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
NICK JEFFERIES 2006-2007		E.mail francesthorp@manx.net

Hello Members and Friends

Where do I begin…what a year. Of course it started with the big project of the 38th Milestone and its re-siting and the renovation of 2 into 1. Tom and I were more than satisfied with the result of 3 months intense work, we were there everyday except on a Saturday as we had a dead line to meet which was the practice week of a very important year. This was successfully achieved and all efforts were repaid by the overwhelming complimentary remarks of congratulations, appreciation and gratitude shown by everyone who visited. There was a presentation of flowers and a lovely wall plaque made. The words on the plaque reads “ This plaque is presented to Frances and Tom Thorp during the centennial TT by the Committee and presidents of the TTRA and the MGPRA.   It is given in recognition of the outstanding contribution they have made in managing and maintaining the 38th Milestone and in 2007 relocating, enlarging and refurbishing the associations Headquarters “this was very kindly presented to us on behalf of the TTRA by Malcolm and Julie Wheeler at the TTRA Annual General Meeting in June.
Tom and I were both overcome but I would like to say again to the Committee and TTRA members thank you so very much the plaque was up on the wall the next day for all to see. The wonderment showed every time anyone came into the 38th milestone for the first time, but the pleasure was to see everyone enjoying themselves in their new Headquarters. We did have an official opening by the legendary Geoff Duke accompanied by his wife Daisy. This followed our usual Committee meeting, committee members wives and families were invited to a Buffet. Champagne was very kindly donated by one of our staunch committee members Joe Wood and his wife Marie which was very much enjoyed and really made for a great lunchtime event. Thank you Joe and Marie.
We did actually have to change the meeting and opening at the last minute to the Thursday as the Monday race was postponed to the Tuesday. Further plans were made and we did have a more relaxed celebration Manx week with guests who otherwise could not have attended in June and this was held in the evening the week before practice. This was very much enjoyed and included the MGPRA Committee members as the 38th Milestone is also used for the Manx Week. Three of the original Committee members of the MGPRA Bob Dowty, George Costain and Eddie Crooks attended which made for a special “down memory lane“ evening for them.

The 100 years TT Centenary was a fantastic time for anyone who visited the Island, It was officially opened by a late night procession along the promenade to include all the special volunteers and everyone who works behind the scenes to make the TT weeks go well.

The first ones were the Charities and of course the TT Riders Association was the opening charity which was given a tremendous applause the whole way along the promenade and their was a loud speaker with compere giving us great acclaim and recognition about the good that we do as a Charity for the TT Riders. 

I was so very proud on behalf of the TTRA to carry a large TT 2007 Centenary advertising board with TT Riders Association across it and the Manx flag which was then followed by Tom (Thorp) and Frank Whiteway carrying a further long banner again with TTRA on it and a good number of our members joining in with the fun.
We walked from the Villa Marina to the Sefton Hotel and back, everyone enjoyed the event and in fact I rescued the banners for the 38th where they are a display item for the Centenary TT 2007. Congratulations have been sent to Duke Marketing for arranging this procession.

Congratulations were also sent to the organisers of the re-enactment of the first TT in 1907 at 10-00am on 28.5.07. It was recommended the dress code of that era would be nice. Yes, Frances & Tom did their bit on that request. The local village of St Johns certainly did make the day with a good catering facility in the local Hall. The turn out to see the fabulous bikes which was organised by the IOM Branch VMCC was second to none. Thank you again to all concerned.

It was an honour to be invited on behalf of the TTRA to two special presentation receptions firstly by the IOM Department of Tourism & Leisure when we were acknowledged for our effort and participation in the 100 years TT Centenary and presented by John McGuinness with a lovely photograph of John achieving his 130mph lap. Secondly, by the IOM Post Office for our achievement and input into the Centenary where we were presented with a framed copy of famous riders and the series of stamps which are extremely attractive. These two frames are also up in the 38th Milestone. 

There was a tremendous amount of memorabilia around this year as you would imagine, also some good books. You will recall I did enclose in your last Newsletter a catalogue of the Official Merchandise available for the Centenary by the IOM Post Office. I still have some very attractive items which are available, most of them suitable for posting and would make nice Christmas gifts for keen TT enthusiasts.

