It’s been a sad start to August – with the tragedy at Brands Hatch resulting in the death of Rob Foote and the sad passing of Bernard Cottrell a week later.
I was at Silverstone the first weekend in August with awful weather to endure and the dreadful events of Brands Hatch unfolding. Multiple messages and communications to deal with from afar. Thanks to our President Ben Edwards for the kind words of support at the start of his Sunday commentary and the minutes’ silence observed. #RIPRobFoote
I was at Snetterton at the weekend for the British GTs – a series associated with Bernie Cottrell – therefore an emotional tribute held on the Sunday morning before racing started. A well respected and knowledgeable character – Bernie was a huge supporter and lifetime member of BMMC – he will be hugely missed both personally and professionally #RIPBernieCottrell
Tributes to Rob Foote were also observed over the weekend at many venues and many racers sported an orange heart on their cars. Thank you to everyone who took part and showed your support for Robs family and all those affected by this incident.
At Snetterton a paddock fire in one of the competitors trucks caused a halt to proceedings – marshals posts rushed to assist but the county fire brigade were required to ensure it was completely controlled. The team raced again on the Sunday and were supported by competitors and others alike – another recognition of our wonderful motorsport family. Rivals on the track – friends in the paddock.
It was my first trip to Snetterton (after trips curtailed due to COVID) but be assured we will be back. A lovely welcome, lots of pre-event information and great updates throughout both days despite all the issues being thrown at us – including the weather. Well done and thanks!
Motorsport UK have issued their latest COVID19 rules update in line with government regulations. Remember that clubs, events and venues are subject to their own rules and regulations which may be at a higher level than nationally so please ensure you follow accordingly. And be mindful that many people are still cautious and need reassurance that measures are being followed and precautions maintained.
This also means that regional regalia sales have also restarted so remember to take your cash and get that hat or snood you still need!
After no renewals necessary in 2020 due to COVID – Motorsport UK will be opening registration renewals later this month. For trainees they will migrated to the new “Registered Marshal” or “Registered Accredited Marshal” to recognise the online training being completed. Remember that before being allowed to marshal a rally without a buddy the online training must be undertaken to indicate the “accredited” status. Further details available in the latest marshals bulletin – if you have not received please check your details via the Motorsport UK website
Further information and updates about the roll out of the new Marshals Pathway next year for all other roles will be shared and communicated accordingly over the coming months.
And finally if you would like to get involved in the running of our club have you considered the role of National Secretary? This is a Director role for the club and key to ensuring the smooth running of our Council and Club rules. Please apply direct to myself if you are interested – applications requested by Sunday 15 August.
The BMMC are devastated to confirm that the marshal who tragically lost his life following an accident at Brands Hatch on Saturday 31 July was Robert Foote, a member of our South West Region. Robert was a regular at Brands Hatch, Gurston Down and Goodwood and was also a scrutineer – he will be missed by all. We send our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. We also offer our thanks to all marshals, medical personnel and officials who were involved in the incident on Saturday.
Two other marshals were also directly affected by the incident and are being supported by BMMC, Motorsport UK and the BARC. We respectfully request that they are given the privacy needed to recover accordingly and we send our thoughts and best wishes to them at this time.
To all marshals who attended Brands Hatch over the weekend in particular and all other events around the country we thank you for your outstanding professionalism in extremely difficult circumstances. It was humbling to see the outpouring of positive support from across the Motorsport community in response to the incident – irrespective of motorsport discipline and club – we are all marshals.
The minute’s silence was impeccably observed at many events on Sunday morning and many racers sported an orange heart on their vehicles in support. A number of our club ambassadors and other supporters have all stepped forward with offers of assistance – for which we are grateful and will consider appropriately.
