Riding a bicycle made for 22 in 1972

We've all heard of a bicycle made for two, but how about a bicycle made for 22? This strange contraption made an appearance at the Horsham Lions' gala in 1972, much to the delight of the children who got to sit on it.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th May 2016, 14:20 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

SUS-160427-162722001SUS-160427-162722001
SUS-160427-162722001

These picture were all published in the County Times on Friday September 1 of that year the UK’s last trolleybus system, in Bradford, closed, the first official gay pride march was held in London, and the musical Jesus Christ Superstar made its West End debut.

The final weekend of the summer holiday saw hundreds of people flock to Horsham Park for the gala, the highlight of which was the Top Team contest, which was a bit like It’s A Knockout but without the silly costumes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The competitors took part in contests such as the sedan chair balancing race, which involved four men carrying one woman who had to balance more and more parcels in her lap as they ran.

SUS-160427-162733001SUS-160427-162733001
SUS-160427-162733001

The winners were a team called CIBA – who spectators guessed had plenty of packing department experience – closely followed by Longleys, with the Mid Sussex Squash Rackets Club coming in third.

The real heroes of the day were the men and women of Horsham Blue Star Harriers, who stepped in with two teams when Horsham Rugby Football Club had to withdraw from the contest.

The valiant Harriers were the first to play their joker which, as all It’s A Knockout fans will know, gave them double points and, after two events, were in the lead. But that’s as good as it got and the cheery bunch – who apparently didn’t stop smiling all day – finished the contest last and second from last.

Well, it’s not the winning that counts.

SUS-160427-162710001SUS-160427-162710001
SUS-160427-162710001
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While the adults delighted in making themselves look a little silly, some of the more creative youngsters had entered their work in a model making contest.

Their efforts were judged by Horsham MP Peter Hordern and Horsham Lions’ president Garry Aird.

The winner of the under 13 contest was Robert Plasczymaka, 12, who had put together a soldier of the 15th Huzzar riding a horse. Second place went to Stephen Neale, who had built a buffalo.

In the over 13 category, Peter Joy, 15, came first with a model called Queen’s Bay, while Simon Griggs was second with his Messerschmidt 109E.

SUS-160427-162746001SUS-160427-162746001
SUS-160427-162746001

Does anyone recognise any of the people in these pictures?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

SUS-160427-162733001SUS-160427-162733001
SUS-160427-162733001

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:BradfordLondonWest End