Patrons:	Hon.Treasurer	Hon. Secretary
THE EARL OF MARCH	JOHN KIDSON	FRANCES THORP
MICHAEL SUTTON	Thrupp Farmhouse	Mountain View
MURRAY WALKER O.B.E.	Thrupp Lane	Glen Maye
	Stroud GL5 2DF	Isle of Man IM5 3BJ
President;	Tel/Fax 01453 762255	Tel/Fax 01624 843695
MICK GRANT		E.mail francesthorp@manx.net

Hello Members and Friends

May I first of all say I hope that you have all survived whatever weather has been thrown at you since I last sent my News Bulletin in whatever part of the world you live and that you have escaped any of these nasty little bugs that seem to confuse the doctors completely.

I will start with the 2005 Annual Luncheon which again was a great success and to say thank you to so many who were present and also sent congratulations and telephone calls saying how much they had enjoyed themselves. Can I also thank the Committee and friends who assisted to make it such a success.
We returned to the National Motorcycle Museum after 2 years and one can only admire Mr Roy Richards and his staff for all they have done in such a short time and they went out of their way to welcome us all back. Your new President Mick Grant was enrobed with his Chain of Office then had to make his quick exit via the emergency door where his motorbike was already being revved up ready to make the traditional entrance riding in on his bike to the enthralled crowd. Over 500 Guests, Members and Friends thoroughly enjoyed themselves. After a great event the proceedings closed with the Ivan Rhodes "Roarer" being allowed to sing us out. Thank you Ivan and Grahame for all the effort needed to bring it.

We introduced a Table Plan which really did the trick (but also showed the folk up who should wear glasses and don’t). It was by far more organised and no aggro to find someone had moved the name ticket on to another table and put their own in its place...

Our Auction raised £3665.00 and Raffle Proceeds £1352.00 which was wonderful and at this point I would really like to say Thank you to everyone who kindly donated such unusual and valuable auction items we really are so very grateful as this big day is our only Fund Raising Event. There are some items spring *to mind that I think are worthy of a mention.Tony Rutter donated one of his Silver Replica’s, Tony Jefferies donated a special edition watch which was one of 105 made for the DJ Memorial Fund. The one he donated to the Auction was a one off as it had been especially engraved for the TTRA. As we knew this would bring a good bid it was agreed to give £500 to the DJ Memorial Fund and the bigger amount went to the TTRA which was extremely generous of Tony and Pauline Jefferies. Thank you Murray Walker one of our generous Patrons donated a large framed pencil drawing of his father which was unique and has gone to a good home and our third Patron The Earl of March of Goodwood again generously donated 2 separate day tickets for 2 persons at special racing events. Michelle Duff kindly sent two copies of her new book just published. Sammy Miller a framed collection of signed S.M.stamps. Rob Orton always searches out something different which we appreciate, And so it went on... Every item was something different and exciting. Thank you to you all who were so very very generous with the bids.

Make a date in your Diary for the next "Annual Luncheon " WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 25TH 2006 - National Motorcycle Museum. Birmingham.

Please remember that tickets must be ordered and paid for at least two weeks before the lunch. It is difficult to have a situation where we have to collect money on the door. Frances, John and your Committee have many things to do on the day and your consideration to help us all have a smooth day would be appreciated. Application form in the next Bulletin.

WHERE ARE YOU NOW ? STILL LOOKING FOR YOU

UK
Bernard Norwood - Eastbourne Sussex. Owen Dyke-Sutton.Staffs
Tony Rodger - Devon. Doug Lunn - Wellingborough.Northants
Sandra Barnet - Evesham.Worcs Tom Jarvis - Warwickshire
Darryl Pendlebury - Somerset.

SCOTLAND
Jim Moodie - Millerston.Glasgow. J.S.Thomson - Scotland

IRELAND
Ronnie Perry - Port Stewart. NI. W.Braidwood - Bangor. NI
Robert Dunlop - Ballamoney.

