TTRA
Friends of TTRA
TTRA Bulletin: 62 | April 2009
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 |
KEL PRINCE |
Stroud GL5 2DF |
Isle of Man IM5 3BJ |
President; |
Tel/Fax 01453 762255 |
Tel/Fax 01624 843695 |
NEIL TUXWORTH 2008-2009 |
E.mail jmkidson@gmail.com |
E.mail francesthorp@manx.net |
Hello Members and Friends
Well what can we say about the past few months, diabolical comes to mind. Nevertheless folks it can only get better now that spring has sprung. As I am writing I see the snowdrops and daffodils, crocus and leaves on the shrubs just beginning to burst into life. Lovely.
TTRA HEADQUARTERS 38TH MILESTONE
This year we are hoping to see plenty of you arriving to enjoy yet another year of good racing. The 38th Milestone will be opening for evening practice sessions and Frances & Tom will be looking forward to seeing you all.
There is some excitement mounting here with the so-called “green “ TT event scheduled for Senior Race day. An American company Mission Motors claims the new Mission One bike is the fastest production electric motorcycle with a top speed
REGALIA
This year we are introducing TTRA Regalia for Sale which are Polo Shirts, Fleeces and Caps all with the TTRA Logo for members only. On that point, At last years Luncheon there were 2 non-member/non riders wearing the prestigious Association Tie. This is not allowed and it would be appreciated if they were informed in advance not to do so.
This Association Tie is for men who have had the stamina, staying power, guts and enthusiasm to get on a bike and race down Bray Hill and the rest of the 37.3/4 miles. Our Sister Charity “Friends of the TTRA” was designed for the very many kind people who assist and have assisted to support the riders over the years and great TT enthusiasts also. Again, that is a privileged Association to be a part of because they go a long way to support us with the much needed funds we require to look after the riders of today and yesteryear FoTTRA also have their own Association Tie.
Members please take these remarks in the manner that they have been written. The TT Riders Association is protected for you wonderful men who have actually earned the title of being a TT Rider or an Ex TT Rider.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
At the 2008 Luncheon we introduced new TTRA Christmas Cards and the trial number of 300 were sold out before the Luncheon began which was very pleasing, when I got back to the Island I had orders which were fulfilled by an additional
re-print. There are 2 varieties, Mike Hailwood on the winning 1979 Ducati and
John McGuinness with the 130mph road sign and holding the Trophy.The price is £10 for 10 cards, if you want 5 of each or all one variety not a problem and I will even sell less numbers for those who do not have a long Xmas card list. If you have them posted there is a postage charge 10 cards cost £2. Remember all proceeds go to the TT Riders Association Benevolent Fund. At this point I would like to thank
Mrs Pauline Hailwood and John McGuinness for their kindness in letting the photographs be used for this worthy cause and their good wishes with the project.
THE ANNUAL LUNCHEON 2008
The new format worked very well and many members and guests sent their congratulations for the usual great days event. We would like to “Thank You “ for all the generous Auction items brought in on the day, they all add to the interest.
Thinking about the 2009 Lunch, the date confirmed is Wednesday November 25th
AUCTION ITEMS
Please have a look around your workshops and loft to see if you have any interesting items surplus to your requirements. A couple of suggestions made, if any members who have holiday accommodation that they may like to offer, members with a motorcycle business who may have something interesting to offer and there are a number of you that are still in the business. How about a new scooter or similar item. Everything helps to raise the funds for the purpose of the TTRA. We are called upon for help constantly from those who have given so much pleasure to us all in the past. REMEMBER THIS IS WHAT THE TTRA IS ABOUT. HELPING THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED.
Please contact the Secretary or the Treasurer before the event with regards to special items.
