We are excited to kick off 2023 by throwing a spotlight on some fantastic volunteers. Without them, and thousands of others across the UK, cycling activity simply wouldn’t happen on the scale that it does. Well done to all the nominees this month; their enthusiasm and commitment to the sport is hugely appreciated by all of us!
If you think someone deserves a mention, get in touch on social media with your respective regional or national teams or via @BCCoaches on Twitter.
Name: Arthur Caygill
Region: Yorkshire
Role: Various - awarded the first Honorary Club Member at Richmond Cycling Club
Arthur has been a member of Richmond Cycling Club since 1960, after starting to help with the club in 1959. He is still one of the club's full members. From the age of 14 Arthur was competing in racing and supporting club events and activities. He was pivotal in resurrecting the club over 20 years ago and has been a key volunteer in organising both regular, and annual events, including: Club rides; weekly club TTs; the infamous annual Grinton Time Trial; the Whit Cycle Meet, and Cobble races, as well as sponsoring Riders and Race Teams.
Arthur's contribution to cycling is hard to quantify. His personal generosity in giving his time to support people to get on any type of bike, and his passion for all things 'cycling' is unmeasurable.
Arthur was recognised at the club's Christmas awards night and presented with the Club's first honorary club membership. Club Chairman Dean McQue presented Arthur with a custom trophy saying, 'it was worth it just to see him speechless, for once.' He added 'Arthur's contribution to cycling in the area cannot be underestimated. He has a lifelong passion to support cycling at all levels. The Club, and the wider bike riding community are incredibly grateful for everything he has done, and continues to do'
British Cycling Values: Unity, Passion, Integrity
Name: Kary Greer
Region: South East
Role: Event Organiser for Spring in the Park Youth Circuit Series at Cyclopark
Kary has superbly led the biggest youth circuit race series in the region for a number of years pre and post pandemic, taking over from the team at Team Darenth & Woolwich CC. Working in close partnership with the venue at Cyclopark, and the region's Go-Ride Club volunteers, each season has had 8-10 events for Under 8s to Under 16s. Kary has managed a team of key volunteers each season including Sign On, Timing & Judges, Chief Marshals, Gear Checkers, and has engaged different clubs to provide event marshals, as well as managing the event website, race results and finances! WOW!
With the news that Kary is now stepping back from the series Organiser role, we want to say a massive thanks to all her efforts from the whole region. Chapeau and #cyclingsaysthanks
The riders who've benefited from SITP are too numerous to mention, but some recent talent includes current Team GB CX Juniors Hope Inglis & Alfie Amey.
'Kary's ability to "arm twist" and engage new volunteers with hosting this series is formidable, and we're now helping Kary look for more folk to come and join the fun. Check out southeast regional platforms for more details of how you can get involved soon.
British Cycling Values: Passion, Innovation
Name: Hannah Turnbull
Region: West Midlands
Role: Coach and Event Organiser with Redditch Road & Path Cycling Club (RRPCC)
Hannah does a lot of great work at RRPCC including coaching, organising track clusters and entry-level events. Hannah organised a recent Cyclocross Go-Ride Race & Go-Race event at the start of January that was very well attended. The Go-Race had 6 novice female riders who all loved the event, which is testament to the hard work that Hannah put in. She is also looking to host several other events including a circuit race and summer cyclocross races which are providing opportunities for a wide variety of riders of numerous ages.
The West Midlands regional team would like to commend Hannah for the time & effort she puts into providing opportunities for bike riders in the area, and also say a big thank you for coming onto a recent club webinar to discuss her experiences around this with other clubs.
British Cycling Values: Passion, Unity
Redditch Road & Path Cycling Club
Name: Alan Smith
Region: Wales
Role: Track Commissaire, Trainee Circuit Commissaire, Event Organiser, Club Secretary with Bynea Cycling Club
Alan has been a significant figure in the cycling world - particularly as a volunteer over the last year. As well as supporting his club by being the club secretary, he has been an active organiser. He was involved in organising the Bynea Cycling Club Road Races and supporting the Welsh Road and Time Trial Championships in 2022. He will also be contributing to the 2023 road calendar as an organiser.
Alan recently passed his training as a track commissaire and has been officiating at a number of races. Without Alan's dedication to the sport, racing in Wales would be significantly impacted! Alan is a true inspiration and his dedication to the sport does not go unnoticed.
