[CR] Re: 28 Hole Rims, Hollands & Bermondsley

(Example: Framebuilding:Restoration)

From: "Mick Butler" <pariscyclesuk@hotmail.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] Re: 28 Hole Rims, Hollands & Bermondsley
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 17:46:36 +0000


Hi Mark, Will try and send the rims this weekend. Have been real busy. I work at the Printing Works in Mandellla Way just off the Old Kent Road on what was the old Bricklayers Arms railway yard. Never knew you were a DeLaune boy that explains the fascination with Gillotts. Back in the 60's and 70's I use to go touring with four lads from the Delaune. These were CTC tours run by John stephens of the Southgate and R.T.T.C. One of your boys use to ride a loverly Gillott flam red with loads of chrome. Can't remember any of their names now but he wore glasses and would be well into his 50's now? Great tours with wonderfull characters loads of Southgate, Century, Cleeveland, Stevenage and Dorset clubnen and women. Some real characters and oddballs. Tony and Christine Oliver and all his cycling and drinking mates from the west country. Grev Marples brother to the famous cycling politician Ernie Marples the former Minister of Transport. Madelaine Harmsworth of the Daily Mail dynasty was on a few off these tours. She was the film critic for the Sunday Mirror for many years. Shame with her journalist's pedigree that she never wrote them up. Wonderful happy traffic free cycling days with marvellous company. You are right about Hollands in the Old Kent Road wonderful old helpfiul shop but what a shit hole. My best mate Alan has a Holland in its original paint with all its transfers. There was also a Holland Brothers in Orpington quite near Birdies shop. Was told they were related. Can help on the stuff you asked for I want to get ride of stuff have far too much. And now that my Dad and Father-in-law have packed have all their ruddy stuff as well. Great book on the Delaune by Mike Rabbetts I treasure my copy. Those Bermondsley and Walworth boys knew a thing riding Gillotts. Wish I still had my Fleur d Lis, speak to you soon and take care Mick.