In March 1953 Roy Thame (1921-2006) became manager of W.F. Holdsworth’s shop in Putney (a 53 year!! association in Mar 2006). “After service in the Royal Navy, I worked for Les Hitchcock in his cycle shop in Hemel Hempstead and it was here that I met Ron Dodson, who although manager of W.F. Holdsworth Putney shop, still did some travelling for the Holdsworthy Company. Early in 1953 Ron told me he was emigrating to New Zealand and suggested that I apply for the managers job at Putney….. I was an active member of the Hemel Hempstead Cycling Club (NW London) , being club time-trial champion in 1952, but on moving to Putney joined as a first claim member of the Fulham Wheelers” (RT).
Roy gave up competitive cycling in 1958, but was active on the race scene as a masseur and provided neutral service support, from a yellow Austin Mini pickup.
In 1962 Roy supplied Bob Addy (Ross Wheelers) with a Shop Holdsworth bike, the frame and equipment to be renewed annually. For 1963 Bob agreed to join the Hemel Hempstead CC, where Roy similarly supported Mike Shea and Jim Hinds, forming a small team with Bob Addy’s father as manager. From this the Holdsworth team grew into the Professional Holdsworth Campagnolo team in 1968 managed by Roy.
Roy continued to manager the Putney shop untill he died in 2006 after a short illness.