Chairman's Report 2018
Thu, 01 Feb 2018
Joey Dunlop Foundation Chairman’s report 2018
We are well into 2018 and the Joey Dunlop Foundation delivered another fabulous annual dinner held on the 13th of January. The main purpose of the dinner is to conclude the 2017 Tombola Draw; the charity was thrilled to have John McGuinness as guest of honour and he pulled the winning tickets. The 1st prize of the Honda Fireblade TT Special was won by Nick Barrett of Lincolnshire. The 1st Prize for the 2018 Tombola was unveiled and for this year the Foundation has a Yamaha R6 in REA RACING colours with a Joey Dunlop Replica Arai helmet for 2nd Prize, a mini moto for 3rd Prize and 4th Prize is £200.
2017 was a notable year for many reasons;
Under the guidance of Kevin, Bob and Charlie; Andy Faragher and his Team completed the major alterations at Braddan Bridge House, increasing the number of apartments from 3 to 5. It has been commented many times that the new extension to the building fits in so well that you would think it has always been that way. Andy was assisted by many suppliers and tradesmen to assist us with the costs, DLP again on-hand to supply all the wet room and kitchen equipment.
Kevin & Bob both decided early in 2017 that they wished to move on from JDF but wanted to ensure that the build project was completed on time ready for the holiday trade and within budget. To ensure that we were able to do this we unfortunately had to miss the annual trip to the NW200. It was pleasing for everyone when the time TT came around the charity was over the heavy spend and things were going extremely well so at the end of June Kevin & Bob took their leave with a job very well done. The Foundation thanks them both for their years of good work for the JDF.
Gilly Keown took over as Manager of BBH, right in the middle of the busy holiday season. Luckily Gilly excelled in her new role, although it did have its challenges. There were so many visitors who stayed with us at BBH and had an amazing holiday. It is a great feeling when you know that you have helped make someone’s year and at BBH it happens quite a lot.
Through the good work of Charlie Bond we have a new office at BBH and the Laundry facility has also been fitted out and decorated. The Foundation thanks Charlie for all his efforts which has come free of charge and Charlie is on hand to tend to the gardens, which in itself is a big undertaking!
Barry Steels attended a huge amount of shows and travel great distances over in the UK for the JDF; on a couple of occasions accompanied by our good friend John Harris. They spread the word on what it is we have to offer to so many disabled people. Opening up the Isle of Man, providing them with affordable and suitable holiday accommodation.
New for JDF in 2017 was setting up a new base down at Peter Murrays Motorcycle Museum for both the TT & Festival of Motorcycling. Peter invited JDF in, provided a purpose made area for the Foundation to set up in, making life a lot easier for those who man the stall for the long hours each day. It is pleasing to know that this arrangement is set to continue with many supporters spreading the word so that visitors will know where to find us.
I would like to thank my fellow Trustee John Watterson who continues to look after the charity’s legal and financial matters as well as being promotor for the annual Tombola.
There are still many things the Foundation need to complete in 2018. The three original apartments are to have new boilers installed in February and then the complex will have a complete spring clean, decorating all the rooms ready for the holiday season. The bookings are already streaming in so another busy season ahead of us. The Website is in need of an update and we hope to improve this with the assistance of our hosting company 3legs.com. We also aim to improve the specialist equipment that will assist our disabled guests.
Please continue to assist the JDF throughout 2018. The committee thanks all our supporters and look forward to meeting you all over the next year.
Thank you all
Bruce Baker
