1989 - I took my friend Ben over because he was trying to decide whether to race in the Manx in 1990. I showed him round and I introduced him to a number of riders. They were very good, giving Ben masses of advice. We met Steve Hislop who subsequntly became a close friend.
However the rider who imparted a lot of knowledge was Phil Mellor who we met at the Suzuki HQ. After that Phil really took an interest and Ben made notes. As a result of Phils involvement Ben decided to enter the 1990 Manx as a newcomer under my banner. Ben and I returned home on the ferry,arrived home and then, horrified, we saw on TV that Phil had died in the race. Ben still rode in the Manx to commemorate Phil and the help he had given....
There are so many, many more which include the stories I relate elsewhere, plus being a TT Supporters Club rep for the Home Counties for a number of years. I was pleased to be MC at the annual dinners in the Villiers and the Palace.
I was also designer of the BACK UP club badge, a body which set themselves up to help injured riders. This badge can still be seen on a number of seafront hotels.
I have made many close friends at the TT and we keep in touch by e-mail and latterly Facebook.