As a boy it certainly felt like the summer holidays went on for ever. Out from under my mother’s feet in the morning at a young age to explore and have fun. My favourite things included spending time with others including the Leece cousins whose families had rich connections with the car rallying scene on our island and in particular Manx Auto Sport.
We would either make up ‘rally stages’ around the streets nearby to race our bikes around or go ‘off road’ at the Gooseneck behind Ballakermeen School or on the then vacant site between Thorny Road and Stoney Road which now houses the infant section of Scoillyn Jubilee (formerly known as Ballaquayle). We also had fun emulating rally heroes of the day with our latest Dinky or Corgi cars. It seems funny now looking back but these diecast cars were really exciting because of the latest innovations such as suspension that worked or little diamond-like lights on the Mini Coopers which were designed in the style of the real cars that competed on the Monte Carlo Rally and other events.
It was really good to see all the cars that came to our island recently as part of the ‘Festival of Motoring’ which first started in 2021. Many of the cars brought back happy memories. The theme this year was British classic cars which proved a great success and a very welcome boost to the hospitality industry.
It was pleasing to see even when the official events were completed a number of those who were involved stayed on to enjoy our islan.