James McBride took an unscheduled break from practice with us last Monday evening. We wish him a full and speedy recovery from his high-speed crash. RR Berrie DSM has visited James in hospital and relayed our good wishes to him.

In keeping with tradition, at all the practices so far this year, we have secured the Gorse Lea position by the time roads have closed and have been rewarded with coffee and delicious home-made cakes from Mrs Berrie’s excellent Aaron House, The Promenade, Port St Mary, establishment (appointed supplier of high-class gateaux and beverages to the Gorse Lea Marshals).

I have had numerous inquiries about the welfare of the Gorse Lea Pheasant. He has, you may remember, a dangerous hobby of flying across the course from a concealed position in the impenetrable undergrowth bordering the stunning gardens of Gorse Lea House, at a height obviously calculated to generate maximum, in-your-face fear for any approaching racer. The GLP has been conspicuously absent from his usual 7.22pm flight slot this year, and speculation was rife at the Gorse Lea Shelter that he might have gone down with Euromanx. However, I am delighted to report that he is down with Tom at Ballagarraghyn and has been seen several times, strutting around on the road, tail raised in the arrogant position, just ahead of approaching bikes (the pheasant that is – not Tom).

We also had to watch helplessly on Tuesday evening as a duck and seven tiny ducklings jumped down from the Pheasant’s previous point of take off to play chicken (or should it be duckling?) with approaching bikes, before sauntering diagonally across the Course to the safety of Harold’s field. At the debriefing following this incident it was considered that a line of strategically placed oranges might prove to be an effective duck deterrent (although nobody was prepared to foot the bill - all claiming to be skint, and one suggesting that it was a problem for the Peelers).

On Wednesday evening there were fresh anxieties for the team as a large bull became amorous with a cow or heifer (renamed “one of the udders” as we did not have a livestock specialist present) by the fence opposite the post. It was agreed that it might not be appropriate, or wise, to red flag him.

Our numbers at the frontier outpost and gateway to the original Wild West (Peel) were increased on Friday by Cargo. He’d walked out from Douglas along the route of the old railway line, investigating the idea of improving his MGP lap times by taking the odd short-cut. We also enjoyed the company of Sector Marshal Fitzgerald, appropriately dressed in a Stetson (and some other stuff). Concealed about his person he had an alarming array of mobile phones and radios, leading to conjecture that it was he who caused the partial collapse of the Manx cellphone system. SM Fitzgerald brought with him Belgian Frank, who became a fully fledged member of the team following his unprecedented success in the “Find the Photographer” initiation challenge set during Saturday’s racing.

We were all bitterly disappointed for the many who gave so much in Saturday’s racing, only to be let down by technology. There were appreciative gasps of amazement when young-gun Gary Johnson was heard to be mixing it with the leaders on a Concrete Honda. He reinforced his challenge by achieving an astonishing 4th place. We speculated on what he might have achieved on a proper Honda.

Inexplicably, Saturday ended in a total breakdown of team self-control when RR Berrie DSM asked, “Who is number 3 in the sidecars?” and someone replied, “The driver’s Holden, the passenger’s Winkle.”


Gorse Lea Marshals – Always Up To Scratch.

I'm sure I need to edit that last bit but I can neither see or type for laughing.....................I'm just so sorry I wasn't there on Saturday

It was Chairman Cargo trying to improve his bodylines for the MGP that forced him on the Long March.
Following the route of the old railway may go to prove something Sandy once said about him having a one tracked mind.
I believe is was narrow gauge as well.

Hi Guys
Thanks for the mention,I might try a change of hat for the Monday race if thats ok with you. I would like to know what you did to Frank that he had to spend a night in the cells on Saturday he only just made the marhalls super last night lol. I might add he was inocent of any wrong doing but it was very funny. He managed to have his meal at the supper with the cheif constable so 2 nights in the company of the police.
Have a safe day all Regards Sicky

John Foster Wrote:James McBride took an unscheduled break from practice with us last Monday evening. We wish him a full and speedy recovery from his high-speed crash. RR Berrie DSM has visited James in hospital and relayed our good wishes to him.

In keeping with tradition, at all the practices so far this year, we have secured the Gorse Lea position by the time roads have closed and have been rewarded with coffee and delicious home-made cakes from Mrs Berrie’s excellent Aaron House, The Promenade, Port St Mary, establishment (appointed supplier of high-class gateaux and beverages to the Gorse Lea Marshals).

