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The broad sands of Vazon bay are the home to the long-running Sand Racing organized by the Guernsey Motor Cycle and Car Club.

There is no doubt that the annual highlight of this form of motorsport is the National Sand Ace meeting. That prestigious event attracts a high class field of Solo riders and Sidecar outfits from the UK, Europe and beyond.

It is a shame that the Sand Ace racing is just once a year... it is so spectacular to watch!

But that doesn't mean that the local competitors can't have a bit of fun whilst waiting for the Sand Ace to come along again.

So that's why I was down on the Vazon sands on Saturday - it was the first of the local championship series.

There was a good turnout of cars. The Junior Bike Class was the biggest that I can remember and the MX Class was well supported. All these produced good racing.

The small number of Solo Bike Sliders and Sidecar outfits was a disappointment. Hopefully the numbers will improve over the next few meetings.

Overall it was good to be back.... and we have the Sand Ace meeting to look forward to in June :-)
CLICK TO VIEW THE FIRST SAND RACING MEETING OF 2017

The Intertrust 36th Guernsey Easter Running Festival 2017 started on Easter Friday with the 5km Road Run.

There will be no rest for the competitors until the end of the Easter holiday as races are planned for Saturday, Sunday and Easter Monday.

I popped down to Footes Lane for the 5km race which had attracted a few more runners than last year who enjoyed near perfect conditions for the opening race.

I'll be photographing the Keith Falla Memorial Full Course Cross Country race tomorrow. Fingers crossed that the weather gives us more of the same!

The 5km pics are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 5km ROAD RACE PICS

UPDATE:
The Keith Falla Memorial Full Course Cross Country race pics are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE KEITH FALLA MEMORIAL CROSS COUNTRY PICS

Spring has sprung, the winter rest is well and truly over and the sports events are coming thick and fast.

With a busy Easter weekend on the horizon I've made sure the picture galleries have been updated with last weekends shoots.

These include my coverage of another of the Velo Club's MTB XC series. Then there are pics of Round 1 of the GK&MC Summer Karting Championship followed by Banger racing pics from Chouet beach.

Never a dull moment around here, eh!!

Find the new pics here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST MTB XC PICS

CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST KARTING PICS

CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST AUTOCROSS PICS

Yesterday the first tarmac Motorsport event of the year was held by the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club at Vazon coast road.

There was a really good entry that featured everything from exotic Lambo's and McLarens to family saloons... with the children's safety seat removed!

The usual suspects on two wheels were there with FTD firmly in their sight.

When it was clear that we were going to enjoy a dry... even sunny meeting the hopes were high that a few records would tumble.

In the end it might have been the strength of the wind that robbed a few hundredths here and there proving that long-standing records require absolutely everything to be perfect to beat.

In the end most of the racers went home with a smile. They had given their chosen ride a blow-out ahead of the next tarmac event... a hillclimb at Le Val des Terres. See you there.

I've added a full gallery of pics. Follow this link to view them:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE FIRST 2017 SPRINT

A day at the races.... Guernsey style.

In this case that meant that sun and sand were included in the deal ;-)

Of course it goes without saying that noise and speed are always part of any Motorsport Championship!

Today it was the Guernsey Autocross Club's Banger racers who provided the entertainment... and they didn't disappoint us.

The beach seemed in pretty good condition for racing and the meeting was very well organized as always with barely a break between races... apart from the times the Ambulance crew took to the sand to check that the occupants of a 'roll-over' were unhurt.

Happily, everyone returned home in one piece. That's more than could be said about some of the cars!

My pictures are now online here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST AUTOCROSS PICS

The Annual 2-Day Trials meeting was organized by the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club last weekend.

I managed to get down to some of the sections but was limited for time this year. There seemed to be a good turnout of riders including visitors from Jersey, France and the UK.

It was a shame that the weather wasn't warmer with less wind as some of the conditions at exposed sections were pretty grim for the Marshalls. I hope their grit and stamina was praised by the competitors... it's never much fun sheltering from the wind and rain when you aren't taking part in the Trials action.

Even though the obvious, comfortable option was to stay at home there were good numbers of spectators spread around the sections and they were rewarded by some great riding.

