In the early 1980s I spent a lot of time in the Press Office after being asked a series of questions by Norrie Whyte about earlier TTs. I was able to answer the questions accurately and I feel that my knowledge qualified me a source of info for the TT journalists of the day. By 1986 I was given an official Press Pass in exchange for periods of heavy questioning by the press.

I helped to write the TT Programme for a few years, assisting Brian Crichton who was one of the editors. The programme was published in my home town so I could pop in regularly with ideas for articles and I wrote items such as "Who will win this year" and I did interviews over the phone with riders including Brian Morrison. I also gave a spectators interpretation of the TT course, where to watch from etc. It was sad that in the year the 125s returned I mis-read some information and ended up placing Steve Patrickson as a possible winner when he wasn't a TT Rider ! I was forgiven but the programe subsequently went to another group who wrote it all themselves.

NICK HARRIS

It was Nick Harris who launched his extra-special book about the TT in the press office. The event was attended by riders, officials and others. I was pleased to be presented with a copy of the book and I had it signed by all who attended the launch. There are some great names in the front cover including Norrie, John Brown, George Turnbull, Leslie Nichols, and Annie Briggs all for whom I had assisted in proofing article past information accuracy. The big central autograph was by Nick Harris himself who signed it to "Mr TT the super TTFan" and from that day I have been called TTFan (I still feel that Mr TT was Peter Kneale so I did not adopt that name) When I write articles now I sign them Ian TTFan Huntly and am very proud of the title.

PRESS OFFICE IN 2016