BOLTON Clarion Cycling Club was a successful organisation long before the current obsession with health and fitness.

It celebrated its centenary in 1995 and is still going strong.

Mr Harry Speak of Bury New Road, Bolton popped into the office recently with this picture from either 1948, 1949 or 1950 - he is not quite sure which.

He does know that he is on the right in the fetching shorts and that they were pictured outside Bolton town hall on the day they had an enjoyable ride to Cheshire.

The National Clarion Cycling Club goes back to the days when the unstable Penny Farthing was replaced by the triangular "safety cycle."

Mr Robert Blatchford, a leading Socialist activist, journalist and publisher, called in his weekly newspaper, "The Clarion", for working people to make the most of the new opportunity to explore countryside - previously the province of the rich - and spread the Socialist message of fellowship.

As well as cycling there were social clubs, rambling clubs, handicraft groups and even choirs.

The Bolton club was kept ticking over by older members until the 1980s and was then revived by younger enthusiasts.

I came across the following Evening News report from March, 1904 which gives a wonderful flavour of the times:

"Saturday found some 70 Clarion cyclists and friends at Rivington, the occasion being the opening run, tea party and social at the unitarian School in the village.

After tea a social was held.

The Rev S. Thompson presided and delivered a pithy address on old England sports.

Between the dancing Miss Sandham sang most sweetly, giving entire satisfaction and pleasure to the company.

Comrades Hancroft and Marsh also sang and a couple of recitations were contributed by Comrade Fred Wild, also one by Comrade Nicholson of Preston.

The affair on the whole was up to the mark and everybody seemed to have a good time.

The ride home at night put all in good heart and the Secretary reports that they feel as if a very good start has been made for the season.

Run cards are now ready and he is wishful to supply all intending members."