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Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine ume 19 No.1 March 2022
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Something else to commemorate the occasion and provide an ongoing asset for the Club is the
traditional leather-bound ledger which now has the names of all members and retired members on
22 nd June 2020 inscribed in the ledger, and all future members will be added on the day they enter the
club.
We also looked to source a 150 th celebration tie and bow tie… you wouldn’t believe how many design
and product samples were necessary, before we got to the tie that was ultimately distributed in 2019.
The clay pipes presented a real challenge, but as a working party we were determined to secure them
as they are very much part of our heritage. It transpired that there were no commercial makers of clay
pipes left. and the craft had been lost. I managed to 2ind an academic at Liverpool University who had
acquired moulds from a Manchester 2irm that had closed down. He made the odd batch of pipes, for
the 2ilm and TV world, and when asked to supply 600, he needed a lot of persuasion and a 2-year time
frame, since his garage was the production facility. He 2inally delivered them to my home, when we
discovered that his wife was the leading authority on the history of the clay pipe and the curator of the
clay pipe collection at Liverpool University. She is often called in to archaeological sites as remnants of
clay pipes are an easy way to date the site as the design of them changed very frequently.
The other bene2it of taking this job on was that I was able to spend time at a Cheshire micro-brewery
crafting the Pickwick beers which arrived in bottles in 2019 for members, and will be on draught at
the 150 th dinner. I was casting around for names for the beers and with help from Boz (Ian Dickens)
we came up with Posthumous, Samuel Pickwick and Fat Boy. I have to admit a tour of the brewery
was very necessary along with appropriate tastings.
Other commissions were the beer glasses and jute bags.

What are your favourite memories of the Pickwick BC?
Having been a member for so long, a lot of memories that spring to mind. Attending luncheons with
my father and his friends and business associates along with my brother-in-law. Now the memories
are attending the luncheons with my circle of friends, together with my son (Wilkins Flasher) and son-
in-law (John Smauker) and their friends.
I had a fantastic year as President and am grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity.
Highlights included replacing the plaque at the Downs Hotel, where the club was formed; the visit to
the Olympic Velodrome after a real East End pub meal; and the party in Harrogate when the Tour de
France 2inished in the town.
I also felt very honoured at the 2021 December luncheon, to be presented with the special award of
an Honorary Life Member medal by the President, Samuel Pickwick.
And finally Peter, it’s been a pleasure listening to your life with the PBC, is
there anything you want to add as a message to the new members of the Club?
Sadly, none of us are immortal, and as we pass through life it is important that we understand our
role in stewarding the traditions, values and fun for which the Pickwick Bicycle Club stands. We must
hold on to these ideals, as they are what make the Pickwick Bicycle Club so special. I would urge
members to attend the AGM, and volunteer to assist or be involved in a greater way than just
attending the luncheons. You might be surprised at the enjoyment, experiences, friendships and
opportunities you will have along the way!
My Best Wishes for an amazing 150th Anniversary - Peter Legg (Samkin)