I reckon Ted's email to me after the Christmas dinner just about says it all. And here's the gist:
Trevor made a good choice in picking the venue, the meal was excellently cooked and prepared it was so cosy and friendly.
It was great to meet together as a Section once again and, judging by the din and smiles on everybody's face, we all enjoyed the Christmas gathering immensely.
The presentation to Bryan for loyalty to the 'B' Group must have made his day, says Ted. The award to the “A” group for loyalty was made to Trevor Bradshaw and Graham Black. Trevor has run very enjoyable informal rides during the week and Graham Black has been a supporter of both Sunday runs and in-week riding.
Graham John explained his reasons for standing down as secretary, which were technical rather than personal. The auditing process threw up a number of questions about the relationship of CTC Plymouth within CTC Devon. Plymouth has always been an informal group in spirit and as a group I think we will resist the bureaucracy which is being imposed on us from higher up in the organisation.
In lieu of a Christmas card Graham John gave all those who attended a torch-light key ring. This is to be added to the pen-knife given last year and hopefully is the beginning of a little kit that our members will carry on their bikes.
Between the resignation of Julie Lang as Plymouth Secretary and my intrusion as her successor one year later, there was an unfortunate year in which CTC Plymouth almost collapsed due to lack of direction. If we don't know who we are, who are we? Some thought we were Yogis; others joined St Budeaux CC on rides, in search of that elusive identity which makes us cyclists. It saddened me to be on club runs with these riders waving to us in the security of other groups.
I hope that I have brought a measure of cohesion and certainty to CTC Plymouth and would say one thing. We are no more than what we put into a thing. If we do not see ourselves as a part of CTC Devon and make the effort that that entails, we are nothing. But CTC Devon offers a lot – participation in DATC events, the organisation of tours open not just to the Section but to every CTC Devon Member, the chance to contribute photos and articles to the Highwayman Magazine.
Over the years, since 1991 when I joined the CTC, I have enjoyed every minute of cycling with the Plymouth Section and commend the experience to all those outside the glitz and glamour of modern day cycling. CTC Plymoutb is those who are just “out for the day” in a simple but deep spirit of companionship
Trevor made a good choice in picking the venue, the meal was excellently cooked and prepared it was so cosy and friendly.
It was great to meet together as a Section once again and, judging by the din and smiles on everybody's face, we all enjoyed the Christmas gathering immensely.
The presentation to Bryan for loyalty to the 'B' Group must have made his day, says Ted. The award to the “A” group for loyalty was made to Trevor Bradshaw and Graham Black. Trevor has run very enjoyable informal rides during the week and Graham Black has been a supporter of both Sunday runs and in-week riding.
Graham John explained his reasons for standing down as secretary, which were technical rather than personal. The auditing process threw up a number of questions about the relationship of CTC Plymouth within CTC Devon. Plymouth has always been an informal group in spirit and as a group I think we will resist the bureaucracy which is being imposed on us from higher up in the organisation.
In lieu of a Christmas card Graham John gave all those who attended a torch-light key ring. This is to be added to the pen-knife given last year and hopefully is the beginning of a little kit that our members will carry on their bikes.
Between the resignation of Julie Lang as Plymouth Secretary and my intrusion as her successor one year later, there was an unfortunate year in which CTC Plymouth almost collapsed due to lack of direction. If we don't know who we are, who are we? Some thought we were Yogis; others joined St Budeaux CC on rides, in search of that elusive identity which makes us cyclists. It saddened me to be on club runs with these riders waving to us in the security of other groups.
I hope that I have brought a measure of cohesion and certainty to CTC Plymouth and would say one thing. We are no more than what we put into a thing. If we do not see ourselves as a part of CTC Devon and make the effort that that entails, we are nothing. But CTC Devon offers a lot – participation in DATC events, the organisation of tours open not just to the Section but to every CTC Devon Member, the chance to contribute photos and articles to the Highwayman Magazine.
Over the years, since 1991 when I joined the CTC, I have enjoyed every minute of cycling with the Plymouth Section and commend the experience to all those outside the glitz and glamour of modern day cycling. CTC Plymoutb is those who are just “out for the day” in a simple but deep spirit of companionship