VSCC 'Spring Start' Silverstone, Saturday 24th April, 2010.

1) Damn these sunny days. It's about 11:45 and we've been queueing for almost an hour and we're still not at the main gate. We have a chat with the bloke on the gate when we finally get there (there's time - we're not going anywhere soon) and he says they only sold 1200 tickets last year. He's sold double that today and the queue is still a mile long. It was cold and overcast last year, that's why, we reply. Bit of sunshine and the hordes are out looking for summat to do. And what could be better than gawping at loads of olde chaps and chappesses (and some quite young drivers as it happens) piloting even older cars around a historic circuit (albeit one that is in a constant state of flux)?
2) Howard immediately makes himself at home and gets chatting away about the olde times to Bentley Bear who's competed in many an olde Le Mans 24 Hours he doesn't mind telling him, oh no. Howard's so excited he appears to be bending it like Beckham (or, perhaps, doing the Can-Can) but we have no idea what that's all about.

3) We were taken with this outrageous car last year and got a 'paddock shot' or two but nothing 'on track', so here's one of it 'going for it' at Copse. We think the designer of this 1929 Napier Bentley was missing a trick. If he extended the bonnet a bit more he could have got two 24 Litre Bomber engines under it. I mean, why settle for just the one? It's being driven by Christopher Williams and it goes like stink down the straights. Bit slower 'round the corners, mind. Can't have it all tho', eh?
4) Bl**dy motorists in their fangled and new automobiles. Never looking where they are going. Always distracted. Looking around for their prawn sandwiches/bottle of Pimms, that sort of thing. Should be banned.

5) Yay! Another exciting shot of one of Silverstone's new GP circuit corners. Dunno what it will be called but this is the corner that joins the new bit with the existing 'club circuit' straight (so they'll be coming towards you, if that helps).
6) Back in the paddock and David refuses to be down-hearted just because a certain someone has informed him that he needs a haircut and he's looking more and more like his Roman alter-ego, Sanctimonius Pedanticus, every day. I'll get it cut next week (possibly). Really I will. Promise.

7) This is Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason (you'll have to take our word for it). I took several photos of this 1959 Maserati T61 in the paddock. Mr Mason (who I nearly saw live at Earls Court in 1973 but finished up seeing the Kinks at the Rainbow instead - it's a long story) might have been stood right next to us when we were taking them, for all I know, but we wouldn't have noticed 'cos it's a 1959 Maserati T61. Probably asked him to shift out of the way.

8) It's 5:15-ish and it's time to go. Looks like we won't be able to drive straight out (but we were able to). It's been a great day and the large crowd added to the atmosphere and only got it the way on the odd occasion (we are sooooo tolerant). Now were are off to meet Billy and Sue down the road for a meal and a chat. They've promised to have a full run down of all the football scores (gulp). Will The Mighty Wolves be safe?

1) The resident pair of swans in our local park are still tending their nest. By the looks of things they have at least six eggs.



2) They have certainly chosen a lovely setting although the eggs face an uncertain future. Our guess is that it's a toss-up between the local foxes or hoodies as to who will get to them first. In the meantime, our fingers remain firmly crossed.

Evesham Cats Protection, Sunday 18th April, 2010.

1) Some cats clearly come as a pair. This is Candice and Bernice. Not sure they are happy about these names but you can't argue with the Cats Protection, can you? Not sure which one is which either but given they are two of the sweetest natured cats here today we are sure someone will give them a home very soon.


2) Prisoner of Cell Block Five update. He's doing well back in captivity and would like to dispel the wicked rumour that he is eating his cell-mates rations and every mouse stupid enough to wander through his sphere of influence.

3) Sometimes you spot a cat and instantly know he will be chosen sooner rather than later. This is Brad (Vicky's name, not the CP's). Sure enough, as we were busy mucking out, a couple came in and chose him. That's what it's all about, eh?

