Wheelers end of season do a success

West Down Wheelers President Derek Gamble pictured at the Clubs' Annual Presentation Evening with trophy winners Dorothy Cantley (Magowan Shield), Alister McCourt (Poppy McKeown Trophy), Matthew McKinstry (Most Improved Rider and The Weir Trophy), John Kernoghan (Imperial Cup), Andrew Hodgen (Maxwell Shield), Geoffrey Tate (Outlook Shield) and Mark Alexander (Savage Shield) © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1446-253EB

Club chairman Billy Maxwell welcomed everyone including their guests on the night Tommy and Marian Lamb and Brendan and Bronagh Kirk.

Billy went on to give a wee talk on the club covering their 25 years in existence, with himself Clive and Brendan having a photo taken of the three different tops they have used since 1989.

That led on to talk of the new top for 2015 season is in his opinion and everyone in the club was there best yet.

Billy then highlighted the success of the riders in the club, especially Paul Wilkinson who had his best year to date not only was he club champion again but his fourth overall in the tough three-day stage race certainly caught the eye.

Billy also said the club racing was not only the toughest that he can remember but also the fastest. He highlighted the local clubs who come along to support the Wheelers’ races such as TVR, Banbridge and especially Dromara who never miss a race.

Billy then thanked all who turned up to Marshall Berty and Barbara Wilkinson, and Eddy Cantly (club photographer), Sam Magill and the most loyal timekeeper and President Derek Gamble.

Billy then handed over to Race Secretary Clive Adamson to hand out the Trophies.

West Down Wheelers Chairman Billy Maxwell and Race Secretary Clive Adamson presented Derek Gamble with the Clubman of the Year Shield and an inscribed watch to mark 25 years of service to the club © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1446-254EB

The winners were:

Dorathy Cantly = Magowan Shield

Geoff Tate = Outlook Shield

Andy Hodgen = Maxwell Shield

West Down Wheelers Chairman Billy Maxwell and Guest Brendan Kirk presented the trophies to Club Champion Paul Wilkinson © Edward Byrne Photography INBL1446-255EB

Mark Alexander = Steven Savage Memorial

Matt McKinstry = Weir Trophy and most improved

John Kernaghan = Imperial Cup for Road Race Champion

Darren Lynass = John Maxwell Memorial for Australian Pursuit Champion AND Ernie Hall Trophy for Hillclimb Champion

Cutting the anniversary cake on Friday night are, left to right, Alison Maxwell, Brenda Maxwell and Sally Adamson. Pic by Bronagh Kirk.

Paul Wilkinson = President Cup Champion of Champions AND Gilchrist Cup for Club Champion AND Bunty Adamson for Rider of the Year.

Clive then handed out vouchers for the Albert in appreciation to Berty and Barbara Wilkinson, Sammy Magill and Derek Gamble and fruit baskets to Bronagh Kirk, Marian Lamb and Barbara Wilkinson. Billy then handed over an engraved watch to timekeeper Derek Gamle for his 20 years of timekeeping.

Marian Lamb in her talk said there’s not another club dinner as good as the Wheelers’. Marian said its not hard to see why the club is going 25 years with both of them and Derek leading from the front.

She wished the club every success for the future. Brendan said that himself and Bronagh were really chuffed to be invited along and really enjoyed the night.

In his summing up, Clive said the club have a lot to look forward to but to watch out for two names next year, Geoff Tate and Karl Wells.

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