HUGH HOLMES GORE, ESQ., PRESIDENT, 1897.
YCLING ! What visions the word recalls. Viewed in
the light of a pastime alone, cycling has opened a new
experience to the youth and manhood of the world, and,
by more recent development, the womanhood as well.
How the sport has changed. Twenty-one years ago
the word was unknown, whilst the word "Bicycling," which was
then used, was scarcely familiar to the ordinary sport loving being.
Cycling is a striking evolution of the wheel of progress: that which
delighted a select few of ardent devotees, and was the unjust bête
noir of the many, has become in every way reversed. It is the
delight of hundreds of thousands of both sexes, and in numberless
cases a direct help to business by promoting its quicker transaction.
At the present time it redounds infinitely to the credit and fame of
the Bristol Bicycle and Tricycle Club that so long back as 1876 it
was one of those few athletic organisations that recognised the
pleasure and importance of the pastime. That importance and
recognition being responsible for the formation of the Club, which
since then has been the pioneer in the West of the most universal
of all pastimes, in furthering its cause, defending its rights, and
disseminating the knowledge of the pleasure and utility of the sport.
It is with a marked degree of congratulation that the members of the B.B. & T.C. find their Club after twenty-one years of ceaseless energy in its interests of Cycling yet the foremost and soundest club in the district. Among its membership, with very few exceptions, can be numbered the prominent men of the N.C.U., those who are looked up to for the control and development of cycling, both as a recreation and a sport.
Headquarters : Full Moon Hotel, North Street, Bristol.
HE formation of the B. B. & T. C., which in its early days was
known as the Bristol Bicycle Club, goes back a couple
of seasons, in an informal way, previous to the date allotted
as its commencement. Several votaries of the wheel had
met for the purpose of riding together, and named them-
selves as the B.B.C. for some two years, but it was not until August
10th, 1876, that the members of this Bohemian-like band met together in
the house of W. Pizzy, in Small Street, and turned their happy band into
a recognised institution. Adopting the name of the Bristol Bicycle Club,
they elected H. E. Kear as their captain (which post he filled for three
consecutive years), and placed W. J. Herbert and T. Morgan in the positions
of hon. secretary and hon. treasurer respectively. The names connected
with this initiatory meeting and connected with its establishment, as far
as can be ascertained, are those of — Cooper, C. J. Foord, J. Foord,
W. J. Herbert, H. E. Kear, J. Kear, F. Lawson, J. Law-son, T. Morgan,
W. Pizzy, J. Pope, and R. Pope.. The B.B.C. then started on what has
since proved its flourishing career.
SOME LEADING SPIRITS of the B.B. & T.C.
In the following year an excursion (on wheels) was made by five members of the club to the Hampton Court Meet, then an important annual event, which attracted wheelmen from all parts of the kingdom to congregate at this beautiful Elizabethan retreat, this fixture being successfully carried out for many years after. On August 10th, 1877, exactly a year from its formal foundation, the Redcliffe Bicycle Club amalgamated, or rather the members of that club joined en bloc, bringing with them such men as F. W. Brock, J. J. Neale, J. Young, and W. Young, who were all destined to become shining lights in the politics of cycling a few years later,
H. W. DARBEY. Hon. Treas.
W. R. BRITTON, Capt.
DR. HERON, Hon. Sec.
The third year of its existence saw the club moving to some purpose, the success of the West of England Meet at the Zoological Gardens being mainly due to the efforts of our club in conjunction with the Clifton Bicycle Club, Twenty members participated. A week or so later F. W. Brock, H. E. Kear, and J. J. Neale cycled, where terra firma would permit, to the Paris Exhibition, as a club fixture. In the winter season a gymnasium class was started in connection with the club, with great success, and each season for some years wound up with a public entertainment in aid of some local charitable institution. R. Pope, J. Pope, W. Ridler and A. Scull shining with particular lustre as gymnasts.
On the club progressed until 1881, when cycle racing had become a popular sport, and the Bicycle Union set itself to establish regulations for its proper government. The club joined this Union, immediately making its strength felt. In a great measure the formation of the Bristol Centre was due to the abilities of F. W. Brock in co-operation with a few others. This rider came rapidly to the front, and will be remembered as initiating the scheme for self-government by provincial centres, on which the constitution of that Union (now known as the N.C.U.) rests; the provincial centres having previously no governing power. He also brought the Bicycle Touring Club (now the C.T.C.) into great prominence in the district.
