North Staffs Cycling Anecdotes

St Christopher’s get an infusion of racing talent.

In the 1930s Freddie Brown and Frank Southall would compete in time trials for the National Best All Rounder Competition. North Staffordshire with a long tradition of cycling in beautiful countryside produced great riders and many cycling clubs. Potteries C. C. founded in 1923 was always in the centre of activities. Freddie lead a very successful racing team but as war seemed imminent He with the two brothers Mark and Ossie Coupe joined the newly formed North Staffs St. Christopher’s Catholic Cycling Club. Freddie was still racing in 1952 1-10-27 for 25 and 1953 2-27-12 for 50 miles.

Potteries bring the local clubs together.

The Potteries Llangollen and return 100 Miles Reliability Trial organised annually by J. Haynes and Gilbert Tart in February was the start of the time trial Racing Season. It brought all the local Clubs together and a rider who successfully completed three rides received a medal, not particularly easy in the February’s snow and ice. In 1960 9 groups set out in 10 minute slots with 92 riders from 13 Clubs. Not a race but a selected target for completion in 6 or 7.5 hours (a fore runner of the modern Sportive). Roy Swinnerton would lead North Staffs St. Christopher’s, Jim Shenton Potteries C. C. and Tommy Godwin Stone Wheelers, (now considered a professional and unable to compete in amateur races).

(Left) Freddie Brown and the Coupes prior to joining North Staffs. St. Christopher’s
(Right) Freddie Brown and Jim Shenton at the start of a North Staffs. N.C.U. Massed Start Race.

Cooperation of Potteries and St.Christophers.

Jim and Freddie were great friends they toured together and organised events together. Jim organised 25 mile time trials in 1957-59. Freddie the first massed start race under N.C.U. rules in 1954 won by Peter Hambley representing North Staffs St. Christopher’s. It was no coincidence that they shared the same Club Room. The Old Betty Plants Warehouse in Frank Street.

Social meetings after training sessions would take place and there was a place for bicycles, weight training, roller riding, chat and ‘cups of tea’.

Colin King Potteries and Peter became great friends competing in time trials. In a 1963 memorable 25 miles Team Trial Potteries with Harrison, King and Wildsmith 57-56 beat North Staffs St. Christopher’s. Haywood, Swinnerton and Hambley 59-22.

Barry Underwood St. Christopher’s married Jim’s daughter Renie.

Shortly after John Conyon St. Christopher’s and Colin emigrated to Canada and have been corresponding to this day with Peter.

Indeed on a visit to England Colin took part in the Newcastle Staffs to RAF Cosford sponsored 70 miles Charity Ride.

Newcastle to RAF Cosford

In Canada Colin is still riding with a flourishing group of veterans.

Colin King (right rear) with his team of veteran riders in Vancouver , Canada