History

Founded in 1883 as Manchester Athletic Bicycle Club (the name was changed to Manchester Wheelers’ Club in 1889), Manchester Wheelers have a long history marked by its fair share of ups and downs .

For a brief introduction to the history of the club,  you can download the 130th Anniversary Brochure which has a short article bringing the history right up to date, as well as articles about Women in the Wheelers and possibly the most well known of all the Wheelers, Reg Harris. Find out more about Reg and other notable members in the additional links.

A History of Manchester Wheelers’ Club 1883-1983 by Jack Fletcher

The documents below represent a complete transcription of the book “A History of Manchester Wheelers’ Club 1883-1983”. The book was first published in 1983 on the occasion of the Centenary Dinner, marking the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Club. It charts the rise of Manchester Wheelers’ from its beginnings in Hulme, through the war years and the Reg Harris era, to the heady days of success during the 1980’s. It is a valuable piece of local history and a fascinating read.

Contents
Chapter 1 – 1883-1933
Chapter 2 – 1934-1940
Chapter 3 – The War Years
Chapter 4 – A New beginning – The Harris Era
Chapter 5 – The End of an Era
Chapter 6 – Sponsorship
Achievements by Members

Jubilee ’50’, 1943. Nine Past Presidents:
Left to right (back row): Monty Brierley, Harold Crye, Tom MacDonald, Jimmy Taylor.

Left to right (front row): Bill Hodgins, Fred Leeming, Fred Currie, Tommy Barlow, Freddie Harrison.