TTRA
Friends of TTRA
TTRA Bulletin: 63 | September 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
I always have to think for a while on my opening sentence, but, as the MGP fortnight has ended the race season here I thought I would give it a mention. Both practice week and race week, were subjected to delays, untimed practice laps, practice laps shortened, postponements, sadly some riders didn’t even qualify and to say nothing about the chaos caused in many ways through the heavy torrential rain which on some days was non-stop and caused a great inconvenience to everyone involved. But, gentlemen, 5 Ladies entered this year and in fact Carolyn Sells the first ever Lady Winner on the TT/MGP Course ever. How about that then? Congratulations!
TTRA HEADQUARTERS 38TH MILESTONE
The 38th milestone – your Headquarters behind the Grandstand has been extremely well supported and was open every practice session and every race day. Many past members and guests visited; also many of the Friends made there way in and enjoyed themselves talking to past riders who thrilled them with some of the many stories.
DATES FOR THE 2010 TT 29TH May 2010 – 11th June 2010
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The new venue was well supported and enjoyed. The Meeting had to be postponed on the traditional Tuesday due to unusual racing on that evening. This was caused by chaos on Monday race day which was transferred to Tuesday evening. Consequently we managed to change the plans for the AGM and buffet to the Thursday evening. The buffet and wine was excellent and everyone enjoyed the evening.
FESTIVAL OF JURBY
Congratulations to the Isle of Man Section of the VMCC Tony East and Team for the success of the family day and attractions held at Jurby MGP week.
WELL DONE.
REGALIA
This year we have introduced TTRA Regalia for sale which are: Polo Shirts £14.99, Fleeces £25 and Caps £10 all with the TTRA Logo for members only. All these items come in Navy or Dark Grey. The comments have all been good and that includes the quality. We do a mail order service which is an extra postage charge. Of course we still have the prestigious Association Tie £12, Metal Lapel Badge £5 and the windscreen stickers £1 each inner and outers. Please remember all these items are only for Members who have raced in the Isle of Man TT Races. It is your responsibility to protect your Associations identity.
THERE WILL BE SAMPLES ON SHOW AT THE LUNCHEON AND PURCHASES FOR THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED AND MAILED ON TO YOU.
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 has its own Association Tie. We are appealing to you TTRA members to try and introduce one FOTTRA member.
There are many who come every year to enjoy the fantastic day at the Luncheon: just try to explain what we are about as - unless the purpose of the Friends of the TT Riders Association is explained to guests - they do not have any idea how much good work the TTRA does behind the scenes to assist injured riders, and their families and children who are affected by these situations.
The Friends (FOTTRA) are very important to the TTRA and there are many, many kind people out there who quietly donate throughout the year sums of money, however small or large, for which we are always extremely grateful. Ask them to become a true Friend by joining FOTTRA. The Life membership only costs £150 (which is the minimum amount and we will gratefully receive amounts above £150) and keeps the members in touch with what is happening in the TTRA as we send them our Bulletins. Application forms can be obtained from the FOTTRA Secretary David Plant (01624 882468) or myself or John.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
TTRA Christmas Card sales have been very successful. There are 2 varieties, Mike Hailwood on the winning 1979 Ducati and John McGuinness with the 130 mph road sign and holding the winner’s magnificent Trophy.
The price is £10 for 10 cards, if you want 5 of each or all one variety not a problem; and the sale of less numbers for those who do not have a long Xmas card list is available. If you have them posted there is a postage charge of £2 per pack of 10. Remember all proceeds go to the TT Riders Association Benevolent Fund. THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE LUNCHEON OR ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN BUT MUST BE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE.
THE 2009 ANNUAL LUNCHEON AND AUCTION ITEMS
The new format 2008 worked very well and many members and guests sent their congratulations for the great day’s event. We would like to remind you all if you would be kind enough to have a look in your attics or workshops for suitable Auction items surplus to requirements.
