A cycling club, a library and a group of creative minds have come together to produce an audio drama based on Clifton’s cycling past.<\/p>\n
History Misbehaves: Spokes is a lively new production inspired by the Clifton Cycling Club archive that blends past and present through humour and community.<\/p>\n
The drama will be broadcast on Jorvik Radio on Sunday, March 29 at 10pm.<\/p>\n
Clifton Cycling Club, founded in 1895, kept a rich record of memories through poems, photographs, invitations and detailed scrapbooks\u2014all now held at Explore York Libraries and Archives.<\/p>\n
Among their traditions was the annual writing of a poem naming and celebrating each member.<\/p>\n
Participants explored these archives over six sessions at Clifton Explore Library,\u00a0and took part in writing exercises, storytelling and conversation\u2014an atmosphere that would have felt familiar to those early cyclists.<\/p>\n
Attendees wrote their own poems and character sketches, reimagining what life may have been like for cyclists traversing York\u2019s streets and countryside over the decades.<\/p>\n
Paul Birch, a professional playwright who developed the final script, said: “It was a joy to take such unusual and specific source material and turn it into something new.<\/p>\n
“Creativity and history go hand in hand.”<\/p>\n
The show is directed by Kate Valentine, who added:\u00a0“We found the same grit, determination and sense of fun in our workshops that we saw in the archive.<\/p>\n
“We hope listeners enjoy the journey.”<\/p>\n
Participants praised the supportive, inclusive nature of the project.<\/p>\n
One said: “I really enjoyed the opportunity to be creative with other people.<\/p>\n
“It was so inclusive\u2014I didn\u2019t feel anxious at all.”<\/p>\n
Another added: “It\u2019s been quite therapeutic.<\/p>\n
“It pushed me out of my comfort zone – in a good way.”<\/p>\n
One participant summed up the project by saying: “It was brilliant to have new experiences and meet some lovely, talented people.<\/p>\n
“Long may the funding continue\u2014it\u2019s important.”<\/p>\n
History Misbehaves: Spokes was created with support from Digital Drama, Riding Lights Theatre Company, and Explore York Libraries and Archives.<\/p>\n
It forms part of Explore York\u2019s wider programme of creative activities, funded through Arts Council England\u2019s National Portfolio.<\/p>\n