An early springtime date for this meeting always runs the risk that it might be spoilt by inclement weather. But I've taken a look in previous years galleries and sometimes we've been treated to fantastic conditions. You really never know what you'll get with British weather!

I've just added a new gallery featuring pictures of the 2017 2-Day Trials meeting. Follow this link to view the pics:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2017 2-DAY TRIALS

Here we go then... I've added a new picture gallery featuring the 2017 Inter-insular Squash between Guernsey v Jersey.

Guernsey came out on top but it went right down to the wire in a very close competition.

Squash is played at very high speed. That fact alone makes photography a challenge.

When you add to the mix that most basic courts can only be seen from above - looking at the back of the head of competitors - it is almost impossible to capture a great image.

Just two of the courts at Beau Sejour have glass backs. Now that is an improvement but it still makes photography a struggle. The majority of time during a game, spectators and photographers are still just looking at players backs.

Then the other major factor is that the glass is usually far from crystal clean. No, it is usually smeared with grease and sweat... in fact is makes a perfect 'soft focus' filter!

But all of this isn't enough to put off a dedicated photog so I actually made two visits to Beau Sejour during the day. These were split by another sports photography job.

My congratulations go to the Guernsey and Jersey Squash teams as your joint efforts produced a great competition.

My pics are now online. Hopefully they aren't too far into soft focus!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2017 INTER-INSULAR SQUASH

Now who am I kidding? Summer is not here yet :-(

It might have been Round-1 of the Guernsey Autocross Club's summer Banger racing championship today but unfortunately one summer race doesn't make a summer.

So I'll have to wait a bit longer for the long hot summer days but there's no need wait for Motorsport action.... Beach Banger Racing supply's it by the beach bucket full.

When a photographer is offered so much action to capture there's no problem filling a gallery with pics. The proof is now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF RACE-1 OF THE SUMMER BANGER RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

My work-time has been a bit disrupted recently as I've had to commit more and more hours to the care of my father.

It has been a challenging time trying to fit everything from a 'normal' work and home life around the substantial hours spent caring for my dad.

My father is now over 90 and up until recently he has managed to look after himself... with a lot of support from me. But as time marches on things change and during the last few weeks he has had several falls which have knocked his (and my) confidence in his ability to live alone.

However I'm really pleased to say that after I've stayed with him nearly 24/7 for the last week he is now getting back to normal and is getting stronger again. We have also had fantastic support from all the Guernsey Social Services... from Carers, Fast Response Nurses, Social Workers, St Johns Ambulance, A&E, Doctors.... the list could go on. Thank you all.

This whole episode has caused me to step back and re-asses what is important in life... what is really important to me. I have realized that spending so much time with my father has meant we have strengthened our love and friendship in a very special way. It has been very rewarding.

But, away from that commitment life has to go on and whilst it has been challenging in every way I think a care plan is now in place. I think dad will be able to remain at home - which his wish.

The lack of free time and the stress of trying to keep dad safe are now the main factors that we have to address going forward.

What this ramble is leading to is explaining why it has taken more than a week to update a gallery featuring Round-6 of the GVC Winter MTB XC. I've now sorted this out and you can view the pics by following the link.

Going forward is a bit of an unknown. I'm intending to stay fully committed to the caring of my father and fit as much photography around this as I can. You'll maybe have to be a bit patient if the updates are a little slow sometimes.

Thanks to everyone for the continued support and interest in my pics... life goes on... it's just a little different :-)
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF ROUND 6 OF THE GVC MTB XC SERIES

On Saturday the Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club held 'Rampage on the Rock' at Beau Sejour... offering twelve bouts of Amateur Boxing.

This time it was a Guernsey Select who went toe-to-toe against the visiting England Universities Select.

As always the evening was well organized and supported by a vocal crowd of followers.

There was barely time to catch your breath between bouts as the action was non-stop. It was fantastic to see how well matched the opponents were as nearly every bout used the full three rounds with several being judged as split results.

Photographing boxing from ring-side is a real challenge as the action is fast moving. Combine that with the twisting and turning of the fighters and the referee walking in front of you at just the critical time you are grateful to get just a couple of 'keepers'.

