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INFLUENCES Mum and Dad on beach in front of the Castle Mona in 1939 Mum is six months pregnant with TTFAN-to-be.. It is 65 years since my first visit in 1947. Since then I have done every thing in my power to get to the Isle of Man each year to see the TT Races. My father and mother took me over then, partly to see if if helped my asthma but I think mainly because Dad had an avid interest which rubbed off onto me and has made the TT an important part of my life. There have been occasions when I nearly didn't make it due to school, college, job etc, but one way or another, I made it by boat or by air, by train or car and either by bus trip or private aeroplane. Just before Dad died in 1995 I made a quick trip over to that years Friday races on his insistance and with his blessing, for I realised he would not last much longer. He said "Well Ian, I was an avid TT fan but the way you are involved with it is far and away ahead of the interest I ever had ! ", and he was an avid fan !!! For the last forty years I have tried to simulate his total involvement and I have only recently really understood how he passed on the "bug".. He spent time showing me the background to the TT, got me into places so I could meet the riders and officials. So in the 60's, when I began to bring friends and colleagues or met first-time visitors I spent similar time with them doing what my Dad did and some of these people are still coming over with their families and friends. My wife came over with me from 1966 to 1974 but she saw how much I was involved and gave me permission to come over on my own as long as we had a holiday together in September. We still do this and everything stays peaceful. Her only complaint is that as a hoarder, every space is full of TT memorabilia and souvenirs, even one of the kitchen cupboards.... 1948 - I am now a real TTFan already - up near Brandish Corner with Mum and Dad, Margaret Campbell, Mrs., and Bessie Brett NEXT