News / Blog

I was pleased to be asked again to visit our sister Island to photograph the larger-than-ever Jersey Live Music Festival 2011.
This makes my fourth visit for what is an exciting but very busy weekend. Once again I was capturing the Bands and general atmosphere for the Festival organisers.
The layout was changed this year and helped to keep the Festival fresh. It was certainly well attended!
This Festival manages to 'punch above its weight' when it comes to headliners and even managed to secure The Ting Tings for their only UK Festival performance in 2011.
The new Gallery of pictures so far includes: Plan B, Madness, The Ting Tings, Feeder, The Streets, Cage the Elephant, Katy B, Amadou & Mariam, Santigold and Summer Camp.
I will add more pictures tomorrow.
To view the picture Gallery which includes many shots of the general atmosphere follow this link:
VIEW THE FIRST PICTURES OF JERSEY LIVE 2011

I have now added a new Gallery of pictures featuring the final Sprint meeting held by the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club at Vazon coast road.
This Gallery can now be viewed by clicking on this link:
SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP 10-09-2011

As I mentioned yesterday in the News item, I have spent a few days in Alderney photographing the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Sprint meeting at Fort Corblets and two days of Hill Climbing at Fort Tourgis.
Oh yes, I also enjoyed the legendary Alderney hospitality including two nights of Culture & Karaoke in the Campania Pub, what a laugh!
Memorable as all this was, the one thing that will stick in my mind for some time will be when Chris Pommier's Westfield launched itself in my direction after coming unstuck on the Sprint at Fort Corblets.
I didn't know I could still move that fast - but I'm relieved that I can.
I hope you note that every pic is pin sharp... right up to when I turned and ran. What a Pro, eh!
A few pics taken before the car landed right where I was standing can be seen in the new Gallery.
ALDERNEY SPRINT PICTURES
LINK TO FIRST PIC OF CRASH SEQUENCE

The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club extended the annual visit to Alderney to three days this year.
So it all kicked off on Thursday with the Sprint event at Fort Corblets in great, sunny conditions.
This particular Sprint will remain in my memory (or nightmares) for some time I think as the the moment I learnt when it was best to stop taking pics and run!
Chris Pommier had the back-end of his Westfield step-out on the first bend and he then became a passenger as the car started a massive slide down the track. I was in the perfect position to take pics but the car headed straight towards me! I continued to grab a couple more shots before the car was launched into the air... I turned and sprinted... the car landed exactly where I had been standing.
That was a close one!
The pics of Chris's off will follow tomorrow. The first Galleries feature the Two-Day Hill Climb at Fort Tourgis. Check them out here:
ALDERNEY HILL CLIMB PICTURES

It might have taken over two weeks - but if you are patient I do eventually catch up!
I really don't know where the time goes... but it certainly flies by and I continue to bring the Galleries up-to-date.
Several of the Bands who played at the resurrected Vale Earth Fair have been chasing me for the latest pics - so here they are ;-)
This popular Festival was sadly missed in 2010 but returned in 2011 with a strong line-up. I have now added picture Galleries featuring many Bands.
Featured on the Castle stage are: Concrete Diso, Senser, Royal Gala, Inner Terrestrials, Tantale, Hikoikoi, Falenizza Horsepower, Big Sheep and Ukuladies!.
Featured on the new Bangorang stage are: Aurora, Krossbow, Little Rock Gypsies, Bright Lights, Hippie Picnic, The Stowaways, Dealer's Left and Danny G.
I now have nearly twelve months to catch-up before the next VEF, phweew!
Take a look at the Galleries here:
VALE EARTH FAIR 2011

The Galleries have been completed for the 29th August Hill Climb at Le Val des Terres. The latest pics include Bikes & Karts.
As always, the uploaded pictures only represent a selection of all the pics I take. Due to the time and space required by the Gallery updates I will usually have many more pictures stored in my huge database. Just contact me by phone or e-mail Email Andrew Le Poidevin if you would like to view all your racing pics... with no obligation to buy!
August 29th Hill Climb

