Giving Thanks

As we approach the end of the season and the close of the year, it feels like a good moment to appreciate all that we have to be thankful for — and, in particular, to thank those who have contributed so much to the club for the benefit of us all.

So here goes!

A huge thank you to everyone who has led, organised, or supported the many events we’ve run this year. We all know these things don’t just happen by magic. They take time, effort, and commitment — all freely given by volunteers. How many of these did you take part in?

1. Off-road club rides

2. Sportive

3. Cyclocross

4. Time trials

5. Round Robin time trials

6. Road races

7. Mountain-bike races

8. Club rides

9. Hill-climbing (social and competitive)

10. Whizz Kids

11. Youth development programme

12. Support for racers programme

13. Mudlarks

14. Track riding and racing

15. Celebration Evening

16. Cycling days out

17. Chain gang

If you signed up and did your stint as a marshal — and that’s almost every club member — thank you. The marshalling rota worked extremely well this year, with hardly any last-minute calls for help. That means far less stress for organisers, so please do sign up early again next year when renewing your membership.

Thank you also to our sponsors.
Steve and Linda from Alden Electrical support the Whizz Kids; Paul Simpson Tax Assist Accountants sponsor our younger cyclocross riders; and Neil Holman of George Halls Cycle Centre who now sponsors the five divisions of our time-trial league. We’re extremely fortunate not only to have this level of support, but also to have an independent bike shop right on our doorstep.

A big thank you, too, to the committee. Committee work isn’t everyone’s cup of tea — though it’s a strong brew (have I pushed that metaphor too far?) — and the amount of behind the scenes work is astonishing. They’ve been a tremendous support to me personally, and I couldn’t have done my job without them. Every member of the committee is a volunteer, and they all deserve our thanks for keeping everything running so smoothly.

Last, but certainly not least, if you were at the recent Celebration Evening, you’ll have heard the announcement about the Club Member of the Year Award which went to Andy Poulton. It’s a particularly special award because it’s really rather prestigious and it isn’t decided by the club committee. Instead, it’s selected by the previous year’s winner, who also explains how they made their choice. Last year’s winner was club secretary Stuart Dawkins, and here’s what he had to say about this year’s recipient:

“A successful cycling club needs dedicated and thorough people to carry out the behind-the-scenes work that makes events happen safely and reliably.

Andy Poulton is one of those people.

His work over the last few years has ensured our time-trial events are managed professionally, with the resources needed to adapt to changes when required.

Well done, Andy — and I look forward to seeing who you choose for the award in 12 months’ time.”