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This was a new event organized by the School of Popular Music in 2022.

SoPM have already established a tradition of offering aspirational musicians and singers the chance to perform on the 'bigger stage' but the 'Music for Everyone' somehow re-invented what has gone before.

The venue was the theater stage at Beau Sejour which offers professional sound and lighting. New talent performed with the full support of SoPM tutors allowing them to enjoy the big stage. I have to say that I thought the concept was fantastic.

But there was more to the show. After each artist finished their act they were invited down in front of the stage for a short interview. This was both a way of allowing time for the change between acts but was much more than that as we were able to enjoy the personality behind the performance and what inspired it.

This was a really great format. Well done to all the SoPM tutors and the support they gave to their students.

This is a massive gallery of pics.... you can tell that I was impressed!!
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM MUSIC FOR EVERYONE SHOW

The Corporate Bands went into battle on the expansive stage at Beau Sejour on Saturday night. Competition was tough but the fight was fair and no blood was spilt!

This was the third School of Popular Music Corporate Battle of the Bands and like previous years the standard of performances was high and song choices varied.

The company bands taking to the stage were AFM, Guernsey Electricity, First Central, Guernsey Post and Butterfield. They were joined by Agilisys, last years winners, who opened the event and the SoPM Tutors Band who played a couple of songs to allow time for the judges to agree on the winners.

I recognized quite a few band members as 'regulars' in local bands. However their usual experience on pub stages is playing in cramped dark corners so it was special even for those active musicians to play on a big stage with great sound and lighting to match. They even had dressing rooms!

The band that picked up the trophy was Guernsey Post. They were undoubtedly the most popular amongst the audience and the judging panel of four agreed. They were my choice too as they had put together the 'complete performance package'. Well done guys.

The whole event was brilliantly organized and every performer that I talked to was buzzing with excitement and achievement. So there is only a year before we can all do it again....

Follow this link to view all my pics of the battle:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 SoPM CORPORATE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The 2022 School of Popular Music's Under 18's Battle of the Bands at Beau Sejour was very competitive with all five competing bands arriving on stage well rehearsed and ready to perform.

The audience got behind every act and as the judges commented after each performance it was clear that it would be a close run thing to find the winners.

After the judges totaled their scores covering every aspect of the bands live performance the winners were announced.

Cross Road picked up this years trophy. Well done guys!

I've added a Gallery featuring all the U18's bands.
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 U18's BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Guernsey Raiders hosted Barnes at Footes Lane for their second game in the 2022 Rugby National Two East League on Saturday.

Sadly for the supporters the local side couldn't make the impact on the game that is needed to record their first win.

Raiders showed some good form for short spells but as in the first game of the season they failed to keep consistent pressure on the opposition. Their concentration also seemed to wander at times.

But it is a long season so there is still time for improvements.

Even though the result wasn't the one supporters were looking for there was still a great atmosphere at Footes Lane and I always leave impressed by how rugby is played when comparing to football.

The respect for the authority of the referee on a rugby pitch is so refreshing when compared to football.

This respect also extends to the benches where coaches lead by example.

Sadly some of the foul language and disrespect emanating from the bench of some of the visiting football teams is disgusting and should be stamped on. I must say however that the GFC bench shows far better self control even when the blood stars to boil!!

Guernsey FC has a scheme where juniors from the local clubs work as ball boys sitting close to the pitch... and the team benches. This is a fantastic idea as the youngsters have a 'ring-side' seat for GFC games.

This will surely build their enthusiasm and excitement for the game. But the worry is that they also start believing that disrespectful behavior is accepted as normal. What do you think?

But back to the rugby. I've added a new gallery featuring my pics of Guernsey Raiders v Barnes. Follow this link if you want to see them:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY RAIDERS v BARNES

OK, I think we can all agree that Triathlon is a Sport.

What's more, I don't think anyone will argue that it is a sport that requires commitment, training, strong mental resilience and endeavour.

However I was left a little confused whilst photographing the Guernsey Triathlon Club's Granite Man yesterday. So confused that I had to lift the dictionary down from the shelf to try and understand what I had experienced 'track side'... especially in the depths of the energy sapping Ronez Quarry section.

Let me explain. I looked up the definition of 'Sport'... this is what I read. ' Sport: an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another'

So Triathlon is most definately a Sport. So what's my problem?

Well I investigated a little further.

The above quote states that when taking part in a Sport you 'compete against others'. So what is the definition of compete?

Quote: 'Compete: to strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others'.

Now this is what was troubling me as this simply isn't what I was seeing as competitors faced the gruelling climb and heat in the quarry as they neared the end of the three disciplines of the Granite Man Triathlon.

By dictionary definition each competitor should have been trying to beat down their opponents. They should have been pressurising them into failure in the pusuit of a win.

