1995… Pierce Brosnan stepped into the role of James Bond, the Britpop era was at its height with Blur going toe-to-toe with Oasis, while Blackburn Rovers lifted the Premier League title. Meanwhile, a young Chris Fox, or Foxy as he is known to many in the club, volunteered to marshal at Sleemans corner at Bouley Bay for the first time. 30 years on – Foxy has become a regular fixture on the officials list – helping the team to put on four hillclimbs each year. We let Chris pick up the next part of the story… how did it all begin?

“I remember going down to Bouley Bay as early as 1975 or 1976 to watch, and then I used to go and watch friends compete as I got older, but it wasn’t until 1995 I started to volunteer and help out. I was doing the Jersey Rally and offered to marshal for someone for a couple of hillclimbs, who would in return marshal for me on the rally. Something I still do to this day. I wanted to marshal there as it was my favourite part of the hill, and soon after I was given more and more responsibility – and now look after the Sleemans section of the hill.”

But why was it Sleemans in particular?

“The vantage point at Sleemans – I think it’s one of the best on the hill. You are high up on the bank and you can see quite a lot of the course as riders and drivers come out of Cafe, into Sleemans and off into Les Platons corner. Somebody kindly laid down a concrete plinth for my chair and I also have a banner now which has: Foxy’s since 1995. It’s my home and I love it and I think I would be scared to go anywhere else now!

“I have only missed two events, and I have been lucky enough to compete once on a racing scooter I used to have. I really wanted to say, I had done one and to see what it was like as a competitor – I loved it, but love my place on the bank.”

Foxy has seen it all, from first time competitors to the British Championship hopefuls and everyone in between. Infact, the Jerseyman has seen all but one record set on the hill – quite impressive when you think about it. So in those 30 years – has anything stood out?

“One of my highlights was seeing Guernsey driver Andy Priaulx take the hill record. The atmosphere was incredible, and as a Channel Islander you felt proud. You could see he was just special behind the wheel and to see what he went on to go and do in motorsport speaks for itself.

“But, I think the thing I love is being fortunate enough to witness different generations from the same family compete. For some families they are now into their third generation which is very special for me.”

Now hitting the magic milestone of 30 what does the future hold for Foxy at Sleemans?

“Things have changed in my life over the years, but Sleemans has been the contestant, and I love doing it. I love the respect from the competitors, giving advice to newcomers and enjoy the company of those joining me on the bank. I am only 63 and fit and well, and will keep doing this for as long as I can keep climbing the bank – that is for sure.”

We would like to thank Chris for his 30 years of incredible service to motorsport at Bouley Bay. We would also like to extend our appreciation to every official, marshal and volunteer helping today and all season long. Thank you!