Thankfully these events are rare but still shocking and devastating. If anyone needs support at any time, please remember that your Regional Committees and National Officers are available as well as our free counselling service for all our members. www.marshals.co.uk/marshalling/insurance-news
Our orange family are devastated by the loss of one of our own this weekend – our hearts will need time to heal, our bonds will be stronger and we will pull together to support each other and continue our passion for motorsport.
Paul Wiltshire’s current term in office as Club Secretary terminates after our AGM on 5th December 2021 and Paul has decided not to seek re-election for personal reasons. We therefore have a vacancy for Club Secretary that we would like to fill ASAP so that Paul’s successor can work in tandem with him for the last two National Council meetings on 1st September and 5th December.
Applications for this Directors post are invited from any BMMC member. Candidates are asked to complete the application form and send it to: Club Chairman Catalina 2 The Nursery, Beach Road Hartford CW8 4UH or email to bmmc.chair@marshals.co.uk by 15th August 2021.
Applicants do have to be nominated and seconded by fully paid up members of the club.
Applicants may be required to attend an informal meeting with one or more Directors prior to selection and/or voting.
If there is more than one candidate for the post an election by postal ballot/email will take place between 15th and 22nd August 2021 so that the successful candidate can be invited to attend Council on 1st September 2021 Ballot forms and CVs will be posted on the Club’s website and distributed by e-mail and Royal Mail.
Throughout June there were a number of initiatives to recognise #Volunteersweek. I joined a number of webinars with the FIA Girls On Track UK membership to discuss the different volunteer roles available and how to get involved.
Taster days are back! Not in their full glory just yet but with a few tweaks the regions are pleased to confirm we are restarting taster days. So please welcome these newbies when they come out on post and help them to start their journey in to the #orangefamily.
Radio etiquette – I have noticed on a few occasions that radio transmissions need a little practice. Here’s a few pointers:
wait for others to transmit before trying to send your message
if someone is already transmitting with a priority call – note your message and time and call in at a more appropriate moment (once the priority is over!)
don’t forget there’s a delay to transmit on most systems. Always start your message with “control from” or “base from” followed by your location. If the transmission is cut then your location will still transmit. Too many times Race control ask for messages to be repeated as the first part of the message (contact between) or car numbers (nine – is that 29, 39??) gets lost in the transmission.
keep your message short – wait until your incident has finished before transmitting rather than a running commentary of the events as they unfold in front of you………
Also note if you are given a radio you are being asked to be the point of communication only. If you are not training or graded to be the Post chief please do not state that this is your role. In the event of a serious incident you could be asked your role and your training level. You can only be expected to perform at the level of your training and experience – you haven’t suddenly been promoted to Post Chief – just given a radio to aid communication FROM Race Control.
July is definitely one to look forward to with a capacity crowd expected at the British Grand Prix for a test event. We certainly welcome some kind of normality but please remember COVID has not gone away and will be with us ongoing, despite vaccinations and testing.
Motorsport UK is continuing its review of the Marshals’ pathway, in conjunction with the Marshals’ Advisory Group, of which I am Chair. We have recently completed a period of consultation with key stakeholders from the marshalling community, including Clubs and Regional Associations. The feedback was most enlightening, and will inform the steps that will be taken over the next 12 months to ensure the Grading Scheme is replaced with a system that is not only fit for purpose for many years to come, but has been created with input from the people within the community itself.
Upon renewal in August, all disciplines-specific Trainee grades (Accredited Marshal in Rally and Cross Country) will be replaced with a “Registered Marshal” grade which allows them to attend all branches of the sport under the supervision of someone with a higher grade.
This change will help to drive volunteer participation across all disciplines of the sport, leading to a bigger pool of Marshals for the organising clubs to call upon.
Further details will be made available in the July issue of Revolution, and all Trainees, Clubs and Associations will also be contacted directly so please make sure your contact details with us and Motorsport UK are up to date!
Dave Pierre was a major player in the Midlands Region of BMMC, following on as National Training Officer when Chris Hobson’s real job intervened in his work for the Club. It was in this role that Dave played such a major role in the transfer of our Training and Grading Scheme to the then MSA – to become the National Training and Grading Scheme, for all marshals.
