The Westerley’s oldest surviving member, Michael O’Cleary passed away after a long illness on 2nd of February  and his funeral took place at Mortlake yesterday.   Mike, who was a school friend of mine, joimed the Westerley as a junior in October 1945 which means he has been a member for 80 years!    

He became a time triallist of  considerable ability, his most impressive performance being recordig 4 29  in his very first 100 (on the Amersham road !) in winning an inter-club event with the Ealing Paragon by a country mile.    

However Mike is best remembered in the club for his photographic skills, long after he retired from time trialling he still participated in all club activities with his camera, providing us all with a splendid photographic record of our racing life for prosperity. His photography skills were second to none.and his pictures will always be treasured by most of my generation of club members.

The two pictures show Mike as I remember him, time trialling on the Bath Road  (Pangbourne Lane) and in action with his Rolliecord.

Brian Alexander