Could you please inform either John Kidson or myself before the day so that we can make a list of these items for all interested bidders to think about before the Auction. A couple of suggestions made: if there are any members who have holiday accommodation and may like to offer a weeks stay for 2/4 persons; members with a motorcycle business who may have something interesting to offer - and there are a number of you out there still in the business – we would be very grateful for any ideas on items, not necessarily racing related.
All items are very well appreciated. Everything helps to raise the funds for the purpose of the TTRA. REMEMBER THIS IS WHAT THE TTRA IS ABOUT. HELPING THOSE MEMBERS WHO ARE IN NEED.
Please, Please contact the Treasurer John Kidson or Frances before the event with regards to special items you maybe bringing to the Lunch and we can brief Ben Walker of Bonhams who is going to conduct the Auction for us and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Lunch.
Just to whet your appetite we expect to have the following major items. Bids can be given to John Kidson before the day in your absence.
1. A fantastic brand new Suzuki Address 125 Scooter in Silver/Black donated by
Ken Blacklock of the Suzuki Centre Durham.
2. Moto GP tickets courtesy Mike Trimby.
3. British Superbike tickets and Honda 50th year prints of the 1959 and 2009 teams taken in the same Paddock spot. – courtesy Neil Tuxworth.
4. Goodwood Tickets. Revival Day and Festival of Speed courtesy the Earl of March.
5. Crystal replicas of the TT trophy
6. Helmet signed by many stars courtesy of Malcolm and Julie Wheeler
7. A High-tec Cool Box to keep your Champagne in, donated by Kel Prince.
8. Car Hire – Practice week only, supplied by Mylchreest Car Hire rental.
TICKETS FOR THE LUNCHEON.
This year’s tickets have been kindly sponsored and produced by Sue and Dick Kingston. Many thanks to you both for your kindness.
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 cannot get their act together, I will remind you yet again, FULL TABLES OF 12 CAN ONLY BE RESERVED IF PAID FOR IN FULL AT THE TIME OF ORDERING. THAT MEANS A CHEQUE FOR 12 TICKETS x £33 and all names must be listed for the table plan. You know who you are so come on “time for a change“. I have to sort out 500 + tickets, so for you to organise 10/15 tickets should be easy. We have again managed to hold the price of the Lunch at the same level as last year.
FEMALE GUESTS.
IIt 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. Gentlemen just try and think of anyone you know who might like to join the Ladies Tables. If you just give me the names I will contact them if you don’t like to do it.
FROM YOUR OUTGOING PRESIDENT NEIL TUXWORTH 2008-2009
Well my term as your president of the TTRA is nearly over and a new President, Phillip McCallen, will take office at the luncheon in November. Phillip of course was one of the rider’s I managed during his very successful Honda racing career particularly at the TT where he won 11 races and is still the only person to win 4 TT’s in a week, which is an incredible achievement. I am certain Phillip will make a good President because not only was he a very successful rider but now he is a very established businessman who will understand what the role of President requires. Phillip always used to operate at 100mph in everything he did and he was not always the easiest of people to work with, but he was a totally dedicated professional rider who knew just what he wanted and made sure he achieved his goals. I maybe never always agreed with the way Phillip went about his racing, but I always admired his skill, determination, courage and the total dedication he put into succeeding in motorcycle racing. These days Phillip is a much calmer person but he still puts 100% into his business and his family life; but he is certainly easier to spend time with since he retired from racing! I wish Phillip all the best in his coming year as our new TTRA President.
The past year has not been an easy one for me as we have had many problems with our HM Plant Honda racing team this year which has required a lot more support from me than normal. Having said that, we had a very successful TT with John McGuinness winning the Superbike TT, and setting a new absolute lap record at over 131.5 mph, and Steve Plater winning the Senior TT. It was also really nice that Mr Taniguchi who rode in the first ever official Honda team at the TT in 1959 was there to celebrate our success in 2009, 50 years later!
