Tom Board
27 All Saints Rd., Notting Hill Gate, London
Tom Board, master frame builder was born 8th of June, 1929. Went to school at St. Josephs in Rugby Warwickshire. First bike an old BSA and first proper racing bike a “Three Spires” which started his love affair with cycling. Started as an apprentice in 1947 at the age of eighteen to Harry (“Spanner”) Rensch of Paris Cycles, Stoke Newington, London. Was employed there until the demise of the business, in the early 1950’s. I believe Harry Rensch split from his wife Ethel. They later divorced. Ethel was left to run the firm. She brought in Bill Hurlow to try and save the firm and manage the shop but by this time there were serious cash flow problems and it soon closed.
Tom went on to work at Fred Deans (formerly of Claud Butler’s) Macleans Upper Street. Islington, London when they were managed by Dick Swann (Polytechnic CC.). F.W. Evans Kennington, London while the old man was still alive. Pat Hanlon’s Tottenham, London. He was a great favorite of hers and she always spoke fondly of him. He also worked at Condor’s in Gray’s Inn Road, London during Monty Young’s time, Covent Garden Cycles and for himself at various addresses.
Michael Butler
Tom Board in his workshop
Photo courtesy Mick Butler
