Every voluntary organisation has many people who are involved ensuring that all the necessary planning and preparation is in place to ensure that the event the organisation is running will be in place at the appropriate time.
One of the most important all-year-round tasks as far as Southern100 Racing is concerned are the numerous ‘Work Parties’ which take place year round, including setting up, maintaining and removing all the course furniture that is required to ensure safe racing around the 4.25-mile Colas Billown Course in May, June and July each year.
As well as all the ‘regular’ volunteers that turn up at weekends and in the evenings and even during daytime hours, one person has been in attendance whenever a work party is in action.
Ailsa Kelly lives in one of the bungalows opposite the Race Control on Castletown Bypass and for many years has kindly provided much needed sustenance to the boys by way of mugs of tea, homemade cakes, and sandwiches.
Not only that, but once the action is underway, Ailsa has made her home-made specialities available to the staff situated in Race Control also helping the other Hospitality Ladies, looking after various guests. A special presentation was recently made to Ailsa in recognition of her kindness in looking after the people involved in the numerous work parties over 20 Years.
Previous and present Clerk of Course’s, Phil Taubman MBE and Peter Oates along with Club Chairman George Peach and Incident Officer Dave Ali presented Ailsa with an engraved crystal vase and a bouquet of flowers, all agreeing that Ailsa’s contribution to the races was immeasurable and very much appreciated by all involved with the ‘work parties’ and looking after them so well for many years.