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TTRA Bulletin: 65 | September 2010
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 |
PHILLIP McCALLEN 2009-2010 |
E.mail jmkidson@gmail.com |
E.mail francesthorp@manx.net |
| Committee Members. Andy Jessopp. John Hammond. Neil Tuxworth | ||
Hello Members and Friends
It is always nice for me to sit down and reflect about all that has happened since my last Newsletter in April. I cannot believe how soon this part of my job comes around and I could run out of space to tell you it all really. I am often asked where do I get my newsy bits from, well some members very kindly give me a call to tell me things I would not otherwise here about as Tom and I don’t go off the Island too much, who would want to living on this fabulous Island.
It is the best place in the world, and the Racing is the bonus. I keep my ear to the ground and read snippits. I do sometimes think about the under the chequered flag section, but I have so many members who want me to continue with it.
We able people must consider that there are a lot of members (all age groups) who cannot get around as they would like to and the Newsletter drops through their letterbox and they know they will have some reading to do, of course it could take a bit of time, but that suits them.
TTRA & FOTTRA HEADQUARTERS 38TH MILESTONE
The 38th milestone – your Headquarters behind the Grandstand has been extremely busy as usual in fact it seems to get going earlier every year, I open when it is signing on day which allows the Competitors to collect their Energy Drinks. More to come on that later.
TREASURER
As you are all aware that John Kidson our Treasurer and Committee Member of 30 years retired at the AGM in June 2010 and I am sure you will all like me to say a big thank you on behalf of all the members and Committee’s who have worked with John. He has been a tremendous Treasurer and spent the years dealing with all parts of the TTRA business, all the financial side, assisting injured riders who have needed legal advice for free and there have been many, many hours of his time spent chasing investments to ensure the TTRA was getting the best available at the time. He wrote up the constitution for the Friends of the TTRA which was indeed a battle. That is the sister charity that forms the Fundraising for the TTRA. We are very grateful to have had such invaluable advice available from John and also his time to share it.
I would like to inform you that the position as Treasurer has been taken by Mrs Judith Alcock and I welcome her and hope that she settles into the position. She came into office at the AGM. Judith has been a sidecar passenger in the past but in her words sadly not the TT. Some of you will know her husband Grahame who of course is a sidecar rider and they enjoy the Vintage Motorcycle meetings.ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2010
This year the AGM’s were held on the traditional Tuesday of Race week. Both the Friends of the TTRA (FOTTRA) and the TT Riders Association (TTRA) shared the same evening. Business was discussed. This is always a good idea because the members of Fottra are made aware of the exact purpose of the Friends and how much we value the input financially. They hear how much the grants to injured riders amount to in a year and all memberships and donations are so necessary to keep us in that position which is unique. Fottra is not just someone asking you to join and pay your money. It would be nice to see some of the regular non rider guests join, particularly those who have been privileged to attend the Annual Luncheon and Fundraising Day, it is up to us to explain what it is about, if you don’t feel you can do that I will be very happy to contact them if you let me have their address or telephone number.
The AGM meetings finished with an excellent Buffet and Wine, we did run late and I wish to thank all the members in attendance who helped to tidy up, you were marvellous and it was appreciated.FROM YOUR OUTGOING PRESIDENT PHILLIP McCALLEN
My term as President is nearly over and its time to welcome your President for 2010-2011, John Kidson who will take over at the Luncheon on November 24th 2010.
John spent 17 years riding in the TT and 5 years in the M.G.P so he comes well armed for the job with years of experience on the Mountain Circuit culminating in a win of the Formula 111 race in 1977 followed up with a couple of podium finishes in the M.G.P all as a private owner. As most of you will know he’s also spent 30 years working for our Association and retired from the Treasurership this June so he’s done his bit!
I’ve had a very good year in spite of being based in N.Ireland and have contributed where I could to all the various issues and grant making arrangements with which the Association is concerned. Frances and Tom continue to put in a huge effort with the 38th Milestone which is such a credit to them and of course now that John Kidson has retired Frances continues with the new Treasurer Judith Alcock to deal with the administration load with support as ever from your Committee.