LUNCHEON TICKETS
Referring to the applications for the Tickets, thanks to you members who did assist with the Full Table arrangements, but, I have to say again unfortunately the same old crowd cant get their act together, I will remind you yet again, FULL TABLES OF 12 CAN ONLY BE RESERVED IF PAID FOR IN FULL. THAT MEANS A CHEQUE FOR 12 TICKETS x £…..including the names you have on that table. If you had any idea of the extra work it does give me you would try a little harder.You know who you are so come on “ time for a change “ I have to sort out 500 + so for you to organise 10/15 tickets should be a doddle.
FEMALE GUESTS.
It is nice to see the ladies who were such support to their late husbands and that they are becoming regular supporters to our fundraising day. Thank you girls, you are always welcome. I wonder if there are anymore ladies out there who would like to attend and meet up with old friends.
TTRA PRESIDENT 2008-2009
Your new President Neil Tuxworth of Honda Racing was installed into Office at the Luncheon and his speech was very interesting, He entered into the Room on his
Bike on which he has had 1500 wins Sand Racing. The audience was enthralled with the fascinating stories which held their interest. Your President has been invited to include a few words into this Newsletter.
FROM YOUR PRESIDENT NEIL TUXWORTH
I would like to thank the Secretary for the invitation to put a short paragraph into the Newsletter. It is now four months since I became the President of the TTRA and my new position has certainly given me quite an insight into all the work that the committee are involved in. I have decided that the one issue I really want to address during my Presidency is to attract more younger riders into the TTRA as the future of our organisation depends very much on attracting younger members. I am probably better placed than most to make contact with the present day TT riders in my capacity as Honda UK’s Race team Manager.
This year is a very important year for Honda as we celebrate not only 50 years of TT racing but also 50 years of Grand Prix racing too. I have just returned from the Isle of Man where we have re-created a picture of Honda’s team at the 1959 TT. We found the exact place in the pits where the original picture was taken and in it were 5 riders, one team manager and two mechanics. We used John McGuinness, Steve Plater, Nick Crowe, Mark Cox and also Guy Martin as the riders and then two members of our team and myself to make up the other three people. We used the machine of John McGuinness that holds the absolute TT lap record of 130.35 mph to lean against a wooden post we knocked into the ground (as in the 1959 picture) and we also put up wooden fencing behind the picture as in 1959 too.
Although the riders were in modern leathers and the staff in modern team jackets, we did wear hats, cravats and 50’s sun glasses and Steve Plater had goggles hung round his neck as in the 1959 picture. We even taped up the fingers of Mark Cox who represented one of the Japanese riders who had been injured!
The pictures were also done in black and white to represent the 50’s period. It was all good fun for everyone involved and we are now just waiting for the final pictures to see how they compare to the 1959 Honda team picture. It was certainly a strange feeling when we were all in the same place as the original Honda team were in 1959 50 years ago! Well finally all I will say is that I will do everything to help the TTRA during my period as President and look forward to meeting you all either during the year, or at our TTRA Luncheon in November,
Best wishes,
Neil Tuxworth. President
THE TREASURERS COMMENTS
Once again we had a very good result from the Lunch last November which produced a surplus for our funds of £7764 which is less than our record year in 2007 but still a very good result to which we are able to add the magnificent sum of £21,263 in donations received at the Lunch including £10,000 from George Lloyd and £10,000 from the Friends of the TTRA raised mainly by the efforts of Tony and Pat East in the Isle of Man. Many thanks go to both of these wonderfully generous Donors. In addition we have received significant Donations from Peter Dale who continues to work for our benefit, Tony Jefferies, The Rob Vine Fund, TT Supporters Club, Mortons Media, the Estates of Martyn Heyes and John Maris and J.R.Motorsport plus the very generous support of our Patron Michael Sutton for the Bulletin postage costs. In addition but no less valued the many donations large and small from many individuals, clubs and organisations too numerous to mention individually.
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION.
A big thank you must go to Bob Milliken for all his work producing the Lapel Badges for the Luncheon which is very much appreciated and also to Kel Prince – Patron for being so generous to support the cost of production.