But instead the atmosphere was of huge support between competing Triathletes. Encouragement was given to others in the knowledge that maybe each competitor wasn't actually competing against the other but only against themself. There was a respect for all others who were also facing the same challenge.

So my summary of Triathlon as a Sport... at least at our local level is that it is perhaps unique in offering competitors a competition where they don't leave the start line with a win as their outright goal. And it is all the better for that!

I've added a new gallery featuring my Granite Man pics. You will see a surprising amount of smiles too! How do they still have the energy for those? I don't know!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2022 GRANITE MAN TRIATHLON

I guess it is one of those unspoken rules of photography that when a photographer attends a Mega-sized (interesting) event he will be left with a Mega-sized edit to work through when he returns to the studio!

At least that seems to be how it works for me!

I've already posted a Blog commenting on how fantastic the 2022 Vale Earth Fair was for the sell-out crowd who flocked to Vale Castle.

Well I managed to take around 600 pics of the festival during the twelve hours I was there! This is quite impressive I think as I also found time to drink MANY pints of ale too!

The easy part was actually taking all those pics as the atmosphere was amazing... and who wouldn't feel lucky to be able to call standing in front of a live band on stage whilst drinking and taking pics their actual 'day job'!! That's me. Yes I know I'm pretty lucky.

However the actual edit can be a drag, but once I get into a rhythm I seem to be able to fly through the pics. The tip is to only use the tools that Lightroom offers and not to get too 'fancy' with the edit.

Even then a 600 pic edit takes hours and I'm pleased to say all VEF pics are now online, yeay!

I hope you like them.... they can be purchased online - hint, hint!

This is a link to all VEF 2022 Galleries:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2022 VALE EARTH FAIR GALLERIES

The 2022 Vale Earth Fair was back at its best after the restrictions of recent years.

The Vale Earth Fair Collective had done an amazing job keeping this little treasure of a festival ticking along whilst facing the huge challenge of the Covid years. Guernsey residents had appreciated and supported their endeavors.

But free of restrictions the 2022 VEF showcased what this festival does best. Once again we had a great lineup of visiting bands together with the best from Guernsey. This attracted a sell-out crowd.

So it turned out to be another vintage year. I think the most notable thing was the mix of people in the crowd, which is always diverse, but this year included many more of what I can only describe as 'full-on festival goers'.

Maybe they have now discovered our little secret?

I've been working on my edit of the pics of VEF and there is a growing Gallery that can now be viewed here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2022 VALE EARTH FAIR

The Rugby National League 2 East Championship kicked off for Guernsey Raiders with a home game against Old Albanian's at Footes Lane on Saturday.

I felt that the Raiders performance was a bit subdued and seemed to lack full commitment with the team almost handing the opposition the win. Although it must be said that Raiders kept working until the final whistle and they almost salvaged something out of the game.

The supporters also seemed a little laid back with their support so maybe everyone needs a couple of games to get back up to full speed.

One thing is certain and that is the season will provide some great opportunities for great action shots. Rugby never disappoints a photographer. I'll be back!

There's a new Gallery online featuring the first home game of the season here:
CLICK TO VIEW GUERNSEY RAIDERS v OLD ALBANIANS

After missing a couple of the 2022 Motocross race meetings due to being assigned to cover other events it was great to be on the top of the Pleinmont cliffs again on Saturday.

Of course it might not have been so pleasant if the weather had produced the rain that had been forecast.

But as it turned out it was most enjoyable. There had even been some, rare for this summer, rainfall in the past couple of days to dampen down most of the dust... so a dip in the bath wasn't required once I got home!

However it was disappointing to see how small the entry was - leaving seven of the eight classes with three or less riders! This must put at risk the viability of running these events. It's a real shame as when I chatted to riders in the pits they were all saying how much fun they were having.

Maybe later in the season some of the MX riders will return from their 'summer holiday' riding the sands at Vazon Bay?

I've added a new Gallery featuring my pics here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS PICS

We headed back to the beautiful... normally quiet... Island of Sark on Friday for the first event of a 'double-header' Lawn Mower racing weekend.

The two days of action started with the hillclimb at Sark Harbour hill.

The racing doesn't start until the final boat of the day has docked and the passengers have been transported to the top of the hill by the unique 'Sark trailer bus'. An experience that has to be taken if you ever visit this Channel Island!

But the wait for racing is never boring or wasted as the Bel Air pub is placed adjoining the finish line.

Surely every race track should be designed in this way?

I multi-tasked and managed a few beers together with a few pics. Nice.

There is a new Gallery online if you want to check out my pics
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 SARK HILLCLIMB PICS

GFC played in front of their home supporters for the first time in the new 2022/2023 season at Footes Lane on Bank holiday Monday.

