CHARLES Norman (Rob) Rhind-Tutt was born to Maggie (Petty) at Berwick St James in March 1941. His father Charles, a young aeroplane engineer from Stapleford had been tragically killed by enemy action six months earlier.

Rob wasn’t fond of school and was more often found at home, making things, riding his bike or taking things apart to see how they work. As he grew up his uncle’s motorbikes attracted attention and often he would borrow one, race it over the local by-ways, then put it back before anyone noticed.

On his 16th birthday Rob started an apprenticeship at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Boscombe Down, bought a 350cc Velocette, and developed a passion for grass track. Future champion Mike Lane encouraged Rob to have a go, but Rob was more interested in how the bikes were engineered knowing if he was ever to race one he had to build his own. In 1962 using the machining and welding skills he perfected at Boscombe Down, an exceptional bike was created and soon there were demands for replicas, including from British number one Mike Guilford.

By the mid-1960’s, Rob was working at Boscombe Down during the day & building frames at night. The more he made the more competitions they won!

In 1968 Rob made this his full time career and registered Wasp 50 years ago last May.

Within 15 years, Wasp outfits had won the European and World Championships eleven times and from a new factory at South Newton sidecar motocross and grass track machines were selling worldwide. By the late 1970’s Rob’s frames were capable of being ridden faster than any Norton or Yamaha engines could propel and it was time for a Wasp engine. From his rough sketches a 1000cc air cooled twin engine delivering 8,000 rpm was born.

Today, over 57 years and 5000 frames later, Wasp is now the most successful, longest surviving British motorcycle manufacturer - still making bikes to order, using the same methods in the same jigs. Rob Rhind-Tutt passed away peacefully on September 4, a legend in the world of sidecar cross, leaving Maureen, his wife of 25 years, his daughters and grandchildren and sadly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Rob’s life will take place at Boscombe Down on Friday September 27 at 2.30pm. For details call 01722 792827 or andyrt@uwclub.net