Born 4th Jan 1939, Died 27th June 2023 Age 84 years.
Bill was born and brought up in Liverpool during the second world war and went to school in Toxteth. On leaving school he joined the GPO in Liverpool and got a Degree in Electrical Engineering. At an early stage he joined the Bootle St Christophers Cycling Club where he was a keen and active member and started racing about 1956.
He liked Time trialing best but tried his hand at Road Racing and in 1958 he won the Halton Road Race for the Bootle St Christophers. He continued to race for over 50 years. As GPO became BT, his job was moved to Preston and bought a property in Hesketh Bank in 1976. He then joined the Southport Club. His best ride would be in 1996 when he rode the Westerley 100m TT in West London and finished with a time of 4-02-50 at age of 53, this was a great ride and broke the club 100m record. Other achievements include Club BAR Champion 7 times and club Vets champion 14 times as well as club short distance champion one year.
He took a very active part in the running of the club including taking on some significant roles including TT Sec timekeeper and Treasurer. As treasurer he made some sound investments which helped put the club on a firm financial footing. As part of our 75th birthday celebrations in 2007 he organised the National 25m time trial. After retiring from BT at 52 he then turned his hand to charity work organising events such as our Bill Bradley charity rides round the Trough of Bowland and a BT charity ride round the country stopping off at BT offices along the way. He was involved with the VTTA on the committee that altered the age related standards for Vets which was much needed.
He also found time to enjoy some cycling holidays in the Alps, the Dolomites and Mallorca with his clubmates and even found time to complete a 2 year Degree in cycle sports coaching at John Moores University. Bill and his late wife Mo had 4 children together 2 sons 2 daughters and now have 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Bill has left his body to medical science so there will be no Funeral. But the family have extended an invitation for us to join them at a gathering on Friday 21st July at Tarleton Bowling Club at 3 pm to remember Bill’s life. All are welcome.
Ken Beck