Do you know Derry Kissack? No! But I know a fella who does! by Derry Kissack |
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| Wednesday, 10 March 2010 15:14 | ||||
 As you might have guessed from the title, this is a book about the life and times of Derry Kissack written by the man himself. The funny thing is that most of you do actually know Derry as the voice and guiding light of the infamous Purple Helmets domiciled on the Isle of Man.Certainly this was the Derry I knew, the larger than life character with the cheeky grin and line of patter to keep you laughing as the crazy ‘stunt’ team showed that professionalism comes in all shapes and sizes and not always with shiny motorcycles. However, I am now pleased to say I know the real man, a man steeped in motorcycling life and business on Mona’s fair Isle. A man modest in his account of his considerable sporting acumen, as much as he is about his business life as well. Derry is not a professional writer and only onset of cancer meant he had time on his hands during his recovery which persuaded him to put pen to paper. As result, this is a book that he has retained editorial rights over and consequently it has you laughing for much of it as well as taking you at times to the opposite end of the spectrum. From this very personal account you learn not only about motorcycling on a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea, but also about life in general. If you like me you visit each year for the TT or Manx you tend to forget that life (and motorcycling) goes on outside these two great motorcycling events and consequently this book will help you redress your lack of knowledge in all areas. Rather than spoil the read and itemise the various chapters and happenings, I will leave you to read through the 156 pages spread with images from his personal collection and enjoy his life as much as he clearly has his own. I have said repeatedly that books about the motorcycle personalities are far more important than those about the bikes themselves which have all been done to pieces. For that reason alone this is a very important book, but above all else a cracking good read! ISBN 978 0 9564412 0 1 Available direct from the author at Ballakissack Farm, Little Mill Road, Onchan, Isle of Man IM45BE for £23 including post and package. Also available on line from - Amulree/FoTTofinders and Duke Video and manxshop@mcb.net Review by Ian Kerr
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