THE REDMON AND US - HISTORY OF THE VINTAGE TANKARD TIME TRIAL (by Ron Moss, from the 'Phoenix News', 1962)

Some of us who have been members of the Phoenix since the club's formation, and who have been in the cycling game for considerably longer than that, probably take for granted the 'tie-up' between our club and the Redmon C.C., so that one seldom, if ever, stops to think how puzzling this alliance may appear to the relative newcomer. One must admit that it does seem odd that two clubs so far apart should hold such an affinity towards each other. Therefore it is perhaps fitting that this first issue of 'Phoenix News', in magazine form, should carry a story unraveling the 'mystery'.

The story starts in the year 1946 when the Gwent C.C. had recently been re-formed after the war years. A London cyclist was stationed, as a member of the Army, in Newport, and anxious to contact a local club was put in touch with the then Captain of the Gwent C.C. Ivor Legge. The cycling soldier, Ron Shiret by name, quickly fitted in with the local club and was soon a keen member who took a very active part in the 'all touring' programme of the 'Gwent'. Before his 'demob', Ron had become a member of of a London club whose H.Q. was at Morden in Surrey, and near his home town. That club, which originated in 1936, had taken the name of Redmon, an anagram of Morden.

It was directly as a result of Ron Shiret's efforts that an inter-club get-together between the Redmon and the Gwent took place in the early part of 1948, the historic venue for this occasion being the Vintage Inn at Sutton Benger. From this most succesful venture grew a steadily increasing bond between the two clubs. and participation in each others' open events and Annual Dinners became a regular feature.

In 1953, by which time several individuals from both clubs had become personal friends, came a major upheaval in the Gwent Club which resulted in 9 members breaking away to form the Newport Phoenix C.C. Among those were the Gwent C.C. Chairman, two Vice-presidents and a number of able members, all of whom had strong connections with the Redmon.

In many ways the split was unfortunate and not least the fact that it occurred at the time when negotiations had just been completed for the reciprocal presentation of cups for the winners of each club's '25' mile Champions. It was a hollow handing over ceremony which took place in the winter of that year in Newport and Morden. However, though unfortunate, it was unavoidable and a philosophical view was taken; at least in the London club.

In the following year, 1954, the now firmly established 'Phoenix' members, anxious to maintain good relations with their London friends, suggested an inter-club '25' to be held on a course in the West Country with H.Q at Sutton Benger. This was readily agreed to by the Redmon with accompanying suggestion that the event should be a three-cornered contest, the other club to be a mutual freind the Royal Dean Forest C.C. The event was duly held and resulted in a win for the Phoenix, their leading ride being, curiously enough, an ex- redmon member Gordon Allen, who was at that time working in Newport..

'Phoenix' President Ray reeves, presented the Vintage Tankard (capacity 1/2 gallon) for annual competition in 1955, and to this day the event has continued, though not always bringing the fruits of victory in the direction of the 'Phoenix'.