Finally, it has been a tremendous honour to be your President and I look forward to seeing you all again at the Luncheon in November. Please support this great day out and come and meet up with your friends and competitors of old, once more.
Best wishes
FESTIVAL OF JURBY
This was the 2nd year for this event. Congratulations again to Tony & Pat East for the part played by the IOM Section of the VMCC with the help of Rupert Murden and family. This year was made into a Festival of Jurby supported by the Department of Tourism. Thankfully the weather was excellent, very windy but sunny. There were many of the ex riders invited to come and have a run around the track, Sammy Miller, Phil Read, John Kidson, Ivan Rhodes, Grahame Rhodes, Malcolm Wheeler,
Richard (Milky) Quayle, who incidentally fell off and injured his shoulder, Vin Duckett and many, many more; the place was heaving with bikes of all types and spectators enjoying the event. The VMCC riders, lots of familiar faces, had a great week and fantastic weather for the fortnight.REGALIA
Although it was super hot weather the Regalia sales were high as were the Christmas card sales. Don’t forget we do mail order which includes worldwide delivery. Remember members this gives a small income for the TTRA Benevolent Fund.
All items are available in Navy or Grey. All sizes catered for with the appropriate logo on.
FLEECES £25.00 POLOSHIRTS £15.00 CAPS £10.00 TIES £12 (Members Only)
ALL PLUS DELIVERY
CHRISTMAS CARDS 10 cards for £10 plus postage.
A WELCOME TO NEW TTRA MEMBERS
Keith Amor-Falkirk. Peter Alton-Newton-le-Willows.
Wilfred (Tom) Armstrong-Sunderland. John Black-Scotland. Dean Banks-Staffs.
Frank Biggelaar-Netherlands. Robert Biggs-Chester. Derek Brien-Co Meath.
John Burrows-Co Tyrone. Ronald Carrol-Ipswich. Daniel Cooper Gloucs.
Brandon Cretu-USA. Luis Carreira-Portugal. Michal Dokoupil -Czech.
Ken Edwards-Hants. C.R,Gittere-USA. Mark Herbetson-Northumberland.
Dan Kneen-Isle of Man. Dan Knight Jnr-Cheshire. Gary Knight Snr-Cheshire
David Kimberley-Warwicks. Roger Maher-Isle of Man. Mark Middleton-Scotland.
Jimmy Moore-USA. Steve Moynihan-Isle of Man. Stephen McIlvenna-N.Ireland.
Danny Morgan-Saintfield. Kevin Perry- Sutton Coldfield. Carl Rennie-Lancs.
Tim Reeves-Co Antrim. Robert (Bob) Miller-Simmons-Isle of Man.
Jenny Tinmouth-Cheshire (solo lady rider). Kerry Williams-Leics.
Ms Jo Williams-Northampton (s/c passenger). Matt Williams-Northampton.
Thomas (Kirk) Wright -Western Australia. Jamie Winn-Hants.
A WELCOME TO NEW FRIENDS OF THE TTRA. (FOTTRA)
Mr Brian Kermode-Isle of Man. Mr Martin Moore-Isle of Man. Mr Gilberto Plahuta-Italy.
Mr John Thornton-Isle of Man Mr Robert Taylor-Birmingham. Mr David Rogers-Bristol.
May we thank you so much for joining and supporting our continued purpose.
DONATIONS
On behalf of the Committee I would like to thank everyone concerned for their generous donations throughout the year however much we receive it is always very much appreciated. This enables us to make sure that injured riders and families
are taken care of when and where necessary, I have been sent one of the many letters of thanks and it was agreed with the member that I insert it in this Newsletter and it reads:
To all the fantastic TTRA. As an ex rider, ex is due to a horrific crash two years ago, please may I take an opportunity to express my most sincere thanks to you all for all the help and support I’ve had and still do get from such a brilliant Association. It’s not just been Physical Support, but also Financial, which believe me has been a massive help and relief in what has been an extremely difficult time for myself and family. I honestly would have been in deep trouble had it not been for your help and generosity. The support I’ve had just from phone calls has been and still is terrific. Once again, many thanks to you all.
