A to B magazine started life as The Folder, the newsletter of the Folding Society in August 1993.
Specialising in news and reviews of folding and separable bikes, the magazine went from strength to strength and is run today – as it has always been – by the Henshaw family.
In August 1997, with 1,200 subscribers worldwide, David Henshaw decided to float the magazine on its own. The new magazine had a new title ‘A to B’ and a new brief – to explore new ways of traveling from point A to point B.
Naturally, as the most efficient transport integrator, the folding bicycle continues to feature in the magazine, but we also cover electric cars, electric bikes, green energy, bike trailers and public transport.
By 2017, the paper subscription base had fallen to under 1,000, but the magazine is now sold in several digital formats too, so total readership is probably in the 5,000-6,000 zone worldwide. Subscribers include public utilities, train operating companies and bike manufacturers and distributors.
Production of a small magazine would be impossible without a dedicated team. It’s an even smaller magazine these days, so the magazine has been cut back a family affair. This is ours:
David Henshaw
WRITER & EDITOR
David Henshaw
Age
Now around 62, but increasingly vague
Status
Writes three-quarters of the total of 20,000 words per issue and edits and proof-reads the rest. Responsible for producing all photographs and maps unless otherwise stated, and is also in charge of what has now become a one-man packing and dispatch team.
Specialist Subjects
Has authored and co-authored numerous books on railways, cars and bicycles (mainly the folding kind). His book ‘Brompton Bicycle’ has been reprinted numerous times, and the 1993 book on the ‘Beeching’ era, ‘The Great Railway Conspiracy’, continues to sell steadily in its second edition. The jointly authored ‘Electric Bicycles’ has been the only serious flop. Odd that, because the world subsequently went mad over electric bicycles, but there we go.
Background
Born in the New Forest, brought up in Weymouth, Dorset, and educated at Weymouth Grammar School. Went on to under-perform at a number of jobs, from miniature railway operator to London Van Courier, before discovering the world of alternative transport. Joint editor of ‘The Folder’ magazine from 1993, before staging a non-violent coup, relaunching the magazine as ‘A to B’ in 1997. In 2006 David launched a second magazine ‘Miniature Railway’. This does more or less what you’d expect – ‘A to B’ on rails, but without the politics.
Transport
Once regarded as an enthusiast for motor cars, but with more diverse enthusiasms these days. Eco-cars, electric bikes, rail in all shapes and forms, micro-scooters, if it’s got wheels we’re interested. Or not, because we have a Pelican Kayak and a Gull dinghy (the latter in need of a bit of work), plus a very neat electric outboard. Transport locally is electric bike or Brompton, but an aortic dissection at Christmas 2021 has resulted in rather more reliance on the electric car. Longer solo trips and holidays are generally by train. Having said that, David is taking a definite interest in cars again, testing several electric cars for A to B. Who knows where this will lead?
Other Work/Interests
Some journalism for other magazines, plus cycle map surveying for Cycle-City Guides (including Mayor Ken’s Greater London contract – quite proud of that). Formerly on the National Executive of the Railway Development Society before the railway lobby imploded, which made things rather less interesting. Has backed all the main political parties at various times over the years, but tends now to gnash teeth at politicians of all shades. Primary interest is annoying the Department for Transport and working towards a saner transport policy, with or without politicians. Actually, any kind of policy would do.
Jane Henshaw
Jane Henshaw
ADMINISTRATION
Age
Over 30!
Status
Generally a very useful bod – banks cheques and does the invoicing, also a very useful soundboard.
An experienced cyclist and cycling-model, with an ability to make almost any machine look good, which is more difficult than it sounds. Also helps to guide the general direction and shape of A to B.
Born in Weymouth, Dorset, and educated (‘poorly’, according to Jane) at Broadwey School. A children’s nanny and house-sitter before discovering the Brompton and other ‘alternative’ transport.
Enthusiastic advocate of electric cars, and experienced train-user and cyclist. Rides an Islabikes Janice on a daily basis.
Arts and crafts, mainly involving fabrics. Has produced a number of stylish Brompton pannier bags and rain covers over the years. Currently producing bags, large and small, art installations, and so forth.
