Eddie Wingrave - BC Honours

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Some of you may of heard his name, and seen him at Crystal Palace (especially on his 90th birthday a few weeks ago). BC SE Region have requested that BC give ham a special honour for his immense contribution to British Cycling and is detailed below:

[quote]EDWARD ‘EDDIE’ WINGRAVE


Born: 1916

Second youngest of 6 boys &3 girls.


First introduction to cycle racing aged 11 as a spectator watching his elder brother compete in The National 24 Hour Tandem paced Championship at Herne Hill Track


Took out his first racing licence in 1933 but only had a moderate career racing with this particular forte being riding behind big motors. He also rode as stoker on a tandem and was one of Ernie Mills tandem team when he twice broke the national tandem paced 50 mile record at Herne Hill.


Joined the Old Kent CC in 1933 and had a brief spell with the Fountain CC (during the second world war when the Old Kent was suspended due to most of its members being abroad) but went back to the Old Kent CC straight after the war.

Has served as President, Chairman, Racing Secretary and Social Secretary during his many years with the Old Kent CC.


He was a track official at the 1948 Olympics at Herne Hill and it was shortly after this that he started promoting events and became a chief judge and commissaire for both road and track races.


Secretary for 9 years of the now defunct London Accident Fund which was set up to raise money for cyclist who had hit on hard times.

He organised 5 Saturday track meetings a year to boost funds during the 50’s and 60’s.


In 1951 he was approached by Mecca the entertainment's company to organise a series of roller competition in conjunction with a variety show at music halls all over the country. This meant he had to take out a Professional Racing Licence with the only other professional registered at that time being Reg Harris.


Served on the committee of the South East London of the BCF for 50 years and received Gold Badge of Honour.

Also received Gold Badge of Honour from BC for services to cycling.


Member of London Region Cycling Association for 40 years (7 years as Chairman) and received their Gold Badge of Honour.


Member of the Southern Counties Cycling Union committee for 50 years and was President for 4 years (normal term of service 3 years) but Eddie was asked to serve the forth year as it was the Centenary year of the SCCU. He also receive their Gold Badge of Honour.


Member of the South East London time trials committee for 10 years.

Official observer for the Road Record Association and has attended many RRA record attempts


Received a Gold badge of honour from the Fellowship of Old Timers. Made honorary life member of the Women's Racing Cycling Association and also the Pedal Club.


Awarded Gold Badge of honour from the London Federation of Sport for organising the cycling events as part of the London Youth games.


Organised the first paraplegic World Cycling Championship at Crystal Palace in the 80’s.


Has been both Team Manager and Mechanic on official GB teams racing abroad.


Been an honorary official at the World Cycling Championship at Goodwood (road) and Leicester (track).


Was responsible for 200 volunteer marshals when the Tour de France came to SE England in the 90’s.


Was the only person allowed on stage at the Royal Albert Hall when the B.A.R held their Diamond jubilee celebrations and brought Fausto Coppi from Italy to give a demonstration ride on a set of rollers that turned through 360 degrees that Eddie was part of the team that designed and made.


He officiated at and organised events at both Crystal Palace and Herne Hill for 50 years. (Normally 3 times a week with weekends as extra) and during 90’s when Bromley Council closed down the Crystal Palace Circuit he spent many hours writing to and phoning Bromley Council until the circuit was finally opened in its current form.


Eddie is still, to this day, involving himself at Herne Hill & Crystal Palace.

[Roy Green]

Might be worth using our contacts with Cycling Weekly to ask it to accept Eddie as an entry in The Golden Book of Cycling. He's worth it ...

[Maria David]

Only the other night he was at Herne Hill announcing the races and results at the track league, when he could have been relaxing at home.

He's truly dedicated to cycling.

Maria
http://www.2wheelchick.blogspot.com/

[huw williams]

Agreed - All details have been forwarded to CW news editor for inclusion