Wheelers AGM

LAST Monday night West Down Wheelers held their A.G.M in Banbridge Leisure Centre.

This was their 23rd annual meeting and this was one of the biggest turnouts in a very long time.

Club Chairman, Billy Maxwell, in his remarks said how delighted he was at how the club has come on this past couple of years and said there was more new members waiting to join up for the 2013 season.

He thank everyone who had made this one of thee best seasons racing since they were formed in 1989 and said he’s now looking forward to next year.

Billy said that as he is in charge of the dinner this will be the biggest turnout of members since he has been chairman. He says those in attendance will be in and around the 60 mark.

Club treasuer Davy Cartmil,l in his remarks, said the club is holding their own.

There was a lot of money paid out this year including the new finish for their open races plus the junior riders are all looked after with clothing and anything else they need.

The senior riders are looked after in any stage race they enter,and they really appreciate it.

In his remarks race secretary Clive Adamson says these past three-four years have been very pleasing to bring a report but this year is by far the best. The club now has one A2 rider, six A3s and three who did A4s but this will increase for 2013 with some very good prospects now on board.

In club racing Clive said the club had 31 Wheelers take part throughout the season but not all at same time, however they did average 22 each week which is very very pleasing. They even had 16 do the hill climb - a few years ago the club would have been lucky to get six.

He thanked everyone who made his job a lot easier - Berty and all the marshalls , the two Barbaras, president Derek Gamble, Chairman Billy Maxwell, treasuer Davy Cartmill, Paul McKinstry with the van, and thanked Mervyn Maxwell for his help over the years as he takes a well deserved rest.

Clive wants another big effort next year to make it and even better year. He’s calling for everyone to get involved in the winter training runs which will start soon and will be a sensible pace for next couple of months anyone who has expressed their desire to join the Wheelers next year or anytime will be made welcome.

The riders’ next event will be their dinner and prize giving on November 16 at 7.30pm in the Belmont. Special guests once again will be Cycling Ulster’s Tommy and Marian Lamb - a night not to be missed.