Latest news with #ManxGrandPrix
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Man, 95, returns to TT to scatter wife's ashes
A 95-year-old has returned to the Isle of Man TT for the first time in 44 years to scatter his wife's ashes at their favourite vantage point. Ron Allen, from London, last visited the island for the event in 1981, having returned annually with his late wife Cherry Allen since 1956. Advertisement Following the death of his wife in February, Ron booked a flight to the island for the TT and scattered Cherry's ashes at Cronk Urleigh, just past the 13th milestone on the course. He said: "I decided I would bring back some of her ashes to her favourite place on the TT course where we use to watch the races and I thought she would be there forever then". Ron met his wife at the age of 24 at work and he says the pair would "chat" at the end of the day when she picked up her bicycle and he collected his motorbike. The couple both enjoyed motorbikes over 45 years, with Cherry once attempting to be a passenger on a sidecar in Silverstone and pulling out the moves that she saw at the Isle of Man TT, Ron said. Advertisement He said: "She really loved the Isle of Man TT and was always very enthusiastic about it". Ron said while he always wanted to return to the island for the TT, the couple started going to Greece instead and got into Greek dancing. During his trip this year, Ron also had the opportunity to ride around the course on the back of a bike ridden by a former Manx Grand Prix winner. Organised by his neighbour and friend, Sebastian Edge, Ron experienced speeds of up to 100 mph (161km/h). He said: "It wasn't very comfortable, because those bikes aren't made for passengers", adding "I had my knees up to my neck, but I am glad I did it because I can see something of how the riders feel when they go plunging down Bray Hill". Advertisement The roads had been smoothened, and were less rough than in the 50s, he said, meaning that riders could go much quicker. But the speeds riders now go were "unbelievable", Ron said, and the TT was a "unique" event as riders take on the 37.7 mile (60.7km) course. The TT is "really modern now", he said, and in the past, there was just a black score board, and the paddock was not cut off, "so you used to be able to mingle with riders and share stories". Fondly remembering his visits, Ron said "early in the morning it was so invigorating to get on the bike and ride around" adding that it is a "beautiful island with beautiful spots". Advertisement His neighbour, Sebastian Edge, said that Ron was an "avid fan and supporter of the races", and to come to the TT for the first time with someone who had visited since 1956 had "made it very special for me". Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. More like this story Related internet links
BBC News
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Man, 95, returns to Isle of Man TT to scatter wife's ashes
A 95-year-old has returned to the Isle of Man TT for the first time in 44 years to scatter his wife's ashes at their favourite vantage Allen, from London, last visited the island for the event in 1981, having returned annually with his late wife Cherry Allen since 1956. Following the death of his wife in February, Ron booked a flight to the island for the TT and scattered Cherry's ashes at Cronk Urleigh, just past the 13th milestone on the said: "I decided I would bring back some of her ashes to her favourite place on the TT course where we use to watch the races and I thought she would be there forever then". Ron met his wife at the age of 24 at work and he says the pair would "chat" at the end of the day when she picked up her bicycle and he collected his motorbike. The couple both enjoyed motorbikes over 45 years, with Cherry once attempting to be a passenger on a sidecar in Silverstone and pulling out the moves that she saw at the Isle of Man TT, Ron said: "She really loved the Isle of Man TT and was always very enthusiastic about it".Ron said while he always wanted to return to the island for the TT, the couple started going to Greece instead and got into Greek dancing. During his trip this year, Ron also had the opportunity to ride around the course on the back of a bike ridden by a former Manx Grand Prix winner. Organised by his neighbour and friend, Sebastian Edge, Ron experienced speeds of up to 100 mph (161km/h). He said: "It wasn't very comfortable, because those bikes aren't made for passengers", adding "I had my knees up to my neck, but I am glad I did it because I can see something of how the riders feel when they go plunging down Bray Hill".The roads had been smoothened, and were less rough than in the 50s, he said, meaning that riders could go much the speeds riders now go were "unbelievable", Ron said, and the TT was a "unique" event as riders take on the 37.7 mile (60.7km) course. The TT is "really modern now", he said, and in the past, there was just a black score board, and the paddock was not cut off, "so you used to be able to mingle with riders and share stories".Fondly remembering his visits, Ron said "early in the morning it was so invigorating to get on the bike and ride around" adding that it is a "beautiful island with beautiful spots".His neighbour, Sebastian Edge, said that Ron was an "avid fan and supporter of the races", and to come to the TT for the first time with someone who had visited since 1956 had "made it very special for me". Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
