Many from the New Zealand motorcycling community gathered in Whanganui yesterday to bid their final farewell to Barbara Lett, a tireless worker for the Kiwi bike racing/riding family who passed away this week.
Barb Lett was a stalwart of the Whanganui Motorcycle Club and, in particular, the famous Cemetery Circuit street race held every Boxing Day.
Barb first volunteered to help with the event in 1960 and only missed two events since then. From track set-up, door knocking for public consent, meeting with city councillors and the mayor, erecting crowd barriers and organising the sponsors, Barb had done it all.
But her greatest achievement was working as Clerk of the Course – the first woman in the world to control an international road race event.
Known for her honest and forthright “get the job done” approach, Barb was also the sincere and loving lady who presented the accolades to the volunteers who had toiled at the circuit for many years.
Whanganui City acknowledged Barb with an elite Volunteer Award as the city fathers knew her significant contribution to Whanganui.
Motorcycling New Zealand, BikesportNZ.com and the wider biking community extends sympathy to Joe, Jodi, Meegan, Shelley and Perry and the extended family.
RIP Barb – a lovely lady who loved motorcycle racing.
Words courtesy MNZ & Neil Ritchie.
© Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
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