I've been down to Poundstretcher and got 30 watch batteries of various sizes for 69p. The clock works, but I'm having trouble setting the time, so I'll wait until it's the time it says on the clock, and refit the battery.
I don't know who made the trophies, we've got several from various years. There were all manner of little traditions associated with the 24. Frank Mumford used to report on the types of bike used, he'd have a field day with the variety used today.
Clubs from a wide area used to send helpers, and I'd always assumed that the Mersey Roads was an association which put on events on behalf of clubs in the Liverpool area, but it's essentially run by the Williams family. I meet Jon Williams in some odd places, most recently in a lay-by near Dunkeld, officiating on Jasmijn's LEJOG. I've even managed to get some footage of him on the Broadwith record, which is a real rarity.
Rod Goodfellow will be missed, as he's been a feature for so long.