The Hubcaps lunch

The other day I went to the Hubcaps lunch and it was a particularly poignant event. For those who don’t know about Hubcaps, it is a very special organisation open to motoring journalists, captains of the motoring industry, motor racing drivers and others with a motoring connection who like to meet and talk about all things motoring.

I am kind of an honorary member and have been for about ten years, after the late Gordon Procter (known as the Hubcaps ‘man on the Island’) invited me to a Hubcaps lunch one day.

Gordon died late last year and I miss his flamboyant, but generous nature. Naturally I attended the memorial service in London in March, as did many other Island members of Hubcaps.

On Thursday, Gordon’s widow, Floss, son John and daughter Sally (with her husband Philip) were among the many at the Royal Solent Yacht Club in Yarmouth for a memorial Hubcaps lunch.

Traditionally, Hubcaps has met at the nearby King’s Head pub, but I was glad of the change – I think sitting down in the pub would have brought tears to my eyes.

The lunch was introduced by Gethin Bradley, whom we all think of as the father of Hubcaps, and several people stood up and spoke fondly of Gordon, including his son, John.

At the previous Hubcaps meeting I had attended back in the spring of 2008, I had only just decided what I was going to do on the big trip and mentioned it to Gordon and he was like: “Stand up, stand up – promote yourself!” and the next minute I found myself nervously addressing the whole group.

Before this latest meeting I had seriously debated whether I should bring along a box of books and tell everyone about the trip – but I am glad I did. I sold nine books and the following day, one of the other members contacted me to say he would like one too.

Gordon has left a big hole in my life, but I am indebted to him. From now on, I will be promoting myself more and making a big fuss about what I have done. I think it is the only way you can make people take notice of the good you are trying to do.

Looking out over the Solent at Yarmouth and thinking about Gordon, I couldn’t help but find myself smiling. I know he lives on in all our hearts. Hubcaps won’t forget its very special ‘man on the Island’ and I will never forget him either.

A meeting the Andrew Motion

I went to a writing workshop with Sir Andrew Motion, former poet laureate (1999-2009) at Farringford yesterday, as part of Tennyson’s 200th anniversary celebrations and the centenary of the Poetry Society.
There were tonnes of press there, including BBC Radio Lincolnshire (Tennyson was born in Lincolnshire) and it was being filmed as well.
I had actually taken a day of work and paid for the workshop myself, which was absolutely fantastic and Andrew was really encouraging about the poem I wrote – as well being very knowledgeable about Tennyson.
I took some of my books along and sold three to fellow workshop members, as well as discreetly presenting one to a certain someone.
In all, I had a very good day and several people, including Island writer Felicity Fair Thompson, commented that I was obviously a real writer – I am beginning to wonder if I am hiding my light under a bushel at the County Press!

Jaguars Galore!

I am very much looking forward to the IW branch of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club annual show this Sunday (June 28).

It is their 20th anniversary show and there are literally hundreds of cars expected to arrive at the venue at the Isle Of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet.

Lots of other car clubs have been invited too, so there should be cars of every kind on display.

I will be there at my stand between 10am and 4pm and will be able to tell people more about my fantastic challenge, as well as sign copies of the book.

All I am praying for is a dry, sunny day – as I don’t want to get wet!

I would also just like to say a special thanks to Keith and all my friends at the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club who are letting me come to their show and collect donations/sell books in aid of the hospice!

The Isle Of Wight Festival Cometh!

I am counting the days until the Isle Of Wight Festival starts this Friday (June 12). Everyone on the newspaper has been gossiping about it and we will be bringing out our big festival preview supplement in this Friday’s Isle Of Wight County Press – so make sure you get hold of a copy of our newspaper and read all about it!

Between you and me, it is possible that it might rain during festival weekend – here’s hoping the festival doesn’t turn out to be a muddy Messtival!

Red Hot Gaffers

It has been extremely hot at the Old Gaffers Festival this weekend, but I sold a few books and talked to lots and lots of lovely people – some of whom also gave me donations. My thanks to you all!
On another note, Hugh and I went to the cinema last week to see Angels And Demons – if you haven’t seen it yet, it is a great movie – even better than The Da Vinci Code I thought!

Sunshine for the Yarmouth Old Gaffers’ Festival

I saw lots of people down at Chale on Bank Holiday Monday – thanks for coming and having a chat! Although it was wet when I woke up, by the time I got to the recreation ground at Chale it was dry and it was soon brilliant sunshine!

Today (Friday, May 29) is the first day of  the Old Gaffers Festival at Yarmouth and it is very hot outside. It is supposed to be warm and sunny throughout the weekend

I will be doing a book signing on the County Press Shop stand on the grass near Yarmouth Bus Station tomorrow (Saturday) from 2pm to 4pm and I look forward to seeing everyone there. Please come over and say hello!

Will it rain?

I am planning to be at Chale car boot sale on Bank Holiday Monday selling second-hand books, plus ‘A Trans-Siberian Odyssey’ in aid of the hospice.
However, this won’t happen if it is raining, because wet weather would be bad for the books!
So if you wake up on Monday and it is dry, then I will be there – ready and waiting to sign books from 10.30am onwards.

Come rain and gale-force winds

Yesterday I did the full 26-mile route of Walk The Wight in heavy showers and gale-force winds! Hugh and I started at Bembridge Airport at 6.30am and were soaked by the time we reached the seven-mile point! Then we got the full sunshine and showers treatment right across the Island.

On emerging from Brighstone Forest we were knocked sideways by the wind and for the last eight miles, it was all we could do to stand up – particularly out on Tennyson Down and High Down at Totland.

It was a particularly memorable thing to do on Hugh’s birthday!

Although I was concerned about my dodgy sprained foot beforehand, the walk loosened all the muscles and it actually feels a lot better than it has done in recent months! The downside is that having had wet feet so early on in the walk, I have got appalling blisters this morning.

I can honestly say I have done the full 26-mile walk eight or nine times and this is the worst conditions I have ever done it in, yet remarkably Hugh and I finished in nine hours and 11 minutes, so we weren’t exactly slow (not that it is a race!). I think this is because despite our waterproofs, we were rather wet, so we didn’t want stop for long in case we got cold!

Once again it was an amazing and uplifting event – it is incredible how many people give up their time to walk for the hospice. I also saw Jeremy’s wife and family during the event, which was rather poignant.

Countdown to Walk The Wight

It’s just a few days to go to Walk The Wight – the monster fundraising walk for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice – and I still have a very dodgy foot!
My plan is to start the 26-mile walk on Sunday morning and see how far I can get! I have never failed to complete the whole distance before and I am darned if I am going to be beaten this time, either!
The weather is forecast to be pretty wet – here’s hoping the forecasters are wrong, as usual!
I am looking forward to being a part of what has become a very iconic event and to meeting lots of walkers.

The book arrives!

On the first day I wasn’t on the Island in months (Thurs, April 30), the book arrived! Thankfully, I had already indicated it should go to the newspaper office, where it was signed for and safely stashed so I could pick it up the next day!

I have had loads of people ask me for copies already and sold several within the first three days of having it – I hope the limited number I have printed is enough to satisfy the demand!

Elsewhere, I have sprained my foot and ankle quite badly, which didn’t stop me winning a major showjumping championship with Twiglet the other week, but is playing havoc with my training for Walk The Wight (which is now only a fortnight away). I hope I will be fit in time, as I have NEVER failed to complete the full distance of 26+ miles!

I also gave a talk the Havenstreet Country Women’s Association the other day and everyone really enjoyed it. I have since received a lovely letter of thanks  from one of the ladies (who used to teach me when I was at primary school).