WMCTC_Hist

The section was formed in 1935 by George Hewitt, a rugged and enthusiastic cyclist in his early thirties, who placed the following announcement in the official magazine of the Manchester DA, the Northern Wheel:

“Proposed URMSTON and DISTRICT SECTION

Members interested in the formation of an independent section centred in the Urmston district are asked to communicate with G. Hewitt, 78, Conway Road, Urmston, as early as possible.”

To his surprise and delight, 40 cyclists were attracted to the ride to Moreton Old Hall and Bosley Cloud, and the West Manchester Section was formed.

George Hewitt became the first Secretary and was succeeded in 1942 by Harry Seddon, who remained Secretary until Ian Ross took over in 1980 and is still Secretary to this day.

George Hewitt became President when he retired from his position as Secretary until he died, when he was succeeded by Harry Bridge until he died, and then his daughter, Mavis Ross, became President.

Reliability rides were soon incorporated into the programme of rides and also “social” events like the Treasure Hunt and Hare and Hounds, and with 30-odd riding members it was soon decided to form two sections, A for the longer and faster rides and B at a more sedate pace.

During the war years one of the club’s prominent members, Cyril Whittle, was killed while on active service in the RAF. To honour his memory the members purchased a silver cup which was used originally as a trophy for the Club hill-climb, but later it became the most prestigious club award, that of the Best-All-Rounder competition.

From then until the present day the club has passed through its good days when membership numbers were high. YHA weekends were fairly regular and members started to take cycling holidays abroad.

Numbers are now depleted to approximately 10 regular riding members and we just have the one section, but all the events from the past are still enjoyed and more and more holidays are taken abroad. As from the beginning of the club, we are a group of very good friends who enjoy riding our bikes on quiet roads and there is a great deal of camaraderie between us. Long may the section continue!