The Village, Headingley, Leeds

Eighty eight people attended this years luncheon which was organised by Steve Smith, with the day’s events running like clockwork. But this years club dinner turned out to be much more than just a formal prize giving ceremony.

It all started well, with double Paralympics Gold medal winner Dave Stone this year’s guest of honour. Dave, whilst remembering to bring his gold medals, unfortunately had forgotten to press his suit. The photographs have had a bit of computer magic on them to make this appear a trendy 'distressed' style. Mike Breckon did a good job with a Q&A style interview of Dave, it was informative and amusing, although some thought Dave was a little unfair on Mike Dixon, painting him as almost alcoholic. Dave had everyones attention as he spoke of his disappointment in the Sydney games, both in the result of the race and how poorly his preparation had been. Then of returning in 2003 after a call from the national coach to go to CP World games, and as Dave put it "getting some fairly good results". Then eventually deciding to give 100% to his training and racing culminating in his 2 gold medals in the Beijing games. Dave also spoke about how the Saturday morning Macklam chaingang had influenced him, saying "How they always attacked and pushed me", anyone who actually does these rides might suggest that it is Dave who actually does the attacking. Dave's rousing finale, his answer to John Coman's question "What would you say are the three most important things that have contributed to your success?" was so motivational that Mick Kershaw immediately put down his pint of Grolsch and declared "That's it, I'm entering the Marmotte next year". There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

Next was the formal prize giving part of the event, with John Colman, Stan Mills and as usual Carl Saint, taking more than their fair share of the awards. Carl, who has won so many trophies that he has had to start riding a trike just to win new events, was a bit subdued. That morning he had run the Abbey Dash 10k running race along with about 4,500 other runners, and despite training for a month didn't win the event. Better luck next year Carl.

See separate section below for details of all award winners.

The afternoons events were interrupted by the fire alarm, the guests were quickly out of the building and at the fire assembly point, that is after first collecting their drinks and possessions, going to the toilet etc. Outside they were confronted with the smell of smoke and the Fire Brigade with sirens blazing charging up the hotel driveway. What many did not realise was that 'Table 9' had seated at it two of West Yorkshire's most senior fire officers, Russ Hepton and Graham Heath. Once outside Graham sniffed the air and quickly diagnosed the smoke to be caused by "Burning wood and leaf material". This was a reality check for most of the guests that day, the pure adrenal excitement of the smoke and Fire Brigade was something they had never experienced before. However, for heroes like Graham and Russ this was just another day at the office. Luckily the hotel staff had stamped the burning leafs out just before the Fire Brigade arrived so no damage was done. It was rumoured that the fire had been caused by Mick Kershaw's wife Emma carelessly throwing a still burning tab during a smoke break.

Many thanks to the following for their help:

Ron Marshall, Audrey Fountain, Mike Riches, John & Linda Hardy for their help on the day.

Terry & Jean Boyle who weren’t present on the day but gave their support throughout the organisation of the luncheon and also sorted all the engraving for the trophies. 

Phil Hurt for the prize winners card.

John Hardy, MC, Club President

Mike Breckon for interviewing Dave Stone. Mike started out as a young racer who was part of the Yorkshire Road Club's winning British Best All-Rounder team of 1958, through being the Canadian team manager at the 1970 Commonwealth and 1972 Olympic Games, to working in marketing with Raleigh in the Nineties. Read more

Brian Robinson Tour de France rider for also attending. Info

Stephen Cole for the photography.

And last but not least, Steve Smith for organising the event itself

The raffle raised £150 for the British Heart Foundation.

The Gold Medals	Guest of Honour Dave looking very formal	Mike & Steve ponder what could have been if the lottery had been around in their day...

Medal Winners Gallery