CTC’s Cyclists Defence Fund
receives a birthday gift
On an occasion worthy of the friendships made over a span of almost half a century, North Wales’s Alan Belton hosted a gathering of cycling and business friends to celebrate his 65th birthday at a dinner at the Northop Hall Hotel, near Mold, on Sunday 26th January 2014.
Now domiciled in Italy, Alan still retains interests in the UK, and felt that this country was where he wished to celebrate this special milestone in his life.
Cycling friends from Port Sunlight Wheelers, Deeside Olympic, Wrexham Road Club, Chester Road Club and the Cyclists Touring Club were represented, with the notable presence also of former British Road Champion, Les West. Now retired, Les started his impressive amateur career with Tunstall Wheelers before turning professional. He came fourth after cramping in the final few seconds of the 1970 Leicester World Road Championships.
Providing an international flavour, Aldo and Mario Gios of the top drawer Italian cycle manufacturer Giostorino (http://www.giostorino.it/) were guests of distinction. Mario commented on the warm relaxed atmosphere at the hotel, when in his experience customers are usually encouraged to leave the premises once a meal is finished.
For Alan, one of the highlight of the evening must surely have been tussling with a well packaged parcel found to contain a hand crafted, custom inscribed, Giostorino bike frame, compliments of his Italian friends Aldo and Mario. Clearly immensely proud, he will undoubtedly enjoy many more miles astride it under warm Italian skies.
Reflecting the flavour of the occasion, Alan requested a collection towards a cycling charity. He chose CTC’s Cyclists Defence Fund, for which the generous sum of £470 was raised.
For details of the charity’s invaluable work, click http://www.cyclistsdefencefund.org.uk/
Roy Spilsbury (CTC)
 |
|
About 70 guests enjoyed Alan's hospitality |
 |
|
Andy Whitehead recalls a long friendship with Alan |
 |
|
Alan thrilled with Gios frame |
 |
|
Mario & Aldo Gios – a gift presented with pride |
 |
|
A guest who appreciates quality manufacture |
 |
|
Les West - with the sparkle of a life on two wheels |