News / Blog

Last year, after celebrating 50 years since the very start of Autocross Banger racing in Guernsey with a special race meeting in St Sampsons harbour, the Guernsey Autocross Club reached another 50th milestone on the first of November 2020 when it organized a race meeting at Chouet Beach.

These sands have now been the home of Autocross ever since the Club moved here 50 YEARS ago.

I think full credit and respect should be given to this small Club and its dedicated team of organizers and racers... some of whom have been on this journey for most of its existence.

Inevitably over such a long period of time there have been challenges to overcome. However the passion for this cheap form of Motorsport, which I have to say often produces the best entertainment and spectacle, has meant we can count the Guernsey Autocross Club as one of Guernsey's most enduring.

Sadly we expect that it is unlikely that the Club will clock another 50 years as the fast changes being made to modern cars make them unsuitable and ironically far less reliable when faced with the very wet and sandy beach track.

But let's all keep enjoying this Sport whilst we can. Well done Guernsey Autocross Club and thanks for the enjoyment you bring.

I've added a new Gallery featuring the 50th anniversary racing:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 50th YEAR OF AUTOCROSS AT CHOUET

Today the surfers were out in force at Vazon Bay in Guernsey enjoying the turbulent seas.

I popped down to the west coast after the Autocross racing to enjoy the spectacle of dozens of surf boarders waiting patiently for the big one!

There was quite a stormy feeling to the sea as the rollers relentlessly headed for the shore and it was difficult to know where to concentrate my attention.

Of course I was armed with my camera and a long lens ready to capture some of the action. Sadly the very low level of grey light didn't help me in my work and it meant that the pics would always be a bit lacking in colour.

But this was compensated by the enthusiasm shown by the surfers. I stuck it out and leaning into the strong wind I think I captured a few good'uns.

Follow this link to view the Gallery of pics:
CLICK TO VIEW THE SURFING PICS FROM VAZON BAY

This time it's just a very quick update to share the link to the latest GK&MC 2020 Karting Championship.

I popped down to The Track to take a few pics of Round-9 of the series.

You can view them by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF ROUND-9 OF THE KART CHAMPIONSHIP

When I think about it I realize that I'm probably more likely to be on the beach at any time other than the height of summertime.

One of the reasons is that I don't enjoy lying in the sun doing nothing. I always want to be 'doing things'. Another is that my lily white legs would turn blistering red in a moment of exposure!!

So having described the negatives I'll explain the positive reasons you will find me on the beach.

My wife and I are much more comfortable walking on Guernsey's golden sands when the temperatures are cooler. In those conditions it is wonderful to enjoy the peaceful splashing of the waves and the fresh sea breeze.

But I'm also up for a bit of noise, petrol fumes and motorsport action on the sand. But this year Covid-19 has spoilt the Sandracing season on Vazon beach but the Guernsey Autocross Club have been able to run their racing.

This is why I found myself down on Chouet beach on Sunday to photograph Round-3 of the 2020 Winter Championship.

Take a look at my pics of the racing here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF ROUND-3 OF THE WINTER AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

Before I arrived at the Motocross track on Sunday I'd already done a shoot.

It was helpful that the first stop was on my way up to the Pleinmont cliff-top MX track.

I took a small detour down into Petit Bot valley where Round-4 of the GVC 2020 Downhill MTB series was taking place. As always I found it a challenge to stay upright whilst trying not to slide down the slippery banks... but it was fun!

I've now completed that edit and the pics can be viewed by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND-4 OF THE GVC MTB SERIES

It was great to be back photographing the racing up at the Motocross track at the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club 2-Day event.

The pleasant weather helped keep everyone smiling and the fact that we could do this without any Covid-19 restrictions was fantastic. The icing on the cake was that there was some great racing.

I spent two days around the track taking pics and I've added two extensive Galleries. I hope you like them.

To put these pics online I committed to two full days taking the pics plus a full day of editing. I put a lot of time into this.

Photography is how I make my living and it would be great if you can remember this. Maybe you can buy a pic or two rather than just copying them off the screen! You will help me with my beer money.

If you buy a Digital pic the file I supply is higher resolution than you see in the galleries and they don't have the horrible watermark. You also get to feel good for doing the right thing. Thanks

There are also many options to buy a print or canvas. Whilst some may think that a print is out of fashion I really believe you can't beat a nice big print for impact... but maybe I'm biased. :-)

Follow this link to view all the 2-Day Moto-X pics:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 2-DAY MOTO-X MEETINGS

It's very hard to find any words to say after hearing the tragic news that Zef Eisenberg has lost his life in a high speed crash whilst chasing another speed record to add to his long list.

Speaking from Guernsey, the Island that he made his home, and as someone who has worked for him photographing some of his portfolio of properties, racing action and several Motor Sport promotion shots I know what an impact he had on the things that he had a passion for.

