Neville Chanin
1935-2010

A Tribute, by Beryl & Peter Ashby;

Neville's first love in sport was cross-country running, joining the South London Harriers he became quite successful and ran for the county. He continued until he started to have trouble with his knee and was forced give up.

Neville then started cycling, joined the C.T.C. and became a member of the Reigate Section. After riding with them for a few years, he transferred to the Croydon Section. Neville became a committee member and eventually Vice President of the section. In later years on moving to Stroud he also became a member of Evesham Wheelers.

For many years Neville gave well renowned slide shows at the South London Harriers' Hall, with people coming from as far away as Brighton, Worthing, and Hampshire. Photography was another hobby, and he also gave slide shows outside of cycling circles eg. to camera clubs and even W.I. groups!

Neville toured extensively by bicycle throughout the world and even encountered the Six Day War in the Middle East. He organised many tours at home and abroad for club friends and other cyclists.

He was a great supporter of continental events and was a regular visitor to the Tour de France where he became very well known among the organisers, being invited to enter the V.I.P. enclosure and mingling with the riders. In later years he was presented with a medal by the organisers for having attended so many tours.

The Dieppe Raid was organised by Neville for approximately 20 years, attracting around 200 British cyclists annually, and this was yet another place where he became a very well known figure.

Neville worked as a food technologist for Horlicks, Smedleys and Walls in London and was transferred to Gloucester in the early 1970s from where he retired.

Retirement gave Neville the golden opportunity to be on his bike as often as possible and he spent more time abroad touring than he spent in England.

His final trip was to France with Chris Davies, and I think we can all say we are pleased but sad that he did not suffer a long illness. He died in his sleep at a B&B in Winchester on his way back home.

I am sure we would all like to thank Neville for giving us such great pleasure in being one of his many friends.