I've had several phone calls and e-mails during the last ten days from people chasing me for more Gallery updates. I really appreciate these contacts as it proves that people enjoy browsing though the various picture galleries.
The updates have been slow due to a heavy commitment to Commercial clients at the moment. These are the jobs that allow me to pursue the Motor Sport and Gig photography that I enjoy so much. So they have priority.
But, I have still been taking pics during this time and will soon have a few new (and large) Galleries added to this site.
The first of the new updates are for the 29th August Hill Climb up Les Val des Terres. The other updates that will follow will cover the Bikes and Karts at the Hill Climb.
After finishing the Hill Climb pics the next updates will be of the sell-out Jersey Live.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST HILL CLIMB PICS

The latest Rock of Ages was Number 11. The format was 'tried and tested' and followed the usual form of offering an evening packed with Bands.
RoA-11 showcased five different Bands including a new one for me - Dakamga. The rest of the line-up were Plan of Attack, Breaking the Silence, Re-Discovering Pluto and From Bedrooms to Backseats.
These gigs really are the best value around if you want to sample a bit of live music... the only way is live as far as I'm concerned!
Click the link to view the latest Galleries...
ROCK OF AGES-11

Today the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club held Round-7 of their Summer Sand Racing Championship on Vazon beach.
For the second meeting in a row there was a dramatic accident! This time it was the Bikes. As happened last meeting - I missed the action, argh! It all took place immediately behind me.
Dave Patten had just passed on his slider when he tangled with a fellow rider and he found himself launched high into the air - followed by his bike.
Dave was able to walk to the ambulance and was transfered to the PEH for check-ups. We all hope he was just bruised with nothing broken.
New picture Galleries have now been added...
SAND RACING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-7

I was only able to make a late visit to The Track to photograph Round 8 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Summer Karting Championship... but there was plenty of close racing and also a pretty spectacular crash by William Konken.
Will rolled his Kart after a coming together with Ben Parsons. He was thrown out of his Kart. Thanfully the early reports on his condition suggest he wasn't seriously injured but you can't bounce down a race track without collecting a few bruises!
With this accident following Nigel Ozannes 'big one' on the sand at Vazon a week ago we are all reminded that Motor Sport can be dangerous, but the guys 'n gals who compete in the various Classes know this and are unstoppable.
I have added a new Gallery of pics including a few of Wills crash.
KART CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-8

A trio of my photographer mates played at the Fermain Tavern last Saturday. I should dislike these guys as it's just not fair that they all possess both musical and photographic talents!
But I'm not one to hold a grudge and it would have been 'bad manners' to turn up at the 'Wild Card' gig without my camera. So I took a few pics whilst enjoying a great set of the Blues... I like the Blues.
I have added new pictures to the Wild Card Gallery.
VIEW THE WILD CARD GALLERY

All the talk for the last few days on the Guernsey Motor Sport scene has been about Nigel Ozanne's big accident on the sands at Vazon Bay.
Nigel was racing his very competitive 'Grass Tracker' when it appears a contact was made with another car. Nigel ended up dramatically rolling perhaps as many as five times!
Thankfully, after a lengthy rescue from the car and a stay in hospital it appears that no major injuries occured.
As always after an incident such as this - and when it is known that the driver is OK - the question is: 'Did you get a picture of the crash?'
The answer in this case is a disappointed 'NO'. I had just left the beach to change to a different lens set-up. Shame on me as the race before I was in exactly the right spot... sorry Nige!
I did get a couple of good 'sideways' shots of Nigel in the first race during which he nearly ran me over! He apologised afterwards saying that he saw me taking pics and wanted a good one - but it got hung out a bit too far, he, he!
To take a look at the latest pics click here:
ROUND-6 SAND RACING PICS

The latest Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Hill Climb at Les Val des Terres turned out to be a bit special with several Classes being closely fought and records falling.
I was 'out and about' on the hill as usual and came home with a load of new pics to edit. Several days later you can view the results!
I have worked a few new angles in an attempt to keep the galleries interesting. Let me know what you think.
Remember that I always have more pics then the ones that are uploaded.
Due to space limitations the only way you can see all the pics is to contact me and I will arrange a viewing on my Laptop Database... with NO obligations to buy.
The final updates include the Bikers and Karters.
HILL CLIMB KARTS & BIKES

The first Class of competitors have been added to the Hill Climb Galleries... over 250 Car pictures!
Once again I have tried to give a good and varied coverage to the racing. This takes a considerable amount of time - so don't forget if you buy a couple of pics you are doing a good job of supporting my 'Beer Fund'. It will also encourage me to continue ;-)
Once again the records dropped with the most impressive being Darren Warwick becoming the fastest ever Channel Islander up 'the Terres'. Well done that man.
Bike & Kart pictures will follow.
GK&MC HILL CLIMB 06-08-2011