Yours sincerely,
Rick Long.
WISHING THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS CONTINUED PROGRESS IN RECOVERING FROM THEIR INJURIES.
Robbie Silvester. Nick Crowe. Mark Cox. Peter Alton. Dean Banks. Ollie Lindsell.
Connor Cummings. Tim Venables. Hilary Musson. Nick Turner. John McBride and other members who had less serious injuries.
SPECIAL THANK YOU’s
For many, many years now we have been so grateful to Mr Michael Sutton Chairman of Suttons Distribution (St Helens) Ltd who have been consistent with their generosity towards the cost of the Newsletters postage.
Our Auditors Browne Craine & Co, Isle of Man we would like to say how much we appreciate the presentation of the Accounts and assistance they have given to the TTRA over the years and at the AGM we were happy to re-appoint them unanimously for the year 2010-2011.
GET WELL WISHES.
There are a number of members who unfortunately are not at all well and although I do not put names, you know who you are. All the best wishes are sent and you are always in our thoughts
THE TTRA MILESTONE 1951 - 2011
The Association will be celebrating the 60th Anniversary next year. Has anyone got any ideas or suggestions? Please let me know.
FOTTRA LUNCH IN THE ISLE OF MAN.
An inaugural lunch took place at the Mount Murray in Manx week, this was a fund-raising event for the TTRA it was very well supported, 68 members and guests enjoyed a nice lunch, Chairman David Mylchreest thanked everyone for their support and introduced the Guest Speaker our President Phillip McCallen adorned with his TTRA Chain of Office. Other members of the TTRA attended, Nick Jefferies and Dave Leach, said a few words, Dr David Stevens MBE a member of Fottra spoke regarding the Rob Vine Trust and what it does in respect of the Motorsports.
STOP PRESS. We have just heard from Tony and Pat East that they raised a tremendous sum of £1350 from their efforts for us at the MGP and follows on from £1260 raised at the TT. A magnificent effort once again, thank you both.
THE 2010 ANNUAL LUNCHEON AND AUCTION ITEMS
The event is getting near and we would like to remind you all if you would be good enough to 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 the interested bidders to think about before the Auction. We are very pleased to announce that Ben Walker from Bonhams has kindly agreed to conduct the Auction for us again.
Ideas or suggestions. If any members have holiday accommodation and may like to offer a weeks stay for 2/3 persons. Members with a motorcycle business who may have something interesting to offer from your stock. We are always very grateful for items not necessarily related to motorbikes. ALL items are very much appreciated and help to boost the funds for injured riders, remember this is what the TTRA is about, helping those members who are in need
Just to whet your appetite we have received the following items.
- Moto GP Tickets courtesy of Mike Trimby
- British Superbike Tickets courtesy of Neil Tuxworth
- Crystal replicas of the TT Trophy
- Goodwood Tickets. Revival Day
- Goodwood Tickets. Festival of Speed courtesy of our Patron Earl of March
- 1 Overnight stay Bed, Breakfast, Evening Dinner, Windmill Village Hotel, Golf & Leisure Club, Birmingham Rd (A45) Allesley, Coventry; courtesy
The National Motorcycle Museum, to whom we are very grateful. - 2 Suzuki special Ruck Sacks from TT 2010 Suzuki 50yrs celebrations courtesy of Stuart Graham.
- New Riders Jacket, courtesy of Ken Blacklock
- New Riders Gloves “
- New Helmet “ “
- One of only 2 TTRA Car Badges in existence.
- Set of Krackowizer prints.
Thank you so much to all who have contributed the above items.
SCIENCE IN SPORT ENERGY DRINKS
The SIS sports energy drinks were again supplied to all the competitors for the
TT races. These are very well received and in the main all riders do like them and definitely feel the benefit from taking them. We are very grateful for the support from Dr David Stevens MBE – Rob Vine Trust and also Roy Hanks – TT Supporters Club who are so very generous with their donation towards the cost of these drinks.