The first attempt at putting the new scheme on to MSA records was something of an abysmal failure Dave took on the job of putting things right.
He found himself some spare space in his attic, fitted that out with desk and separate telephone number, plus printer etc – and could be found there most nights for more than a year, as he tried to properly transfer our T&G Scheme to MSA records.
Dave become a well-respected Clerk, never afraid to say-it-as-it-is.
Dave Pierre’s passing robs motorsport of one of our popular characters. May he rest in peace.
This year’s #VolunteersWeek runs from 1-7 June – please join us in recognising and thanking all #volunteersand all those who usually volunteer but have not been able to because of coronavirus. Thank you one and all!
Assessments have started taking place at events around the country – particularly for those people who were hopeful of upgrading last year this helps recognise their achievements. For Examining grades performing these assessments please be advised you can complete the assessments report and comments in the individual PRC – using your own pen and maintaining social distance. If however you feel uncomfortable doing this you can also send an email to Motorsport U.K. detailing the assessment (person / location / date) so that this can be checked with the Chief marshal.
While we see a welcome return to spectators at venues we must remember to still maintain social distance and / or where a mask where not possible. Remember this virus has not gone away and despite vaccinations we have not all had both jabs and carriers may be unknowingly asymptomatic.
We have also welcomed trainees back to events and hopefully more to join in soon. We hope that we can restart taster days in June with the next step of easing out of lockdown but we must follow government restrictions and fingers crossed we see that next step stays on track.
A note to trainees – you do NOT need to have a scanner. As a race trainee in particular you should never be on post on your own. More importantly spend your money on a decent set of boots, waterproofs and a good bag / box to put your kit in! A scanner can present a distraction from ‘reading the racing’ which is a skill that comes with experience – take your time to understand what is happening at your location and acting accordingly rather than listening to what else is going on.
A note to everyone with a scanner! Remember this is an aid but must NOT be acted upon. I know people are rusty and limited training this year but you should know that Safety car flags and boards follow round the circuit in both directions from the start / finish line. Putting them out (and bringing them in!) at the wrong time can cause confusion for the drivers and makes penalties for misdemeanours harder to enforce by the clerks.
I have been made aware of some facility issues at certain venues and urge that any concerns you have are directed in the appropriate manner.
Raise concerns on the day to your Chief marshal – they should raise to the organising clubs who should address the venue directly (as they are the paying customer)
Raise to your local committee who will raise to the local circuit rep, who will speak with the venue
A number of concerns have been raised directly with Motorsport U.K. and to the Association of Motor Racing Circuit Owners for response and support.
The David Leslie Trophy for 2020 has been awarded to Charlotte Edwards! Well done Charlotte, a great achievement.
The David Leslie Trophy was established in memory of this multi-talented racing driver tragically killed in a plane crash in 2008. The trophy is one of David Leslie’s racing helmets, donated to the club by his family, and is awarded to a cadet marshal for outstanding performance of duties.
Jayne Poston, BMMC Midlands Chair, said: “We are delighted for Charlotte to be chosen to receive the David Leslie trophy. We look forward to seeing Charlotte progress with her marshalling hobby, and will be there to support her throughout her development.”
We’ve had a month of Motorsport in England and now Scotland has the green light for some action. Hopefully the other devolved powers will follow soon and other disciplines will be able to join in too.
It’s a shame that spectators haven’t been allowed but soon they will be back too. We must continue to follow the guidelines though so please continue to proceed with caution as appropriate.
The month of May also means we will soon be welcoming our newer members of our marshalling community to join us in a safe environment. Please assist them to learn the COVID guidelines as well as our “trade”.
