Mercury celebrates 70 years of pedal power

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2008 marks the 70th birthday of Derby Mercury RC – at one time, the foremost outdoor pursuits club in the city. Long-term member and veteran world champion cyclist Dave Orford takes a brief look at its history.

A 1949 picture of a group of young cyclists from the Derby Mercury RC known as The Juniors. Picture courtesy of former member Alan Gifford

The Derby Mercury RC was formed in 1938 following a meeting at the Arboretum Hotel, on Osmaston Road.

Len Holmes, a newspaper reporter with the Derbyshire Advertiser, was knowledgeable about crests and emblems and was given the task of designing a badge and getting the club registered in all the right places.

He enlisted a young designer from Rolls-Royce and, between them, the God of Mercury over a cycle was chosen.

The subscription for membership was two shillings and sixpence (12.5p) pa, collectable by the secretary at tuppence a week (1p). The average earnings of apprentices of 16-17 years in 1938 was £1-£1.50 per week.

The club was financed with enthusiasm and dedication more than anything else.

Derek and Betty Wilkins, the current president and vice-president, have been in the club for many years, Derek joining more than 60 years ago.

Without any doubt, this Spondon couple have held the club together through many critical periods and, along with other long-time members, they have succeeded in making it strong once more.

Originally activities included walking and climbing, as well as cycling, but today is mainly a cycling club, although the traditional walks – on New Year’s Day and the day after the annual dinner in mid-January – still take place.

This year there were 85 people at the dinner held at Derby Rugby Club.

For the past few years, a group of “mature” members have gone on a walking holiday, usually to a mountainous area abroad, organised by Ron Smith, of Mickleover.

One of the founder members from 1938 is Ted Upton, of Allestree, who, in 1947, became the very best road racing cyclist in the country, winning many top races, including the National Road Championship.

Ted was so powerful he could destroy the field and usually finished minutes ahead of the other competitors.

He was offered a professional contract but decided to concentrate on his normal job, as cycling was, and is, a precarious occupation.

However, he did provide the inspiration for those of us who followed after him and the Derby Mercury has, since that time, been one of the major forces in British amateur cycling.

Last year, new riders started to break through, although some of the “veterans” were still near the top. Once cycling is in your blood, it is difficult to stop and those who do keep at it are all the better for it, healthwise.

Unfortunately, like most sports organisations, Derby Mercury RC is not attracting its share of junior riders. Perhaps road conditions and the cost of the cycles and equipment are putting them off, although very reasonable bikes can be had from major dealers, these days, as well as sponsorship from some sources.

Cycling can also be enjoyed off road on some of the many excellent trails created by Sustrans. In fact, whole families, sometimes with babies in tow, can be seen on them, away from the dangers of motor traffic.

I believe the Derby Mercury can look forward to another 70 years of progress, as people start to seek a healthier lifestyle and become involved in more outdoor pursuits.

For further information about the club, e-mail secretary David Ellis on: david@drellis.freeserve.co.uk

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