Zef never did things by half. He also never did anything other than at 'full speed'! He was a genuine 'Speed Freak'.

He will be remembered for his remarkable life where he was always looking forward. He had the ability to make an impact on anything he involved himself in.... from starting Maximuscle to breaking speed records to supporting the Guernsey Motor Sport scene and his charity work on the Saumarez Park children's playground. These things are his legacy.

Few of us will ever lead such a full life as Zef and the only consolation is that he didn't waste a minute of his 47 years.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

I've added a couple of my pics of Zef to a gallery including this Montage that Zef commissioned.

They reflect my memories of him.
CLICK TO VIEW A COUPLE OF PICS OF ZEF EISENBERG

The Eighties Experience at Beau Sejour didn't hold back from giving the audience what they were hoping for... a fantastic evening of entertainment.

Everything from the layout of the stage, the excellent sound and lighting to a brilliant video running throughout the Fade2Grey set enhanced the experience for the punters.

It was clear in the video that the guys had used the Covid19 lock-down to raid the charity shop clothing rails for many changes of outfits.... or maybe this was just an insight into what they already had in their wardrobes?? Nick looked particularly good in that red dress!

Masters of the 80's Electro music scene Fade2Grey went the extra mile for this performance as they played their set in front of that impressive video backdrop which elevated the performance to be worthy of a bigger 'stadium'.... Footes Lane here we come next time!!!?

Take a look a my Galleries to see what I mean:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 EIGHTIES EXPERIENCE

What a strange year we are 'enjoying'.

Everything 'normal' seems changed and messed up. However, as we know, Guernsey residents have been lucky to avoid the biggest of restrictions and changes.

It was the freedom to pursue some of the calendar bookings that allowed the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club to fit in an end of season Hill Climb at the Val des Terres.

The chilly wind didn't stop competitors having fun but it did reduce the crowd of spectators.

I wrapped up and took a few pics of the action.

If things are ‘normal’ at the last tarmac event of the year this weekend at Petit Bot Hillclimb I’ll have to pack my thermals and waterproofs again! It can be a bit bleak if the wind blows up the valley and the trees keep out any trace of warming sunshine!

Follow this link to view my Galleries:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE LAST 'TERRES HILL CLIMB OF 2020

One of the events I've photographed this weekend was the Rugby Fest at Footes Lane.

Players and Clubs had to be a bit innovative to enable a day of games to take place and they did a great job organizing this event. The two games I photographed were Buccaneers v Corsairs and Vikings v Vikings.

My pics of two of the games are now online and you could get the impression from the pics that the sunny day was balmy and comfortable. The truth was that there was a real chill in the wind.

However it was still more comfortable then my prior job at the 'Terres photographing the hillclimb... there the wind coming straight off the sea meant me feeling the real wind chill factor!

I've clearly gone soft during the summer and I'd better 'man up' quickly before the winter sports!

You can view my Rugby pics here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY PICS OF THE RUGBY

Following on from the 'Guernsey Together' Retro Festival at the Peninsular Hotel the 'Retro Tour' headed into St Peter Port and took over the old Flower Market for three more days of fun.

This venue has lots of character and offered a perfect backdrop to the Retro showcase.

The guys behind the Retro format have developed a massive following and seem to have identified a sector within the Guernsey music scene that wasn't being offered.

I find it fascinating and enjoyable to see such a wide mix of people renewing their love of live music and letting their hair (maybe a wig!) down.

Clearly there is room for a bit of nostalgia in our modern world and Guernsey folk prove once again that we know how to party.

These galleries show just a little of the fun and action at the 2020 Flower Market Retro Festival....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 FLOWER MARKET RETRO FESTIVAL

It's September and I've just added the first Gallery featuring the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's 2020 Kart Championship!

This fact just goes to prove what a disrupted year 2020 has been. Many things have conspired together to mess with the old 'normal' making us change our routines. No-one could have imagined how this year has turned out!

However Guernsey has fought back against the Covid 19 challenges and we must remember that we are in such a lucky position regarding our return to the freedom to meet and participate in our passions, activities, work and daily life.

We have made big steps towards a 'new normal' which for us lucky Islanders is not so different to the old one.

I visited The Track yesterday to photograph Round-8 of the GK&MC Karting Championship and I captured some really close and competitive action. The pics can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND-8 OF THE KART CHAMPIONSHIP

I photographed another great new live music event organized by the Guernsey School of Popular Music yesterday evening.

This was the first Corporate Battle of the Bands and it was held on the big stage at Beau Sejour... and the acts certainly stepped up to the mark.

Five bands were given three songs to impress the judges panel and they covered a wide variety of musical genres with each producing a memorable performance.

But the evening was more than that. There was a fantastic and supportive atmosphere in the theater as the battle commenced. The audience enthusiastically got behind every band making the evening full of high energy!

Well done to all the bands from Butterfield, MSG, Ravenscroft, Garenne and Carey Olsen.

