A Visit to Reynolds

Yesterday Witcomb Cycles was closed. That's because most of the team was on a day-trip to Birmingham where it paid a visit to the legend of the cycling industry that is Reynolds.


The company has been making tubing for bicycles for over 100 years and although its recent history has been rather unsettled with several changes in ownership and an emergency move from their original premises, the company is still going strong.


We were treated to short history of the firm before being shown all the different machines present on the site and the various processes used to create the range of tubing they are famous for.


To find out more about the company, visit www.reynoldscycles.co.uk


We are hoping to soon have news about Witcomb Cycles and Reynolds.

You can view pictures of our visit here.

Company Founders Celebrate Wedding Anniversary

"December,31 1937 was the night that changed my life forever. Together with five fellows, we went to a New Year's Eve dance in London. During the evening for a dare, I danced with a very attractive young lady. That dance lasted all evening.

We became great friends and in December 1938 we became engaged. The war started in 1939 and we decided to get married in January 1940. That, however, was short-lived as I got my call-up papers in February.

I was lucky to be posted to a staff HQ in England so got home most week-ends. These passes were the envy of many. Our son Barry was born in 1943 and was just four when I was demobbed.

Our key to success is always give and take, never go to bed on an argument, trust and confide in each other and always see the other person's point of view. If you do this, you will succeed in life's greatest gift: love."

This is how Ernie tells the story of his love and life with Lily. Both co-founded Witcomb Cycles in 1949 and yesterday were celebrating their 68th anniversary. Lily is 94 and Ernie will be celebrating his 90th birthday later this year.

Everyone at Witcomb Cycles would like to offer them both their best wishes for the happy occasion.

Remodeling the Shop

Work on the workshop and shop is progressing apace. After clearing the space of the old carpet and other unwanted stuff, the new flooring is now almost finished and new walls will soon be coming up.

Our office space is also operational and the workshop is ready for expansion.

Most importantly we have a new coffee machine in and a nice sofa in. Feel free to come and see the progress of the work and have a coffee or a tea with us.

You can view pictures of the works in progress by clicking here or on the picture above.

Do You Love Witcomb Cycles?

The Lewisham Council 2008 Business Awards aim to celebrate the contribution local businesses make to the economy and the communities they serve.

This year, for the Who do you love? category, residents are invited to nominate their favourite "independent shop" (shops with no more than nine in their chain). The independent shop with the most nominations will win.

To vote, contact Deborah Efemini on 020 8297 5635 or email shoplocal@lewisham.gov.uk. Voting runs from 1 till 29 February 2008.

For more information about the awards, click here.