4) Not all pairs are as happy as Candice and Bernice (see above). Vicky called these two Paul and Heather. Looks to me as though 'Paul' has just found out from his legal team that the cost of the divorce is so prohibitive that he'll have to see out his days with that money-grabber after all.

5) Aha! You thought volunteering at the CP is all about fussing cats and drinking tea. Well, if only it was!

Sunday 11th April, 2010.

1) It's not often we venture over to the west bank of the river but today we are feeling adventurous so what the hell. It's a chance to catch the rowing boat ferry back and for 30p per person per trip (and with all proceeds going to charity) it's a bargain. The rumour that there are more swans in Worcester than people isn't true but it's a close run thing.


2) On the way back home we walk through the local park and discover that the resident pair of swans have decided to build a nest in an even more exposed place than in previous years. Given we have never seen them raise any signets successfully we don't hold out much hope. We shall continue to monitor the situation.

Airbourne, Wolverhampton Civic, Saturday 10th April, 2010.

1) This is Taking Dawn. Beg yer pardon, my mistake. Make that Takin' Mutherfuggin' Dee-awn Fugg Yeah. They're from Las Vegas in the Yew Ess Ov Eh, apparently, and they're here to rawk Wolverhampton. A bit like a thrash metal version of Motley Crue, they are very tight, slick, and entertaining. Got a good crowd reaction for a support band but then, at the end, had to help their roadies clear the stage of their props and gear. Such is life. Vicky's verdict: 2.5/5. David's verdict: 2/5.



2) Next up, it's the Black Spiders. David has the advantage over Vicky in that he's heard a couple of their tracks. They are the least metal of the bands tonight. Heavy bottom-end (more tea Vicar), not many solos, good groove. May well have a future. But, then again, what do we know? We thought the Southern Death Cult were shite when they supported Big Country back in the day but that Ian Astbury-fella was right when he told the audience 'you'll be back paying top whack to see us within a year'. No we fuggin' won't, we replied. Then they changed their name (and style of music) and became a bonafide world-wide rawk phenomenon called the Cult. Anyway, Vicky's verdict 1.5/5. David's: 4.5/5.

3) Airbourne are on stage and they are loud. Make that LOUD! We got a clue that they would be when the drum tech tapped the bass drum pedal ever so lightly and the sound vibrated right along the balcony, through our seats, up our spines (shaking loose a couple of vertebrae), rocketed into our skulls, smashed a few brain cells, before exiting through our overloaded luggholes. Look at that back line. The support bands didn't get to use that. I have been going to gigs since 1970 and I can't ever recall anything as loud as this. The bloke to my left is a big chap. I try to keep his bulk between me and the speakers but it's no use.

4) Security Alert! Security Alert!! There's some half-naked Aussie-fella with a guitar gate-crashing the balcony seats and we're pretty sure he hasn't got a valid ticket. Olde people are having to stand up to make way and now he's got us in his sights. It's an outrage.

5) The audience lap it up. Mainly young uns down the front. They'll be stone deaf before they're 30, you'll see. Serve 'em right.

6) The spirit of Slade's Don Powell is alive and well, still living in Wolverhampton, and rawking in the body of Airbourne's singer/lead guitarist. Imagine AC/DC's Bon Scott and Angus Young inhabiting the same body and you're about half-way there to imagining how much energy this bloke (and the others in the band) put into a show. The other two guitarists are simply Angus Young. Vicky's verdict: 4.5/5. David's: 4/5. I am forced to penalise them a point 'cos it is too loud. Classic Rock mag's tag line is 'If it's too loud, yer too old'. OK, I admit it: It's too loud and I'm too old. Come on Vic, let's get home for a nice relax and a mug of cocoa before a good night's kip. Now that's what I call Rawk 'n' Rowl.

NB. I've managed to blog this less than 24 hours after the event. That's pretty impressive for me. Nothing compared to the two young chaps sat in front of us who were both uploading, in a blur of opposable thumbs, images and words from their mobiles to their Facebook sites whilst still headbanging without missing a beat. Now that's impressive.

