Lee Valley Velodrome

SAD NEWS!

Club Stalwart and Legend John (Twiggy) Branch passed away September 17th following a short illness, and has left us to 'Go on ahead'

As the news spread and tales are re-counted by those who knew or rode with him, some have come to the surface. Memories and tales of a true club member.

John appeared and joined the Woolwich in 1957 quickly making his mark amongst the great bunch of members of the day.

He raced whenever and wherever he could, mixing road and track, (not too fond of TT's ) but dabbled with some if held on hard courses.

He quickly got the reputation of being a 'hardman' who could mix it with the best riders around at that time.

The photo shown is from Vin Denson's biography with our Twigs, Denson, and Hugh Porter, who went on to ride the Tour amd win World Championships.

A club mate and team member of the time, Reg Smith recalls some epic tales of the training rides and travels to events.

Training? Base miles, riding daily from Gravesend to Fleet St. where he worked 'In the Print' backed up by the evening tear ups or racing at Brands and Herne Hill.

Twigs was selected by the BCF and rode two Tour of Britains, and the Isle of Man International, mixing it with the leading continentals of the day.

He raced anywhere he could get to, and Reg recalls when they were invited to an event in the Midlands. (In the days before motorways) Twiggy turned up on his motor bike and sidecar with his future wife Betty.

So the set up was Twiggy Riding, Betty, the bikes in/on the sidecar and Reg, riding pillion . Epic! But don't think they did too well.

There are many more tales and John/Twiggy leaves us with memories of A Really Great Guy and Club Member for 68 years.

Thanks Twiggy, R.I.P.

Your Woolwich CC. Clubmates.

Funeral Details are below;

Thursday October 30th. 12.00 noon. Vintner Park Crematorium, Bearstead Rd, Maidstone, ME14 5LG.