Being in the moment

Hello, time for another occasional blog, as I have time, and time is what it is all about. Don't worry I am not going all Professor Brian Cox. I am no physicist, or philosopher come to that, just an ordinary person with time to reflect, for once. 

So it is the last day of 2013, and time is passing ever quicker it seems.  I have no idea how many more years I have left here but have resolved (no not resolved, decided) over the last few months to do those things I have always wanted to do. Now you could say you should spend your whole life doing that, but few of us have that luxury.  The need to create an income is the barrier to most doing what they want, only the lucky few can spend their lives doing their heart's desire. 

We spend our time filling it with 'things to do', lists, goals, priorities being shuffled constantly, and we lose ourselves in all the 'stuff'.  Then come the dark nights, the inevitable Christmas rush, and all of a sudden it stops.  Holiday at home, for me, is the only time I have to to finally and quietly be myself.  But then ... what ... make more lists, fill the time with things I 'must' do?

The alternative is just to sit, and be.  Watch the clouds go by, the crows cawing at the wind and rain. Is it a waste of time?  Why do I feel guilty about it?   Actually I don’t feel guilty, well not any more. For once I am doing what I want to do, as I was able to do as a teenager when I first had this sort of time to myself (and then no responsibilities).  Watch the clouds, the trees silhouetted against the sky, the different patterns of trees, and life.

So now onwards to one of the things I enjoy – reading:

I have just finished reading a book that was recommended to me, and it has rather stopped me in my tracks.  I saved the last few chapters for the holiday as I had consumed the rest of it in snatched moments before falling asleep or in between decorating.  I wanted to absorb the last of it in my own free and relaxed time.  It is the autobiography of a pilot, who survived the early(ish) to middle years of flying but whose fate was always just out of reach of his own control, or so it seemed.  Towards the very end he recounts how he flew a plane which had an increasingly bad reputation for crashing, but somehow he was able to fly it because of a particular combination of circumstances … in the end, and in his innocence, he found the only way to fly the plane without it crashing.  So he navigated his life and fate … (well in the end his fate was to live and be a very successful author).  At the end he looked at his flying bag, the one that had accompanied him all those years through his flying career, battered and stained.  And he loved it, that bag (yes love … for a bag!).  And flying, he loved that too, but he finally decided a particular fate had come too close, and it was time to stop. 

I am coming up to a similar decision, not to stop but to change, more gradually I hope, but it is time for change, yes.  I am looking forward to seeing where my fate takes me.

Oh dear, I need to say a little something about cycling and cyclists ... and drivers and driving ...

I may have to duck after posting this but here goes ...

Dear Cyclists
I agree cycling is a great way to get from A to B. It's a great sport too.  But you have to share the roads with others, so please, don't run red lights, skim so close to a car that you scare the wits out of the driver (who really doesn't want to run you over despite what you may think), or damage the car as you go by ... yes it does happen.

Dear Drivers
I agree driving a car is a great way to get from A to B. It's a great sport too.  But you have to share the roads with others, so please, don't run red lights, skim so close to cyclists that you scare the wits out of him or her (who really doesn't want to be run you over despite what you may think), or damage the bike or rider as you go by ... yes it does happen.

Do you see what I did there?

So why this all of a sudden? I live on the Olympic Cycle Route.  We have to travel the route regularly and find ourselves stuck behind bike riders two, three or even five abreast (yes ... holding up the traffic on purpose). The cyclists can also be very abusive and aggressive towards innocent car drivers (repeat that sentence with the words cyclists and car drivers transposed).  There needs to be a way forward and I am concerned that nothing is being done. 

There are responsible car drivers and responsible and very good cyclists but we all know there are many who are not.  The resentment is growing.

I know I have heard of the police stopping drivers for not keeping up with the flow of traffic (yes driving too slowly!) and now the Government have decided it is appropriate to fine those hogging the middle lane of the motorway.  I won't bother to comment on the last point because someone else has already done that far better than I ever could  (yes I do mean Jeremy Clarkson).