Wednesday 7th April, 2010.

1) It's Vicky's Birthday today and, as anyone who knows us will testify, it is illegal to work on yer birthday: it's simply not natural. As Vicky gets to do just what she wants all day we have driven into town for a slap-up breakfast. We use the term 'breakfast' advisedly because it is nearly midday by the time we get there. Vicky has a West Country Vegetarian and David has a Full English. What a treat! Food Police lurking outside, happily, just out of shot.


2) Having 'stuffed our 'odge' we return home to get changed and then drive over to Evesham Dogs Trust to do a spot of dog-walking to walk off our hugemongous breakfasts. This is Busby, a 7-8 months old Irish stray. What a friendly fella he is. We really take to him. He'll find a home soon, no problem.

3) More daffs out in Worcestershire shock! Having a rest and a 'quiet sit' is all part and parcel of giving the dogs some normality. So what could be better than to sit and have a fuss with the middle-aged Corgi, Levi. Wasn't sure about him at first. Bit of an odd looking cove (but, then again, aren't we all). He spent most of the time sniffing every single tuft of grass and piddling in every bush but by this point he had run out of piddle and was content to rest for a while (whilst hoping his piddle reserves would swiftly replenish, no doubt).

4) It's almost quarter-to-four and as the DT closes at four we make this our last dog walk. This is Scarlett, one of many Staffie-crosses that seem to proliferate here. She's a lively sort and has a strange strangulated bark that seems to barely leave the back of her throat when she sees another dog in the distance. It's quite disconcerting at first but we convince ourselves it's nothing to worry about. She seemed to enjoy our company and that's the main thing. All the dogs we walked must have sensed it was Vicky's birthday 'cos not one of them gave us a present to clean up. Nice one! If only it was always like that.

5) It's now almost 6:45pm and, having had an hour long soak in the bath, Vicky is ready for her dinner. David has cooked her Tuna Pasta, just one of his many 'signature dishes.'
Vicky's verdict? 20-out-of-ten. Yes, you read that right. It's that good! Her only complaint is that there's 'rather a lot'. She particularly likes the '1950's salad' which, translated, means, a load of green stuff lobbed into a bowl. David's presentation skills needs work, she concludes. It only remains to sit down in font of the TV and watch the highlights of the Brands Superbike race on ITV4. Well, Vicky shouldn't expect to go a whole day without some motorsport just 'cos it's her birthday, should she?

Easter Monday, 5th April, 2010.

1) We're too cream-crackered to go to the Red Marley hillclimb today so we have a lie-in and a leisurely morning and then decide to walk into town, a mere 3.5 mile round trip, just in case we haven't done enough walking this weekend. We walk along the river into town, buy a few things, as you do, and then trudge back home along the main road. We take a seat in Gheluvelt Park and rest our weary feet. The plague and pestilence that the weather-scrotes forecast hasn't materialised and the sun has come out. The daffodils look splendid and it's great to see some colour in the landscape once again after our looooooong drab grey winter.

2) Gazing across the peaceful scene in a kind of stupor we eventually come back 'round and find the strength to carry on with the rest of the walk home. If anything, our pace has slowed even more than before. There's no rush tho', eh?

3) We're obviously more weary than we thought because our brains can't fathom what this latest Parks Project is all about. All we know is that the Council has been awarded a Lottery Grant and this resultant new area will replace the old outdoor swimming pool. We're sure it will look better with a water feature or two and some planted borders but, at the mo', it looks like a Health and Safety incident waiting to happen. More anon?

Loton Park, Sunday 4th April, 2010.

It's a 60 mile drive today to Loton Park, near Shrewsbury, for the first round of the Midland Hillclimb Championships along with a class for motorcyles and three-wheelers.
1) We've walked around the Paddock, watched some of the action from 'The Triangle' and got our bearings. So what could be better than a swift cuppa and a portion of chippy-chips? Don't tell the Food Police (they're everywhere) but this is our second portion between us in two days. These are more expensive than the ones at Silverstone in case you were wondering. It's important to know these things we feel. Thus fortified, it's a trek up to the top of the hill next.

