Hugh Thornton wrote;
>rom: Hughethornton@aol.com
>To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: RE: [CR]Witcomb Cycles and Ron Cooper
>Message-ID: <6615DD6B.72A8D279.B7540FC1@aol.com>
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>I notice that the Witcomb website is barriewitcombcycles and that there
>are numerous references to Barrie Witcomb, yet the frame decal has the
>name Barry Witcomb on it. Are Barrie and Barry two different people or
>are they one and the same person, in which case, what spelling does he
>normally use?
>Hugh Thornton
>Cheshire, England
>Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2006 22:43:28 +0000
>From: <greenjersey@ntlworld.com>
>To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
>Subject: [CR]Witcomb cycles and Stan Brittain
>Message-ID:
><20060315214507.RCML28606.aamtaout02-winn.ispmail.ntl.com@smtp.ntlworld.com>
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>Message: 11
And Ray Green wrote;
.
>No Witcomb. However, limited edition "Stan Brittain" replica bikes will
>be built for the 2007 T de F as an aniversary model, marking the 50
>years since Stan rode a Witcomb in the tour and the visit of the tour to
>London. I have placed my order for number one. More info is posted on
>the website.
>I am really confused by this. I am fairly sure that in 1957 Big Stan
>was still an amateur (Aintree Phoenix). I think he won the British Am.
>champs and the Tour of Sweden. Obviously as an amateur he couldn't ride
>Le Tour.
>The next year he did ride as part of the International team and his
>trade team was Helyett. he finished 69th equal (with Jean Stablinski)
>Don't know about 1959 but he rode again in 1960, this time his trade team
>was Viking as I believe it was in 1961. In 1962 the Tour returned to
>trade teams and Stan was out in the cold.
>Stanley is still riding his bike aged 74. Older Brits will remember
>Sgt. Major Brittain on the tele. I believe he was Stan's uncle. Another
l>ittle known fact about Stan is that in 1956 he won the Raleigh Marathon
>Trophy in a 100 mile motor-paced race at Herne Hill!
>Ray Green, Brighton, England
This is why I was reluctant to post on the Cr list so early into building the Witcomb site. First of Hugh, Barry Witcomb and Barrie Witcomb are one and the same. Christened Barry Witcomb. However when Barry started building bikes in his own name back in the early 70's he had transfers made up using both spellings he felt that the spelling Barrie looked better and gave the bikes a more European look to them. Simply marketing. Barrie Witcomb cycles is displayed on the front of the shop. You will be able to read Barry's take on this shortly.
Stan Brittain; Mr Green check out my site and look at the photos please. Then re-read your post you've confused yourself. These photos have been on the wall of Witcomb cycles since 1958 the year Stan rode a Witcomb at the Tour de France. A card placed in the spokes of the back wheel clearly reads 1958. The official Tour De France site also lists it as 1958. His bike is pictured leant against Shay Elliotts at the Park de Paris.
I have complete access to all of Witcomb photos, bike registers, cash,order, and wage books from the start to the present day.Earnie has open up his account books, his personal photo albums and his lifes work for me. I quizz Barry and Ernie every opportunity I get. It is their history as they tell me and write it themselves. I have and will not make anything up. I am in the process of locating and interviewing past employee's, Witcomb sponsored riders, Witcomb sponsored race winners and trophy holders etc, etc. Please if you need to question me and/or doubt my word email me of list. Thank you. Paul Turner, Clapton pond, London.
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