EXTRACTS FROM T M SHEARD – THE MODEST MANXMAN
Tom Sheard was only one of the heroes of the early days of the Isle of Man TT races. It is all to easy to forget the gruelling physical conditions borne for hours on the uneven tracks with oil, mud and stones being sprayed onto the rider’s face and gear changing requiring one hand to be removed from the handlebars, not to mention the often misty and damp weather conditions endured at that time – such conditions nowadays would result in the race being postponed……..
Tom lived in ‘Elsinore’, a magnificent building in Victoria Road, Douglas, on which site a wine store now stands, and ‘Elysée’, a nearby building which remains as flats. Elsinore deserves special mention. It was built in the mid 19th century and was one of the first buildings in that area of Douglas. In 1860, it was a school, ‘Elsinore Academy’, then in 1876, one of the many prestigious functions held there was the 21st birthday of Philip Christian, heir to the large Bucks estate……
The races of yesteryear had two aspects; they were a business proposition – to test the machines and discover defects which could be improved, and a sporting attraction – to test the pluck, endurance, skill and prudence of the riders in negotiating the risks of the road, creating endless interest and excitement………
In 1929, Tom was invited to travel on the first passenger flight between the Isle of Man and Blackpool aboard the ‘Youth of Britain’ a 12 seater Giant de Havilland Moth, with Sir Alan Cobham KBE as pilot. Tom must have supplied the car for the collection and running about of Sir Alan, as I have unearthed an itinerary for the day, typed on Tom’s letterhead. It seems that when he had anything to do, he liked to go about it in a very precise and thorough manner……
I do hope that you find this book enjoyable – the kind comments received have made it all worthwhile!
© R Sheard 2007-2009