The Friends of the TT Riders Association (IOM Charity 856) July 2024 Newsletter

TT and Southern100 have flown past. Both were good meetings with thrilling races and fewer and less serious incidents than many years. It is very satisfying to know that, if any of those who did have incidents need support, the resources are there to do it, thanks to the TTRA and FoTTRA.  We wish them all well.

Remember it is not only current riders recovering from injury who are eligible for TTRA help. If you know of someone who has raced in the TT, no matter how long ago, and they seem to need help, whether practical, medical or even financial, please let us know and we will pass on the completely confidential information to the TT Riders Association.

The new trustees and committee of the Friends have been hard at work, although much of the effort has been on “behind the scenes “ tasks. The changes made in 2023 have needed a lot of paperwork and admin, and there will be another round of this soon, as all existing trustees , and any new suggestions for the roles, will have to be nominated very soon, to be eligible for the next year. I am happy to report that all the current trustees are willing to stand again, and to remind you who they are, look at the top of the page.

During TT fortnight, Janet and myself delivered a TTRA collection tin to the stalls in the Grandstand / Nobles Park area. We collected them at the end of the two weeks, and nearly £1000 was collected. We have also been picking up, counting and banking some of the long term tins around the island, helping the TTRA team.

Two longstanding members, John and Joan Thornton have been bringing biscuits to the hut and helping with the daily chores over TT. It has been much appreciated, and we have asked John to be a co-opted committee member, including looking at the logistics of the proposed 100 Club. John is not a trustee, and is the first person we have asked in this way, but if you feel you can help us, and want to take part in planning meetings etc, this is a way of doing it without the onerous responsibility of trusteeship.

We would also love to have offers to hold events to raise money either here or in the UK, or even further afield, if you are having a reunion, or memorial event, or if you fancy doing a Quiz, TT-related or otherwise, by making The Friends of the TT Riders Association your beneficiary, you will be helping your heroes. How about a collection at your birthday or other party?

If you would like to hold a fundraiser in your area, or if you have an idea you think we can carry out, contact hellofottra@gmail.com, and I will put you in touch with one of our team. We can often suggest local TT riders , past and present, who might attend, giving your event a bit of stardust! Collection buckets and even a dedicated Sumup machine can usually be provided too.

We can give you Paypal or bank details, and, in some cases can lend you a Sumup machine so people can pay by card. Recently, a member raised over £1000 with an event in memory of his TT loving brother. In some circumstances, the TTRA may be able to find a willing TT star for your event.

As we are a Manx charity, with members all over the world, we will be holding our Annual General Meeting in Douglas. Formerly the AGM was held, in conjunction with the TTRA one in Birmingham , but this is a very costly option for committee members and the charity.

 We had intended to hold it during the Manx Grand Prix period, so members who are here for the races could attend. However, due to administrative hurdles, this is not possible this year, and we will instead hold the AGM on Wednesday 9^th October. It will be held in the Hailwood Centre, as they have internet access, and we will therefore be able to offer it on Zoom. The meeting will start at 7pm, so you can join us if you have access to a smartphone or a computer. If you wish to join the meeting, please email me, and I will send you instructions how to do this.

Our Annual Lunch will be at the Talk of the Town, after the successful event there last year. It will be on Wednesday 22^nd August at 12.30 for 1.00. Tickets will be £30, including a welcome drink. Dress informal and there will be a raffle. Email me on hellofottra@gmail.com to order yours, (with any dietary requirements)

Although the FoTTRA AGM and Lunch will be held in the Isle of Man, the TTRA will continue to hold their Annual Lunch in Birmingham, timed to coincide with the Motorcycle Show, and their event is on Friday 22^nd November. Enquiries about tickets to Dave Moffitt  (ttrasec24@gmail.com). It is always a lively event with many TT riders, past and present attending and happy to chat.

We held a general meeting for members at the TT , and among the main outcomes  of that meeting was the decision to approach 3 distinguished gentlemen, to ask them to become patrons. I am delighted to report they all accepted.

Sir Robin Miller, formerly owner of Motorcycle News and all the other EMAP titles, founder of BikeSport News, and still a very active businessman.

Paul Butler, who was the Dunlop head, then worked for Yamaha Racing, and supported Kenny Roberts, before running MotoGP till his retirement here.

Neil Hanson, retired Manx Advocate, and former Clerk of the Course for TT and MGP.

These three gentlemen have so much wisdom and knowledge, and are enthusiastic about our work. They have already proved invaluable in coming up with ideas and advice.

Another important outcome of the meeting was the decision to go ahead and have a brand new website of our own. Linking to the TTRA one and to both Facebook pages, this will also have a shop, where you can order our new merchandise. Sales were steady at the TT, and we expect to do well at the Manx too, but an online shop is so much more accessible for members who cannot get to the “hut” in those few weeks. www.fottra.co.uk will launch in the next couple of weeks.

We have hoodies, sweatshirts, poloshirts, caps, hats, ties and mugs and will be getting pens and other small items. If you have an idea for something we should be selling, let me know. We can have merchandise produced very quickly by our local TTRA member supplier. Contact for details : hellofottra@gmail.com. +44 7624 243276.

In the last few weeks we have also been honoured to have the 38^th Milestone painted by renowned painter, David Daisy. He has presented us with the painting, and it will also feature as the last  picture in the 4^th, and final, book of his “Painted lap of the TT”.

If you are approached to be nominated to become a trustee, or if you think someone might be suitable, but you need to know more about the responsibilities involved, please email me on hellofottra@gmail.com or ring me on +44 7624 243276.