The club was delighted to welcome friends and partners to the meeting on 16th May. After all the restrictions of covid it was good to feel that another step was being taken towards ‘normality’ and there was an atmosphere of optimism as plans were discussed for programmes with local schools and for the Coastal Path Charity Walk in September. 

Following business and a meal, club member Eric Dewhirst gave an illustrated talk on the topic of ‘The Bicycle’. This covered many aspects including the history, the inventions and technical development, the emergence of sport and racing, the risky pursuit of land speed records and, in particular, the role of the bicycle in social change and the emancipation of women including the suffragette movement. The bicycle has even entered our culture in the form of popular song!

Eric went on to discuss today’s uses for the bicycle in every country and culture in the World. It is an efficient and low cost form of transport that can significantly reduce dependency on hydrocarbon fuels. For many people a bike is in fact the only form of personal transport that is available and affordable.

We saw many examples of the way in which a bicycle can transform the lives of children, students and indeed whole families in many parts of Africa. It was interesting to learn of the work of Rotary in Ireland, who have for some years been running a programme to service, repair and provide bikes to Africa. It is also a programme that has been run in partnership with an open prison there - not only helping with the work, but also providing an opportunity to learn skills.

Following questions a vote of thanks was proposed by Derek Mathie.