I am taking a break and saying thanks

[gravel_monkey]

Well, after some thought i have decided to take a break from the wonderful world of the orange clad army. there were many things behind it but doing 12 plus years with 60 plus days a year has took its tole and i need a rest lol. i will be finishing this season then see how it goes, i will be back at some point (even if some people groan at that).
just wanted to say thanks to all. i have made some amazing friends, been taught some amazing skills and seen things over the years from all sorts of people to know what an amazing, caring and professional bunch you all are.
a massive thanks to Nadine at oulton who was with me on my first day, and what a day it was, who has helped so much and put up with me all this time which isn't easy. there are to many individuals to mention so i will just do a massive THANKYOU to all. to those who helped, those who trained me, those who put up on post with me and to the guys and girls through the years who made it all worth it. it will be a big part of my life gone and needing to fill but as said i will be back at some point even if for a one of next year to fill the gap.
all stay safe, have fun and keep enjoying it. your all an amazing bunch of people

[Shelagh]

It is your choice - we are only volunteers after all. But you will be missed.

Good luck with whatever you do instead - or do you plan on being an armchair marshal like us?

[numbersix]

Good luck my friend. I too have had some memorable days with you and feel confident, after a short break, to see you again. Take care and keep in touch!

[MagnetON]

Come to the 24hr 2CV at least!

[Mark Noble]

Hooray!

You know I'm joking, all the best. Some excellent laughs, and often bizarre moments, on post. A fair few hefty shunts too!

At least I can sleep at anglesey without the snoring

Enjoy the break!

[Mike 'Bean' Broadbent]

There are many monkeys, some of them are orange (is an orang utang a monkey?) . There is lots of gravel. However, there will only ever be one gravel monkey.
Stay in touch fella!

[JimW]

Good luck with the break. Unless you have discovered another way of filling up the weekend, I suspect that you will be drawn back in. Perhaps a different discipline or venue.

Best wishes.

Jim

[JimW]

Originally Posted by Mike 'Bean' Broadbent

. . . (is an orang utang a monkey?) . . .

Ook ook; as the Librarian would say. (No they're apes.)

Jim

[Paul Newns]

Without you and Mr Kelly and your trouble magnets Anglesey will never be the same! Had some great times on post and off. Good luck and maybe we'll see you again sometime, as well as the remaining meetings you're doing this year.

[Dave Brand]

Don't stay away too long . . . it won't be the same without you.

Bet you can't take more than a year out!

[ascarracinguk]

Good luck for the future mate, plenty of good times to remember!

I MAY be writing a similar post come the end of the season.......

[Stuart Hill]

It's your decision and only yours.
let's just hope that the Powers-that-Be see it that way and remember that you are a volunteer rather than a "Should-be-There".

enjoy your time away, love whatever else you do but remember..........

your Orange Pals will always be here for you, as and when (or if) you ever decide to return.

Take care and Play Safe.

[Shelagh]

Originally Posted by Stuart Hill

your Orange Pals will always be here for you, as and when (or if) you ever decide to return.

Take care and Play Safe.

As my break has been more or less enforced rather than by choice, I can only second this. I don't know where I'd have been without 10-10ths or my sporadic visits to a race track. Everyone in orange/black/blue/white is "my family" (whether they like it or not).

So don't forget us even while you're taking a rest.

[Tom Bee]

Originally Posted by Dave Brand

Don't stay away too long . . . it won't be the same without you.

Bet you can't take more than a year out!

A year you say?

I can feel a few wagers coming on, I will take 14months 1week and 3days!

All the best Grav. Take it easy mate!

[Pete Howarth]

I managed a full year off, then 3 years of selective meetings before coming back doing something different. Now looking at having another break. Enjoy your break and do what you want when you want.

[jase]

OP, like you do, I used to be at a race track almost every weekend, then about 6 years ago I stopped, I was burnt out from a lot of things and I walked away from being a marshal to find a life away from racing.
Or so I thought, being "orange" is in the blood, and I slowly I have returned, building up to a happy balance. I spend as much time with friends watching as I do marshalling now, except I do what meeting I want to now, when I want to, and the fun has returned.

Go and have a break, relax and unwind from the sport, I hope when you're ready you'll return fully refreshed and eager to continue with the orange family

[ascarracinguk]

Originally Posted by jase

OP, like you do, I used to be at a race track almost every weekend, then about 6 years ago I stopped, I was burnt out from a lot of things and I walked away from being a marshal to find a life away from racing.
Or so I thought, being "orange" is in the blood, and I slowly I have returned, building up to a happy balance. I spend as much time with friends watching as I do marshalling now, except I do what meeting I want to now, when I want to, and the fun has returned.

Go and have a break, relax and unwind from the sport, I hope when you're ready you'll return fully refreshed and eager to continue with the orange family

bang on,

im in the same place these days, I used to do every meeting on the calendar at oulton and donington. I cant do that these days and im slowly scaling back. I cant see me completely stopping however next year il only do 6 or so meetings...just barc and msvr meetings at oulton and the Silverstone classic. between friends, my own racing and marshalling I need to find a happy balance...ive really enjoyed marshalling for 12 years but lately between work, having another half, friends etc theres only so much time and its been grinding me down, especially working away from home now, I cant see the other half during the week, or work on my race car in the evenings...if I go marshalling every weekend when I get home from work, I don't think my life would be worth living....or id get a knife in the back!!!!