2) We've almost literally driven 'All 'round The Wrekin' to get here. What a smashing view it is from the top of the hill. You can see all the way to Wolverhampton on a clear day and, as any fool knows, you can't get better than that!
3) This is Vicky's favourite car of the day. She took a shine to it down in the paddock. It's an 1950cc MGA Coupe being driven by Terry Drinkwater through Museum Corner on its way to second place in its class. Sounds impressive until you realise there were only three cars in it!

4) As yesterday's blog was all about cars at Silverstone, it is only fair we concentrate more on the 'bikes today. This is Glyn Poole at Museum on his 279cc Honda. He set the fastest time in the Up to 500cc Class.

5) This is Paul Jarret who comes from just down the road in Shrewsbury. Perhaps that's why he and his Aprilia 549cc projectile are the fastest two wheeler on the hill today? By a good two and a half seconds. Local knowledge must count for something, eh? That and sheer bravery, obviously.

6) At first glance this just looks like two blokes going hell for leather on their Suzuki Trike. But look closely and you'll see that the drivers left hand is taped to the tank. That's 'cos he's lost the use of his left arm. Not quite sure how. Anyway, his right hand controls the throttle and brakes and, I think I'm right in saying, it's an automatic gear box (or something very much like one). The bloke on the back just clings on for dear life. They won the 3-wheeler class.

7) It seems to be increasingly commonplace for racing and sports cars to have motorcycle engines. Indeed, there were some 'bike engined sports cars at Silverstone yesterday. So, nothing new in that, I hear you say. But this is the first time we've noticed a competition saloon car with one. This is Allan McDonald in his Morris Minibusa charging up Cedar Straight. He was only fifth fastest out of six in his class so, perhaps, he should revert to a more conventional power unit?

So that was our very first visit to Loton Park. We really liked it. The hill is the third longest in the UK and is undulating while not being particularly steep. In fact, at one point it is downhill. We never got out of breath and walked up and down the hill, stopping to take photos here and there, at least three times. You can't do that at Shelsley Walsh unless you're very fit.

We really liked the relaxed down to earth atmosphere which was totally at odds with the more 'blue blazer' Shelsley Walsh or the picnic hamper and pimms crowd at Prescott. Mind you, it could all be different should we return to Loton Park to watch a round of The British Championships. The chattering classes will be out in their hordes then, you'll see. Looking forward to it.

Silverstone, Saturday 3rd April, 2010.

We've come to Silverstone today for an eclectic meeting of races for olde and new cars and 250cc Superkarts (which we don't see 'cos it rains and we're such petals). We weren't sure we would bother coming here today but, as the Beeb says it won't rain 'til this afternoon, we set the alarm for 6 o'clock (gulp) and make a real effort to get here in time to see the Classic Sports cars which are due on track at the unearthly hour of 10:55am (we don't usually get to Silverstone until lunch time).
1) As per the norm we head straight to the Pit Garages to get some close ups. Here, Vicky is embarrassed 'cos I'm oblivious to the chap on the right who would very much like to get on with the little matter of preparing his 1969 T70 Lola for the morning qualifying session if yer don't mind. Thankfully, he was very good natured about me getting under his feet. We tell him it's a beautiful car and wish him all the best for the race (finished fifth) and move on and try not to get in the way of anyone else.

2) All of you who follow motorsport and can remember the glorious '70's will know exactly which Formula One car this is from. So we don't need to tell you, do we? David bores Vicky with long tales of how he saw James Hunt win in this car at Silverstone in a non-championship Formula One race. It was about 1973/74, he says, as Vicky tries to stay awake. So, you've definitely got it now, haven't you?



