Saturday, October 17, 2009

ANDREW RITCHIE OF BROMPTON WINS AWARD

This is an extract from the Brompton Press Release - it also made the BBC web site (before the press release reached me!). Whether you are a Brompton owner or not, and however you feel about the monarchy and Prince Philip, I think you will agree that such an award is more than justified:

Andrew Ritchie, the designer of the Brompton, has won the Prince Philip Designers Prize, awarded annually to recognize a lifetime contribution to design. Run by the Design Council, the Prize exists to draw attention to the importance of good design and to recognise the work of the most talented designers; it is the most prestigious award for design in Great Britain.

Speaking after the award, Andrew said he was “not finished yet”; although he stepped down as Managing Director in April 2008, he continues to work on the design and quality of the Brompton in his capacity as Technical Director. Will Butler-Adams, his successor as MD, said:This award is well-deserved recognition for a man who has dedicated his life to the fine perfection of the folding bicycle. Andrew never gave up on his belief that he had conceived a product that would add real value to people’s lives; years of knock-backs, refusals and false starts never dented his determination to make the Brompton a reality.

Over thirty years on from the first prototypes, and with over 175,000 Bromptons being enjoyed all over the world, he has now received this tremendous recognition for his life’s work. But the philosophy he instilled in the business continues – we remain committed to British manufacturingand to improving on the Brompton’s ingenious design year on year.


Congratulations to Andrew Ritchie on a richly-deserved award.

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Origami ride - Church Stretton - October 10th 2009

Details for our October Origami ride are here. All welcome on this social ride.