I was a late arrival for the legendary Barry Ashworth of the Dub Pistols DJ set at The Fermain Tavern - work got in the way.
I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to this type of music... I lead a very sheltered life!
But, I must say it was well worth making the effort, I really enjoyed the set.
If I hadn't been driving = no drinking :-( I can definately see myself getting the groove. (Note to self: leave the van at home next time).
The stage lighting supported the music and really added to the atmosphere, it helped us photogs also!
I have added a few new pics to the Galleries. Take a look here:
BARRY ASHWORTH OF THE DUB PISTOLS

A new Band made up of very familiar (no, I didn't say old!) faces took to the stage for the first time last weekend at the Fermain Tavern.
The gig was a sell-out and the crowd were not disappointed by a high energy and fast moving set. This Band is going to be in demand.
When you see the reactions from the party-goers you have to wonder why no-one has got around to putting together a Ska Band in Guernsey before.
That oversight has now been fixed. Make sure you check-out their next gig. Before then, take a look at the pics...
SONS OF THE DESERT AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN

Yesterday I was able to spend a short time at The Track photographing the latest round of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Summer Series of Kart Racing.
The heats were as competitive as ever with close and exciting racing. If you have never witnessed this form of Motor Sport I recommend that you find time to pop down to The Track at Victoria Avenue on a race morning.
The action is virtually continuous and there are good, safe viewing points. Championship details can be found here:
VISIT THE GUERNSEY KART & MOTOR CLUB WEB SITE
The latest Gallery of my Kart Racing pictures can be viewed here:
ROUND 7 KARTING SERIES
My time was split between photographing the Kart Racing and capturing Round 6 of the Guernsey Powerboat Association's Championship over the Fermain Course. A new Gallery of pics can be viewed here:
ROUND 6 OF THE GPA POWERBOAT RACING

Today saw the latest Round of the Guernsey Powerboat Association 2011 Championship over the Jethou Course.
The conditions seemed to be enjoyed by all the competitors that I spoke to after the race.
However one driver may be wishing he'd staying in bed this morning. Carl Wallbridge's Cat named 'Cody Cat' took a heavy hit near the stern cracking and holeing the hull. It quickly took on water and the motors were flooded.
The boat was saved though and towed into St Peter Port for some hasty salvage work on the twin engines. This was tough luck for Carl but lets hope is back racing again soon.
I have added pictures of the racing here:
ROUND-5 OF THE GUERNSEY POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP
UPDATE: A few pics of Round 6 have been added to a new Gallery.
Incredibly 'Cody Cat' made it back into the water and to the start-line after being repaired.
ROUND-6 OF THE GUERNSEY POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP

A big update has been made to the Greenman MCC Chaos Festival picture Gallery... nearly there!
The latest pics include Bands Jack Rabbit Slim, Top Buzzer, Nemesis, The Gaa Gaa's featuring Brobots, Sugar Slam, Lizzard Channel, She Haunts the Roads, Enraged, Mentallica and Spunge.
Quite a few then! This confirms what a great (and BIG) event the Chaos has become.
As I mentioned in my previous post the weather wasn't too kind but the Festival crowd were still full of energy... the Bands played a big part in this I'm sure - and the Breda (as brewed in Guernsey!)
'Keep it live' is my moto.
VIEW THE LATEST GREENMAN CHAOS PICTURES
UPDATE: Final Band pics added include Big Machine, Bulletproof, Last of the Light Brigade, Brutus Stonefist and Underneath the Sky. JOB DONE until next year!

The extremely wet and windy Greenman MCC Chaos Festival held on the exposed cliffs at Pleinmont, Guernsey is already just memories.
But they are good ones, despite the aweful weather!
There was a great turn-out for all the entertainment and the fact that both main stages were sheltered from the elements to some extent meant the Bands had a more attentive audience than usual.
This Festival is now well established and had a good number of Continental visitors. Big apologise to them - it was along way to come to get wet through to the skin!
But the good spirit and behaviour made for a brilliant time.
I was taking pics, of course, and will feature many of the Bands that appeared during the weekend. First up is the Band from Gibraltar. Breed77 combine heavy metal with flamenco sounds - it works, promise!
BREED77 AT THE GREENMAN CHAOS FESTIVAL 2011