I have had numerous inquiries about the welfare of the Gorse Lea Pheasant. He has, you may remember, a dangerous hobby of flying across the course from a concealed position in the impenetrable undergrowth bordering the stunning gardens of Gorse Lea House, at a height obviously calculated to generate maximum, in-your-face fear for any approaching racer. The GLP has been conspicuously absent from his usual 7.22pm flight slot this year, and speculation was rife at the Gorse Lea Shelter that he might have gone down with Euromanx. However, I am delighted to report that he is down with Tom at Ballagarraghyn and has been seen several times, strutting around on the road, tail raised in the arrogant position, just ahead of approaching bikes (the pheasant that is – not Tom).

We also had to watch helplessly on Tuesday evening as a duck and seven tiny ducklings jumped down from the Pheasant’s previous point of take off to play chicken (or should it be duckling?) with approaching bikes, before sauntering diagonally across the Course to the safety of Harold’s field. At the debriefing following this incident it was considered that a line of strategically placed oranges might prove to be an effective duck deterrent (although nobody was prepared to foot the bill - all claiming to be skint, and one suggesting that it was a problem for the Peelers).

On Wednesday evening there were fresh anxieties for the team as a large bull became amorous with a cow or heifer (renamed “one of the udders” as we did not have a livestock specialist present) by the fence opposite the post. It was agreed that it might not be appropriate, or wise, to red flag him.

Our numbers at the frontier outpost and gateway to the original Wild West (Peel) were increased on Friday by Cargo. He’d walked out from Douglas along the route of the old railway line, investigating the idea of improving his MGP lap times by taking the odd short-cut. We also enjoyed the company of Sector Marshal Fitzgerald, appropriately dressed in a Stetson (and some other stuff). Concealed about his person he had an alarming array of mobile phones and radios, leading to conjecture that it was he who caused the partial collapse of the Manx cellphone system. SM Fitzgerald brought with him Belgian Frank, who became a fully fledged member of the team following his unprecedented success in the “Find the Photographer” initiation challenge set during Saturday’s racing.

We were all bitterly disappointed for the many who gave so much in Saturday’s racing, only to be let down by technology. There were appreciative gasps of amazement when young-gun Gary Johnson was heard to be mixing it with the leaders on a Concrete Honda. He reinforced his challenge by achieving an astonishing 4th place. We speculated on what he might have achieved on a proper Honda.

Inexplicably, Saturday ended in a total breakdown of team self-control when RR Berrie DSM asked, “Who is number 3 in the sidecars?” and someone replied, “The driver’s Holden, the passenger’s Winkle.”


Gorse Lea Marshals – Always Up To Scratch.

While I can't confirm it from personal experience I have it on good aurthority that there is an excellent breakfast served in the police HQ for those who have spent the night.

Would that be an actual change of hat or are you planning to take on a new job ?

Good luck to all marshals today but especially those at Gorselea.

And keep watching the incident thread where a certain Gorselea marshal is about to make an appearance

Its taken me ages to stop laughing to be able to type this reply. Keep the reports coming they are truly inspiring.

Are we to be treated to a Gorse Lea Marshals' Report No 3 to end the TT festival? Oh go on! Pleassssssssssssssssssse

Don Simons Wrote:Following the route of the old railway may go to prove something Sandy once said about him having a one tracked mind.
I believe is was narrow gauge as well.

Was he chuffed?

Old Woman Wrote:Are we to be treated to a Gorse Lea Marshals' Report No 3 to end the TT festival? Oh go on! Pleassssssssssssssssssse

Seconded!!!!

Keep 'em coming, fellas....

In the absence of something genuine:

Pseudo Gorse Lea marshal’s report number 3.

"Following the last riders’ passage past the portly pack congratulatory expressions were shared in the spirit of Manx mateship. The remains of lunch boxes were pooled on the bus stop bench and a communal repast ensued.
Tales of past TTs and gastronomic highlights were enlarged upon from the years gone by. Thermos tea and dandelion wine fueled the atmosphere of bonhomie till late into the twilight.
Only when Foster produced a cassette of Irish dance music did the party begin to break up.
The midges were not a concern due to RR Berrie DSM adding cow dung to the communal camp fire. All agreed that it was an effective deterrent to man and insect.
2008 proved to be another monument to male bonding in the shadow of the Beary Mountain and all swore to gather again in the late spring or 2009."

GLea Marshals Report No 3 has been delayed, as I am currently investigating copyright infringements by a small-time Ozzie crook who is having cheap imitations produced in Japan.

I suggest you drop the proceedings immediately
or I will release more incriminating photos explaining
the sharp drop in pheasant sightings this year; and
the dark glasses won't help you.