GERMANY
Wolf Gerstanmaier - Germany. Jon Ekerold - Germany.
Klaus-Michael Kniese - Germany.

AUSTRIA & SPAIN
Toni Rochberger -Austria George Anscheidt - Valencia Spain.

USA
Lance Weil - USA Paul Schimph - Ohio USA. Eddie Roberts - Exton USA
Zekey - New York.

ISLE OF MAN
H.Craine & John Campbell - Port Erin. IOM

NEW MEMBERS - T.T.RIDERS ASSOCIATION -RIDERS PAST AND PRESENT.

We are very happy to welcome new members to this prestigious Association and hope that you enjoy meeting up with the many varied, interesting and talented members.
Bill Kirkwood - Pontefract. W.Yorks. JohnStone - Ashbourne. Derbys.
Alan Cox - Wallingford.Oxon. Graham Dixon - Maidstone. Kent.
Michael Hosgood - Prestatyn. Wales. John Wade - Sheffield
Barry Randle - Wordsley.W.Midland. Stuart Raybould - W.Midland.
Gary Watson - Wickford.Essex. Brian Rostron - recently to Isle of Man.
Derek Tierney - Wirral.Cheshire. Dave Mallon - Northumberland
Adam Smith - Burton-on-Trent. Trevor Tombs - W.Midland
Wade Boyd - USA.

SPECIAL MENTIONS OF THANKS

A very special thank you to our Patron Mr Michael Sutton who is continuously so very generous with the sponsorship for the postage of these Bulletins.

Reg Thomas - 2nd Annual 60’s Paddock Re-Union who donated £100.20 which was the excess of refreshment collection at the event. Sadly Reg passed away 22.3.06

Mortons Motorcycle Media presented a cheque for £500 at the 2005 AGM last June which was from a collection at the Press trial. A further presentation was made from Mortons at the Annual Luncheon which was a framed picture for our new President Mick Grant who was very happy to receive it.

We were very touched by a donation that came from a Mrs Susan Bradley Isle of Wight widow of the late Dennis John Bradley who was not a member but must have been a very keen enthusiastic follower of motorcycling. She chose our charity to donate £645.00 in memory of her late husband. A big Thank you to her.

We have received many donations and top ups for the hidden expenses from members who realise inflation has crept in since they joined the Association so many years ago. Thanks to you all.

Thank you to Fottofinder -Laxey for assisting with special requests for Old Riders Photographs which are sent to cheer them up. More information available.

FRIENDS OF THE TT RIDERS ASSOCIATION

A further big "Thank You " for the continuous generous support of the " Friends of the TT Riders Association " particularly to Tony East - Chairman and his fund raising events for this cause. At this point I would like to emphasise that it is important that you the members of the TTRA understand that you should be trying to encourage some of your long time regular guests to the Annual Luncheon to join this most important "Associate Charity" which is registered in the Isle of Man, all funds are donated to the TTRA to assist with the large demand of looking after our racing friends and their families and children who find themselves in a sometimes very desperate situation through the sport you all love and live for. FOTTRA as it is known is solely for guests and friends to put some contribution back into the TTRA charity. Remember these friends and guests are very privileged to be at our Annual Luncheon mixing unreservedly with some wonderful heroes and sportsmen of today and yesteryear, If you want to know more about joining call David Plant Secretary on 01624 882468 or myself on 01624 843695 and we can forward an application form on to you.
In April 2005 they donated a cheque for £2000 and October 2005 a further cheque for £4000 this was presented at the Annual Luncheon by Secretary David Plant.

MR BLUNDELL - NORFOLK. FOTTRA MEMBER WE NEED YOUR NEW ADDRESS PLEASE.

Farewell to Air Marshall Ian McFadyen - who was the retiring Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man. He had been very supportive of the Races and always attended.
He was also the Patron of the "Friends of the TTRA"
It was a very emotional departure as I like many other members of the public joined in waving him off. I was priveledged to be at a vantage position on Douglas Head where we flew many Manx Flags and waved and watched the Ben-my-Chree sail off into the distance and heard the Captain blow the final ships whistle.There had been a 3hr delay which of course left time for the drinks to be extended.

