I have recently joined this most excellent site and my thanks go to Malcolm for his hard work in administering it. It is a pleasure to read posts from like-minded people and genuine lovers of the racing on God’s Tarmac. However, being a chap who has attended the TT for 4 decades without missing one, I thought I knew the course very well and then I read posts from members who refer to watching the races from “Strawberry Garden”. I do not know where this is. Can anyone enlighten me?

I have never heard about that. (So far).

There's Strawberry Gardens in Heysham but you'd need bl**dy good eyesight to see the racing from there.

I was eagerly waiting a response to this thread, because I'd never heard of it either!

Further to the question of the location of Strawberry Garden on the TT Course I have read references to it in posts from members and on the 24/02/2008 Pitlane posted a quiz question “Where is/was Strawberry Garden on TT course. No one replied with an answer and he certainly hasn’t told us since

Best guess would be opposite the Grandstand/Nobles Park, where Mountain View is now built. Back in the 50's/60's this area was a nursery full of greenhouses etc. So dare say plenty of Strawberries would have been grown there around June each year.

I thought along these lines myself and remembered that land at Gorse Lea used to be a market garden too. Many thanks for your input

If you search for Dickie Dale 1957 Senior TT there is a famous picture of him sat right opposite the greenhouses having just retired from the race, he is on the gorgeous V8 Moto Guzzi.

Slightly off topic, I know, but, the photo of Dickie Dale that you are referring to, is taken after he FINISHED the 1957 Senior, in fourth place.
What was remarkable about that feat was that he completed the entire race (eight laps!)on seven cylinders.

Top six.
Bob McIntyre (Gilera)
John Surtees  (MV)
Bob Brown  (Gilera)
Dickie Dale  (Guzzi)
Keith Campbell (Guzzi)
Alan Trow (Norton)

Hi Splashdown, hope you are well.
I always had it in my head that he finished, but prior to me posting yesterday I thought I would double check, and the result was that they have him down as a DNF, I agree with you and will double check the results online and report it if incorrect.

The database at iomtt.com say that Dickie Dale finished fourth in the Senior 1957 on a Moto Guzzi. Time 3.10.52.4, speed 94.89 m.p.h. I hope that you're fine Splashdown! I had the same 2007 and I'm still kickin'!

You are right, however when I searched for 1957 Senior it loaded the results for the Junior first (also won by Bob McIntyre)

Just to add whilst we are discussing the 1957 TT. I have the bound volumes of "The Motor Cycle" for 1957. They make fascinating reading. The coverage of the Golden Jubilee races is.....to say the least.....in depth.
So, as this was such a milestone in TT history, if anyone wants to know anything about the event, just ask.
I am currently laid up, recovering from a heart attack, so I would probably enjoy a little research....stop me getting bored.

Sorry to hear about you being laid up Nick.

Wishing you a speedy recovery & return to two wheels

Sorry to hear about your heart attack nick take it easy mate