It was 'blowing a hooley' down at Chouet beach yesterday! I can't recall seeing so few spectators along the side of the beach. But who can blame them as the wind was blowing straight into their faces!
However, the Autocross action went ahead - although even the number of competitors was lower than recent meetings. Surely a bit of wind wouldn't put off these resilient guys and gals?
This photographer braved the elements though I'm not sure what was better wrapped up - me or my cameras!
In the sort of conditions on the beach yesterday I make every effort to protect my expensive kit from the sand and sea spray. Both of these 'contaminents' can wreck lenses and cameras alike. The problem is that the protective covers make the manual control of cameras a lot harder - it becomes the work of memory, familiarity and touch - a bit like love-making ;-) NO, I don't take the cameras to bed... Well OK, maybe when I get a new bit of kit!!
The results of the morning spent on the beach are now online.
ROUND 7 OF THE AUTOCROSS WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP

For those guys 'n gals who attended Rock of Ages-14 it was simple.
Turn up, pay a couple of quid (a real bargain by the way), enjoy two great nights of music with a pint or two if you're old enough. Indeed, a fantastic way to spend a weekend!
So where do I go wrong? Well of course I always take my camera and 'shoot away'. Whilst I take very few pictures of each Band - once you multiply this by eight I end up with nearly a week of processing!
But, if you stick with it the job does get done and I'm really pleased to say that the Rock of Ages-14 Gallery is complete.
The final Bands added are Breaking the Silence, Inertia, Distant Shores and 2 Minutes 2 Late.
VIEW THE ROCK OF AGES-14 GALLERIES

The Rock of Ages series continues as number 14 is 'done and dusted'. Once again nobody can complain about lack of choice as Mark Guillou presented no less than eight Bands over two evenings.
Following the successful formula it was new and young Bands that were showcased and supported by a number of more established names.
As you can imagine, shooting eight Bands produces a lot of development work for a photog and I have only just completed the first edit.
These first pics have been added to a new Rock of Ages-14 Gallery and feature So Cold the River, Destria, Dealer's Left & The Deadbeats.
Check-out the Galleries here:
VIEW THE LATEST ROCK OF AGES-14 GALLERY

Last weekend one of several Sports I photographed was the E H Trophy Hockey at Footes Lane. The match was held under floodlights - always a challenge to a photographer.
As a Guernseyman it was a great result with the Island team beating the visiting side from Truro by 4 goals to 1.
There was a fantastic atmosphere at the Hockey Club with three or four hundred enthusiastic supporters lining the Club house balcony.
I have added a small gallery of pictures featuring some of the nights action.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE E H TROPHY HOCKEY GALLERY

There was the usual action on the sand at Chouet for Round 6 of the Guernsey Autocross Winter Championship.
Whilst several of the Class wins were taken by the 'usual' drivers it was also interesting to see the classic Motor Sport quote 'To finish first, first you've got to finish' play a part in some of the races.
Lucy Smale took advantage of the engine failure of Marilyn Robilliard in the ladies races and Nev Browning took a deserved win when Derek Brown suffered a puncture in one of the Veterans races.
Remember, it's never over till it's over.
The GMC&CC Bike Trials Championship also continues. I was on the St Germain sections and have now added some pics to a new Gallery.
Follow these links to view the pictures:
ROUND 6 OF THE AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
GMC&CC BIKE TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP

I'm beginning to wish that things were not returning to normal ;-)
Having moaned about having very little to do whilst my missus was poorly (apart from cooking, cleaning, shopping, nursing, ironing etc.... I've been out and about with the cameras again.
The weekend has been incredibly busy and lined up something like this...
Friday night I photographed four Bands at Rock of Ages 14.
Saturday was Motocross practice then on to the Guernsey v Elthamians Rugby at Footes Lane. This was followed by the Guernsey v Truro Hockey match. Well done to both local teams for good wins.
Saturday night it was four more Bands at Rock of Ages 14.
No rest for the wicked as on Sunday it was Round 1 of the GK&MC Winter Karting Championship at The Track followed by the Autocross Club's Banger Racing at Chouet beach.
A quick bite to eat and I was off to Vazon to cover the GMC&CC Bike Trials. Total count:
8 x Bands
3 x Motor Sport events
1 x Football
1 x Rugby
1 x Hockey.... Phew!
So I now have a lot of updates to do to the Galleries. First up has been the Karting. Keep a check during the week for all the other updates...
WINTER KART CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND 1

It is fair to say that the last month has been a bit different from normal. If you have visited this web site or read my news items on Facebook you will know that my missus has been a bit poorly... if that is what you call having open heart surgery!
But things are now looking much more positive for Carol as she takes 'time out' whilst recuperating - and enjoys being waited upon just a bit too much for my liking. Oh well, I suppose I can spoil her for a few weeks (only).
All this means that my work is now returning to normal and I am supplying orders on time again.
I am also planning the coverage that I will give to the many varied events that are planned for 2012. The new year should be one of my busiest.
May I once again thank everyone who has been kind enough to wish Carol and myself 'all the best' during her illness. The support has been wonderful.
See ya round soon I hope.
Andrew & Carol

I'm sorry but it is unlikely that I will be able to fulfill any more orders for prints, canvases, montages or digital files before Christmas.
My wife has been diagnosed with heart failure and was transported to Southampton by Air Ambulance today. I will be with her for the duration of her stay.
If you should place an order without seeing this information I will, of course, give a full refund to you.
Thanks for your understanding.
It is a shame that all this has happened in these circumstances as the trip over was quite an experience.
The Air Ambulance comes with its own Doctor and Nurse, a private plane with two pilots who really were only there to provide a personal service. No duty free's or a loo though!
The Ambulance trip was at commuter time so the Doctor decided that we would use the 'lights'.
This would definitely be the way to travel in different circumstances. I had a front seat in the ambulance as we 'blues & twos' through Southampton - at one point with a police bike escort and police cars on the main junctions holding up the traffic! Like the Queen!
As it turned out there had been what we think was a bad traffic accident on our route so we were waved though right up to the incident which had totally blocked the road. They clearly thought that we were attending that incident!
A quick U-turn later and we were making a detour.
Having seen how 'the waves part' when you have a siren and blue flashing lights I told the driver that I now know what I want for Christmas!
May I thank all of you who have already sent your 'best wishes' to Carol and me. We remain very positive that now the problem has been identified that a successful treament will be made.
Thanks again
Andrew

The weekend saw another Motocross meeting in dry and bright conditions on the south coast cliffs of Guernsey. Somehow it doesn't seem right - but it certainly is more comfortable standing out on these exposed outcrops when the weather is so glorious.
The extra benefit for photographers is that the good light makes the pics much more vibrant - and I save a lot of time when cataloguing the pics because I can actually see your race numbers!
So the tip is to enjoy things when they are good because it wont last - will it?
A new Gallery featuring the days racing has now been added. Check it out here:
VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS GALLERY