Found items in the 38th. 1 Digital Camera and 1 Fleece. If yours please ring me with details.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 2007 AGM took place on the traditional Tuesday evening of Race week followed by an excellent sit down Buffet. This was a very well attended meeting with over 80 present made up of a members and guests many of whom had come over from New Zealand, Canada and America. Also there were members of the Friends of the TTRA attending which made for a super evening. Our President Nick Jefferies announced the new President elect Colin Seeley who gave a short acceptance speech and will be adorned with his Chain of Office in November at the Annual Luncheon.  See ticket application form attached. Please order tickets as early as you can to spread the load.
 
There was a thank you to Carter & Cubbon Ltd –Tromode, Isle of Man the sponsors of the new blinds and also suppliers of the carpets in the refurbished 38th Milestone.

We also made a special announcement that we have an additional new Patron. Mr Kel Prince who was invited and accepted to be one of our Patrons in appreciation of his generosity over the many years which he has continually fulfilled in a quiet way. One of his donations has been the Lapel badges for the luncheon which most of you just pick up at the door and do not realise the effort which has gone into supplying these.
We have a very first Honorary Member by the name of Jack McCredie 99 years of age. I think he is the oldest TT racer around and raced in 1939 on an Excelsior Manxman bike. He is enjoying his memories and a photograph has been sent to me when he celebrated his 99th birthday in March 2007 which we have displayed with pride in our Headquarters. All our best wishes Jack. 

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

Mr Dick. Greasley. Stoke-on Trent s/car.
Patrick Anthony Meelan – Ruislip s/car
James Law - Rosshire. Scotland s/car.
Bill Regan – Carrickfergus.NI. s/car,
Dennis Ireland  New Zealand.
McAlastair Rogers – Teddington.Middlesex.
Derek R.Wood - Armadale. Australia. 
Derek Jones – Towcester.Northants
Pete Elmore.Solihull. W.Midlands. 
Tim Matt NSW. Australia.
Mr Trevor M Lok.  Manly.
Merv Wright. California.USA
Vojko Princic. Slovenia – rejoined.
Bill Swallow. Huddersfield. 
Mike Trimby – Isle of Man.
Finally John McGuinness .Morecambe Lancs.

UNDER THE CHEQUERED FLAG

Beryl Swain. aged 71 the first lady to race a solo in the TT . She rode her “ITOM” to 22nd position in the 1962 – 50 cc race.
Jack Findlay. aged 72 from Australia. Rode in the TT 1959-1977.Many good places and won the Senior in 1973.
Alan Shepherd. aged 70.from Barrow. Many great rides on 7R’s and G50’s and of course Works MZ’s. Alan was sadly incapacitated by a stroke in 2001.
Bill Lomas. aged 79. A Past President of the TT Riders Association and a great rider particularly on the Motor Guzzi. He was 350cc World champion in 55 & 56. A great raconteur of racing stories of the past.
Ray Cowles. aged 83 a great welsh Sponsor and Tuner who looked after many riders in the TT and MGP in which he had raced himself.
Bob Mitchell. March. S/Car racer from Australia. 4th on a Norton in 1956, his only ride in the TT.
Peter Cropper. March .S/Car.passenger to Stan Nightingale Eric Pickup and others in the 60’s
John Duff. March in Ardrossan. He will be remembered by many as he helped      Mick  Chatterton in the Island over 30 years.
Chris Percival.  He rode MV’s finishing 14th on a 125cc in 1958 and 17th in 1959.
Alan Taylor.February 2007. Finished 3rd Jnr Clubman 1949
Arthur Tyler. March 2007. A real old timer who rode Raleigh,Velocette & Vincent HRDs in the early 30’s.
Beryl Kermode. April 2007. A Member of the team in the Race Office Isle of Man.
Jack Shemans. February 2007 aged 86 yrs Tuner of successful Triumph engines for Doug Hele, Ray Pickrell, Percy Tait and Paul Smart and Malcolm Uphills bike at the TT when he did 100mph on a production bike.
Wolfgang Kalauch. passed away February 2007 aged 78. Successful sidecar passenger with many famous named riders.
Our sympathy has been extended to the above families.
Rod Organ. The well known Artist who painted Motorcyclists and Motor Cars for so many famous people. Passed away very suddenly September 2007. He donated many paintings to the TTRA Auction.

It is with great sadness that I would like to mention our Committee Member and very popular Editor/Director of Morton Media Ltd, Malcolm Wheeler and his wife Julie who have recently and tragically lost their daughter Suzanne, suddenly in August, in her early 20’s. Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy goes to them.   

A late Newsflash. Geoff Cannell 65 yrs. Monday 24th September. The famous Isle of Man Sports Commentator for the TT and MGP suddenly passed away.   

