GEOFF DUKE
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IN 2003 Geoff Duke will have reached his 80th year,
a great and wonderful achievement.
His results in motorcycle racing speak for themselves
and these results are well documented in books,
videos and DVDs.
As a TTFAN I would like to thank him
for what he has done to make me
the fan I still am today.
My first visit to the Island was in 1947 which would be for the first TT to be held since the Second World War.
At the age I was then, I spent a lot of time on the beach, only hearing the noises of motorcycles up on Glencrutchery Road, rather than being in amongst it all as I am today.
My father had been a visitor to the TT since the early 20s and frankly he was beginning to despair that his number one son would end up a wimp and not like the bikes..
However, while he was deeply involved with the TT,
he found time to show and explain to me
the ins-and-outs of the racing.
In a short time I was totally hooked
and even got up for the early practices.
By 1950, I knew the Brett brothers, Jack and Charlie, who also spent time to take me into the hallowed areas.
That year a young G.E. Duke had joined the Norton Team and was tipped to do well that year.
The Brett family were staying in the same hotel as us and riders popped in and out to see them.
AS a consequence, we were sitting one evening after dinner when the very same G.E.Duke called in.
I was introduced to him and I found him to be a very understanding person who again gave precious time to tell me about his part in the TT.
Me,Geoff,
Margaret Campbell,
My Mum, and Bessie Brett
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We watched the races from Creg-ny-Baa and Jack Brett took time to wave to us as he went past.
He was, of course waving to his Mum and Dad and wife Kathie and sister Bessie but at my age he was waving to me.
Jack Brett brought his trophies for me to have on my dressing table in my bedroom overnight and Geoff presented me with his back number (Number 79).
As you can see, the back number was worn in the Junior race.
It was one of the first of the items that I have accumulated over the years which has become my "Vast Collection".
Geoff winning the Senior TT 1955
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GEOFF. DUKE
This is taken at Scarbrough in 1953
and I stand at far left of Geoff.
(The main picture at top is from IOMONLINE)
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