MGCC Chief Marshal stands down

[Clive]

I was kind of hoping someone else would start this, but I guess it falls to me, so

a sad farewell to John Watson who is stepping down as chief marshal of the MG Car Club after upteen years in the post. (He is NOT retiring from marshalling and will probably now be found lurking on the bank somewhere!)

A really BIG thank you John for all you've done for the MGCC and marshalling generally. For your knowledge, your experience and your warmth of friendship to all and your humour, well we'll leave that one

We'll miss Dot too. Now who'll make the tea?

You will be missed, but I know we'll meet again.... some sunny day (hopefully, but knowing the British weather????)

Cheers John

[chezza]

My goodness, that is a bit of a shock, but there comes a time to hand the mantle on to someone else.

You will be missed as a chief marshal, but glad to hear that you are not retiring completely.

Thank you for all your hard work and kindness that you've shown each time that I've marshalled for the MGCC.

[Andrew Palmer]

Clive somebody had to start the thread and nobody better than the person taking over as MGCC Cheif Marshal.

But back to the thread.

I'm sorry your hear your standing down John but hopefully I see you on the bank some time soon.

[Peter Mallett]

As a driver and MGCC member I'd like to extend my thanks to John for all he and his team(s) have done for motorsport in general and the MGCC in particular.

And Clive. I probably won't make the international again this year so you'll have to find someone else to pick on!

[Norbert]

All the best John. Thank you for your work. I only marshal for the MGCC perhaps once a year but John always recognised me and was always treated like one of regluars.

Hope you enjoy the future stress-free days on the bank.

[Richard Sneader]

Thank you John for all you have done over the years, I have known you for many years and your contribution to helping marshals has been outstanding. Some of the bigger clubs should take notes from you. CLive good luck in the new post and will see you soon.
Rich S

[PenelopePitstop]

Thanks for all your hard work, good humor, weather forcasts and timetable predictions in the past and good luck in the future.

[Gerryc]

John,

Marshalling with the MGCC has always been a pleasure - not least because of the way we were treated and respected. This all stems from the attitude of the Chief Marshal so Clive has a lot to live up to. I hope to still see you around and about, many thanks for your professional and helpful assistance in the past.

Gerry Condon

[ChrisA]

John, sorry to hear you're stepping down, you'll be missed greatly.

Clive, congrats on taking over, and boy, what a tough act to follow.

[Pete Howarth]

Originally Posted by Clive

We'll miss Dot too. Now who'll make the tea?

Thats another job for you Clive

[Joyce George]

A hard act to follow, John has been a tower of strength & must have a 1st class degree in tact & diplomacy!!! Enjoy your semi-retirement John, & Clive - You'll do a brilliant job, Good Luck!! See you all next year.

[paddock.one]

John - not having been able to get to the last couple of MG events at Oulton, I'll miss seeing you as Chief. MGCC's attitude towards - and generosity to - all its marshals has been well known and much appreciated.

Some of the assembly marshals , and others, have enjoyed track laps with you. I never seemed to find the opportunity, but instead treasure an unforgettable treat when you gave me a course-car ride at the Aintree Festival that freezing day in 2004, complete with appropriate local anecdotes! Thanks for ever for that...

Enjoy not having the Chiefing responsibilities, know it'll continue in good hands - hope to see you again...
Martin B

[johngee]

I hope you enjoy your retirement John but I hope you'll still be around at Cadwell. It wouldn't be the same without you and your help and support has always been appreciated, perhaps more than you realise

[radiogaga]

As a decendent of the marshalling master - I have finally joined ten tenths in honour of Dad - John Watson!

Many thanks Clive for starting this thread and to everyone for their kind words - which mean a lot to John and the family.

I can echo the amount of hard work that goes on behind the scenes throughout the year and see parts of the job and John's associated dedication that others do not.

John is responsible for encouraging three generations of Watson (and Kendall) marshals to join the fun! But putting the family loyalty aside, here is our own thanks and tribute to a dedicated marshal, a motorsport motivator and an amazing man!

ps - No worries all - we'll make sure we keep dragging him out on post!

[Clive]

Hi Lynne and welcome to 10 tenths. John certainly has a lot to answer for

[Elementary]

I had heard a little rumour earlier in the year from a very very reliable source so this is not a big surprise.

It is however a very sad day for Grant and myself.

So a huge THANK YOU John for your hard work not only for the MGCC but your seemingly tireless crusade to support marshals and to show us all that our efforts are appreciated. Not many Clubs do that sadly. A simple thank you does go a long way. However you eclipsed the thank you by putting on the now infamous Silverstone Big One BBQ and despite the best efforts of (Un) Aspire Catering to destroy it I hope that it continues.

On a personal note, I would like to say thanks John for your support for Grant, myself and "Daisy". It is so very much appreciated.

Enjoy putting your feet up, but don't be a stranger.

love

Grant & Annie Watson + Daisy