UNDER THE CHEQUERED FLAG

Richard Britton - Tragically, racing in Ireland 2005
Jack Skipp - A very big supporter of the TTRA for many years and a member of
"The Friends of the TTRA"
Peter Goodman - Ex Velocette Factory Chief and Racer of Velocettes. 1947 TT races 3rd in Senior and 4th in Junior races.
Tony Rowley - Sadly passed away after visiting the TT races 2003.
Louis Carter - Irish Racer of the 1940’s with great successes.
Ray Pickrell - 4 TT Wins. 1968,71,72. Sadly lost his battle in March after showing such courage. Dave Saville - 2 TT Wins and 7 F2 Class Wins Sidecars and Solo racer. Passed away peacefully in March.
Anthony "Tony" McAlpine sadly passed away September 2005 on the Gold Coast
Perhaps the final link to the superstars of pre-war racing in Australia.
Reg Thomas passed away March 2006 and will be sadly missed
Jim Kentish sadly passed away recently well known grass rider and first man to lap the new Brands Hatch circuit. He rode the TT in 1950/1951
Our sympathy goes to all the families concerned.

I would like to thank all the TTRA members who take the trouble to keep visiting our unfortunate members and help their days to be a bit brighter by their visit and telephone calls to them. Also for keeping us informed of any situations where it maybe noticed that a little assistance could make a big difference.
You members know who you are I will not embarrase you by naming but a big
Thank you

LOVELY TO HEAR FROM SOME OF THE LADIES.

Peggy Doran has contacted me and wishes to know how everyone is. You will remember that Bill was one of the Works Team Riders for AJS in the 50.s.
Geraldine Coleman (also the widow of Keith Campbell) who I see on a regular basis is very well and now lives on the Isle of Man would also like to hear from any of the old friends.
Ella Harding widow of "Ken" is keeping very well and sends her good wishes. Many of you will remember Ken as Chairman of the Manx Motor Cycle Club but also he was a very big supporter of the sport and offered a 1st class workshop facility to names like Nick Jefferies, John Kidson and Grahame Rhodes to name but a few and Ella’s hospitality was second to none.
Jill Amm. See next Bulletin.
If you know of other ex riders widows who would like to keep in touch let me know or give them my address/telephone/fax or e.mail. It would be nice to hear from them.

BEST WISHES FROM

Don Tickle - Canada sent a super letter and his latest news was that he had passed
both a car and motorcycle written test. Not bad for 80 + CONGRATULATIONS . He does have bad eyes now and strongly advises all members to make sure they have their eyes tested by a specialist today. don’t leave it.

Brian Moses - wrote from Cyprus. He is very well and wishes to be remembered to you all.

John Storr from Canada is very well and hoping to get to the Isle of Man again sometime.

Syd Barnett. I have just had a long chat with him and he wishes to be remembered to you all. This gentleman rode in the 1948 to 1954 TT races with good results in the Junior and Senior classes on Nortons, AJS, Triumph and Matchless. He could be better, again it is the eyes. He and his lady wife are happy in their new home and have been married 67 years.

Bill Lomas. Is doing very well, I spoke to Kathy last week and it happened to be Bills birthday. She informed me that he was looking good, eating well and gets about a lot better, but unfortunately his problem at the moment is memory loss.

Geoff Duke. Is very much better and he is very pleased with his progress, eyes are still a problem but he is awaiting further treatment which will improve his condition greatly. He sends his thanks to you all for your get well messages.

Ray Fay. We are very grateful to the members who visit Ray as he is now in a Residential Home but is very happy and being cared for.

Alan Shepherd. He too is now being cared for in a Residential Home. After speaking to Shirley Dixon who kindly continues to make the visits informs me that Alan is content and is very well cared for.

Jack Findlay. Not too well, any other news welcome.