However Saturdays shoot was one of the easiest I have covered as the ring lighting setup was very good. It was even across the whole canvas and perhaps most importantly it was fairly bright and the colour was consistent. The Dinner Boxing at St Pierre Park Hotel is plagued by strip lighting that varies in colour across the ring... that edit is a nightmare.

But the Rampage on the Rock edit is a piece of cake... a simple case of setting your colour balance, tones and exposure and a relaxed batch process did the job. Thank you Mr lighting manager!

I've just added the first seven bouts to a new Gallery featuring:

BOUT-12_Billy Le Poullain v Conner Fanning
BOUT-11_Casey De La Mare v Zohaib Hanif
BOUT-10_Jimmy Lesbirel v Jordan Awale
BOUT-9_Nathan Green v Mo Bakr
BOUT-8_Sam Masterman v Jordan McIntosh
BOUT-7_James Woolnough v River Watson-Bent
BOUT-6_Steve Traynor v Dhiren Mohan Kapur

All the remaining bouts will be added shortly.

Follow this link to view my pics:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF RAMPAGE ON THE ROCK

It's only Saturday and my weekend of sports photography has already been action packed... proving that you don't need to be on the court or pitch to build up a sweat ;-)

The sports 'togging started on Friday evening at Beau Sejour where I photographed two close and exciting Basketball games - MUG v Le Mont Saint Used & Heritage Falcons v Mayside Recycleballers.

After that it was into town to catch some live music then a quick edit of the evenings work before bed.

The two Basketball galleries are already online. Follow the links below to view them.

Saturday morning started with a Guernsey Womans Hockey League Division 1 game at Footes Lane between Indies Ladies v Vantage Puffins. I'll spare the blushes of the Puffins by not quoting the score but it was still enjoyable for me to photograph a Hockey game again, the first for a while.

As usual it was fast paced and played with good spirits - despite the cold.

That Gallery is also already online as I try to keep ahead of the curve as the weekends sport photography still has some way to go!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF MUG v LE MONT SAINT USED
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF HERITAGE FALCONS v MAYSIDE RECYCLEBALLERS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF INDIES LADIES v VANTAGE PUFFINS

There's never any chance to get bored of the Guernsey Live Music scene as something new is always popping up :-)

Just when you begin to think that things are getting a bit stale... if that term can be used about music - maybe it only works for bread? - things get a new fresh look!

Last weekend I watched the first ever gig of a new local band - The Goon Squad.

Maybe I'm stretching the point when I use the term 'new' as the faces behind the band are all familiar to any regular gig-goer.

But when lined up below 'The Goon Squad' banner their set list is full of covers featuring tunes that aren't heard live very often.... think of favorites from Joe Jackson, Squeeze and Elvis Costello.

This first gig was at The Doghouse and showed promise for the future. I'll try and catch another of their sets sometime in 2017 to see how the sound develops.

My pictures of The Goon Squad are now online here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE GOON SQUAD'S FIRST GIG

Just a quick couple of links to more sports action pictures from the weekend.

On Saturday it was Round 2 of the GK&MC Motocross championship held on the track at Pleinmont... and it was nice and sunny! The pictures can be found by following the link below.

After I had photographed a couple of the races I had to head off to the next assignment in St Peters. This was a football match between Sylvans and Saints. Those pics are also online.

Click below to open the Galleries:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 2 OF THE MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
CLICK TO VIEW SYLVANS v SAINTS FOOTBALL

Now let me say right at the start of this Blog that the way I see it the answer to the question...

'Win or lose, does it matter?'

....is OF COURSE IT DOES!

You are welcome to e-mail me with your own opinions on this topic ;-)

I'll expand on this subject a little more. I happen to feel that if you choose to enter into a competitive sport or activity the least you can do for yourself and indeed the competitor that you are sparing with is to put in the effort to try and win.

I'm not suggesting you should try and win at any cost but by making an effort you will often benefit from the toil... it will help to improve your skills and endurance and make you a better member of society from learning how to win with humility and lose with good grace. Heavy talk eh!

Now whilst I am advocating that you enter any competitive arena with the ambition to win it's actually possible to gather positives from a losing performance.

