HARRY HALL'S FUNERAL NEXT WEDNESDAY AT NEW MILLS

THE funeral of Manchester?s Harry Hall, the specialist frame builder and international team mechanic, will be on Wednesday, November 7, at 1pm at St Georges Church, New Mills, Derbyshire.

Hall died at his home on Sunday, October 28, aged 78 (not 79 as reported in his obituary, Cycling Weekly, November 1).

Local riders paid tribute to Hall?s enthusiasm for the sport and pastime in Manchester Evening News, which carried his obituary.

He was described as a great supporter and companion of Manchester cyclists who will remember him for his good humour and advice when riding with them over the tough climbs through the Goyt Valley or over the Cat and Fiddle to Buxton. And those dropping in at this home after long training rides to raid his biscuit tin were always made welcome.

On the larger stage, he was renowned for providing race service at major events at home and abroad. He was British team mechanic on the ill-fated 1967 Tour de France, when Tom Simpson died.

Hall built frames for many British riders who went on to become internationals. They included Robert Millar, Britain?s highest placed rider in the Tour de France, fourth in 1984, when he won the mountain?s title.

Hall passed up his chance to take up racing seriously to start his successful business, Harry Hall Cycles, in 1957. But when he retired, he finally had his fling as a veteran.

In 1989 he became World Age-related road champion.