John ‘Tam’ Barton.
The first question people ask is why the nickname ‘Tam?’.
Well in the 60’s he was a prolific master of the cyclo cross racing scene in Merseyside and
beyond,his chosen choice of headgear was a woollen Scottish hat called a Tam o’ Shanter as opposed to today’s choice of helmet. So that was it the name stuck and he was known thereafter as Tam or Tammer.
His record as per his attached palmares speaks for itself in those years of competing he was a dominant force to be reckoned with, recording many victories and high placings.
He showed good form on the time trial races having recorded a 22 minute time for 10 miles which in that era would have been on a fixed wheel bike.. However, his forte lied with splashing through muddy fields and ditches running with a bike on his shoulder,he was in his element,usually with a wide grin on his face.
When he finally stopped racing I think it’s fair to say he enjoyed the ‘social ‘side of cycling and club life and certainly enjoyed a pint or two and good food. He was always the life and soul of the group who annually went on the club holiday to Majorca with his dry sense of humour and dry wit,a pleasure to be in his company.
At club dinners and social functions he could always be seen wearing bright red braces heading for the bar.
More recently he was a driver for Leighton Oils and if he saw you across the Moss cycling he would always flash the headlights and wave . Each time I see one of their wagons I think of Tam.
Sadly over the last few months his health deteriorated and he passed away peacefully in Blackpool hospital on January 25th.
He was a life member of the club in itself an honour for his contribution
to cycling.
He will be missed by his family,friends and club mates.
Colin Baldwin
Club President