ITV News
22-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Tourism still big earner for the Isle of Man last year adding millions of pounds to its economy
Tourism is still one of the big-earners for the Manx economy, generating hundreds of millions of pounds last year, according to new figures released today. The figures from Visit Isle of Man show that almost 330,000 visitors flocked to the island in 2024, both for business and pleasure, staying on average just over 5 nights each. With each visitor adding an average of £663 during their stay they helped generate more than £212 million pounds for the Isle of Man economy, with almost £2 million coming from cruise tourism alone. Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man, says that despite bad weather blighting the country last year and rising prices: "The 2024 visitor figures are a testament to the success of a collaborative, industry-wide approach focused on sustainable growth, high quality experiences and strategic marketing. "We are delighted with the outcome, particularly in light of the challenges faced throughout the year. "Adverse weather conditions affected both the Isle of Man and our primary feeder market, the UK, whilst additional hurdles included an early Easter, connectivity issues both locally and nationally, price increases driven by global forces, and ongoing economic uncertainty impacting consumer confidence and spending. "Despite these obstacles, visitor spending exceeded £210 million, and satisfaction levels remained consistently high, clear indicators that our long-term strategy is delivering." She adds:"Some of this success is also owed to the Island's growing recognition in the press. "2024 highlights include being named among Conde Nast Traveller's Top 10 UK Islands, listed as one of Wanderlust's Top 10 Best European Islands, and most recently, featured in BBC Travel's global '25 Best Places to Travel in 2025' list. "Sustaining a strong presence in the minds of potential visitors is a key priority for Visit Isle of Man, and the impact of our efforts is becoming increasingly visible. "Our commitment remains unchanged: to build a resilient, year-round visitor economy that brings lasting benefits to everyone who lives, works, visits and invests in our Island." Enduring attractions like the TT Races and the Manx Grand Prix helped pull in the tourists, accounting for almost 24%, but the outstanding natural beauty of the island was the major attraction, with 61% enjoying walking, or exploring the countryside and parkland, with heritage sites also a major draw.
BBC News
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Northern part of Mountain Road closes for TT preparation
The northern section of the A18 Mountain Road on the Isle of Man is to close later for a second week of TT preparation ahead of this year's route, linking the Manx capital to the north of the island, is closing from Ramsey Hairpin to the follows work to install signage and race equipment on the south part of the route last week. The 24-hour-a-day closure is in place until Thursday. It comes after a four-week closure for resurfacing works was postponed due to issues with asphalt are now due to go ahead after the Manx Grand Prix, which runs from 17 to 19 August. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Sections of Mountain Road close for TT 2025 race preparation
Sections of the A18 Mountain Road on the Isle of Man are to be closed to traffic over the next two weeks to prepare the route for this year's TT of Infrastructure teams will be installing race equipment and carrying out maintenance work from Monday to road is the main route used by commuter traffic between the north of the island and the 3.5 mile (5.7km) stretch from the Bungalow to the Creg Ny Baa will be closed from 09:30 BST. On 14 to 17 April the 24-hour-a-day closure will then be from Ramsey to the comes after a four-week planned closure was postponed due to issues with asphalt equipment. The resurfacing works, which were due to take place throughout April, will now go ahead after the Manx Grand Prix, which runs from 17 to 19 August. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
