Norwood Paragon club profile

www.norwoodparagon.co.uk

No. of members 115

Catchment area mainly South London, Croydon and Surrey

BC region South East

Cost of annual membership Full £20, social £10, junior/juvenile £5

Contact details via the club website

Club founded 1904

What?s the story behind the club?s name

The club was formed in 1904, as the Norwood Postal CC and in 1911 adopted its present name and familiar ?P? badge. The word Paragon originated from the Croydon Paragon CC that amalgamated with the Norwood Postal CC in 1909. When the number of postal workers involved with the club decreased significantly the name was changed to the Norwood Paragon in 1911. A full history of the club is on the club?s website.

How often does the club meet?

Ad hoc monthly meetings. The club has a full programme of social events throughout the year.

What events does the club take part in?

Road racing, mountain bike racing and riding, track, sportives, reliability trials, time trials. The club also promotes an open 25-mile TT, an open road race and the SCRL Handicap Road Race Championship.

Describe a typical club run, and where and when does the club meet

Saturday Club runs are held from October to March. Initially they are used as winding down rides once the racing season has finished and then from January onwards as training rides in preparation for the new season.

Saturday: Meet 9am at the The Feathers PH, Merstham, on A23 next to motorway bridge. This is a two-hour steady ride on a flattish route out to Crawley Down.

Sunday: Meet 9.30am at Reigate Clock Tower, High Street, Reigate, on the A25 in the town centre. This is a three to four-hour ride which is faster than the Saturday ride and will get longer and faster after Christmas, usually with a cafe stop en route.

What?s the story behind the club?s jersey design?

The current design has been used for the last five years and comprises the club colours of green, black and gold. Emphasis has been on safety by ensuring that the riders can be seen in most conditions and the distinctive shoulder logo helps pick out riders head-on in a bunch.

Famous riders who are in, or have been in, the club?

Frank Southall, Stan Butler, Les Ingman, Robin Buchan, Keith Butler, John Sargeant, Harry Featherstone, Gethin Butler, Steve Calland and Chris Moores. Most of our current top riders are well known on the local scene. The club is not sponsored and relies on a strong team sprit to ensure success at levels.