Ben Birchall has been confirmed as the new president of the TT Riders’ Association.
Other sidecar greats to have held the honoured position include Eric Oliver, Pip Harris, Colin Seeley,

Nigel Rollason, Mick Boddice and Roy Hanks

From Freddie Frith in 1951, the chain of office has been passed on to numerous other great names including Stanley Woods, Harold Daniell, Jimmy Simpson, Rem Fowler, Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood, John Surtees, Joey Dunlop, Phillip McCallen and Charlie Williams.

Current day sidecar star Ben Birchall - a 10-time winner with brother Tom in the chair - was recently announced as the 2021 president.

Unfortunately, because of Covid restrictions, the annual TTRA luncheon at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham had to be postponed, so he has not yet been adorned with the chain of office or enjoyed the thrill of the customary entrance into the main dining room with his racing outfit.

Last year, John ’Mooneyes’ Cooper was TTRA president having taken over the presidency from Maria Costello, the first woman to hold the honour.

The Association is proclaimed as the world’s most exclusive motorsport club, with membership restricted to TT racers only.

The Isle of Man-based charity was formed to assist TT competitors and their families who face real hardship in some way or another. The criteria for joining is that the person in question has started a full TT race, not necessarily finish one, and the fee is £45 for life membership.

A sister charity, Friends of the TT Riders’ Association, was formed more recently and is open to anyone who supports a rider, either they be an entrant, sponsor, mechanic or any supporter of the sport.

Behind any TT rider there are numerous helpers, so the general idea of the ’Friends’ was to create fund-raising events or come up with ideas to raise much-needed funds.

FoTTRA not only assists members who may have suffered serious accidents, but other crises in daily or even later life with residential care. Every application is handled with discretion and confidentiality.

The subscription to join Friends of the TT Riders’ Association is £200 for life membership (first payment £40, followed by four further annual £40 standing orders), but it can be paid as a one-off fee if preferred.

Over recent years, TTRA and FoTTRA have donated to the local hyperbaric chamber, Noble’s Hospital (equipment and a family room), plus the Rob Vine Fund (donations towards the purchase of a new ambulance or equipment).

Donations may be given in lieu of flowers, legacies, donations or general fundraising, but the main event is the annual luncheon and auction of high-end memorabilia and other motorcycle-orientated items at the NEC, which regularly attracts around 500 members and guests.

The provisional date for this year’s function is Saturday, November 27 (the annual Motorcycle Show opens on the Sunday).

During race weeks TTRA has a presence behind the Grandstand, where members can mingle with riders past and present and have a sit down with refreshments that are not charged for other than by a donation in a bowl.

The ’38th Milestone’ is the red-coloured permanent portacabin also used over the Manx Grand Prix period by MGP Riders’ Association members and guests.

For any further details re the TTRA, contact secretary Frances Thorp on 07624 402505 or email francesthorp@manx.net