Thank you to Mortons Media for their continued support for arranging to print the Table Plans and delivering on the morning of the event. Also for those of you that take the Classic Bike Mags, they also sponsor our TTRA Logo on the front cover and always give the Association a good write up courtesy of Malcolm Wheeler.
As I am writing this in February I can tell you that approximately £16,000 of grants have been made so far in the financial year which ends on 31st March 2009 and other grants are currently being considered together with regular reviews of the previous beneficiarys needs. In this regard please advise the Secretary or Treasurer of any member or person connected with the TT etc., who may need help as it is just impossible for your President Officers and Committee to be always aware of people who may need and qualify for help from your Association. Our audited accounts
show that our investments have prospered in recent years and in these troubled financial times I can confirm that our various investments are held at a level in various institutions where the value is always less than capital amounts covered in full by the Compensation schemes of the UK and the Isle of Man Governments.
As Frances may have mentioned elsewhere the trial run of the new Association Christmas Cards (300) were all sold at the Lunch so they will be available again in good time for Christmas this year.
During the first 6 months of the Financial year we have received a further donation from our Patron Mr Michael Sutton in respect of the ever increasing postal costs for the Bulletin for which we are very grateful.
John Kidson. Hon Treasurer
A special thanks also to Mike Trimby for arranging 2 tickets for the World Moto GP and to our President Neil Tuxworth for organising 2 tickets for British Superbike Championship meeting with a tour of the Honda Pits and Lunch in their Hospitality set up. Also to the Earl of March our Patron for donating tickets for the Festival of Speed and Goodwood revival meetings. A special Helmet was donated by
Morton - Maltby team. A big effort had been made to get this helmet signed by a big number of stars !!!! These items are always a super treat.
Only this month February 2009, I have been presented with a cheque for the TTRA at the 38th Milestone for £1000. This has been generously donated by
Paul Bradford living in the Isle of Man who has published a book called the
TT and MGP Memorial. This has been a tremendous achievment with the proceeds for the sales going to charities involved with the Isle of Man Races. He has taken many years to fulfil this ambition and with the help of the families who gave their full approval. These books are available for purchase £29-95 posted or £25 from the 38th Milestone.
WIN AND ALLAN ROBINSON MEMORIAL TROPHY
It was with great pleasure that Tony and Pat East were presented with the Trophy at the 2008 Luncheon.This was in recognition of the tremendous support to the TTRA by fundraising for the “Friends of the TT Riders Association” for which we are forever indebted. Sadly Pat was unable to attend the occasion but we would like to thank her again for all her efforts played in this achievement.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SAMMY MILLER.
We are delighted to learn that one of our Past Presidents, a great supporter and ambassador for the TTRA has been awarded the MBE in the 2009 New Years Honours List for services to Motorcycling.
WELCOME TO NEW TT RIDER MEMBERS
Peter Evans, Harrogate. Mark Baldwin, Halifax. Roy Tansley, Derby.
Donny Williams, Flinshire. John Simmonds. Reading.
Renewed membership Vojko Princic Herzmansky. Slovenia.
WELCOME TO NEW FOTTRA MEMBERS
James Forster – Isle of Man
Les Doherty – Isle of Man
;
FOUND MEMBERS. (Great stuff)
John (DJW) Harrowell has been found and is going strong 91 yrs young and living in Gloucester. Sends his best wishes to you all. Thank you Jill (daughter). He rode in the 1949 and 1950 Lightweight and Junior Races.
David Stevenson been found and is doing well and still riding a Honda 500VF at
80 yrs young. He rode in 1952.
Ken James has turned up and he is living in Ringwood. He rode in 1957 -1961
GET WELL WISHES AND THINKING OF YOU
John Surtees MBE Past President. We understand recently underwent heart surgery and is progressing satisfactorily and we send our good wishes to him.
Keith Trubshaw Secretary of the MGPRA and Travelling Marshall has been under the weather he had a heart attack early this year. He has made a good recovery.