I was able to observe both the ups and downs that come with a win and a loss on Sunday as I photographed two Guernsey teams competing on our behalf against strong UK opposition.

I began the assignments at Beau Sejour at the 'Division Three South' Netball game between Saffery Panthers and Woodley. Guernsey started strongly but under sustained pressure they found their lead had disappeared by the end of the third quarter. In the final session the Panthers discovered new energy driven by their vocal local supporters and by the end of the game they had turned around the deficit into a 52-40 win. Amazing.

Next it was a short drive to Footes Lane to photograph Guernsey FC play Hastings United in the Ryman League. This wasn't so enjoyable as we went down 0-1. But there were similarities. Once again the local support for our team was vocal. The game was played with passion and good spirit and ultimately the participants and followers left the stadium galvanized and united as a community.

So win or lose there is usually a positive to be had from Sport.
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF SAFFERY PANTHERS v WOODLEY
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY FC v HASTINGS UNITED

The chilling wind at today's Autocross meeting kept most of the spectators hidden in their cars - who can blame them!

The lucky people (or well organized) who turned up early enough were able to claim the 'ring-side seats' in the car-park overlooking the action and they could watch the racing in comfort with their car heaters on!

It was the Marshals and photographers who had to make sure that they put on an extra layer or two of clothing to keep out the icy blast.

But it was worth making sure I was dressed in the thermals as there was plenty of action to photograph....

My pics are now online in a new gallery. You'll notice the shortage of spectators lining the top of the beach!

We must keep our fingers crossed for a warm and sunny day next meeting as the best way to experience the noise and drama of Banger Racing is to be outdoors and Chouet beach offers a natural 'stadium terracing' giving the perfect view-point.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CHILLY AUTOCROSS MEETING

It always seems to take an age to get back into my 'normal' routine after the Christmas seasons disruptions.

OK, I know that for many people - not just the kids! the Xmas period is the most anticipated time of the year. But for me I find it just messes up my comfortable routine. Maybe it's because I've now enjoyed over sixty visits from the big man in red on his sleigh? The novelty has now worn off!

I enjoy a rather relaxed and interesting life... at least I find it is. It basically revolves around home and family combined with 'cherry-picking' out the photographic work that I enjoy shooting.

That work tends to narrow down into two specific genres, Motorsport and Live Music.

Both these genres (I guess like so many other things) are disrupted by the afore mentioned holiday break.

But I'm pleased to say, not before time, that my cherished routine is getting back into its sweet spot and last weekend I managed to combine most of what interests me in photography.

My previous Blogs have linked to some the Motorsport and Sport that I photographed last weekend. This Blog adds links to a couple of Bands... Burning at Both Ends and Brunt.

It's good to be back :-)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF BRUNT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF BURNING AT BOTH ENDS

Due to other assignments I only made a short stop-off at the Motocross track on Saturday.

I'd made the drive out to Pleinmont as I didn't want to miss the first Round of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's 2017 Motocross Championship.

It's always interesting to get an early view of the racers as there are always a few changes in the line-up during the break.

Young riders move up Classes as they get older and stronger. New bikes are on show... will they produce the promised increase in performance?

You would be right if you told me that it is too soon to predict this years champions but I'm still going to back one young man who showed enough class on Saturday that it already seems likely he will be in the final running for the prestigious A-Group MX-2 crown.

I'm going to go on record (after just one meeting) as saying George Symons will be the young man to watch this year in the A-Group MX-2.

Make sure you pop back here at the end of the season to see if I have a proven eye for spotting talent :-)

My action pics of the Motocross are now online:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF ROUND 1 OF THE MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

Well, no surprises eh! It is the Winter Kart Series after all!

Round-2 of the 2017 Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Winter Championship at The Track started off very wet and ended just damp. Just like this photographer!

My day had actually started off at 7.30 am when I was up by the reservoir for the start of the Guernsey Triathlon Club's Reservoir Duathlon.

At that early hour things were very unpleasant for the competitors who had to endure two running sections split by a lengthy bike ride. It was the ride that really took its toll as the athletes got very cold due to the torrential rain and wind chill from the icy wind.

Taking pictures in such dreadful, dark and wet conditions meant I struggled to get any decent shots. Persistance is the only answer to that problem... combined with good waterproofs and an endless supply of dry hankerchiefs for the lenses - both camera and spectacles!!

