Southern 100 Memorial Laps & Service at Malew Church

The Southern 100 Road Races run through the famous Church Bends at Malew where the bend and the church always provide a great backdrop for an exceptional photograph or two.

On Sunday 7th July before this year’s racing gets underway there is to be a ‘Memorial’ ride out from the Club HQ on Castletown by-pass following two-laps of the course to the church where there will be a short service at 3:00pm.

Music for the Service, now in its sixth year is proving more popular with riders and fans alike is to be provided by the Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band. Kirk Malew church will be enhanced by a floral display which has been arranged by Tricia Clague, dedicated to the Southern 100 Road Races.

Outside the church is situated the Derek Ennett Memorial Seat. Derek won the first ever race at the Southern 100 on 14th July 1955 the 350cc, having been part of a unique ‘Manx Double’ in the 1954 Manx Grand Prix, winning the Junior with George Costain winning the Senior, which was instrumental in the birth of the Southern 100.

Derek was unfortunately killed during the Ulster Grand Prix in 1956 and the seat in his memory placed at Kirk Malew where he is buried. The seat has seen much use over the years and the Southern 100 Club have had the seat refurbished and it will be re-dedicated after the service by the Club Chaplain.

The organisers of ‘the friendly races’ decided to dedicate this year’s ‘Ride-Out’ from the Holding Area (at the end of the by-pass) to the Church as a ‘Celebration of the lives of the road racers who have died pursuing the sport they loved.’

For those who would like to join in the ride out, please assemble in the Holding Area at 2:00pm. The Lap will be leaving at 2:30 pm.

Parking will be in the field adjacent to the church as it is for the races and everyone is welcome.

Southern 100 Club Chaplain Canon John Coldwell will lead the service which is to celebrate the Southern 100 Road Races and remember those who raced and served on the Billown Circuit before the excitement of the races begins for real.

For those attending the service, after their ‘Lap of Honour’ and all are encouraged to do, it is a brief service, and friendly – as in the races – with light refreshments afterwards, could be in for another surprise!