News and visits from:

David Wilkins visited the Isle of Man in March 2007 and was searching around the very desolate Grandstand and spotted workings going on in the 38th milestone. So we were forced to stop and have a cuppa and then invited him to come back the next day as he had brought his photo album. Yes racing pics of course. He now lives in Maidenhead. He sends his best wishes to you all.
Helmut Lunemann. Sends all his best wishes from Germany. 
Eric Hinton He has made a remarkable recovery after his by-pass surgery last December and is looking forward to making up for lost time celebrating Christmas.
Sonny Angel visited the Races in TT week and was thrilled to meet up with all his racing friends in the 38th making his visit full of lovely memories. 
MGP week 2007 brought more names into our Headquarters.
Alan Holmes was the MMCC Guest of Honour for the MGP week It was 50 years since his wins on the Island. He too had a great week and enjoyed meeting up with many of his racing pals in our Headquarters.
Fred Stevens came in the MGP week and was very well and wishes to be remembered to you all. First return since the 60’s.
Dick Barton is a regular caller. He was a mechanic for Roger Bowler and sends his best wishes too. The first time I heard from Dick was one winter when he rang to ask if I knew where a bench seat was which had been kindly donated by Rogers Mum, he had been around the circuit looking for it and could not find. It had been decided 
 to keep it inside the 38th so that it would be well protected and cared for and also enjoyed as a seat to use. Dick was delighted about that.
Ronnie Perry got in touch after being in the “where are you” to say that he is alive and well and now living in Ballymoney
Bill Dorans daughter and family arrived at the Grandstand MGP week and noticed from the top of the Grandstand seating area our large signs on the top of the 38th and made their way into what she describes a “ wonderful experience “ as she was introduced to many members who could talk to her about her father. The Manx cuppa was well enjoyed too.
I would like to mention that member Hilary Musson is now recovering and is back home. Hilary was one of the unfortunate Marshals who was seriously injured in the accident at the 26th Milestone. TT week. Our best wishes go to her for a speedy recovery.
GET WELL WISHES.
I am always reluctant to mention names but to our members who are severely suffering and to any of you who are unwell, our sincere best wishes to you all and for your future.   Please remember we need to be kept informed if any help is required of any kind or any members know of where help could be of assistance to make life more comfortable.

WHERE ARE YOU NOW

Tony Elmer/Darren Marshall
John McNeil. Believed to have come from Glasgow. Raced Bultacos in the 60’s friend is trying to find him. Telephone number with Frances T.
Darryl Pendlebury
John Read.Luton

DONATIONS

Apology to Friends of the TTRA, printing error in Bulletin 58 regarding their presentation made at the 2006 Annual Luncheon. It was in fact £6000 and not £4000. At this point a big Thank you to the Chairman Tony East and his team for his continual efforts and work in raising funds for the TT Riders Association.
I do again wish to remind you that if you or any of your friends have enjoyed the privilege of being involved in the TT Races and were not a TT Rider but, have the pleasure of coming to the TTRA Luncheon by a member inviting you, this is your opportunity to put something back into the sister Charity called the “ Friends of the TTRA “ (FOTTRA) which is our supporting Charity and where the funds raised go straight to the TTRA to help us assist injured riders, their families and children in the case of a fatality.    Our call on these funds annually run into a several £1000’s per year and even caring for the elderly ex riders who are in a residential home. If you are not aware or have never had it explained to you the purpose of the work behind the scenes of the TTRA please request details from me and I will be pleased to send them to you. And for members of FOTTRA, if you would like to raise funds I am sure Tony East will be only too pleased to talk to you about that. Pick up an application form which will be at the Luncheon and join “The Friends”.

This year Phil Morris kindly made us one of the Charities to benefit from his Road racing Classic Legends evening in February and his next event is a Works Triumph evening on February 22nd 2008.  We will have a presentation at the Lunch of the Donation from Classic Legend, Peter Dale and to keep you in suspense the    fantastic donation from George Lloyd and FOTTRA. 
Our thanks also of course to all the givers of donations both large and small.
       
Yes the application is attached for the Forthcoming “Big Event” of our Calendar. You will see that the format is slightly different to the previous ones.
I am updating the database and would like to be sure that your details are correct. Everyone of you are important to me and I want to be sure your addresses, telephone numbers and indeed e.mail addresses are correct. Many of us have changed the e.mail address and forgotten to send the new one to the obvious.