Currently we expect assessments to be allowed from 17 May – so here’s a few pointers on grading and upgrading: – Remember to request your assessment through the correct channels (ahead of an event) – social distancing must be maintained and local government guidelines must be followed – attendance records do not need to be countersigned currently. If necessary Motorsport UK will verify attendance with organising clubs – training module signatures are valid from 2018 onwards – event signatures are valid from 2017 and non-attendance in 2020 is discounted in terms of continuity requirements
Please note we expect there to be high demand for assessments: – be patient in terms of getting a booking (give Chief marshals a few options on dates!) – check with your regional grading officers on process and progress as necessary – allow extra time for processing by National Grading Officer and equally Motorsport UK
Motorsport UK are currently in the process of reviewing the grading scheme and will be going out to clubs and regional associations for consultation shortly. If you are asked to contribute please be constructive!
Motorsport UK have also created a new Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Committee and I have been asked to join the Women in Motorsport Sub-committee (and I know others are on other sub-committees). This is a really good initiative and gathering momentum – any input or comments are welcome so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
One area we would like to review as a club are the photos used on our website. As we are not allowed cameras on post during live sessions it is difficult to get a true representation of all our members. However if you know any photographers who would be willing to provide some photos (free of course!) this would be perfect! In particular we are looking for cadets / families / admin roles (so non-action locations too!) / ALL disciplines (particularly Rally and Karting). Please send to comms@marshals.co.uk
Some busy weekends ahead this month so stay safe and see some of you soon!
South Mids member David Joyce, aka “the Hairy DJ” is the recipient of the Barrie Williams Trophy and the 2020 BMMC Marshal of the Year award, but Covid regulations delayed the presentation of the trophy.
On learning that Dave is due to go into hospital in May and will be absent from the “bank” while he recuperates Chris Whitlock arranged for an impromptu presentation of the award and the Barrie Williams Trophy in his garden on 31st March.
Following the presentation Dave commented “Many thanks for yesterday’s surprise Chris – a great mood lifter for me & you even sorted out brilliant sunshine for the photos. Very many thanks to BMMC for selecting me for the award – a shared tribute with the many folk who have supported and encouraged me in my “career” since May 2007. Still need another 59 days in orange to hit 1,000 days.”
BMMC Chair Nadine Lewis added: “Congratulations Dave, we wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you on the bank later this year.”
With racing starting again this weekend the last in our series of Club Ambassador goodwill messages comes from Paul O’Neill who pays tribute to the #OrangeFamily and our efforts over the past year
On 23 March it was one year since the first U.K. lockdown for COVID-19. Since then millions of people have been bereaved, both as a result of the virus and due to other causes. The restrictions we’ve been living under have meant that many people have had to grieve without the comfort of having friends and family around them. Marie Curie, supported by many other organisations, organised a National Day of Reflection to acknowledge grief and loss over the last year. A time to reflective on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved and hope for a brighter future.
As the restrictions start to lift so we have the go ahead to start motorsport in England from 29 March ( https://www.motorsportuk.org/covid-19/) and hopefully the devolved powers will follow soon. We start this season as we finished the last season – with limited numbers on post and maintaining social distance. However as long as the country continues on its roadmap out of lockdown we should be able to invite trainees back to events from May and restart assessments too. This is great news for everyone who just needs their last few signatures or assessment to upgrade. Please ensure you book your assessments with the Chief marshal when the time is right so that they can ensure you are allocated to an Examining grade marshal.
We are looking at how and when we can restart taster days whilst remaining compliant and may have to make a few adaptations to enable these to continue going forward too.
Hopefully you were able to join a training session on Zoom – the NW region ran a series of refresher Webinars and other regions have been able to run smaller Zoom sessions. There will be other sessions being offered over the rest of the season and we may have the opportunity to have some face-to-face events later in the year as well. Fingers crossed!
Thanks to Ben Edwards for his time on the Natter and Noggin on Tuesday night. I hope some of you were able to join and hear how he started out into his commentating career and thoughts on the year ahead. Good luck with your own racing Ben!