If you had to imagine the worst possible start to the game it would probably feature an early goal. I wasn't timing it but it felt like about one minute and GFC were one goal down after a penalty kick!

So GFC were chasing a result from nearly the first whistle.

Their overall performance, and more importantly the standard of play by Tooting & Micham United, showed that the season ahead for GFC is going to need full commitment from the whole squad.

There were moments when GFC looked like scoring so hopefully we will have something to celebrate soon. Good luck to our local team.

I've uploaded a gallery of pics here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GFC v TOOTING & MITCHAM UNITED

Have Rovers set the standard for the new football season?

Rovers had a convincing win over North in the 2022 Rawlinson Cup Final at The Track.

They dominated play and were rewarding with a 4-1 win. This result is certain to instill confidence as the Guernsey Priaulx league starts its season. We look forward to seeing how the championship develops.

I was sent down to photograph the Cup Final and was greeted by even less working flood lights than the last time I covered an evening game at The Track! Some areas of the pitch were very poorly lit.

I heard a rumour that funding may be in place to update the lighting at a couple of the Guernsey Club grounds. I hope it's true... and the sooner the better for us photographers.

Oh the players also deserve better light too, ha, ha!!

My pics can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 RAWLINSON CUP FINAL

The ActiveGSY Track & Field event at Footes Lane included at couple of highlights.

Firstly Alistair Chambers visited his old training ground with his Bronze Commonwealth Games medal. He took part in a Q&A giving an insight into the life of a top athlete. The junior Club members were suitably 'star-struck'!

When the attention turned to the track and field Abi Galpin produced an amazing leap in the long jump re-writing Kimberley's 17 year old woman's record.

I've added a new gallery featuring some of the action.
CLICK TO VIEW THE ACTIVEGSY TRACK & FIELD GALLERY

There was lots of Motorsport action at Vazon Coast Road for the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Sprint meeting on Saturday.

Entry numbers had been boosted by the addition of a 'Race What You Brung' class which saw the return to the tarmac of some old faces and a line-up of new Sprint virgins!

I've uploaded a new Gallery of pics featuring all the racing. Check it out here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE VAZON SPRINT GALLERY

Kiya Ashton & the Folkadelics are a new band on the Guernsey scene and they have quickly developed their own sound. They've already attracted a following during the summer of 2022 and are certainly 'one to watch'.

Their most recent gig was supporting The Pips at St James where they looked at home on the big stage.

You can view the pics of Kiya & the Folkadelics at St James by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW KIYA ASHTON & THE FOLKADELICS PLAYING AT ST JAMES

Over fifty local firms went to battle on the streets of St Peter Port for the annual Inter-firm relay.

The Cannacord Genuity Wealth Management Inter-firm relay seems to be taken quite seriously by some businesses who manage to enter a team of four who have familiar faces to anyone who follows local sport.

Of course it is a fun event which raises money for good causes but as we know if you are a 'competitor' you are probably 'in it to win it'!

So well done to Ravenscroft for the win and AON for being the first of the losers!!

I have uploaded a few pics here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2022 INTER-FIRM RELAY

The Guernsey Triathlon Club's Uber Sprinters were out at Amarreurs on a quiet summer morning.

For this event the swim took a slightly different format as, unlike the normal setup, the swimmers enered the water on one side of the bay and exited across the other side for the transition to the bikes.

I completed a limited coverage for the Press and the pics can now be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE UBER SPRINT TRIATHLON

The one word being banded about at La Pomare for Round 5 of the GVC Gravity Series was HOT!

This wasn't talking about the racing as you can imagine. But that action was pretty good too!

Riders were pushed to their limits as the mornings racing took the form of two courses... each raced twice in the summer heat!

I've added a few pics of the racing here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE DOUBLE DOWNHILL RACING

The Pips packed the place!

The crowd at St James was treated to one last performance from The Pips before the band head off to the mainland to try their luck on the bigger scene.

I've enjoyed watching how their performance and style has quickly evolved and I imagine that we will see even greater things from them next time they play locally.

I was amongst a gaggle of photographers capturing this gig and my pics are now online here if you are interested:
CLICK TO VIEW THE PIPS AT ST JAMES

An experienced athlete who is used to running the mile distance will have a pretty good idea how long it is!

As they leave the start line they will be familiar with the pace that they are comfortable with. However sometimes the weather can throw an extra variable into the mix.

This was so at Vazon on Friday evening at the Guernsey Athletics 1 mile road race. The athletes were met by an energy sapping heat that is a feature of this summer. There was also a (slight) head wind. This combination was enough to sap the energy from many of the runners.

There was a good entry and a sense of relief at the finish line that it had been just a mile race... although it must have felt like more!

I've added a small gallery featuring some pics of the race:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 1 MILE ROAD RACE