Concerning my Presidency I have enjoyed that honour very much and am still astounded by the amount of work and effort that Frances in particular, but John and other committee members carry out. The TTRA is a unique club where to be a member the only requirement is that you have started in a TT race and if you have not then no amount of money will allow you to join our very special club. The Lunch every year is our main event and it brings together many people I only get the chance to see once a year. The large number of people who attend the Lunch every year just shows how popular it is. My only real concern is that it still seems very difficult to get younger TT riders to join our association and believe me I have tried and will continue to do so. I think it is in all our interests to keep talking to young riders who take part in the TT to make them aware of the TTRA because we need this association to continue, especially for injured riders and those who fall on hard times.
COMMENTS FROM YOUR TREASURER – JOHN KIDSON.
As I did last year I have to thank our Patron Michael Sutton for once again funding the Bulletin postage costs and at the same time requesting members who would take their copy by email to supply their email addresses to Frances. Please help now.
We once again received much appreciated donations from the Rob Vine Fund and the TT Supporters Club towards the costs of providing all the TT Riders with the Science in Sport Energy Drink. We also received a very generous donation from each family in memory of Sandro Campigli and Bob Sherras. In addition Morton Media once again generously donated the proceeds from the Press Trial.
There were many other smaller donations too numerous to mention but a big
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE.
This year so far we have made Grants totalling over £13,500 so we look forward to your continuing support: in which connection we have to thank Tony and Pat East for their continuing fund raising efforts for the Friends of the TTRA particularly at
TT & MGP time which gives them a lot of hard work and this year has been disrupted by many race postponements and poor weather. Tony and Pat are always very grateful for assistance at their wonderful Museum in Kirk Michael if any one out there can assist at these two busy weeks in the future please contact Tony or Pat East on 01624 878242.
A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
As Secretary I wish to include the following letter from our Treasurer 10.9.09. Obviously it is with sadness that I am doing so.
To the Committee.
As I have indicated a few times recently it is time for me to retire after 30 years involvement first of all with Norman Scott & Allan and latterly of course with Frances and it has all been a privilege and pleasure.
The Treasurership of the Association involves a fair amount of work and in a nutshell we need someone with reasonable financial knowledge capable of writing up the books, dealing with the Accounts and our Auditors, looking after the investments of the Association, helping Frances with the Lunch and dealing with the Grants and donations the Association makes with the President, Frances and the Committee.
Some of the work is tied to a dateline which needs to be observed to avoid loss of income etc. The person we need therefore should have some financial knowledge and will be keen to work hard for the Association but it is not essential that he is a member.
There is no employment contract although a small Honorarium is usually paid which is entirely in the power of the AGM voted on each year.
Would anyone who is interested please talk to me about the post so that I can give greater detail on what is involved and I shall be quite happy to stay around and help for a reasonable period to ease the new Treasurer into the job!
COMMITTEE MEMBER
It is with great pleasure that we can announce that Malcolm Wheeler has been re-appointed to your Committee at the AGM 2009 after a short break due to other commitments. Also, we would like to compliment him on the revamped Classic Racer Sept/October 2009 issue 139; and a big thank you for continuing to support the TTRA with our Logo nicely placed on the front cover.
WIN AND ALLAN ROBINSON MEMORIAL TROPHY
There will be a surprise presentation to the recipient of the above Trophy for 2009-2010. This honour is recommended by the Committee to show appreciation for the considerable amount of voluntary work done for the association.
A BIG WELCOME TO ALL NEW TT RIDER MEMBERS .
Gary Watson - Essex. Lindsay Hurst - Lancs. Neil Larsen - Bristol.
Ian Newton - Lancs. John Saunders - Leeds. James Vanderhaar - USA.
Aidan Browne - Ireland. Bill Currie -Cheshire. Antonio Maeso - Spain.
Roy Richardson - Blackpool. James Ford - Cheshire. Simon Neary - Leeds
Nick Crowe - Isle of Man. Steve Heneghan - Harrow. Gary Partridge - N.Yorks.
George Spence - Scotland. Rodger Wibberley - Huddersfield. Steve Coombes - Worcs.
Stuart Bond – Lancs. Oliver Lindsell - Beds. Thomas Montano - California.
Paul Knapton - Yorks. John Kimberley - Portugal. Alun Thomas - Wales.