PLEASE NOTE. If you are attending the Annual Luncheon Wed 21st November ‘07
    Doors open and the Bar is available from 11am .    Luncheon commences 12-30 pm  
For those of you who like to sit with your pals. Providing you follow the instructions on the application form with regards to a full table you will have one reserved for your party.

Tables for 12 must be paid for in advance and all names given at this time. It is OK to send separate cheques but they must be attached to the form not posted individually as sometimes happens.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE PLEASE LOOK FOR THE TABLE PLANS.

Hope to see you there.

Although a little early, I send you all Best Wishes and Season Greetings for Christmas and the New Year.

Frances & Tom Thorp

THE AUCTION AT THE ANNUAL LUNCHEON. 

NOVEMBER 21ST 2007.

Your Committee decided that this year as an experiment we would restrict the Auction to 10 items and have a table for a display of the less expensive items. You all know this is one of the main ways your Association raises significant funds to allow us to help injured riders and the families of riders in need. I want to mention in particular five items which have been donated this year so that you will have time to consider them prior to the Luncheon Auction.

1. A week in a fully equipped very nice house in Southern France, between Nice and Cannes,about 6 miles from the sea, during July 2008. Own swimming pool and gardens with security gates all professionally maintained, 3 bedrooms, one en-suite and separate bathroom, sleeps 5/6. Sky TV, telephone, VW Golf turbo diesel car subject to status. Collection from airport can be arranged by owner. For more detailed inform. Speak to Frances Thorp or John Kidson.
2. Mike Trimby of IRTA has donated 2 paddock passes and a car pass for any Motor GP in 2008 at the buyer’s choice. This includes a lap with Franco Uncini in the safety car, subject to time constraints. Some hospitality can probably also be swung nearer the time.
3. Bernie Ecclestone has donated 2 Grandstand tickets plus 1 paddock      
   pass for the 2008 Formula 1 GP at Silverstone. We propose to offer these separately. The pass will allow complete access to paddock and pit area. Hospitality not included but we may be able to arrange some.  
   Bernie Ecclestone says these passes fetch large sums at auction. If you know anyone who would like to buy it and put a bid in, please contact John Kidson, who will take and hold bids prior to the Auction.
4. Special Day at “ Goodwood ” for the Festival of Speed with paddock pass for 2 people late June 2008.
5. Special Day at “ Goodwood “  for the Revival Day with paddock pass for 2 people early September 2008.

   Both items were kindly donated by Lord March.

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE VALUABLE ITEMS PRIOR TO THE LUNCH, SO THAT WE ARE ABLE TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFIT TO OUR FUNDS.

THE TT RIDERS ANNUAL LUNCHEON APPLICATION FORM.

The National Motorcycle Museum. Birmingham on Wednesday NOVEMBER 21ST 2007.

Ticket Price £33.00 per head

The Luncheon will commence at 12-30pm opening With the Installation of our new President for 2006-2007 MR COLIN SEELEY

PLEASE BE PROMPT
     
THIS APPLICATON MUST BE RETURNED WITH YOUR PAYMENT/PAYMENTS NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 30TH 2007 TO ENSURE REQUESTED SEATING ARRANGEMENTS. PLEASE ORDER AS MANY AS YOU CAN IN ONE ORDER

When emailing, please include:

Name and address of TTRA MEMBERS
Phone No

• For lapel badges to be made
Association Tie must be worn

Name and address of all FOTTRA MEMBERS
Phone No

• For lapel badges to be made
Association Tie must be worn

Name of Guests must be given at the time of ordering tickets and paid for in full at £33 per person.   Unfortunately NO REFUNDS can be given on cancellations these are treated as a donation to the Association.

TABLES CAN BE RESERVED BUT MUST BE PRE-BOOKED AND PAID IN FULL WITH NAMED PERSONS WITH THIS APPLICATION  FORM  BEFORE 30th OCTOBER 2007.

TO SIT WITH SOMEONE IN PARTICULAR PLEASE MENTION THIS ON YOUR APPLICATION FORM AND WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ASSIST. NOT GUARANTEED.
THERE WILL BE A TABLE PLAN IN THE BAR AREA AND ……
DON’T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR TABLE WINE IN ADVANCE OF GOING INTO THE DINING ROOM.

All applications and payment to be sent to Mrs Frances Thorp. Hon Secretary

Mountain View. Glen Maye. Isle of Man. IM5 3BJ

Tel/Fax 01624 843695.      e.mail. francesthorp@manx.net

(Places closed on 30th Cotober 2007)                                                    

Frances Thorp. (Secretary)