Karl Schleuter from Germany. a Non Member but very strong supporter of the TT.Has been unwell but has now recovered and on the move again.

Reg Everett. I have spoken to him and basically he is making excellent progress and is delighted to feel as good as he does. He thanks everyone for their support and phone messages.

Joe Wood Is keeping ok and in his own words " hanging in there ". Good lad Joe.

Ernie Lyons. Keeping very well and sends his best wishes to you all.

Please remember to let me know if you hear of anyone who perhaps could appreciate some assistance in whatever form.

ARE YOU THE OLDEST TTRA MEMBER ?

It would be nice to know how many members are 91+ and what year they began racing in the Isle of Man TT.

I would like to bring the Newsletter to a close by giving you a little bit of interesting news, The TTRA have been invited to present the purpose of the Association to be forwarded into "The Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2006 " for Unsung Heroes National recognition for local volunteers. There are a large number of nominations but I think we should all be very pleased to have been considered to be nominated.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter and for those of you who are coming to the Isle of Man TT or MGP this year the place to meet is still the " 38TH MILESTONE " and for the new members that is the Yellow Portacabin opposite the Race Office behind the Grandstand. I officially open Thursday afternoon practice and then every race day but, If the door is open the kettle will always be boiling.
Just a big thank you to Tom in advance for his continuing support and labour of love keeping the "watering hole" up to standard.

Look forward to seeing you all and if you don’t come to the Island hope to see you at the Annual Luncheon October 25th 2006 Birmingham.

Bye for now

Frances Thorp
Hon Secretary

T.T.RIDERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WE HEREBY INFORM YOU OF THE FORTHCOMING A.G.M. TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY 6TH JUNE 2006 COMMENCING AT 8PM. VENUE - MASONIC HALL.WOODBOURNE ROAD. DOUGLAS.

We will be having a Buffet Supper as usual and tickets will be available from Frances Thorp at the " 38th Milestone". Tickets £10 must be ordered and paid for in advance so that we can be sure of the numbers to cater for. Please note change of Venue
Apologies of absence to be sent to the Secretary in advance.

AGENDA

1 Minutes of the last AGM
2 Hon Secretary’s Report
3 Hon Treasurer’s Report Approval of Accounts to 31.3.06 and appointment of Auditor
4 Amendment - New Rule 11 to read as follows;
The President will be elected at the AGM from nominations submitted through the Secretary at least 8 weeks before the AGM. The President so elected at the AGM will be installed and take up office at the next
Annual Lunch of the Association or in the absence of an Annual Lunch being held in any year on a date, time and place determined by the Committee. Nominations received shall be announced in the Members bulletin preceding the AGM.
Amendment - New Rule 12 to read as follows;
The Hon Secretary and Hon Treasurer and a maximum of four General
Committee members shall be elected at the AGM from nominations submitted through the Secretary at least 8 weeks before the AGM.
Nominations received shall be announced in the Members bulletin preceding the AGM. The President shall always be deemed Chairman of the Committee but in the event of a President being unable to attend a meeting the Committee will elect one of its members to be Chairman for that specific meeting. The Officers so elected in accordance with this rule will take up office forthwith at such AGM.

5 Election of President and his address.
6 Election of Committee
7 Election of Hon.Secretary
8 Election of Hon.Treasurer
9 Honoraria - Secretary and Treasurer
10 Any Other Business.

FRIENDS OF THE T.T.RIDERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WE HEREBY INFORM YOU OF THE FORTHCOMING A.G.M. TO BE HELD TUESDAY 6TH JUNE 2006 AT 8pm AT THE MASONIC HALL, WOODBOURNE RD, DOUGLAS. Buffet details as above.
Apologies of absence to be sent to the Secretary in advance.

AGENDA

1 Minutes of the last A.G.M
2 Matters Arising
3 Chairmans Report
4 Secretarys Report
5 Treasurers Report and Approval of Balance Sheet and Accounts for the year end 31.3.06
6 Appointment of Auditor
7 Any Other Business   

Frances Thorp. (Secretary)