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Last night at the West Show the huge Vraiceaters Arms was splitting at the seams as a huge'er (is that even a word!??) crowd overflowed it for the second time as live bands took to the stage.

It was certainly a challenge to capture any pics in a ram-packed crowd but I did get a few :-)

Worse still, it was an even bigger challenge to get to the front of the queue at the bar. Even though it must have been more than 60ft long!!

But looking how the 'party' went I think that many people DID get a drink (several)... their mid-week hangover this morning would have proved that!

I've just added a new Gallery featuring the ever popular Last of the Light Brigade.

The edit of headliners City Limits awaits. This set was even harder to photograph as I experienced maybe the tightest packed crowd ever in front of the stage as the young West Show crowd discovered what live music is all about.

Did they miss their usual distraction of the Fun Fair... judging by appearances, I don't think so!!!
CLICK TO VIEW THE WEST SHOW LIVE MUSIC

They know how to party out in the West at the annual West Show.

The formula they use is tried and tested. Erect a big tent, build a big bar, organize a few bands.... and invite all your friends!

What do you have? A MASSIVE PARTY!!

I've just added pics of the Wednesday night headliners on the Vraiceater's Tavern stage - Stuck to the Ceiling.

I'll be there for the Thursday night when Last of the Light Brigade and City Limits keep the party swinging. Those pics will follow.

See you at the party?
CLICK TO VIEW THE WEST SHOW GALLERY

It was only in the edit of my MTB Downhill pics that I realized that I think I was 'Photo-bombed' by some of the junior riders!

As I worked through the one hundred and seventy pics I kept getting a feeling of deja vu. I was sure I'd just seen that pic before!

On closer inspection I worked it out.

It seems that a few of the juniors had decided that this was the perfect chance to have a photograph of their (very brave) jumps 'into space' off the new ramp at La Pomare.

I had started the morning scouting for the best angles and found a perfect spot whilst the guys were practicing. And as I was engrossed in my work I captured multiple pics!

Now, usually, I'd have a quick cull to get rid of duplicates and get the numbers down but I decided that on this occasion this would just be rude and disrespectful for the efforts shown by the lads to quickly make a circuit and leap again.

So, if you do take a look at the new gallery, you will see that I've kept all the pics.... after all each one is slightly different, and it stands as a record of the fun they had.

Follow this link to view the Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE JUNIORS ENJOYING THE NEW DOWNHILL RAMP

This Guernsey Kart & Motor Club hill climb was notable for several reasons. Firstly it was hot and sunny! Always a good start!

Secondly it was a record breaker... and Nick Saunders went for 'gold' with his overall Kart Club record for Les Val des Terres with a time of 27.26sec.

This is an astonishing time but Nick deserves the accolade as he has been chipping away and slowly modifying his car. Nick now has to look at beating a 26.99sec time - the all-time hill record set by 'Nationals' driver Scott Moran at a Car Club National event.

That time is tantalizingly close. Not even Darren Warwick has bettered that one. But watch this space!

Other record breakers were John Dunne, Sam Heathcote and Lee Poole. Well done guys.

The pic at the top of this Blog features two record breakers for the price of one! Local legend John Dunne watches Nick Saunders (also a local legend) head to the line for another run.

My Gallery of pics is now online. Follow this link to view them:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST GK&MC HILL CLIMB GALLERY

The referee left us in no doubt about which colour is his favorite at The Track this evening.

The semi-final of the 2021 Rawlinson Cup between North and Vale Rec featured a dozen views of the yellow card AND was supported by use of a ten minute Sin Bin.

As an onlooker I didn't see the game as being as 'dirty' as a twelve yellow card monster but maybe the officials are trying to set the tone early at the start of this new season.

Perhaps they are going to demand a game without any marginal contact and NO back chat from the players? I wish them luck!

I've uploaded a gallery of pics here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE NORTH v VALE REC RAWLINSON SEMI-FINAL

With a limited size entry the 2021 Darts Grand Slam was an early sell-out. The players who secured a place were the lucky few.

The competition was held at the Northerners Club House and it was a hive of activity when I popped along to take a few pics.

Follow this link to view the pics:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE DARTS GRAND SLAM

The 2021 Guernsey Agricultural Show was a vintage edition in all forms.

The idea behind this popular show is to take us back to how things used to be in farming, transport, fair grounds, military service - and the list goes on.

