Good day all,

I'm a relative newcomer to this Marshalling stuff.
I've been a spectator on and off for 15 - 20 years (Not as long as Ian Huntly !)

Here's the reason I signed up ...., I really like the MGP and if that goes then the TT will surely follow..

A few years ago a similar situation occurred ... I woke up and Manx Radio said the races would probably not run today ...
The weather look OK to me ... so why .. lack of marshals.

I have to come from 'across' and in my naivety thought that all marshals came form the island.
Well luckily that day enough people were press gang'd into making the numbers up.
After that MGP I thought I'd look in to this marshaling stuff.
During that autumn, I was watching a Duke video of the years events, at the end was a 'taster' of what marshalling was all about. Did'nt look too onerous.
I went on line and signed up.
Then I noticed that there was a training session in Bedford that would prepare me, even better.

My 1st introduction was TT practice week - I was asked to attend Gorse Lea.
With rucksack, flask, sandwiches, and all other bits I parked up and found my DSM.

As a newcomer I was assigned to some poor soul to look after me.
Your never going to learn it all in one go - nor are you expected to.
Your experience and capability will find its own level in your team.

Ahh the team.... I can only speak for Gorse Lea, but I'm sure all groups around the course are similar.
Its a good mix of fun and seriousness - there's plenty of banter - but don't forget there a job to do to ensure safety of everyone who attends this fantastic event.

Like most who marshal - I wish I'd started doing it a lot earlier - but I'm here now.

So too all those of you who love these events, you don't want them to stop, I don't
- PLEASE SIGN UP.
There are plenty of little perks of the job.
BUT , the main one is that YOU are ensuring the continuation of these unique events.

So where ever you help out this year, you'll have a fantastic time with great mates.

See you in Orange , Jon