James Hillier - Hants. Howard Baker - W.Midlands. Paul Owen - N.Wales. Chris Petty -Yorks.
Guy Martin - Lincs. Ian Hackman - Cheshire. Mark Cox - Kent. Alan Phillips - Isle of Man
John Campbell -Kent. John Luebke - Worcs. Mick Fitzpatrick – Ireland
John Linskey - Isle of Man. Brian Ward - Isle of Man. Robert Barber - Bury
Phil Dongworth – Sidecar Rider tragically lost his life on the Billown circuit shortly after becoming a new member of the Association. Our sympathy was sent to Mrs Dongworth and family.
GET WELL WISHES AND THINKING OF YOU
Nick Crowe. Isle of Man and passenger
Mark Cox from Kent. Sidecar accident Isle of Man. Both members are making good progress.
Stuart Castles Isle of Man. Sidecar passenger to the late Phil Dongworth, is home from hospital and making good recovery.
Gary Carswell, Isle of Man. now home from hospital and making good progress.
John McBride, Isle of Man. Travelling Marshal. John suffered serious injuries when he was in an accident while carrying out his TM duties at TT09.
Rick Long sidecar is doing very well, he came to the TT and attended the AGM in June.
Hilary Musson also doing exceptionally well, she was around most of TT week and the MGP week. Hilary also attended the AGM in June.
John Hurlstone – Please will you give me a call.
Roy Hanks and Dave Wells involved in accident recently we wish them a speedy recovery.
Joe Wood Irish Representative and former Committee member, we wish both you and Marie well.
Frank Fox. Get well wishes. ;
Gerald (Gerry) Turner. Thinking of you.
Syd Barnett. Best wishes.
Bill Brock. Thinking of you.
Chas (Ian) Luck. Best wishes
To all the other members and friends not mentioned who may be unwell, we wish you all good luck and best wishes. I have been asked if members would give their racing friends a call to talk about the old times and racing days it would cheer them up.
A few Anniversarys this year and messages.
Mick Chatterton 50th year coming to the IOM
Vin Duckett 50 years coming to the IOM
Jimmy Linskey. a name from the past turned up at the 38th and he actually joined after all these years. He looked extremely well.
Alex George made a short visit to the Island and sends his best wishes to you all.
Joyce Shierson “The Woodbourne” Isle of Man some years ago is well and wishes to be remembered to you all who visited the Woodbourne.
This year’s Manx Grand Prix, a Newcomer rider came into the 38th and introduced himself as the Grandson of past rider Alistair King. Scotland. Mrs King is well and active.
WHERE ARE YOU NOW
Philip Gravel, South Humberside; B.Clark, Notts; Clifford Ellerby, South Humberside; Roy Smith, Cobham. Surrey
UNDER THE CHEQUERED FLAG
Henry Surtees, son of John Surtees Past President. It is with great sadness that he tragically lost his life in a freak accident at Brands Hatch. We all send our deepest sympathy to past President John and his family.
John Crellin. Tragically lost his life in the Senior Race on the last lap of the last race day. John had entered and finished in the morning on one of the Electric Bikes which was a great achievement. John was also well known for his mountaineering exploits and 3 weeks earlier had attempted to climb Everest but had to retire due to sickness.
Martin Orgee. Rode an RC30 in the 1998 Senior.
DIRECT DEBITS/STANDING ORDERS TO MAKE A REGULAR DONATION
If you are interested in this idea please contact the Treasurer John Kidson or myself Secretary Frances Thorp.
SPORT IN SCIENCE ENERGY DRINKS
The TTRA again supplied 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 pallets of sports drinks.
It is very much appreciated and we are very grateful to you all. We did have a small number in excess and it was agreed that we would sell them to any MGP rider at a greatly reduced cost. We sold every one. The takings were equally split between the Rob Vine Trust and TT Supporters Club in appreciation of their assistance and ourselves.
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.
LUNCHEON APPLICATION - PLEASE RETURN WITH PAYMENT MADE TO THE TTRA NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 31ST 2009
Many thanks. Frances
-Bulletin 63 ends-