Tom Dickie - How he's remembered

Tom Dickie, How he's remembered

We had the pleasure of meeting Tom Dickie on our first ride out to LLangollen Motor Museum in 2021; a chance to blow away the cobwebs from the cabin fever of the national covid lockdown. Our friend Phil Morris brought along some of his prized bikes to showcase and add a different element to Geoff's museum. Both men are extremely passionate about their collections and had much to talk about.

Tom was there to help Phil and enjoy the atmosphere of the day. We found him to be an unassuming man that was happy to talk to everyone about their interests and passions, making them feel special about what they had to say. He did it in such a way that their topic became the centre of attention, rather than his (such a skill). You could watch him in his quiet moments just standing alone soaking in the atmosphere and watching with a smile what was going on around him. Even when we asked if he wanted refreshments he asked, "How much?" when we were looking to treat him. 

He certainly left an impression and we were so looking forward to seeing him on our ride out in 2022. Sadly this was when his health took a turn for the worse and he slipped away. That's why we thought this year we would like to dedicate this ride out to his memory.

His daughter was kind enough to pen the following to give us an insight into his career an achievements 

Tom was born in Aberdare 22 December 1941 and moved to Staines in 1948. He worked in engineering as well as driving tipper lorries so he could fit his work around his love of racing.  Continuing with his love of bikes he set up D&H Motorcycles in 1974 with his business partner Brian Hunter based in Hayes and later on in Acton.

Tom started his racing career in 1961 and was soon well known and respected around the circuits of Cadwell, Thruxton and the Isle of Man.  He also had a real talent for enduros with the late Paul Smart, Clive Wall, Daryl Pendlebury and Chas Mortimer.

During his times around the mountain circuit he raced alongside the great Giacomo Agostini, Mike Halewood.

A few of Tom’s racing career highlights

1966 Manx Gran Prix Junior 3^rd on AJS (7R)

1966 1^st in the Manx Grand Prix senior on the Ray Cowles G50

1967 7^th in the Senior TT on the Ray Cowles G50

1968 2^nd Mettet Beldium 500 race

1969 Isle of Man TT 3^rd in the Senior and 4^th in the Junior

1970 4^th on Slippery Sam in the TT production race

1970 1^st in the Bol D’or 24 hour race with the late Paul Smart and also making it into the Guinness Book of records for the most miles covered.  1970 was the last year the Bold D’or was run with just 2 riders.  It was a double celebration as Tom was busy racing while Brigid gave birth to their daughter, so there was plenty to celebrate.

Later on in life Tom felt it was important to put back into racing as he was always grateful for all the help he had received throughout his racing career.  Over the years Tom helped Bob Heath, Paul Deadman, Jason Griffiths, Gavin Hunt, Howie Manwairing, Tom Tunstall, Marty Nutt, David Jones, Thomas Clegg, Fred Warmsley and Mark Parrett until 2017.

Tom kept himself very busy until 2019 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he went on to develop dementia and prostate cancer and passed peacefully away at his family home 16^th May 2022 with his devoted wife Brigid by his side.

Tom always believed there was good in everybody and life was for living.