Marco Simoncelli 1987 - 2011

I don't usually post sad things here but as an exception I report the sad demise of Marco Simoncelli. He was an up and coming star of the Moto GP circuit. Sadly there was a tragic accident this morning, when Marco lost control of his Honda, and two other riders couldn't avoid hitting him.

I had a massive amount of time for this lad, he was a bit of a rebel and a hard rider and I really thought he was destined to take over from my other 'hero' Valentino Rossi. Sadly we will now never know his potential.

My thoughts are with his Family, Friends and Colleagues.

I Hope they have a good bike waiting for him at the pearly gates.

Rest in Peace Lad

Rob Barlow

The turning club had a demonstration today by a gentleman called Robin Barlow. Below are a few rather poor photographs of some of the work he brought along to show us.

The main Item is a lidded box in Yew with (I think) a rosewood lid and an Ebony finial

Two apples in Bubinga and Sycamore and a toothpick holder in Yew. The Apples are secret boxes which are accessed by pulling on the stalk of the fruit. beautifully executed, you really have to look carefully to see that they are made in the style of a 'bandsaw box'

The tall pierced vessel is truly amazing, and the two bud vases at the front are quite interesting, they have been 'ebonised' ie painted black with the addition of some gilding compound to bring out the grain. Most noticeable on the taller of the two, but the photograph doesn't do justice to the finished article.

You can see some work by other members of the club by logging on the web site here

Stafford again

It is that time of the year again, Last weekend Jack and I went to the Stafford showground for the Autumn Mechanics show. We went on the Saturday this time and although we were lucky with the weather, the show was unbelievably busy. We drove down to the Stafford turn-off in under an hour, and spent about the same amount of time driving the last 4 miles to the showground to get in.

Still there are always some wonderful bikes to look at:

A 4 Cylinder Nimbus

A Rather special Velocette Valiant

A gorgeous 1930s Indian Chief

A Scott Flying squirrel

A 350cc Douglas. Unusual to see one in Red!

If only that nice Mr Lottery man would cough up!!!!!

My Old Man said follow the Van

Funny title for a blog entry, but last week I mimed to a re-written version of that song, for the more hours than I care to remember.

I was called, in my office of a walk-on artiste, to film a 'promo' that's what the BBC call an advert. They are trying to get younger people to assist older people to become more computer literate, the 'promo' was filmed a week last Wednesday in a selection of fields, woods and hills in the peak district. That particular day (12th October) it rained incessantly and we were filmed wearing a pair of cotton trousers, a shirt and a woollen jumper. we were allowed to put on coats and hats between shoots, but the inside of those soon became as wet as we were, I haven't been so cold and wet since I fell in a reservoir!

Still I will be paid around £220 less my agents fees, so I can't complain....Well yes I can but who is going to listen. I was called to meet up with some others at 05.15 at Piccadilly station, from where we were taken by minibus to the Snake Pass Inn on the A57 outside Glossop. we got back to Piccadilly at 19.45. Bit of a long day, but with a good group of people. All part of life's rich tapestry

Look out for the BBC ad with an older lady - Valerie Minifie, a younger man - Richard Corgan and in the final couple of seconds a well known gentleman called Tony Millan.

I may be visible at times wearing a rather fetching Pink bow-tie