Several members started what proved succcessful careers as racing cyclists, among whom may be mentioned Harry West, F.W. Brock, E.Watts, and W. J. Smith. The latter brought fame and notoriety to the club all over the world by winning the Championship of America. Harry West, too, became the finest rider in the West of England. These successes brought about a spirit of emulation, and the following year saw the racing strength of the club increased by the advent on the track of C. R. Edbrooke, W. H. Nott, and A. L. Adams.
A Twenty-four Hours Road Competition was started in 1884, H. F. Cooper piling on the then wonderful ride of 204 miles. These rides were carried out for several years, the greatest distance being covered by E. Moon, 235¾ miles in '88, on the solid-tyred safety, which had almost superseded the ordinary. These rides were out and home and totally unpaced.
In 1883-4-5 Sports were promoted by the Club at the Stapleton Bridge Grounds, with more or less success, and in 1886 the club made Weston- super-Mare the venue of their next attempt, holding a cyclists' camp in connection with ihe sports. The camp was a huge success. In connection with sports and meets throughout the country Muster Prizes had become a great attraction, clubs vieing strongly with each other to win. To the honor of the club be it, a very large share of these prizes were secured. No less than 25 have been won, and in one instance, in 1890, at Wraxall 103 members appeared, complying with the conditions laid down ; whilst a muster of 70 or 80 was the common strength.
A RACING CONNEXION of the B.B. & T.C.
By the year 1887 the club had gained a reputation throughout England, and sports promoting was taken to seriously by its members. The Zoological Gardens was taken for the club sports with success, as was the case in the following year, under the guidance of T. J. Rees as secretary. Jubilee year, as '87 was termed, proved exceptionally fortunate for the club in many ways, particularly in that C. E. A. George became its President, which position he held for ten consecutive years with lasting honor, and gaining the admiration and respect of all by his active interest in the club's affairs and by his generous support. In this year the annex- ing of local Centre N.C.U. Championships drew attention, W. M. Appleton securing the Mile Tricycle ; this being the precursor of many champion- ships afterwards won by H. T. Douty, C. T. Coulsting, W. A. Daniells, G. Chapman, F. Chapman, and W. A. Edmonds, the latter winning the 100 Miles Local Championship in '95 and '97.
The opening of a new track at the County Ground, Horfield, in '89 with the club sports raised the condition of the sport in no little sense. Over 10,000 were present. The racing was of the highest character, Schafer getting within 2-5ths of the two mile record. This meeting was engineered by T. J. Rees, assisted by D. Black, and resulted in a profit of over £70. A handsome challenge cup was put up for competition, and was won by F. F. Sharpe, of Wolverhampton. The cup has to be won three times and is still held by the club, having been won after- wards by H. Synyer, U. L. Lambley, F. G. Bradbury, Lewis Stroud (twice), H. Brown, A. Macferson, and W. R. Ellis. For the following three years the sports proved similarly profitable, and culminated in '92 with a record gate for the West of England, and with as strong a combination of front rank competitors as ever recorded, including A. A. Zimmerman (champion of the world), W. H. Bardsley, F. G. Bradbury, R. Burns, Scheltema-Beduin, F. Chapman, G. Chapman, A. C. Edwards, E. Leitch (cycle), and Kibblewhite, Godfrey Shaw and his brother in the foot events, Geo. Lacy Hillier acting as judge of the races. During these years a fair proportion of the profits was devoted to charitable purposes. The end of the season 1889 was notable for the presentation of a gold watch and chain to T. J. Rees at the annual dinner, who held the office of Hon. Secretary to the club for six years, 1887-92.
Twelve hour competitions became the rule from '89, very smart performances being done by several members over a selected out and home course. The best distances accomplished were by T. T. Harrison, who secured the West of England Tricycle Road Record in '89 with 147 miles ; in '91-2 W. W. Harrison (his son) covered 154 miles on a safety, which was equalled the following year by W. A. Edmonds. In '94 C. R. Edbrooke jumped the distance to 170 miles, which was beaten in '96 by W. J. Sims with a splendid ride of 178½ miles, for which a special gold medal was awarded. In addition to these rides W. W. Harrison covered 185 miles in the twelve hours, but not in club competition.
