Allan Hope is a good friend of mine, and many times after a meeting, we have had a jar in the Cat with No Tail and discussed events from both riders' and marshals' points of view. Get Allan and Brian Curphey (40+ years marshalling, latterly flagging at Hillberry) together chatting about the TT and Manx, I could listen all night to them.
It is with sadness I have learned of Allan's decision, and I have been so busy working during the last couple of weeks, I haven't had time to catch up with him. In many ways I can't say as I blame him, not just regarding the many traumatic incidents which have manifested themselves during 2005, but, also, the the TT course marshals en masse having the finger pointed at them, unnecessarily, a couple of years ago. I supported them fully through that time and I fully support them now.
As I mentioned in a recent posting on this board, the "old school" are disappearing fast, and their likes will not be seen again. Experience of the likes of Allan Hope, Brian Curphey, Gordie Moore, Jack Ward etc can not be attained overnight. New marshals, no matter how well-meaning they may be, need these experienced characters to look up to.
I had a spill at Union Mills in practice for the 1999 TT, and it was Allan and his son who lifted me over the gate on a stretcher and into the waiting helicopter. These times of uncertainty are compounded by sad news such as this. I wonder how I would react myself if I were Allan. Just how much do you put up with?
I would take this opportunity to publicly declare my support and respect for all our TT , MGP, S.100 and other road race marshals, and say a big Thank You for all your collective help during my own career--and I've been lifted off the road more times than I care to remember :oops:
Please give it some more thought Allan--and I'd like very much to see you back on duty in May!