3) For those of you who who haven't guessed it yet, the airbox in the photo above comes from this ex-James Hunt Hesketh 308B now driven by Frank Sytner. When we last visited Silverstone, Sytner was driving a Lola T332 in the Classic F5000/F2 race. Now here we are again and he's driving a Hesketh. So, that's two of the most iconic cars of the early-to-mid '70's. Let's just hope Mr Sytner realises what a lucky so-and-so he is,eh?

4) This driver is clearly famous although we have no idea who he is. We know he's famous 'cos fully grown men (some of whom are nearly as olde as David) have formed an orderly queue and are waiting patiently for him to sign things. We note he is driving in the SuperLeague Formula for Team Olympique Lyonnais (all the cars are in the colours of so-called world famous football clubs for marketing reasons far too complicated to go into here). We resolve to google him when we get home and duly discover it is Sebastien Bourdais who is quite famous, as it happens.

5) This is either Luca Bettini or Ed Weerensteijn forgetting which way the circuit goes at Copse Corner. Whichever one it was certainly did well to save the Saker Sprint from any damage and they continued for another 25 laps to finsh 22nd in the Dutch Supercar race which, we have to say, we enjoyed a lot more than we thought we would given it was full of, ahem, modern cars. It was the variety of machinery we liked.

6) Back in the pits for lunch and David is appalled to find that someone is publicising his telephone number and identity for all to see.

7) 'Ere, mate. Wanna barrel of racing fuel? Given how many security guards were milling around keeping an eagle eye on these barrels outside every SuperLeague team garage we can only presume it is pretty expensive, and volatile, stuff.

8) I was nineteen before I had my first set of wheels. I was a late starter, obviously. This chap is Craig Dolby and he's barely eighteen years old. The car he is driving has a V12 engine and 750 BHP. No doubt, big things are expected of him. He won the first SuperLeague Race and did well in the other two. If he wins the Championship he stands to win one million Euros. It fair makes yer fink, dunnit?

9) We've driven all 'round the circuit, for the first time since the 1986 Motorcycle GP (ah, the nostalgia), and finished up at the entrance to Abbey Curve. The existing GP circuit goes sharp left and right here and then joins the 'stadium section'. Work on the new section of circuit is progressing well (eat yer heart out Donington Park) and snakes from here to a point just short of Becketts where it joins the exsiting club circuit. We look forward to spectating here for this years Moto GP round and hope it lives up to the hype.

10) It's gone three o'clock and the spray from the tyres of the Liverpool FC car, driven by James Walker, tells us that it is raining and it is time to go home. Well, we have been here about six hours and taken 622 (count 'em) photos. Besides we're tired and need to conserve some energy for Loton Park tomorrow (and, possibly, the Red Marley Classic Bike Hillclimb on Monday if it doesn't rain). We're not as young as we were, y'know.

Thursday 1st April, 2010.

It's nearly Easter and that means (if the weather plays ball and stays fairly dry) we should get at least one day's motorsport over the Bank Holiday weekend (famous last words). So, with luck, we should be able to overload this blog with new photos taken at forthcoming events from now on. As a consequence, this will be the last look back at 'the olden days' until November. We wrap up with a few more shots taken at the 1988 British Motorcycle GP at Donington Park.
1) This is Carlos Lavado, the two-times 250cc World Champion. Although his best days were now over he was still the life and soul of the paddock and he could give the up-and-comers a run for their money (both in the Paddock and on the track).


2) Kevin Schwantz (his first year in GP's) proving that motorcycle riders have always been little skinny fellas.








3) 'Steady' Eddie Lawson smiles shock! See? He could do it, you just had to catch him at the right moment.




4) No prizes for guessing who came first, second and third in the 500 race then? Oh, OK, it was Wayne Gardner (1st), Wayne Rainey (2nd), and Christian Sarron (3rd).

5) Deep within the 'Outer Limits', otherwise known as The National Paddock, Jamie Witham takes down his awning under the worshipful gaze of Andrea. Ah, bless (they'll get married one day, you'll see).