For almost 30 years, it has been a a staple part of the Manx calendar and it has raised more than £250,000 for charity, but today (Friday) marks the end of an era when the last Hogg auction takes place at the Palace Hotel in Douglas.

Started by the Hogg family in 1990, it was in memory of TT rider Phil Hogg who died in an accident at Ballagarey during TT practices in 1989.

The inaugural event was held at the old Imperial Hotel. Phil’s brother Shaun recalls it as a fairly low-key affair.

’After Phil’s accident, Dr Stevens approached Mum and Dad about having Phil’s name on an ambulance.

’We wanted to raise some money but that first auction mainly involved family and friends who also donated many of the sale items like sets of leathers.

’It was mainly promoted by word of mouth and I think it raised about £1,000. We just saw it as a one-off really,’ he said.

Dr David Stevens added: ’We were trying to set up a Motorsport Association rescue unit because back then, there was not one over here,’ he said.

’We always had to bring people over from across, not just for TT, S100, Manx Grand Prix, but also for the car rallies as well.

’Our first ambulance was an old Bedford. Another of the early ones, an old Mercedes, was so old that when we pensioned it off it went to the transport museum.’

Many people have mucked in to support the event, from the then proprietors of the Imperial, who provided the room and a buffet, both for nothing, to the staff at the current venue, The Palace.

This Friday, more than 150 people are expected to attend the auction, in person, bidding on up to 100 lots, ranging from team clothing to branded watches and a John McGuinness signed helmet.

But the possible star lot is an authentic 2009 TT winner’s trophy mounted in the wheel of the winning sidecar outfit, donated by TT star Dave Molyneux.

Bids on the social media site, Facebook, have already topped £2,000 for this.

There have been many generous donations over the years, not least from TT winner Steve Hislop who donated many of his trophies, including his first ever - for go-karting, as well as the engraved engine rocker cover from his Norton racing bike.

This year, bidders can compete for three breaks in the Lakes, a VIP trip to the Moto GP, signed pictures and clothing and a signed helmet donated by Carl Fogarty.

In the past there have also been helicopter and balloon rides, as well as a pillion ride around the course with racer Phil McCallum, but not all went to plan.

’We ended up with two winners, one live at the auction and another online so Phil agreed to do a lap for each of them.

’He was only here for a day!

’Then when he arrived at Road and Track, who were donating a Yamaha R1 for the ride, they found the bike had been stolen. They had to quickly find a replacement.’

Dr Stevens said the money remains essential to the Hogg charity that needs £25,000 a year just to stand still, covering things like insurance costs and replacing consumables and out-of-date items.

On average, the auction has contributed a much needed £7,000 each year, and although the auction has come to an end, Shaun, along with his mother and father, Sheila and Alex, has other fundraising ideas.

Friday’s action will be compered, as usual, by long-time supporter and commentator Roy Moore. It takes place at the Palace Hotel in Douglas at 7.30pm. Admission on the door is £2.50.