Cyclists are supposedly fined for cycling on the pavement nowadays, how about fining them for deliberately holding up traffic, running red lights, etc.  We know they do it ...

And we all know it would never work.  None of it works.

The only way to change behaviour is to put yourself in another person's shoes and see it from their point of view.  Do away with the stupid legislation and spend the money on a bit of education instead.  Drivers are given the option of retraining or taking a fine for speeding.  Let's do the same for cyclists - just cycle well, do a good job or be given a bit of professional advice. And drivers get on a bike now and then and see how it feels.

That's quite enough from me.

VB

And on that Bombshell ...

Well, there I was at work coming up to 5 pm, there's a new email in my inbox.  Oh great. No it’s just more ApplauseStore X Factor spam surely?  No it isn’t … hold on ….

“Congratulations, you have now successfully been booked into attend the recording of TOP GEAR SUMMER 2013 - BBC taking place on Wednesday 17th July 2013 at 13:30.”

My own tickets at last! I had two lots of generous guest tickets and now this. I was amazed at my luck. Who to invite …. Well you know that by now.  I was very sad that one particular person I had invited couldn’t attend but settled on getting the three musketeers back together.  We had met on Twitter originally and then back in 2012 at Top Gear Live at the NEC in Birmingham.  We kept in touch on Twitter and Facebook ever since. 

So ... to the day …

“I am on the early train”  "OK good I will pick you up at the station, cross over the road, go down the slope and look for Pizza Express. I will be parked nearby."  So Jane was the first to arrive. 

The night before Helen and Alan had stayed on the other side of the river and found a fab pub to go to.  But now they were on the road to my place and arrived at about 9.30 am. Time to relax in the shade for a while before we set off.  Within 30 minutes the sun had moved round and it was already steaming hot.  We moved into the little shade left under the Ash and Cherry trees and chatted excitedly about the day ahead.  Ok, let’s gather ourselves and set off.  It would prove to be one of the hottest spots in the country that day, recording 32.8 C at Hampton Water Works, just over the river from us.  

We did the now familiar drive and arrived at Dunsfold at around 11.30 am.  Always leave plenty of time, just in case. It means a long wait but there are things to do.  We gathered by the entrance to the t-shirt store and had the now traditional picture taken and posted on Twitter. 

Then to the burger van…  yummy as usual.  Now shall I brave the Top Gear loos? Yes I am going to have to … fortunately this time not stinky and plenty of water for hand washing. Thank goodness.  It's really steaming hot now so we get ice creams and head for the shade, completing our quiz while we wait.  We meet up with others and as the time grows closer we move towards the spot where the crowd manager will give us the safety talk.  It’s really hot now.  Everyone is sweltering, many not in the shade.  

At around 1 pm we hear a helicopter arrive.  We are pretty sure it’s this week’s SIARPC as we haven’t heard any squealing tyres so far.  We wait… and wait… and wait… Then at last the crowd manager gathers us all together in the hot sun for the chat.  Then we wait … and wait… it’s well past 2 pm … we wait in the full sun for the last few minutes and are concerned we will all be fainting in the studio.  

Then, at last, the call … down to the studio, check the wristbands, and we are in.  Many people are already gathered around the set so no front row seats this time.  No complaints, many have Help For Heroes t-shirts on and one chap has his foot in a cast.  I happily take up a spot behind him.  Jane joins me. We are right in front of the green chairs, beside the camera station.  Helen and Alan head for the spot just behind Jeremy’s chair.  

More waiting, it's absolutely sweltering now. I do hope we start soon. It reminds me of a holiday in Rhodes we had years back when the temperature got up to 40 C.  At last the doors close, the lights dim and the floor manager addresses us, introduces the Director (who does the same speech and same joke every week), presents the prize to the winner of the quiz, and  he then introduces Jeremy. 

