I have just sent the following to Roger and Jan Hurst chairman and secretary of the TTMA, respectively. I thought it was worth copying it here.

Roger and Jan,

As you may may have seen I have posted on the ttwebsite and iomtt.com about the loss of Alan Hope as Chief Sector Marshal for sector one . His actual sector doesn't make a scrap of difference, it's his loss to marshalling that is an absolute tragedy. For the races, TT and MGP, but for his experience and dedication gained after during over thirty years of sevice with the TTMA.

The replies are finally starting to come in, people like Nick Jefferies, Helen (admin' on the ttwebsite) who has marshalled at Bray Hill for years, and others adding to my original message. Please, please make sure that Alan gets these messages, printed copies,whatever.

The Manx Independent running the sort of rubbish they've just done, using Neil Hodgson, I can understand how Manx marshals feel. They can't even get support in their own country.

'Hopey' needs to know, we want him to know, that there are many, many people that are grateful for his selfless service over many years and that we don't want to loose him.

Then maybe, just maybe, he may change his mind.

Charlie Hulse

P.S I know 'Gordy' Moore has also quit from sector 6 but I noticed that he is listed as a director, so has not been lost completely.