The one-mile handicap starters; F. Marshall (scratch), F.F. Smith (40 yards), F. Edwards (60 yards), H. Andrews (80 Yards) and T. Thorpe (95 yards) was won by Marshall in a time of 2minutes 40s, from Edwards by half a wheel and Smith in third. The one-hour race was postponed due to the high winds and run in September. C.W. Burns was the timekeeper and starter and W. Graves lap-scorer.
The hour ride was finally held on a Saturday afternoon in September at Palmer Park; F.J. Marshall again put up the longest distance of 21 miles 1614 yards, a little less than the previous recorded distances; 1898 22 miles 1006 yards; 1899 20 miles 503 yards; 1900 22 miles 503 yards, 1901 23 miles 100 yards.
Annual Meeting of Guildhall Club 1903
At the annual meeting of the Guildhall Club, in 1903, held at the end of January, the honorary secretary, Mr E.J. Forster commented that the Society had made progress in certain directions but progress in others was difficult, which was mirroring the situation occurring in Newbury in other similar organisations. But in some areas the club had had a prosperous and successful year. The cycling club seemed to be highlighted for not having had a satisfactory season although it had played its conspicuous part in the Coronation Masquerade held in the town and a further highlight was the hours ride which had been won for the fifth year in succession by F.J Marshall.
Dissolution of the Guildhall Cycling Club
A meeting of the Centre of the Berks, Oxon, and South Bucks N.C.U. was held Tuesday 20th January 1903 at the Queen’s Hotel in Reading. Whilst the most important matter for discussion was the state of the Maidenhead Track, the Secretary reported the dissolution of the Newbury Guildhall Cycling Club.
The Guildhall Club held the final prize presentation for the cycling club in July in the library of the club. The recipients were F.J. Marshall, who received a gold Medal, a bronze medal and a case of razers; H.J. Andrews and C.W. Burns who were awarded a bronze medal; F.J. Marshall was presented with a silver medal for winning the Challenge Cup for the four years in succession and a silver medal for winning the clubs hour rode for five years in succession. The medals had been specially produced on one side with the borough arms and with the legend of the “Newbury Guildhall Club” on the other in a laurel-wreathed border, the name of the winner and the achievement. Medals were supplied by Mr. F.W. Gibson of the Arcade.
The dissolution of cycle clubs was clearly not uncommon at this time. At the N.C.U. annual meeting in 1903 it was reported that in the district the N.C.U. had lost six affiliated clubs but had only gained two newly affiliated clubs, in total having 18 clubs affiliated. The cycling club itself was not the only branch of the Guildhall Club to be lost, the cricket, angling and others were also dissolved.
Mr C.W. Burns with the Guildhall Challenge Cup at a Newbury Road Club Dinner (Newbury Weekly News, March 1959)
Mr C.W. Burns had his obituary reported in the Newbury Weekly News on 26th March 1959. He was a prominent figure in the local community, having been Mayor in 1934, serving on the Town Council for over 42 years, and president of the Newbury Road Club until his death. Sport was clearly very important to him, and he won races with the Guildhall Cycling Club and organised the Championship races as well as being treasurer and secretary. He also ran the Guildhall sports between 1898 and 1925, around the same time that the Newbury Road Club was formed. The trophy is still awarded to this day by the Newbury Road Club.
Acknowledgements
The author wishes to express his gratitude to the Newspaper image © The British Library Board. All rights reserved. With thanks to The British Newspaper Archive (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk). Content in this report was abstracted from several local and not-so-local Newspapers, but predominantly the Newbury Weekly News. The author would also like to express his thanks to Brian Tate and Gordon Fry for reviewing and proofing the content.
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