I trust you all have had a wonderous Eastertide and are in truly good lockdown spirits, if so apologies for being the bearer of bad news. I would have enjoyed nothing more than asking you to spectate at Beckworth School’s 17th century velodrome this afternoon for the annual cycle race meeting of the institution’s alumni.… But sadly Covid restrictions mean the race will take place behind closed doors with no cheering hoards in attendance. At least it will be better than last year where we attempted to hold the race “virtually” with all cyclists riding in their gardens and monitored by computer cameras and those blessed smart phones…
It wasn’t the greatest success, results were questionable at the least, video images blurred and no medals were given. As you will doubtless remember the highlight of the afternoon in previous years, The Class of 1942′s “Penny Father’s competition”, has been replaced by a Class of 1952′s “Penny Father’s competition,” which admittedly last year was a disaster due to drunkenness and the copious use of profanities. Here’s hoping for better luck this year… We are expecting about a dozen old boys and masters to ride their vintage high-wheeler Penny Farthing bikes, all aiming to win the Rt Hon Alvin “Toffee Smuggler” Lewes Cup. Let’s hope next year you will all be able to attend and cheer us on. Yours Sir T.T. “Wonky” Windsor. President. Beckworth School Old Boys