MARSHAL LORE
2010 Gorse Lea Marshals’ Report No 2

Oh, the charm of idle dreaming
Where the dappled shadows dance
All the leafy aisles are teeming
And the midgee hordes advance.
(With not even an apology to Lucy Maud Montgomery)

Camouflaged Kerbs
There was increased concern for rider safety during evening practices as the dappled shadows on the road tended to camouflage the kerb edges. The kerbs, once beautifully picked out in black and white and still bearing the green signature marks of the late Richard Britton’s fairing as he raced to a TT podium place in 2003, have washed out to tones ranging from light grey to slightly lighter grey. However, despite our most vigorous efforts to have this addressed, supported by complaints from several racers, the D.O.Whatever-it-says-on-their-trucks-this-time insists that the kerbs have been repainted within the last few weeks. Could it be that they are unable to locate Gorse Lea, despite the presence of the new “Welcome to Greeba” sign? Or should someone have gone to Specsavers?

University of Gorse Lea
Since my last report we have welcomed numerous guest speakers to the Ivy League University of Gorse Lea, including Alastair Seeley and John Kennaugh. The wee man from Dromara, whose stunning photographs are a big feature in Road Racing Ireland magazine, has been crawling around in the adjacent undergrowth for days. We’ve also had visits from John from Antrim and Mick from Spennithorne, both seasoned veterans with countless years of service on the Gorse Lea Front. Eric, ex-Chief Sector Marshal (retired) and ex- Chairman of Manchester City Football Club, dusted down his tabard and yellow flag to join us for a nostalgic lunch at the round bale. Gail Griffiths (nee Musson) and Stephen Cargo Carr took time off from their intense athletic training to do several tours of duty at the frontier post. Justine Grainger flew in from Australia on a mission (mentioned below) before signing on to join the Orange Army. James MacBride, another veteran of earlier campaigns, momentarily released his grip on his powerfully-bucking electric bike to give us what we think was a victory sign as he flashed past at lightning speed. Watt was he thinking of?

Opening of the JDF House
Three of the team were present at the Opening of the JDF House on Sunday. Those who spectate at Harold’s Wall have fallen victim to RR Berrie’s bucket rattling tactics and supported this excellent cause for years. One such recent target confided that he, “Would give anything to shut him up,” and this may be the secret of RR’s unequalled success on the collecting front.

3D Camera
We have not yet had the opportunity to examine the 3D camera on the scaffold near Harold’s. If it is as good as they say, Phil may be tempted to replace the old Brownie 127 that he bought for seven and sixpence in 1958. He is going to check what 3d is in new money, just in case he is ripped off. If it proves to be less expensive than 0.122kph he may buy one.


Ozzie Flag
Slower riders may have spotted the Australian Flag that now adorns the Shelter. The flag and the pair of guardian koalas were sent from Melbourne, by Jan Grainger, to bring Cameron luck.

NATURE NOTES

The Gorse Lea Pheasant has been keeping a low profile in the nearby woods, away from the marauding paparazzi and crowds. Tantalisingly he has called out occasionally, but sightings of him have been unusually rare.

The Recycling Gorse Lea Chaffinch has been in continuous action, sweeping dead insects from the Course. We became extremely concerned for him on Monday when he consumed a disproportionate amount of Mrs Berrie’s legendarily-light jam sponge, and feared that this could cause him to become unstable in flight.

RR Berrie Puts His Foot In It Again
During Wednesday’s delays, before roads closed, an expeditionary force from Gorse Lea set out to explore the everglades to the south of Ballagarraghyn Manor, with a view to identifying potential airmed landing sites. Wild mallard and feral chickens were encountered, and RR Berrie DSM stepped in evidence that geese were also present.

Finally - I Wish I’d Said That
John Moss on Manx Radio TT on Tuesday morning:
“It’s raining here and so is Ian Hutchinson.”


Gorse Lea Marshals – Always Up To Scratch.