A SPECIAL exhibition to celebrate 150 years of the Speedwell Bicycle Club will go on display at the Norton Collection Museum from tomorrow (Sunday, May 31).
The history of the Speedwell Club
The Speedwell Bicycle Club was founded in 1876 in Edgbaston. It was named after Speedwell Road where the first meeting took place.
Early members included Sir Alfred Bird, founder of Bird’s Custard Factory, James Baldwin JP and the Earl of Dudley. They were all keen to be part of the bicycle boom which began with the Penny Farthing. It gained momentum following the introduction of the Safety Bicycle.
This new invention by John Kemp Starley in the 1880s established the foundation for the modern bicycle design, featuring equal-sized wheels and chain drives.
The Bromsgrove connection
Bromsgrove’s Town Crier, Kevin Ward, himself a keen cyclist, is one of the few remaining members of the Speedwell Club.
Kevin holds the club’s archives and will be curating the exhibition at the Norton Collection Museum. Among the artefacts on display will be many of the original trophies, photograph albums, memorabilia with fascinating facts about cycling and past editions of the club magazine.
From its early days the cub was both a touring and a racing club, with plenty of competitive spirit among the members.
In 1883 two 24-hour rides were organised – one for bicycles, one for tricycles which was won by Sir Alfred Bird who covered 221.5 miles!
The club’s popularity increased into the 1900s, but was curtailed by the two wars.
In the 1960s an Open 50 Mile Mountain Trial was started and continued for many year, along with the time trials and night rides. Regular Club meetings were held at Wythall Parish Hall.
The exhibition will open tomorrow with a celebration event. At midday there will be a short ceremony with local dignitaries in attendance to cut an anniversary cake. Bicycle enthusiasts and members of local cycle clubs are encouraged to ride to the museum.
FREE entry to cyclists
Anyone arriving by bike will be given free entry to the museum. Secure parking for bikes will be available.
The exhibition will run throughout the summer, until the end of August at 26 Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove B61 0DD. Anyone attending the Speedwell exhibition will also be able to view the wonderful displays of Bromsgrove history in the Museum.
