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Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 12 No.1 March 2015 !15

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I asked our Captain to announce where the fines collected during our two luncheons,
were going to be donated, which culminated in a record amount being collected at the
Annual Garden Party. More toasting took place and generally good fellowship was
encouraged. I also wanted to make sure that the Officers and Members who work so
hard to make things happen within the Club were acknowledged, thanked and supported.
We used email a lot more to communicate events, amended the rules and have put in
place succession plans for Club Officers who have provided unstinting support to the
Club over many years.

Highlights of the year for me were the unveiling of the Dickens statue in Portsmouth,
Revolution cycling and the meal before in the Berbeck Tavern (the plate of food and
atmosphere in the bar will stay in my memory for a long time), the Grand Depart of the
Tour de France and our day in Harrogate – what an experience, Yorkshire did us all
proud. I also enjoyed riding at Benson and on the Hampton Court Ride – the exercise,
conversation and not forgetting the necessary pub visits all added to thoroughly good
days out. The Luncheons were also up to the usual high standard.

At the Annual Garden Party my son became a member, as did Past President Mr
Staple’s second son. I wonder how many other third (as in our case) or fourth
generations are in the Club? The baton needs to be passed on to the younger members
in maintaining the traditions of our great Club and ensuring that the events organised
for the members by the members are well supported. Again debate within the Club as
to what events should be organised should take place and support given.
There have been some concerns expressed over behaviour at our big luncheons.
Membership is a privilege as proved by the waiting list and I would remind you all of the
well-written foreword that appears in the Club handbook. I quote The Shepherd (Ken
Barker): “membership is a privilege and does impose certain obligations. High amongst
these is good manners and good fellowship.”
I had a great year as your President and look forward to many more enjoyable
occasions with “gentlemen” of the Pickwick Bicycle Club. Thank you for giving me the
honour of being Samuel Pickwick in 2014.

Samkin