4 replies to this topic

[joeninety]

I'll start the ball rolling with my experience dating back to 1966 I think, Dad, my brother and I were rather wearily traipsing up Bray Hill after a long journey on the IOM cost a packet steam co. Anyway halfway up climbing Bray on our right this fella took us under his wing. Mr Banham I seem to recall, after refreshments he took us round the course in his big car can't remember what it was but one of those that could accomate three in the front seat , still very early morning of course. He knew the roads alright the bikes were getting under his feet ! Anyway the day was brilliant lots of ice cream and sitting in his front garden watching Hailwood on the Honda Six. Incidentally he had what seemed to be be every back issue if MCN. Just to add to the fairytale Mr Banham had a warehouse in Douglas and sent us home with loads of goodies. One of my many fond memories of the Manx people. Must mention the hospitality from Colin and Norma Halsall for providing me with friendship and the use of their garage in later years

Edited by joeninety, 23 June 2011 - 20:06.

[Paul Collins]

I couldnt even begin to list the kind people here who I met from first setting foot on the island in 1985 and through all the subsequent years of visiting.

From the loan of garages and vehicles by relative strangers, the endless cups of tea, a tube of glue to welding gear or getting a turning job done on a complete strangers lathe at 11pm at night, nothing was too much trouble for them, whatever we needed if they didnt have it they knew someone who did.

Many of these people became true friends and my decision to move here was influenced in no small way by the fact that I always felt so at home here.

I've been living here for nearly a year now, people still ask if i'm settling in ok, to which I tell them 'I settled in about 2 hours after getting off the boat 26 years ago'

[Arthur]

I'll start the ball rolling with my experience dating back to 1966 I think, Dad, my brother and I were rather wearily traipsing up Bray Hill after a long journey on the IOM cost a packet steam co. Anyway halfway up climbing Bray on our right this fella took us under his wing. Mr Banham I seem to recall, after refreshments he took us round the course in his big car can't remember what it was but one of those that could accomate three in the front seat , still very early morning of course. He knew the roads alright the bikes were getting under his feet ! Anyway the day was brilliant lots of ice cream and sitting in his front garden watching Hailwood on the Honda Six. Incidentally he had what seemed to be be every back issue if MCN. Just to add to the fairytale Mr Banham had a warehouse in Douglas and sent us home with loads of goodies. One of my many fond memories of the Manx people. Must mention the hospitality from Colin and Norma Halsall for providing me with friendship and the use of their garage in later years

Joe
1966 that would have been in August that year as the seamans strike postponed the June date. How we all fitted in that year as the Isle of Man was a popular holiday destination in those days and we had to share with families who had not come for the bike racing However as one family said to me quote Wow never seen a motorbike race in me life but what a bonus to our holiday we will bring the family in June next year
Yes allways looked after well by Mrs jackson & family @ Hilary Park even to the point of making sure we were up for early morning practise at 5am with a bite to eat and a cuppa before we set off riding our machines up to the start on open mega.

[Rennmax]

My first trip to the Isle was in '74. After a ride from Harwich to Liverpool, waiting there in the comfort of the docks for nearly 8 hours before getting on the boat and being petrified by the 'pump out' procedure (well, it was a full 24 liter tank) I arrived at my boarding house in Christian Road at 3 o' clock in the morning. After a warm welcome, a piece of fruit cake and a cuppa the world looked bright again. When I fell asleep, I heard race engines splitting the pieceful silence, morning practice had begun. Happy days

Edited by Rennmax, 24 June 2011 - 07:48.

[billbomann]

First came to the Island in 1960 as a 13-year old with Mum and Dad, Vincent Rapide / Avon sidecar. We were pumped nearly dry at Liverpool, so was directed to a little garage on the North Quay. You went in, filled up and were then turned on a turntable to leave. This was E B Christian's Lucas depot (where I subsequently worked). We found our way down to Santon to a chalet we had rented, from Charlie Murray, who founded the motorcycle museum that was latterly at the Bungalow before his son sold everything off.
We watched every race from Glen Helen that year. The first race started, the Ultra Lightweight, and the third rider into view slid to earth at our feet; Mike Hailwood (Ducati)! I used to cycle from Mitcham to Brands to watch Mike win everything in those days - heroes weren't supposed to fall off!
The seed was sown, as soon as I was 16 it was off to the Island for the TT. Then I found the Manx Grand Prix, then the Southern 100, mixed in with the occasional International Six Days Trial. The constant travel was putting a strain on the wallet which I solved in 1975, by not going home!
I have spent a major part of my life here, it's a lovely place and we love having you lot here, but after two weeks of TT madness it is nice to have our pubs, restaurants and girlfriends back to ourselves again - only joking!
Could I give a plug for our MGP photo exhibition at the Laxey Woollen Mills during the MGP fortnight. We had a very successful TT time, met lots of people and put a healthy chunk into the MGP Supporters Club Helicopter Fund.
See you all TT2012?