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I seem to remember, what
seems only a short while ago, saying we were galloping
toward the Centenary TT. However here we are at the later end of the year with
the MGP
over and the last traces of the aroma of Castrol R fading fast.
I also remember saying I hoped the weather for TT would oblige and it certainly
did
just that; it was a truly brilliant TT. The Island absorbed all the extra
visitors and there
were a considerable number of them. The Island’s controversial ‘one way system’
over
the mountain for the fortnight was overall a success; there were a few spills,
but at least
everything was moving in the same direction.
As we thought marshalling the TT would be popular during the Centenary and at
the Marshals’ Office we had many sign on; some were disappointed when informed
of
the novice rule and the restriction in numbers. For those who are unaware of
the situation
regarding novices and how they fit into the scheme of things, a novice marshal
is
one who has not marshalled the TT or MGP before or for a number of years.
Novices
need to be placed with experienced marshals and are not left on their own; they
are
also not counted in manning levels. So if you did apply and were unsuccessful
please
don’t desert the cause, come back for the next TT or later in the year for the
MGP; better
still contact, the Marshals’ Office and get your details down now.
I am sure many would agree it has been a privilege to have been part of the
Centenary
TT and to have been part of the extraordinary team that is the TT Marshals. The
tough part is yet to come though – the next hundred years. Every year we need
more
and more marshals to cover the ever changing safety measures put in place. The
minimum
manning levels, at every marshalling location, can change annually according to
risk assessment and H & S and ACU directives. We now have a massive increase in
the
number of marshals using flags and the several response cars that carry a
‘flying squad’
of marshals around the course to top up any undermanned location. We also need
to
replace the retiring marshal, ideally with members of the younger generation;
the minimum age is 16 years and the maximum is 70 years
(between 16 & 18 parental or guardian approval is needed).
As
usual our training programme is ongoing and we have many Incident Management
Courses taking place on the Island and in the UK in the coming months. Should
you wish to
discover more about Incident Management Training or indeed take part in a one
day course please contact the Secretary at the Marshals’ Office. The IMC
carries no charge to all registered marshals and refreshment throughout the
day, including lunch, is also free.
The
greatest part of the work of the IOMTTMA Ltd is the continual recruitment of
marshals and the arrangement of training; we must all bear in mind ‘without
enough marshals, there can be no racing’. With that thought in mind maybe you
can help. Our recruitment posters are still available and we need to get them
put on view in all the right places. If you are part of a bike club or attend a
bike friendly café or pub where a poster could be displayed, please get in
touch and we will be pleased to send you some.
On
behalf of the committee of the IOMTTMA Ltd thanks to all those who came to
marshal this year; we hope to see you back again.
Regards,
Bill Carden
IOMTTMA Ltd Deputy Chairman/Press Officer
Please
contact us at:
Tel: 01624 618191 (answer/fax)
Email: info@iomttma.com
Website: www.iomttma.com
Isle of Man TT Marshals Association Ltd
P/O Box 149, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 3JA
Also check out www.ttmaforum.co.uk |