TESTER
Alexander Henshaw
Status Essential member of personnel, providing feed-back on all wheeled machines.
Specialist Subjects We need to get a newer photo. Interested in anything with wheels, with no clear preference, which makes sense in these days of rapid transport evolution. Alexander studied the church organ and percussion at the Wells Cathedral School for five years, then got a BA in some species of percussion at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and has just got back from California doing something or other. More percussion work is the latest plan, but Old Dad wouldn’t have a clue.
Has played anything and everything involving percussion with local bands, orchestras and a variety of ensembles. Also busy filming and editing, usually of fellow musicians.
Transport Travelled to the hospital by bicycle and Class 37-hauled train as a foetus, and came back by train and car as a very small baby. Graduated from North Barrow toddler group to four-mornings-a-week at Galhampton play school, Somerset in late 2002.
Alexander was the only child to arrive by bike trailer at Galhampton, or possibly anywhere else in South Somerset. Graduated to Castle Cary Primary School in September 2003, travelling by Brompton trailer bike, bike trailer, Puky 18-3B and ‘junior’ Brompton.
Orlando Henshaw, London, August 2015
Orlando Henshaw
TESTER
Age 14
Status Orlando enjoys testing bicycles, and oogling performance cars.
Specialist Subjects Piano, computer games, computer games and computer games. Started at Manor Park Junior School, and moved on to Sunninghill Prep School in early 2015, then Leweston School near Sherborne.
Transport As he’s very nearly six-foot, he’s riding bigger and bigger bikes, and loves electrics too. Mmmm, naughty. Must update the photo.
Peter Henshaw
PROOF READER
Age Must be well over 50
Peter Henshaw
Status Writes occasional A to B articles, makes judgments on test bikes and has made electric motorcycles his own very special niche.
Specialist Subject Motorcycles, scooters, folding bicycles, tractors, trains and cars, in order of expertise.
Background Born and brought up in Weymouth, Dorset, and educated at Weymouth Grammar School, then Oxford Poly and Warwick University. Took things easy for a bit, then sub-editor at Haynes Manuals (yes, really), editor at Diesel Car and Motorcycle Sport magazines, before turning freelance.
Transport Peter and partner Anna don’t own a car out of choice, but would like everyone to know that living without a car is not at all easy. You have to choose between train, bus, an Enfield Robin diesel motorbike, Suzuki Burgman scooter, Zero electric motorcycle, a tandem, two electric bikes, a couple of Bromptons, a Birdy, Bike Friday and assorted tourers. They reassure us, it’s no picnic. The Enfield was technically written-off by White Van Man in the summer of 2017, but it’s been straightened, and may rise again. Uncle Pod had some nasty injuries, but is almost back to normal
Other Work/Interests Peter says he ‘scrapes a living’ writing about motorbikes, scooters, bicycles and tractors – even cars, sometimes. Also offers a sub-editing/rewriting/proof-reading service for any words on any subject.
Useful Links E-mail
Gordon Powell
TESTER
Age Until 3rd October 2021, Gordon was the bedrock of our organisation, but at a ‘good innings’ of 86-ish he sadly died from a stroke. This page is dedicated to Gordon’s memory.
Status Jane’s father, and for many years an essential member of the team, testing bicycles, packing magazines, and standing in where photographs of a distinguished-looking tall, older gentleman were required.
Specialist Subjects Microsoft computers (we’re 100% Mac at A to B, so we’ve no idea what he did on them), motorcycles (particularly Vincents) and bicycles. He really was able to master anything on two wheels.
Background Born and raised in Weymouth, Dorset. Educated at Weymouth Grammar School (yes, it’s a family thing), and worked for many years at the Ministry of Defence on Portland.
Transport Gordon was a great traveller, and enjoyed longer trips by plane, car or train, using a Brompton for local journeys, and an electric-assist version right up to the end.
Other Work/Interests Gordon was formerly Machine Registrar with the Vincent Owner’s Club, but wisely packed that in to concentrate on a busy retirement enjoying himself.
