The fact that we are not racing this year due to these terrible circumstances, means that it is important to keep everyone’s moral up and ensure that all our marshals, new and old, remain upbeat looking forward to 2021.

This year we wanted to pay tribute to a long serving flag person who has decided to finally retire.

Ray Gawne decided to retire in 2017, but with the help of his son and Chief Sector Marshal at Ballabeg, Steve Gawne; we managed to persuade him to carry on, completing 58 years’ service in total after the Southern 100 in 2019.

Ray started marshalling in 1961, eventually taking over the flag position at Ballabeg vacated by Alan Costain in the early 80’s. His dedication saw him miss only one session in all his time and that was due to bailing hay on his busy family farm.

We wish Ray a well-earned rest from standing out on the course in all weathers but are sure to see him around. Ray is our Marshals Association President and is Captain of the Parish of Arbory.

We hope that when younger people read this tribute to a great individual volunteering his time to ensure that we have enough marshals to race. It will inspire a few to come and join us and enjoy the camaraderie and friendships made and to welcome race fans back year on year. Racing cannot take place without marshals and it is becoming increasingly important that younger generations come forward to take the places of older retiring marshals.

(Photo courtesy of Arbory Commissioners)