A special feature in the life of the club took place in 1890, the members of the club being entertained by the President at his residence, at Westbury. At the annual dinner, too, of the same year a presentation of plate was made to J. B. Wetherman, who held the post of Hon. Treasurer to the club during the years 1888-92. The following year other interesting presentations were made at the annual dinner, one a handsomely framed club group photo to the President, C. E. A. George, and another, a silver tankard to C. H. Quilter, the host of the club's headquarters, the Full Moon Hotel, North Street.
In '93 the club was instrumental in promoting a joint meet of cyclists at Yatton, and in '94 a sports meeting at the County Ground, under the auspices of the N.C.U., for charitable institutions, when considerably over £100 was divided amongst local charities. Parties were made up to support G. L. Hillier at the London County Meeting and the Cuca Cup Race. Whilst in '95 the club turned out 73 strong to support the Charity Meeting, and by their efforts helped in no small measure towards the sum of £150 that was netted as the result of that meeting.
NATIONAL CYCLISTS' UNION and the B.B. & T.C.
The year of '96, under the captaincy of H. J. Parkes, must be considered one of the best in the club's history, although not necessarily in a financial sense. Early in the season the members again partook of the hospitality of the President, and in May the history of the club, with many reproduced photos, was given in the Cycling World, pointing to us as one of the famous clubs of England. Later in the year a Gymkhana was held at the Zoological Gardens for charity, and though the idea emanated from some well-known leaders of Clifton society, the meeting was pioneered and worked under the instructions of some of our leading members, with the result that several hundred pounds were raised. Again in this year a new departure was made in picnics, a riverside picnic being held with such success that many other clubs have followed the lead, the whole of this brilliant year winding up by the Mayor of Bristol presiding at the annual dinner, supported by the Dean and many other city dignitaries, also representatives of the London County A. & C.C.
There are many names that call for individual mention amongst those who have held official positions in the club, especially in the person of W. R. Britton, who has captained the club four times ; J. J. Neale, W. M. Appleton, C. T. Coulsting, and J. H. Poole, who have each filled the position twice. Also H. J. Parkes, whose ability as sports secretary has ever demanded our approval.
Among our racing ranks the well known names of H. West, W. J. Smith, C. R. Edbrooke, H. Douty, W. A. Daniells, Geo. and Fred Chapman — the latter bringing honour to the club by being invited as one of the English team to compete in the World's Championship at Antwerp — F. G. Bradbury, W. A. Edmonds, and others all shed lustre on our name. The amount of prizes won by these riders run much over four figures.
There is another central figure that occurs to us in the wife of W. Ridler, this lady member holding the distinction of winning for four years in succession the attendance prize awarded to ladies.
In this our present year C. E. A. George after a decade of service relinquished his office as President, to our heartfelt regret, and the club were extremely fortunate to secure in that gentleman's stead the popular Hugh Holmes Gore, who has already won our unbounded approbation.
A new venture was made in the shape of a Club Gazette, which, if Press notices go for anything, is one of the best productions in the kingdom, and has been the means of stimulating the interest of the members considerably. Many excursions have been organised by "captain" Britton with wonderful success, and the life and go present in the club proves that the strength and high standing of the B.B. & T.C. have in no way abated. Prominent, too, is the high position the club holds in the local centre of the N.C.U., the official positions being held almost entirely by our members. With J. Brodribb (hon. member) as chairman ; C. R. Edbrooke and S. Young, official handicappers ; H. J. Parkes, hon. secretary ; and W. S. Bishop, roads hon. secretary, in addition to minor positions on committees, etc.
Twenty-one years ! It is no inconsiderable period, and it must be a proud moment in the hearts of all our members to find that our club has arrived at its year of maturity with a foundation of solid worth, a reputation that is the envy of its compeers, and a steady policy of progress that is unshaken by the hand of time. Truly, a grand heritage from those leading spirits in the bygone days of '76.
Printed and Published by W. S. BISHOP, Artistic Printer, 12 John Street.