This year there were visiting shire horses, steam engines and a vintage fair. Sheep racing, straw baling, tractor displays, fur and feather tents and live music all added up to two full days of entertainment.

A particular highlight this year was a very impressive military display which was beautifully presented and featured many vehicles and 'battlefield' tented displays. The range of equipment on show offered endless interest. Well done to those involved in organizing it.

The length of the line of vehicles waiting to get into the car park was proof that many of us have a soft spot for the past. Maybe we imagine that life was so much better then?

However I think that most of us would have quite a shock if we actually had to go back to those times.

Just as well that we can enjoy both periods by visiting this wonderful vintage show.

I have uploaded a huge gallery of pics for you to view here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2021 GUERNSEY AGRICULTURAL SHOW

The School of Popular Music Summer Party is the traditional end to their week long Summer School. Students spend their time learning new music and forming bands and friendships.

The highlight of the week is this Summer Party where parents and friends are invited along to enjoy the practiced performances of the students.

There is only one thing left to do at the end of this busy night... get to bed to be fresh and eager for the next morning when everyone heads off to Herm for more fun and music!

How I envy the energy and enthusiasm of youth!!

I've added a new Gallery of pics here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE SoPM 2021 SUMMER PARTY

This evening I popped down to the Corbet Field to cover the bowls competition taking place on the grass green.

There was play across the rinks as the Mens Island Tostevin Triples was contested.

I've added a gallery here which can be viewed by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE MENS ISLAND TOSTEVIN TRIPLES

Maybe I was one of the doubters about whether a 2-day Sand Racing meeting could work. After all, most competitors are regular working guys and gals.... would they be prepared or able to take time off work for a Friday race?

The proof was in the eating (maybe an ice-cream as we were on the beach) and the entry was big enough on both days to justify the effort.

In fact it was me who found it difficult to find the time to give proper coverage but I did get down on the sands for both days. These are my pics....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2-DAY SAND RACING MEETING

There was an 'end of term' vibe at the final Day-7 of the 2021 Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge in Herm.

Even the rain couldn't dampen the excitement and anticipation before the start... and my goodness did it try!!

The runners who joined me on the 15:15 Travel Trident were met by a Niagara Falls of muddy water on the Rosaire Steps!

After my lack of enthusiasm at the Saints Bay Hill where my 'photo opportunities' were limited the final event in Herm was a treasure! And to think I nearly didn't go!!

Of course any day that ends with a beer or two has a head start.

But whilst I'm really pleased with the 'story telling' of my pics I know that I actually missed what was probably the 'shot of the day'. This (would have been) of the torrent of muddy water that greeted us at the Rosaire steps... and the rain was still coming down in biblical amounts!

I have to admit that a younger me would have made the effort, whatever the discomfort and risk to equipment, to capture the moment but I have to concede that my youthful enthusiasm seems to have left the room!!

Hopefully I did get a few good pics?
CLICK TO VIEW THE VERY DAMP HERM ALL TERRAIN CHALLENGE

Day 6 of the Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge was a real dampener on the previous days of racing, literally.

The evening's run was held at the Saints Bay hill... is hill a big enough word for this incline?

The course is relentlessly steep as it climbs straight (no helpful switchbacks to ease the slope) from the kiosk on the beach and onward towards the top of the cliffs.

The dampener was the torrential rain just before the start. We all got a soaking. Maybe the runners enjoyed the relief from the other nights heat but for me it was just uncomfortable. Also a factor was the low light under the trees which restricted the variety of pics I could capture. Ultimately this was not a very fulfilling night for a 'tog. Better luck in Herm for day 7?

The pics are now online. I offer my apologise for the repetitive nature of the shots.... I've already made my excuses, ha, ha!
CLICK TO VIEW DAY 6 OF THE TRIDENT TRUST ALL TERRAIN CHALLENGE

Day 5 of the Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge was run over the infamous Icart Loop.

Once again it was a hot evening but maybe there was a small relief given by a slight breeze rising up the cliffs. One thing though was certain... the Guernsey cliffs looked stunning. What a setting for a race!

I've uploaded a new Gallery featuring Day 5's racing:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE INFAMOUS ICART LOOP

Day-4 of the 2021 Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge took the form of a grueling climb starting from the lighthouse on the Castle Emplacement.

Runners heading off towards the aquarium before switching back and climbing the cliff path to Fort George.

