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Early Season Kermesse

The dedication and enthusiasm of Club cyclists is put to the test big time at the early season Kermesse on Norfolk's chilly east coast.

Amateur film 1962 6 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for East Anglian Film Archive

Overview

March 18th 1962 and, despite the cold, there's a good turnout on the North Denes, Gt Yarmouth of local cycle clubs competing in an early season closed circuit racing meet. Cyclists met for The Kermesse, as it is known in the cycling world, outside the Iron Duke pub and took part in a series of races throughout the day. Rider Tony Thornley was there with his camera to capture the races and, no doubt, analyse techniques back at the club!

Amateur camera man, Tony Thornley, was a dedicated member of the East Anglian Cycling Club and filmed many club events over the years to screen at the Club's Annual Meetings and entertain fellow club members. Having first ridden a two-wheeler at the age of five, cycling was to become a massive part of Tony's life. He joined the East Anglian Cycle Club in 1959 and received a long service award a few years before he passed away in 2013.