Pointing out that in the event of an air raid, cyclists would be able to negotiate bomb-shattered roads which were impassable to vehicular traffic, the Chief Constable of Burnley (Mr. A. E. Edwards) spoke of the need for cyclist volunteers in connection with A.R.P. when, as the principal guest, he attended the annual dinner of the North Lancashire District Association (North Eastern Section) of the Cyclists’ Touring Club, held on Saturday in the James Nelson's Sports Club, Nelson.
During the evening Mr. Edwards distributed awards among the members, including certificates gained by veteran riders between the ages of 50 and 70 in a 100-miles-in-ten-hours ride, which was accomplished on August 21st, the route from Higherford being via Fence, Whalley, Preston, Barton, Garstang, Lancaster, Melling, Kirkby Lonsdale, Ingleton, Settle, Hellifield, to the finishing point at Earby. The riders were:— D. Jackson (aged 70), J. Greenwood (64), J. Atkinson (62), E. Whitehead (60), W. Lord (58), A. Holden (53), F. Atkinson (52), A. Garstang (52), T. Hargreaves (52), and H. Nutter (50). Some of the riders completed the course with an hour to spare.
Mr. Edwards was in reminiscent mood, recalling the early days when, as a member of Manchester Wheelers and of the cycling section of the Marchester Athletic Club, he did a good deal of track riding in competition with some of the "stars" of the day. He had never lost interest in cycling, and it had remained one of his favourite pastimes throughout his career in the police force.
In an appeal for A.R.P. volunteers, Mr. Edwards referred to the useful work which cyclists could perform in maintaining communications in the event of telephonic and telegraphic services being broken. They could also be of great service, he said, where streets were damaged by bombs and made impassable to four-wheeled vehicles.
Mr. Edwards went on to speak appreciatively of the standardisation of attire worn hy cyclists. There was nothing he liked to see better than a healthy, athletic young lady riding along in her present-day rational dress. It was a great change from the time when, if the wind happened to be blowing, lady cyciists had trouble with their skirts about every 100 yards. Girls in their now popular shorts were healthier and better able to enjoy the exercise.
The chair was taken by Mr. Leaver, hon. secretary of the North Eastern Section, who expressed the view that the Chief Constable’s love of cycling was reflected in healthy appearance and obvious fitness. No doubt he could still give g good account of himself on two wheels.
Awards in the photographic section were made as follows:— 1, L. Nutter; 2, 3, and 5, J. Guthrie; 4, P. Jackson.
The following also received certificates in the 100 miles tourist trials, 100 miles in six hours:— L. Blades, R. Edmondson, R. Hartley, Willilam Nuttall, L. Parry, E. Quinn, and J. Riley.
100 miles in seven hours:— Elsie Hey, J. Barraciough, A. Bennett, W. Bracewell, S. Burnett, J. Dean, D. Francis, S. Cockcroft, J. Gllthldle R. Harrison, J. Nuttall, S. Leach J. Leeming, E. Kendall J. Proctor, C. Rawhnson‘ E. Richardson, J. Richardson, L. Roper, and N. Waterworth.
100 miles in eight hours:— C. Davidson, G. A. Hudson, John S, Hudson, R. Holden, and C. Sutcliffe.
There was a beautiful display of photographic records of places of interest visited in different districts.
A programme of dancing brought to a close a happy and memorable occasion.