This would be a good workout on a cool Autumnal eve but in the oppressive heat of this week the runners were drained of energy. But there were still plenty smiles for the camera!!

The week of racing is just getting better to photograph each evening. The communal sense of achievement, whatever the level of performance, is palpable.

The Challenge has a few more days to go... I'll try and be there.

Follow this link to view the pics so far:
CLICK TO VIEW THE TRIDENT TRUST ALL TERRAIN CHALLENGE PICS

The School of Popular Music Summer Concert offers a chance to the younger students to showcase their new skills in front of family and friends. The 2021 event was held in a packed Vale Church Hall.

The nerves and apprehension soon faded as the buzz of performing on stage took over and the evening was full of smiles and anticipation of the next time they can take a place in the spotlight.... these are the future stars of 'showbiz'!

Special credit must always go to the hard working tutors who organize the SoPM events. They never take the easy option but pack as much as they can into each evening. They are so keen to do the best for the young artists.

I love the fact that the SoPM's legacy has yet to 'ripen' at some time in the future as these young students go on to include music in their lives.

The whole world would be a sadder place without MUSIC... I'm sure you agree!

I've added a new Gallery showcasing the SoPM 2021 Summer Concert here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SoPM SUMMER CONCERT GALLERY

Day-3 of the Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge took the form of a team 800m relay race around the athletics track at Footes Lane.

I admit that I was more than confused at the pre race briefing but thankfully the runners are brighter than this old photographer and the race seemed to run smoothly.

The format of the evening was designed to encourage people to mix with other competitors and it appeared very successful at this. Nineteen teams of up to six runners were formed. These team members then completed their 800m runs by passing the baton.

The clever part was the baton had a transponder attached so each change-over was able to record each individuals own 800m time.

I've added a new gallery featuring the Day-3 race.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE DAY-3 RELAY RACE

The 2021 Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge was raced during the hottest week so far in 2021. The varied and challenging courses offered great variety to the runners with the best all-rounders coming out as ultimate champions.

These events are great fun to photograph as everyone is enthusiastic and chasing their own 'goals'

Check out this Gallery for my pics of the weeks racing:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRIDENT TRUST ALL TERRAIN CHALLENGE PICS

So here we go. After complaining about it being too cold, too wet, too windy.... you get what I'm saying!

I definitely heard a few people complain that it was too hot at Les Val des Terres for the GMC&CC hill climb!

I hope I didn't fall into the same trap because it was really great to have a day of summer-time racing.

The latest hill climb featured a few new cars, new faces, some old faces returned and quite a lot of action. There were a few 'offs' which we know is part of motorsport but everyone went home safely... but maybe with a box of bits that need reassembling!

I hope all the machinery makes it back to the start-line soon.

My gallery of pics is now online here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE SUNNY GMC&CC HILLCLIMB

Well that was a busy night at The Doghouse.

I'm sure that it would be impossible to pack more into one evening than the tutors of the School of Popular Music managed to squeeze into Thursday evening at their Summer Showcase!

There was literally no time to breath between the twelve bands.... yes I did say TWELVE!

So I was kept on my toes trying to make sure I got at least a couple of good pics of every musician and singer. This was not as easy as you might think as the quite small stage was usually packed so the poor drummer (as usual) sometimes gets less attention, sorry. Microphones and music stands add to the obstructions.

There was also an enthusiastic crowd of supporters up close to the stage and proud family trying to video. I did my best not to get in the way but I fear my bald patch will feature a little too often, again sorry!

But ultimately we all had a great time.

I've now completed my comprehensive edit and it is online for you to view here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2021 SoPM SUMMER SHOWCASE

The last month has been really hectic with my assignments seeming to extend the hours at both ends!

Sunday was a good example as I was out of bed a 5:45am to be down at Rocquaine Bay for the start of the Uber Triathlon and my head didn't touch the pillow until 02:30am on Monday morning!

But the fact is that I love what I do. The variety in each weeks work keeps things really interesting and I'm of the opinion that nothing is just given to you, you have to put in the effort and energy to make things happen.

I'm certainly not trying to say that my life is all work and no play as that couldn't be further from the truth.... as work actually feels like play to me!!

Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to say that about the way they earn a living!

So with the edit complete a small new Gallery of pics is now online featuring the Uber Triathlon. Check it out here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UBER TRIATHLON PICS