Fred Dale, Denis Broughton and Harry Rogers, the fast men of the thirties - after the Warwickshire Road Club '50'

Fred Dale RIP

After a short illness, Fred Dale, Life member of Leamington C&AC, and a member since its origins in 1928, passed away at Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry on January 3rd 2006.

Fred's cycling palmeres include several wins in the 30s and 40s, top-12 BAR placings, and many VTTA and Tandem records. In the Eighties he became a valued Timekeeper. He wouldn't suffer fools, he had a famous argument with the local Police Inspector at one event in the late 80s when we still ran 25s on the Warwick Bypass (K24). His last official duty was to present the medals at the National 10 mile TT Championships in 2003.

The funeral was held at Risen Christ church, Wyken Croft, Coventry on Friday 20th January at 11am.

Born in Banbury it was not until 1938 that he moved to Coventry, having lived for a while in Leamington. It was while residing in the spa town that his interest in running led to membership of the Athletic club. Fred became a founder member when the town cycling and athletic clubs amalgamated in 1928 to form the Leamington C & AC, and had been the last serving member of that elite band.

A gifted runner in cross country events, he won the coveted Chandler Cup in 1928 and 1931. The venture into cycling did not deter him from assisting his club in Midland League cross country events, a good way to maintain winter fitness.

Cycling was at its zenith as a pastime and as a means of transport in pre-war traffic free days. Time Trialling was the predominant activity of Leamington riders. Fred soon made his impact with long distance events being his forte. Rides of 243+ and 244+ in twelve hour trials were platforms for his 12^th place in the BBAR of 1937 and 1938. A hard riding holiday in the Pyrennees accompanied by Harry Rogers and Colin Jones brought fitness sufficient for the trio to gain 5^th place in the 1937 BBAR team competition. The Polytechnic 100 of 1938 gave Fred a satisfying win over a top class field, his 4.42.35 being a superb effort on a day of atrocious weather. With Ralph Dougherty on a tandem they set Midland RRA records in 1939 at 50 miles (1.47.07) and 100 miles (3.51.35). With Charlie Baines again on a tandem another Midland RRA record for 12 hours was achieved (267.25miles).

The outbreak of war caused racing to be put on hold but with the easing of the pressure of work limited activity resumed.  With Fred, Norman Sargisson, George Doody and Eric Gale all employed by the same engineering company, Leamington fielded teams in local events, becoming dominant in the Birmingham League.

The arrival of three sons made family matters the first concern and heralded a break from competition. With the boys maturing, Fred was encouraged by Norman Sargisson to recommence riding and racing soon followed.  A holiday / racing trip to St Johann to compete with continental riders brought pleasure and awards in plenty.

In 1980, aged 67, Fred achieved 20^th place in the VTTA BAR with rides of 25 miles (1.6.4), 50  miles (2.17.7), 100 miles (4.44.13) and 12 hours (22.2.83 miles). In 1982, aged 69 11^th place in the VTTA BAR was achieved with rides of  25 miles (1.6.02), 50 miles (2.7.37) (3 mins 36 sec faster than his BAR qualifying ride in 1938!), 100 miles (4.39.30( (4 mins 4 sec slower than his time in 1938) and 12 hour (226.17 miles). Fred’s last trial brought a win in the VTTA National 100 when, in his 73^rd year, he returned 5.0.35.

A long time CTC and VTTA member, Fred enjoyed touring and took holidays in Majorca, Wales and France including a number of short trips to see the Tour de France.

Cycling gave Fred an abundance of pleasure and friendships.  By devoting his time and talent with help, time keeping and official VTTA posts, he enabled others to obtain similar joys. He was meticulous in all that he did. Essentially a club rider he was never ostentatious but insisted on good standards. At times, remissness of others caused exasperation but he became mellow in later years. Keenly felt was the loss of friends which is the inevitability of passing years.  Particularly felt was the loss of Norman Sargisson and Neville Gregg who were his companions portrayed on TV following a chance meeting with the lady presenter while at a tea-stop.  Friends dubbed them the Last of the Summer Wine.

Seriously injured in his 80s when hit by a drunken motorist , Fred’s cycling days were over – his only trips up to a couple of yeas ago were to the local shops and to luncheon meetings at the Church of the Risen Christ, just half a mile from his home.  It was at that church that family and friends gathered to celebrate a life fully lived.  Afterward at Broad Street Rugby Club for refreshments, many reminiscences were exchanged.

Although a very successful competitor in the 1930s and 1980s, Fred was a club man at heart, remaining loyal to the Leamington C&AC for 78 years, and his achievements were recognised by life membership.  In his own words: “Success counts for little compared with the friendship and comradeship which exists amongst the cycling fraternity.”