Club Chairman George Peach nominated for Sports Administrator of the Year
The Southern 100 Club are delighted to see that club chairman George Peach has been nominated for Sports Administrator of the Year in the 2023 Isle of Man Sports Awards.
The names of George Peach and ‘Southern 100 Racing’ go together like ‘Coffee & Cream’, and not surprisingly as the man and event have been joined at the hip for some forty–two years!
Castletown born and bred, George Philip Peach joined the Committee of the Southern 100 Motorcycle Club Ltd in 1982, prior to joining the Committee, he was one of the many regular volunteers assisting with the preparation of building the 4.25-mile course prior to racing and signing on as a marshal for the duration of the races, before helping dismantle the course at the end of the event for very many years.
On joining the committee in 1982, twelve months after the club had taken over the running of the ‘friendly races’ from the Southern Motorcycle Club who had organised the race since its inception in 1955, he also took on the role of Deputy Chief Club Marshal (the Chief Marshal at the time was the Chief Constable – an honorary position) and continued in the position until 1989 when he took over as Club and Race Secretary, a post he still held as the racing organisation ended its 2018 season.
However, at the Club’s Annual General Meeting in February 2018, George Peach was elected Chairman to replace Phil Taubman MBE, who was elevated to President of the Southern 100 Racing Club.
Since George Peach took on the role of Club & Race Secretary in 1989, the Southern 100 has grown in stature and size (as has the Pre-TT Races) and as with all organisations so has the administration duties, which he has encompassed and adopted as required to ensure the events run to the highest of standards.
George’s ethos epitomises the Southern 100. His principled, objective approach, honesty, and responsibility creates an aura about him. His friendly and charming influence instantly puts people at ease and makes them feel welcome. Any first-time competitor, marshal or helper feels at ease with George. However, George can be firm and even gnarled old timers pumped up with adrenaline cannot fail to smile at his pleasantness, even if they have done something wrong. George is part of the reason competitors love to compete on the Billown Course and is a big contributor to the growing success of the Southern 100.
Apart from the mountains of administration work, George could also be found helping at all the work parties involving the preparation of the 4.25-mile Billown Course ensuring that it is safe for racing and returning the roads in good condition for public use once events have concluded.
Away from involvement with the Southern 100 Road Races and associated events George also finds time to be on the Committee of the Castletown Bowling Club where he coaches youngsters for the Manx Youth Games. George has also been Men’s Captain and Fixture Secretary in the past.
A well-known person in Castletown George also served his home town and the larger community of the Isle of Man as a Retained Fireman based in the ancient capital for 30 years.
Congratulations on being shortlisted from all at the Southern 100 Club.
Main story image thanks to Dave Kneen.
