IN PICTURES - Speedwell Bicycle Club exhibition opens at Bromsgrove's Norton Collection Museum

A SPECIAL exhibition to celebrate 150 years of the Speedwell Bicycle Club has gone on display at the Norton Collection Museum in Bromsgrove.

The Speedwell Bicycle Club was founded in 1876 in Edgbaston.

It was named after Speedwell Road where the first meeting took place and among the early members were Sir Alfred Bird, founder of Bird’s Custard Factory, James Baldwin JP and the Earl of Dudley.

They were keen to be part of the bicycle boom which began with the Penny Farthing and gained momentum following the Safety Bicycle’s introduction. 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.

Picture by Jo Slade. s

Bromsgrove’s Town Crier, Kevin Ward, himself a keen cyclist, is one of the few remaining members of the Speedwell Club.

He holds the club’s archives and is curating the exhibition at the Norton Collection Museum.

Among the artefacts on display are many original trophies, photograph albums, memorabilia with fascinating facts about cycling and past editions of the club magazine.

Picture by Jo Slade. s

From its early days, the cub was a touring and a racing club, with plenty of competitive spirit.

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 World Wars.

Picture by Jo Slade. s

In the 1960s, an Open 50 Mile Mountain Trial launched and continued for many years, along with the time trials and night rides.

Regular club meetings were held at Wythall Parish Hall.

The exhibition opened on Sunday with a celebration event, along with a short ceremony with local dignitaries, including newly elected Bromsgrove District Council Chairman, Coun Josh Robinson, Bromsgrove Court Leet Bailiff Robert Spittle, Reeve Jonathan Till and Speedwell Club President Roy Male who cut the celebratory cake.

Picture by Jo Slade. s

Bike enthusiasts and local cycle club members from Bromsgrove, Redditch and surrounding areas, were encouraged to ride to the museum and anyone arriving by bike on Sunday was given free entry.

The exhibition will run at the Norton Collection Museum until the end of August.