Ironsides was the brainchild of Mark Dykes and in 1987 he discussed the idea with Richard Rawlins and Ron Cash both of whom thought it was an idea worth taking forward.

With this in mind Mark then contacted Don Field, Connie Taylor, David Waite and Ben Taylor asking if they would be prepared to form a steering committee to get the idea off the ground all of whom agreed to join him in this venture.

The steering committee was then invited to a luncheon meeting at NASS headquarters with Ron Cash to discuss details of the plans for formally obtaining NASS backing for the committee's ideas for the future of Ironsides.

The backing was readily forthcoming for the use of NASS offices for meetings and social functions and it has to be recognised that NASS has been largely responsible for the success of lronsides being the organisation it is today.

The inaugural meeting of Ironsides was held on the 24th March 1988 with some 30 members attending and a committee was elected, by those present, with responsibility for the future operation of Ironsides.

From then on Ironsides has gone from strength to strength with a regular programme of social functions each year and the present committee members are continually seeking to find other activities which will help Ironsides to continue to thrive.

The present committee is made up of:

• George Glassbrook, President
• Stewart Green, Vice President
• Bill Icke, Treasurer
• Geoff Beverley, Secretary
• Ben Taylor, Founder
• John Richardson
• Derek Raper
  
• Jim Kilby
• Brian Rees
• Tom Straughton