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Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine. Volume 9 No.1 March 2012
17
Letters continued.
The challenge presented to Joseph
Smiggers by the red-nosed I think that we can, therefore, safely assume
Mr Stiggins. that, in some way, Mr. Stiggins was a man of
the cloth, and so now Trevor needs to consider
I will now attempt to resolve the issue that has whether a Bible should be part of his Club
been concerning the red-nosed Mr Stiggins uniform – which could lead to an increase in
(Trevor Bevan) for some time now. Is he a man fines if he is seen without it!!
of the cloth – or not!

All Pickwick Bicycle Club sobriquets relate to My Dear Joe, the Fat Boy,
that character’s first mention in the “Pickwick
Papers”, so let us start with the first mention of Those Club members who attended the AGM
Mr. Stiggins in Chapter 27: prior to the Garden Party will have heard about
the progress being made with the Club website
“'I suppose he's drivin' up to-day?' said Sam. www.pickwickbc.org.uk. The positive
'He may be, or he may not,' replied Mrs. Weller, feedback from members, following the AGM,
buttering the round of toast which the red- has been much appreciated by Anthony Humm
nosed man had just finished. 'I don't know, and, and myself.
what's more, I don't care.--Ask a blessin', Mr.
Stiggins.' The red-nosed man did as he was We would now actively encourage members to
desired, and instantly commenced on the toast give us more feedback and, most importantly,
with fierce voracity. The appearance of the help to create more content. The following
red-nosed man had induced Sam, at first sight, prompts might help:
to more than half suspect that he was the
deputy- shepherd of whom his estimable parent 1: Obituaries of past members.
had spoken. The moment he saw him eat, all 2: Cycling achievements of current and past
doubt on the subject was removed, and he members.
perceived at once that if he purposed to take up 3: Cycling clubs that our members belong to.
his temporary quarters where he was, he must
make his footing good without delay.” It is our intent that the website should generate
and maintain the interest of our members, and
In total, Stiggins is mentioned 105 times, and in be a good reference point for cycling history.
the majority of cases (79 times) he is referred
to as “Mr. Stiggins”. In 14 instances he is Please Bookmark www.pickwickbc.org.uk
referred to simply as “Stiggins”. However, he is and visit it regularly. Be critical; be supportive;
also referred to as “Reverend” (10 times) and provide content from your files; enjoy!
“Brother” (twice).
With Pickwickian Greetings
The “History of the Pickwick Bicycle Club”
records that in 1874 “The result of the race was Joseph Smiggers PVPMPC
as follows: - The Rev. Mr. Stiggins (J. Lawson) steve@stephenbullen.com
proved himself a very easy winner, the Second
place falling to Joe, the Fat Boy, and the Third
to Master Bardell; but as there are no records
of the times made, we cannot supply any further
particulars.” Letters continued.