Peter Hardcastle, Rick Long, Derek Rumble, Jim Curry, Ray Fay, Ronnie Hazelhurst, Helmut Lunnerman, Arthur Lawn, Hilary Musson (who sends her best wishes to everyone out there).
Included in these wishes are those of you that we are not aware of being under the weather. Please let us know.
Joe Wood Irish Representative and former Committee member received an award and presentation from MCUI at a special function in Ireland for his sterling work over the years. Congratulations Joe and we wish you and Marie well.
I would like to send good wishes to both Sir Laurence New and Lady New.
Sir Laurence was one of the Past Lieutenant Governors assisted by his lady wife in the Isle of Man who have loyally supported the TT and the MGP and have always supported the TTRA they are actually members of “ The Friends of the TTRA “ we wish you both well.
WHERE ARE YOU NOW
Jim Bollington – Moved to Australia. Rode 1950 – 1961 Solo and Sidecar
George A Northwood. Rode Solo.1955 - 1964 Had a shop in Trench – Telford.
Brent Curtis. New Zealand.
Bill Lindsay – South Africa.
Giuseppe Barrachetti – Italy
Roy John Ekerold – Germany.
Mr J.Wright. Barleycroft.
Dave Ashton - Chinley High Peak.
Philip Gravel – South Humberside.
H.J.Bacon 1928-1935.
Would any member who has information on the above please let me know.
UNDER THE CHEQUERED FLAG
Lawrie Watts – September 2008
Peter Chapman OBE – October 2008 aged 85 yrs. Sponsored Chris Vincent.
Paul Bladon- October 2008
Peter Lovatt – New Years Day 2009
Jimmy Law – Flintshire – January 2009
Allan Burt – January 2009. 85yrs.He rode in the Senior and Junior TT in 1958 on AJS. Thank you to Eric Hinton for the information from Australia.;
Russell Hackman – January 2009. 83 yrs.Russ raced sidecars in the TT 1960’
Alf Briggs – of Honda UK passed away recently 95 yrs. In the 50’s Alf was asked by the president of Honda to find a site for factory space in the UK which we understand
is now the Honda factory at Swindon. He was amongst the first people to work for Honda in the UK.
Randall Cowell (IOM) former MGP rider and travelling marshall passed away suddenly in March approaching his 67th birthday. After his time in road racing and scrambling he retained his involvement in the sport as a sponsor.
Quinton Quirk (IOM) passed away in the past winter he rode in the 1953 Senior on a BSA.
Belated condolences to MBR race team boss Martin Bullock whose mother Olive passed away in February. She was a great supporter of the TT and MGP allowing spectators to watch from the boundary hedge of her garden at Signpost Corner for donations to local charities.
Condolences were sent to all families and the TTRA are always represented at funerals where possible.
An apology with regards to the late Martin Finnegan, I was informed incorrectly of the circuit where Martin lost his life in 2008, it was in fact the Tandragee circuit. Ireland.
NOSTALGIA
Thank you to Peter Judd for some super photographs which showed the very first committee members and Secretary namely Reuben Harveson. These gave me a feeling of pride to think that I have had the privilege of following in the footsteps of such great people who had the foresight to create such an Association which will be
60 years old in 2011 and all the members throughout those years who have had benefit.
Also I have been contacted by the Grand-daughter of our First President
Mr Freddie Frith. OBE
DIRECT DEBITS/STANDING ORDERS
Enquiries have been made by various members in the past months on the possibility of making a regular donation to the TTRA. This is of course a fantastic suggestion. If you are interested please contact the Treasurer John Kidson or myself Secretary Frances Thorp.
