Remembering Mike.

[bauble]

This week two people have mentioned in PM's, that they still keep their copy of Mike's calendar on display. Mike had a way of reaching people even many who had never met him, personally he is frequently in my thoughts (and prayers), even though I did not know him as well as many on Tenths.
I wonder do many still keep the calendar on the wall? I hope so.

God Bless you Mike.

[midgetman]

Make that 3. I echo your sentiments, well said.

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[VIVA GT]

I still have my copy of the calendar hanging up in my office at work Baub.

And should also still have the spare copy I bought at home, still safely wrapped if anyone wants one...

[Tel 911S]

I had met Mike a few times as he was from my part of the country .
But my biggest memory of him was from the Flanders [ Belgium ] rally of 1987, where we had an event long competition for the Class win .And it is still a good memory that he beat me for 1st while I was only second .
We had a good chat , [ and a few drinks ] at the presentation afterwards .
And I believe that his class win led to the UK Peugeot 205 championship including Flanders in their events for the next few years .

[356sc]

Yes calendar still hangs above the bench in my garage. Far flung race circuits are certainly not the same without him!

[delta]

Well done Bob, Very nice thought,I was telling the kids about Mike earlier this week. Stew " Delta son "was given one of those cold coffee drinks which he did not like. Mike loved them. Happy days.

[andy97]

I feel really bad now as I took my calendar just a few days ago. Sorry! A good, and very helpful man, taken far too soon.

[bauble]

When Mike died there was a lot of talk about some kind of permanent memorial, Trophy, Plaque, or race, however, all we have is an out of date calendar, and fond memories.
Would anybody agree with Delta, and myself that it would be nice to initiate something more permanent?

All it would take a few people to chip in a tenner or so to be able to buy a nice silver trophy, the man problem wold be for what it would be awarded

Should anyone agree then please indicate, and consider a suitable cause/person etc as recipient.

Mike deserves it.
Bob & Iain.

[delta]

Thanks Bob . I spoke to Mary “ Mikes Sister “ she loves the idea . Mike along with tenthers on here started the Silverstone Classic as it was called way back then Marshall’s BBQ . We still hold this now on the Friday eve . I did think the first recipient should be the Silverstone Marshall’s . WDYT .?

[VIVA GT]

Originally Posted by bauble

When Mike died there was a lot of talk about some kind of permanent memorial, Trophy, Plaque, or race, however, all we have is an out of date calendar, and fond memories.
Would anybody agree with Delta, and myself that it would be nice to initiate something more permanent?

All it would take a few people to chip in a tenner or so to be able to buy a nice silver trophy, the man problem wold be for what it would be awarded

Should anyone agree then please indicate, and consider a suitable cause/person etc as recipient.

Mike deserves it.
Bob & Iain.

Originally Posted by delta

Thanks Bob . I spoke to Mary “ Mikes Sister “ she loves the idea . Mike along with tenthers on here started the Silverstone Classic as it was called way back then Marshall’s BBQ . We still hold this now on the Friday eve . I did think the first recipient should be the Silverstone Marshall’s . WDYT .?

Although I never actually met Mike in person, I certainly feel as if I know him from his posts on here (the same goes for a lot of you on here). I'd happily chip in a tenner towards a trophy, and I agree that Iain's suggestion sounds like a worthwhile first cause.

[E.B]

Originally Posted by VIVA GT

I still have my copy of the calendar hanging up in my office at work Baub.
Attachment 83591
And should also still have the spare copy I bought at home, still safely wrapped if anyone wants one...

Mine in still in my office at home, permanently open on the Gilbert page, next to my MGrecord breakers print..
Happy to contribute to 'the fund'.

Pic seems to be lying down but click it and it correct. Oh now it seems to be ok.

[morninggents]

A tenner from me too. I think awarding a trophy to a marshal would be the right thing to do as we can't race without them.

[bauble]

Originally Posted by morninggents

A tenner from me too. I think awarding a trophy to a marshal would be the right thing to do as we can't race without them.

While the marshal idea is a nice one,however, after consulting with an experienced member of the 'fraternity' it would prove very difficult to choose any individual given he geographic spread, and multiplicity of venues, and meetings.

I float an idea that came out of our discussion.
As Mike competed in rallies, and races, the trophy might also reflect Mike's history. An MB Trophy could be awarded to the winner of a particular event each year, a rally one year, historic saloons, sports cars etc, all reflect Mike's own varied record.

Mind you we need a few more tenners before we dream to soon.

All comments, ideas, criticisms , notions. suggestions are welcome.

[Malcolm Smith]

I always enjoyed meeting Mike at race meetings and will happy to contribute to a trophy.
Given his support of Spa Six Hours and 360MC, perhaps it could be awarded to a class winner at this year's Equipe Six Hours of Donington?

[bauble]

[QUOTE=Malcolm Smith;4241463]I always enjoyed meeting Mike at race meetings and will happy to contribute to a trophy.
Given his support of Spa Six Hours and 360MC, perhaps it could be awarded to a class winner at this year's Equipe Six Hours of Donington?[/QUOTE


Thanks Malcolm, that sounds like a good launch pad for the Mike Bell memorial award.
It would be nice to hear from some of Mike's closest friends on here.

[Colin McKay]

I can't claim to have been a close friend but we spent a fair bit of time together at races and I was pleased when he came to me for advice, not on racing matters of course but when he was looking to buy Big Blue, and was further chuffed when he followed it. His portrait in the calendar still hangs in my garage too.

Given Mike's varied motorsport interests and his good natured help freely given, perhaps the recipient of his trophy should be someone who has offered exceptional help to another, in any area of the sport, rather than a race winner who's probably got shelfs full already.

[bauble]

Colin, have you checked your PMs recently? I have some pictures?

[andy97]

Originally Posted by Malcolm Smith

I always enjoyed meeting Mike at race meetings and will happy to contribute to a trophy.
Given his support of Spa Six Hours and 360MC, perhaps it could be awarded to a class winner at this year's Equipe Six Hours of Donington?

I think that is the best idea. Mike owned Gilbert and an FIA Morgan ISTR so perhaps the trophy could be awarded to the highest placed car in the race from the classes that those two types of car compete in?
Is that Class 3 and 4?
Class 3 - 1676-1860cc (inc MGBs and Gilbert!?)
Class 4 - 1860-2200cc (inc Morgan’s?)

[midgetman]

I'd support Colin's idea, not just something for a winner. More a Spirit of Mike Award

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[bauble]

Originally Posted by midgetman

I'd support Colin's idea, not just something for a winner. More a Spirit of Mike Award

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I hope as many people as possible gt involved, and the more ideas the better, my current thought is an award that recognises the Mike Bell ethos, and is not limited to any race or class, but is for a meritorious achievement. For example, the marshal who risked his life dragging that deluded priest off the circuit during the Grand Prix some years ago. Maybe a particularly 'heroic' race or class win, or, as suggested for, what I will call, public service, the kind Mike was noted for.
You may remember that Mike once mentioned that a local book shop was closing, and offered to get any motor sport books if wanted. I asked him to get me a book I wanted, and then he refused payment saying that I did a lot for the sport. I was surprised he thought so as I could not see why he would think that. But it did make me proud.

I am sure we could fill these pages with similar stories for months.

I am determied that there will be a Mike Bell award.


Reminder;
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9UfcNvysPnGDVTP8A