In the tradition of these things there could only be one winner and this year it was the Garenne band who picked up the trophy.

I've added these galleries featuring the evenings highlights....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 CORPORATE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Following the first GK&MC Guernsey Hill Climb in 2020 at the start of the month I was a little apprehensive towards the size of entry that the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club would get for their own first hill.

I needn't of been concerned though.

This second outing was blessed with great weather and the spread of cars, bikes and karts was as varied as I can remember in recent years!

Inevitably the crowd was rewarded with some fantastic performances although new records proved elusive. I think it may have just been Jez Mann on his ever 'tweaked' scooter who made a new mark in the record book.

At the start of the day I was poorly motivated to get out of the sack after my traditional visit to the Vale Earth Fair for twelve hours of beer and live music! Pics of the VEF will follow soon.

But I managed to summon the willpower and got to the Terres by early afternoon. I was pleased I did as the fresh air was a good tonic and the motorsport action was a great distraction from the fuzzy head!

This gallery showcases my pics....
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST HILL CLIMB PICS

There has been almost no Motorsport action so far in 2020 so it was great to have a Sand Racing meeting to photograph on Saturday.

However the entry was very small so there is some way to go before normality arrives again.

There seems to be a lack of interest among Club members to 'get back in the saddle' across all forms of Motorsport after the disrupted year we have experienced. It is going to be a challenge to re-generate the interest among the racers. Saturday was a good example.

I hope that I'm wrong and my pessimism about the future of Sand Racing in Guernsey doesn't come about. There are decades of local history in this sport that should be preserved. If it ceases it is unlikely that it would return.

My pics of Saturday's racing are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE SAND RACING GALLERY

Once again the Motorsport Seafront Sunday attracted huge crowds to enjoy the static displays, Supercar rides and the Motorsport Club's Twisty Sprint.

This years event was treated to perfect weather and that was all that was needed to bring islanders out in record numbers.

This Gallery displays some of the atmosphere and action...
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 SEAFRONT SUNDAY

The three day Guernsey Together Retro Festival was held at the Peninsular Hotel... and Guernsey came out to party!

On Friday night there was a mix of ska and mod covers from the Rough Tones and High Voltage. The headliners on the night were Matt Bonneville & the Cage Shakers.

I was able to capture some of the atmosphere on the busy Friday night. Take a look a the Gallery here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE GUERNSEY TOGETHER RETRO FESTIVAL

The weather forecast isn't always to be trusted when planning your day.

After the event it's always easy to be wise about things. At the time of decision we all have to make a judgement based on known 'facts' combined with instinct and gut feeling.

This was the position competitors faced early on Sunday morning as they had to decide if it was worth making the effort to get the kit down to Vale Castle for the GMC&CC Sprint. If they checked the various weather forecasts the predictions varied wildly and a quick look out of the window would have revealed rain clouds looming.

It turned out that the bikers played it safe... and who can blame them as a wet Vale Castle road is a treacherous place. A few of the car drivers also made the early choice to stay safe and keep their vehicles in one piece for another day. These were wise choices... If of only the forecasts had been accurate!

But technology got it wrong this time and by the start of racing the clouds had blown over and the road had dried. I imagine the absent bikers and several car drivers regretted their decision as the Vale Castle Sprint road dried to perfect condition after only a couple of timed runs.

So the result was that those who had turned up had lots of fun and loads of runs and I needn't of packed and carried all my wet weather kit (including an umbrella) around all day!

My pics are online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2020 VALE CASTLE SPRINT MEETING

Guernsey Rugby took advantage of the Covid 19 free situation enjoyed by Guernsey and the Isle of Man to organize a game at Footes Lane. Using the safe 'air bridge' Douglas RFC visited us and after an initial delay due to the weather conditions the game was played in warm sun.

It turned out that the gap in experience and the respective position in the UK leagues that the teams play meant that Guernsey Raiders cruised to a very easy 84-17 win.

But it would be wrong to judge the afternoon only on the score. The game was a celebration of the efforts and conviction shown by both Island's residents to beat the bug.

This gallery displays some of my pics....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY RAIDERS v DOUGLAS RFC

Guernsey folk enjoyed a relaxed Sunday in St Peter Port at the latest Arts Seafront Sunday.... and there was beer on tap too!

With Guernsey being Covid 19 free the Island is able to organize all the social events that were planned... this is possibly unique throughout the world!

Islanders were keen to take advantage of this privilege and they packed the St Peter Port seafront. They were entertained by a host of Arts & Craft stands, live music and other performances. They were never far from being able to buy a cider, gin or beer and there was a wide selection of food on offer.

The Seafront Sundays can now be regarded as a Guernsey fixture. Next up will be the RSPCA and Motorsport Seafront Sundays which also draw huge crowds.

This Gallery displays a few of the Arts Sunday live performances and some of the atmosphere...
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2020 ARTS SEAFRONT SUNDAY