SPORT IN SCIENCE ENERGY DRINKS
The TTRA will again be supplying the 2009 TT Riders with the ever popular Energy Sports Drinks. These are always very well received and appreciated. We follow the feed back given to us from the support teams and members of the medical profession who are still of the opinion that it helps towards reducing accident rates. That must be a benefit to all involved. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Dr David Stevens MBE and the Committee of the Rob Vine Trust for their donation towards the cost of this project and Roy Hanks from the TT Supporters Club also to Transmann Ltd for their support and sponsoring the shipping of the sports drinks. It is very much appreciated and we are very grateful to you all.
THE BIG 101…. Wow !!
Many congratulations must go to Jack McCredie who raced 1939 era reached the wonderful age of 101 in March 2009. I was sent a photograph of him on the day and he looks marvellous. Still keeping everyone entertained.
FRIENDS OF THE TT RIDERS ASSOCIATION.
Mr David Mylchreest was invited and accepted the Chairmanship following the retirement of Tony East after over 6 years sterling work for “The Friends”.
David and his father need no introduction considering they have supplied the Road Opening and Closing cars for the past 60 years for the TT and MGP races. Also over the years I am sure many of you have used their Car Hire services. Those of you who attended the 2008 Luncheon would have seen David. He became a member of “ The Friends “ some time ago and fully supports with enthusiasm the purpose of this Association.
The Annual General Meeting for “The Friends “ will also be held on the same evening in the same Venue where we will all be able to have a get together and enjoy the evening. The Agenda for the FoTTRA - AGM is attached to this Bulletin which is going to all members of “ The Friends “
FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF FoTTRA
As Frances announced in the last Bulletin of the TTRA I have been cajoled into the Chair, vacated by Tony East, of the Friends of the TT Riders Association ! Firstly let me say how grateful everyone is for the dedicated service both he and Pat have given to “FOTTRA” over the last 7 years, and not least the vast amounts of money you have given to FOTTRA through donations given for the viewing of your wonderful collection of vintage bikes and teas provided. Pat, I know, is already planning her cake baking for this years TT!
Tony, you will indeed be a hard act to follow !
My first occasion as the new Chairman was to attend the Annual Luncheon in Birmingham, and what an event that was. It is only when you attend something like that do you realise exactly what the TT Races really mean to the dedicated TT enthusiast, the sheer number of people attending, many of whom were not ex-TT Riders themselves, does show what a following the TTRA has. I did think at the time that there would have been hundreds there who perhaps are all potential members of FOTTRA ! We’ll be chasing them next year !
I am delighted to have been awarded the “contract” once again to supply and drive the course cars once again at this year’s TT (Counting up the number of laps I have completed doing this job over the last 30 years could almost entitle me to be a TTRA Member). Between driving duties at the TT I will be frequenting the 38th milestone for cups of Frances’ delightful tea and chats with many members of both the TTRA and FOTTRA.
Also, please note we will be holding the AGM and cold buffet on the same evening as the TTRA - AGM, on the Tuesday of Race Week. It is hoped that by doing this we might have a good turnout of Members, as well as having the presence of the Treasurer!
Tickets must be purchased in advance at £10 so that we have numbers for catering. These are available from Frances Thorp on any practice evening or race days from the 38th Milestone Headquarters.
David Mylchreest. Chairman
Friends of TT Riders Association
TTRA AGM
Agenda for AGM of FoTTRA to be held at The Project 21 Centre. Greenfield Road, Douglas.
(road opposite the warm up area of the paddock)
TUESDAY JUNE 9TH 2009. 20.00 hours
i) Approval of minutes of last AGM
ii) Chairman’s Report
iii) Secretary’s Report
iv) Treasurers Report
v) Approval of Balance Sheet & Accounts for 2008/9
vi) Appointment of auditor
vii) Any Other Business
Note.
We will be having the cold Buffet Supper as usual and tickets will be available from Frances Thorp at the 38th Milestone.
Tickets £10. These must be ordered and paid for in advance so that we can be sure of the numbers to cater for.
• CLICK HERE - to download and print a copy of the AGM Agenda for your records.
-Bulletin 62 ends-