Tom Clenche of Petley on Random Island, NL joins an exclusive group of volunteers who have been awarded the Spirit of Targa trophy in recognition of their work to support Targa Newfoundland. Only nine volunteers have received this award over the rally’s 22-year history.
For the past two years, Tom, together with his son, Thomas, ensured that the north side of the Random Island stages, which run through the communities of Lower Lance Cove, Britannia, Petley, and Aspen Cove, were properly taped off and that residents were made aware of Targa’s timetable.
Tom ensured his sons and their friends were on deck early on “Targa Day” and started taping off the stage even before our set up team arrived on scene. After the stages ran, they removed all the tape and Tom took it upon himself to conduct a survey of the residents of these four communities to ensure all had a say on the event. The results of his survey were excellent with virtually all saying they enjoyed watching the day’s fun from behind the safety tape.
Shell collector and naturalist
When Tom isn’t helping Targa, he’s an avid naturalist and shell collector. He also collects coins and stamps from around the world.
“I love to boat, fish, swim and snorkel and take photographs of all the flora and fauna of my home island,” says Tom.
He has an impressive collection of shells from Newfoundland and around the world that he studies and catalogues. “I have been a life-long shell collector and have a lot of different species. Salt water, fresh water and land shells are all collected, when I can find them.”
Volunteers wanted
Tom is already busy planning ahead for the rally next fall and recruiting other volunteers on Random Island.
If you’d like to be part of the action too, volunteer for Targa 2025.