Jeremy bounds onto the stage and greets the audience.  He explains at some length the reason for his attire. Similar to last week … white t-shirt, blue and white (checked this time) shirt, unbuttoned, and jeans.  It’s their way of covering up the inevitable sweaty pits on such a hot day! OK too much information Jeremy.  He jokes with the audience, as usual picking on someone and telling them THEY won’t be at the front.  Then he introduces Richard and James.  They join the stage at the same time, Richard in … yes you guessed it ... dark jeans, white shirt and a grey suit jacket.  Nutter.  And the excuse is the same, he says it covers up sweaty pits, not that they are sweaty yet … so he shows us all … ooops yes they are sweaty and it’s only going to get worse.  Jeremy then point out that James just wears a shirt and jeans, a lovely loose turquoise one (which we understand he bought in India).  So who will win the sweaty pits competition … well James of course, as he lifts his arm to display an unstained shirt.   He has done it properly! (I can confirm when I met him later he was indeed fresh as a daisy, as always). 

So that’s the intros done, time to start filming, cameras away, phones switched off (not even on vibrate … off!).

The chairs are up on the stage this time and the intro is done over on the other side of the studio by Jeremy.  Richard and James had gone back to the green room.  Then we watch Jeremy’s film about the SLK Black … the grey one and the garish yellowy green electric one.  Afterwards they film another segment adjacent to the cars, with the lap board … no giveaways on the timings and anyway I couldn’t see and can’t remember what they were.  I think it was good news for Jeremy though. 

Moving on, it was time for "The News".  And bad news, the programme has to be 2 minutes shorter this week because of some motorbike racing following Top Gear on Sunday night, so guess what, they cut the news down.  They had used this particular News item on each of the previous shows but it had been cut by the Director.  This time Jeremy had a plan … they went through it again, quickly, and did it just as well as before, but a tighter more edited version. They finished crisply with an intro to the next item. No retakes. They will have to use that one. Up yours Director!  Haha! Jeremy seemed smug about that.   Even better, I am sure I saw Helen on the monitor behind Jeremy. Excellent! She looks stunning.  

Then they introduced the comedy item of the week … the Hovervan.  We moved over to the big doors in the hope of getting some fresh air, and be close to the exit when it’s time to break for tea. I was quite surprised at just how funny it was.  Actually why should I be surprised.  It was hilarious, the usual cocking about of course. 

 

Then it was time for the tea break and as they opened the doors, the sunshine flooded in … would James be there serving tea in the hot sun? No sign, lots of people already out there. I worked my way through the crowd in the direction of the usual spot and yes, there ... a glimpse of turquoise shirt.  Oh happy day! I am so glad Helen will get to meet James.  

I think I might have been the first of our group to arrive and take the gift of tea again.  James was already tucking into some sweets from a gold cardboard box that someone had given him … chew chew chew … constantly no sooner had he finished one then he popped another sweetie in his mouth. He seems to like them very much!  

I joined the queue and I waited as others had their photos taken.  Then it was my turn, again! “Hello James … here’s a goody bag as a thank you.”  He offers me tea and I take a cup.  He took the bag of goodies to and looks inside “This is all good” he says (Woman Crisps, BBQ Beef Hoola Hoops, Jelly Babies and American Hard Gums).  This time I have to ask him for a few autographs and feel a little awkward asking for so many (three … one for a friend who has a birthday as a surprise present, one for Snowy as a momento of her visit last week and one for me … greedy I know … a pic from last week as well).  “How come you are here again?” he asks “Have you cheated?” … “No! Guest tickets before and my own tickets today." He accepts that. I had said to him before, I didn’t expect this sort of luck ever again.  So time for the pictures … Jane has my camera and snaps away, his arm around my shoulder and mine around his waist. I encourage Jane to take plenty of photos, then  I make way for others.

