'BICYCLE'

Nearly 25 years ago York Films made a short series of films for BBC 2 on the invention and development of the bicycle over the last 150 years both in its technical and social aspects.

The first episode looked at the early years of the bicycle and as part of the programme they staged a recreation of one of the great high wheeler rides , penny farthings as we usually know them, that took part in the late 19^th century at Hampton Court. In 1882 two thousand one hundred and seventy seven bicyclists took part in a ride with the procession stretching over 6 miles in length. Part of the ride was through Bushy Park and round the Diana Fountain Pond that was also used for the road events in the 2012 Olympics.

Two of our Club members who were both dedicated 'penny' riders, Bill Hens and Tony Deadman were asked to take part. Below you can see them posing at the Old Cricket Green at Cookham Dean in the Club uniforms of the time that they were given to wear for the recreation of the ride.Tony is wearing a London Bicycle Club Uniform. I'm uncertain about Bill's uniform