I'll add a few pics of the Duathlon to a Gallery later.
UPDATE: DUATHLON PICS ARE NOW ONLINE HERE

Back at The Track the changeable conditions meant the racers had to adapt to the track each time they went out. This was great experience... especially for the Cadets who produced some exciting racing.

The Kart pics are now online here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF ROUND-2 OF THE WINTER KART SERIES

Footes Lane was again the scene of Guernsey FC's pain and suffering on Saturday afternoon.

The team played another match in their Ryman Football League campaign that has been short on success for a while. This time they lost 0-3 to Ramsgate.

I've listened to many fans commenting on the positive and negative effect that this higher level of competition is having on the whole local football scene.

I'm certainly the last person who should try and comment on this as I have very little knowledge on those matters.

But I will make one observation. That is that every time I photograph a Guernsey FC match I'm always impressed by the level of passionate support given to the team - win or loose. This takes the form of the usual shouting and banter towards the opposition and officials in true football crowd tradition.

However, on Saturday, at the end of the game the crowd stood to applaud both teams... maybe even the officials... as they left the pitch. This is how participation in sports should be enjoyed.

People come together to share an experience and go home entertained - if not always fulfilled! This illustrates the benefit that sport brings to a community.

Over the weekend the Footes Lane sports complex was a hive of activity with the Hockey and Rugby pitches also hosting games. Never let anyone say that there's a shortage of things to see and do in Guernsey.

My Guernsey FC v Ramsgate pics are now online:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY FC v RAMSGATE

I’m not usually touched by the celebrity culture that we live in.

I’m rarely ‘star-struck’ when meeting people that spend their life in the public eye. Maybe that comes with my job as a Press photographer and Journalist where I attend many events where ‘faces’ are the centre of attention.

However, when I think back, I’ve never really been ‘star-struck’… even as a teenager when I followed David Bowie, Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper I never really thought of them as anything other than people… just like you and me.

OK, they did have a BIT MORE TALENT and MONEY and FUN than me (and probably you)... but hey, they were still just human beings!

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to meet many famous people and I’ve rarely been star-struck by the person themselves.

So what is this Blog leading to?

Well you should now have an idea that I’d be the last person you should invite to join any sort of quiz team that requires a knowledge of celebrity. My missus has learnt (after 40 years) that it is pointless trying to have any conversation with me if it involves the lives, jobs or faces of the rich and famous! I’m not interested. I know NOTHING!

I have friends who work as Paparazzi in London and they enjoy taking the piss out of me by saying that I would starve if I did their job… they are right. If David Beckham bumped into me with Cheryl Cole on his arm I wouldn’t even notice them!!

So you understand that I’ve built up a ‘thick skin’ when in the company of celebrity… particularly in this decade when so many people that are given the label of ‘celebrity’ have no memorable talent at all!

All this commentary has been to try and explain how uninterested I am, normally, with star quality.

But occasionally I get caught out. This happens when I meet a particularly charismatic person or experience an amazing live performance.

That was the case at The Fermain Tavern on Saturday.

I had been looking forward to seeing Nessi Gomes play at her Diamonds & Demons album launch. Nessi is a Guernsey girl (with a Portuguese background). She was a familiar face on the local music scene before she took control of her ambition to make music and she started a passionate road to making that happen.

The first time I can remember seeing Nessi perform was at the Vale Earth Fair ‘Beach Life’ in 2009 (I have the pictures!). This mini festival was held in the picturesque Petit Bot valley next to the beach. Nessi played an acoustic set with a few friends and, even way back then, I remember that there were hints that Nessi had a special talent.

This talent has now blossomed and matured and Nessi Gomes revealed the result of the many years developing her own unique style and sound with her live performance at the ‘Tav launch of Diamond & Demons.

I was bowled over by the quality of her performance and yes… this old hag was more than a little star-struck! She must be something really special!

Now is the the time for you to discover Nessi Gomes. Follow her here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nessigomesmusic/

I've edited my pics of the album launch and you can take a look at them here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE NESSI GOMES DIAMONDS & DEMONS ALBUM LAUNCH