Doug, Very poorly attended wonder if this had something to do with Mothering Sunday? Not many rode in the time trial I didn't ride this year as in my opinion the course is very dangerous. The bits at the cycling jumble were very exspensive. The crowd who attend these advents now are what you would term well healed, just the same accents that you get at football matches today if you can afford the price of a ticket! Saw a loverly track frame there can you guess the maker? The only clue I will give is that is a London builder and he died recently. The bravest ride of the day was by Derek davis on a "Shaker" four and a half up hill miles on a iron tyred veteran! He calls my Father Dad and Derek must be in his early 60's. One fit foolhardy so and so, smashing fellow. Got a Nice 54 Rory yesterday in original paint with most of its original kit. Only the rear mech and guards had been changed since day one. Found a bit more about him today. He worked for Hobbs before starting his own shop. if I haven't told you before he used two builders Ephgraves and Vic Edwards. Les Ephgrave and him were great mates. Also found out a little about Jimmy Long remember I asked you? He originally worked for Bates at Comely Bank before starting on his own in a shed behind his house in Leyton. Met some old Eastend cyclists who knew him at the Boot. Turns out he made loads of good quality frames and extensions. The stems were mostly finished in that gun-makers blue. They must have looked fabulous. Apparently this stem making was his speciality, made for all the major London builders. Stuart Purves also did the same. Where have all these fancy extensions gone you never see a fancy lugged frame with its original matching stem anymore. I'm lucky got a Jimmy Long, Stuart Purves, Spanner Rensch, Fred Higgins tandem and would you believe three Hetchins. Will send the photos seperate wait until you see this stem and frame. The batteries went on the camera it had some really great touches, double rear brake bridge, brazed on top-tube clip for sprinters sadle brace and the path ends were wonderfull. Take care Mick. PS. The O'Brien came from near Marks school I also know where there is a reasonable 24" straight Magnum Bonum if you know of anyone looking.
Thats all for now. Keep those wheels spinning, in your memories if not still on the road. Be lucky Mick Butler Huntingdon UK.