I would also like to thank Mr Stephen Kimber General Manager, FCX World Express, Ronaldsway, Isle of Man for their generosity with the collecting from the UK and shipping over and delivering to the 38th Milestone on pallets.
As most of you know I am also involved with the MGPRA, again The Rob Vine Trust donated and supplied each competitor in the Manx with the Science in Sports drinks.
And the MGP riders were delighted. These are given to each rider Free. Value £20+
I am very happy to assist the Rob Vine Trust with their generous support to competitors and would personally like to thank Dr David Stevens MBE.
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
Derek Whalley. Used to live in Ramsey.
L.A.Hutchings. Keep trying on this one.
Roy Smith. Cobham.
Peter Dawson. Alicante. Spain.
K.Heanes. Eversley. Hampshire.
Brent Curtis. New Zealand.
Colin Golesworthy. W Australia.
John Weedon. Leics.
UNDER THE CHEQUERED FLAG
Eddie Crooks 79 yrs, sadly passed away just before the MGP fortnight. He will be remembered not only for his success as a racer but for his successful business Crooks Suzuki, Barrow-in-Furness which is still being run by his son Martin.
Last year 2009 Eddie and his wife Margaret enjoyed being the Guest of Honour for the Manx Grand Prix celebrating being the winner 50 years ago.
Mrs Ella Harding . She was the widow of Ken Harding who worked very hard in the Isle of Man to help riders both in the TT and the MGP.
Peter Doncaster. Notice came in May that he had passed away 2009. Pete raced in the Clubmans early 50’s and later sponsored both Billy Nelson and John Newbould.
William Jeffery Williams passed away in May 2010. He was nicknamed Morgan the Mighty, as he was very small and passengered Colin Hornby, Derek Rumble and John Davies.
Charles A.W Durno 94 years passed away in April. Rode in 1936 & 37 on New Imperial and a Norton
Trevor Burgess passed away in 2006 – rode in 1965 on a 50cc.
Mrs Bryans dear wife of Ralph died suddenly this year.
Mr Chris Downes ex TT rider died tragically in a road accident in Oct/Nov 2009.
Mr Paul Dobbs, TT rider and member died tragically in a racing accident TT week.
Mr Martin Loicht, TT rider and member died tragically in a racing accident TT week.
Mr Victor Gilmore, TTRA member died tragically in a racing accident in Ireland.
Mr Chris Swallow, (son of Bill) died tragically in a freak accident.
Mr Jack McCredie Ex TT rider rode in 1939 and 1947-53 on Excelsiors passed away in June aged 102 yrs. He was our oldest member.
THE WIN AND ALLAN ROBINSON MEMORIALTROPHY.
Each year this particular Trophy in the shape of a Rose Bowl is a surprise presentation. The honour is recommended by the Committee to show appreciation for the considerable amount of voluntary work done for the association.MESSAGES FROM MEMBERS FAR AND WIDE – WISH TO BE REMEMBERED TO US.
Ronnie Hazelhurst – Seal Beach, USA
Gary McCaw he is living in Ontario.
Dick Gore in Australia. Ex MGP Rider regularly rings to send best wishes to everyone.
Alan Holmes living in Spain
Ernie Lyons, Ireland.
George Barnacle, Rugby.
Joe & Marie Wood, Dublin
Nigel McClatchery, N.Ireland
Geoff & Daisy Duke send their best wishes to everyone and Geoff is doing well. Thank you to you all.
A BELATED HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND CONGRATULATIONS TO DON AND EVE TICKLE IN CANADA WHO HAVE JUST CELEBRATED THEIR DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 60yrs.
I hope you have enjoyed the Newsletter and for those of you planning to come to the Annual Luncheon, Loose application form enclosed and also on the TTRA website, please get them in early and look forward to meeting up with you again.
TOM & I WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY 2011.
Best wishes
Frances
-Bulletin 65 ends-