It’s Jane’s turn and he signs her autographs, one for Jane herself and two for others. I snap away at pics for Jane then it’s Helen’s turn. 

Alan has been taking pictures throughout but now its time for him to take pics of his lovely wife with Mr May.  James asks which camera to look at and Helen points in Alan’s direction.  “Who is that?” he asks “That’s Alan my lovely husband” she says.  “He’s a very very lucky man” says James. Helen gets her autographs too and eventually moves away for others to get their turn.  One autograph is particularly graphic "Arse - Bugger Off. Love James May x" Perfect.  The pictures are lovely and James has a particularly big smile with Helen on his arm.  Niiiice.  

We look around for any of the other presenters and though there are rumours that Richard is out I don’t see him anywhere.  The crowd thins a little and we return to the tea table to sneak a few more pics of James.  He turns and notices us and sends a quick silly cheesy grin in our direction … and I caught it on camera! One of the best pics of the day. 

We go back into the studio for the SIARPC interview.  No chance of getting to the front for this one, Wolverine Hugh Jackman.  He seems a very personable, professional chap who has worked hard to get to where he is now.  Not my type but everyone I mentioned his name to before the filming was very impressed! We stood at the back near the green room where there was a bit more air.  After a while someone nudged me … there was James behind us, looking for a friend.  We moved over and said hello again. He was happy to chat for a moment. Helen took the opportunity to get her picture resigned as she had spilt tea over the first one. He’s happy to do so and also signs Geena’s lanyard too. She takes a pic of him and he makes a funny face at her.  I don’t take pics or talk to him but am happy to just stand there to observe and smile and enjoy the moment.  

Then we notice Richard is there too.  He had been out, went back in then was out again looking into the crowd and observing the interview on the monitor quietly.  Geena gets her lanyard signed and a photo with him.  He’s very cooperative so I risk it … “Hello Richard, may I have your autograph”.  Yes of course” he smiles and takes the Sharpie and the envelope I had for my photos (2^nd Class pre-printed - I found a little irony there but I think I will let that go … ).  He signs his odd signature (no message) and hands it back. He disappears back into the green room without another word.   

I also noticed a very striking athletic looking blonde outside the green room and after a few moments it clicked who she was.  Phillipa is it? She looks lovely and photos in the papers don’t do her justice.  

We are close to the Hovervan and it must be an opportunity for the next filming segment.  I find myself behind a chap but second row? That’s fine.  Then they move us all back a good 5 feet and somehow I am at the front.  Then of course the Director moves the young attractive ones in front of us, but luckily the very attractive blonde in front of me is is a little shorter than me so I still  have a good view.  There we go, the Hovervan item 1 is filmed, I may be in shot for some of it [yes I was, briefly!].  We watch the film and laugh a lot!

The heat of the day is forgotten. It's getting later and just a touch cooler, a sad reminder that filming will be over soon.

Then another item is filmed … the closing item this time. And another layer of beautiful people are added.  This time I'm not so lucky and peer around others from the third row.  Still I see a bit of it and am happy.  

 I have always said I have no particular interest in seeing myself on the telly (true I promise) but it seems to please some people and I thought what the heck, if it happens then fine and I have a permanent memento of my visit on film.  If not then it doesn’t bother me.  However after last week a work colleague emailed me … “I see your love of fast cars has been confirmed by your presence next to the McLaren”.  It made me smile.   

Finally Jeremy has to do some words to camera for Worldwide audiences … I am standing right behind him so won’t be seen … 6’ 5 verses 5’6 is no contest, until he shuffles a bit and I can see the camera lens. So maybe, just maybe you will see my mug on telly again somewhere in the world.  I am the one with the bright yellow t-shirt and sunglasses on her head looking a bit awkward.  

And on that bombshell, it’s time to end.

@VintageBarbara

Home Thoughts From Abroad

Ladies and Gentlemen, the following blog has been written by a Canadian.  

You have been warned.

 #ThatIsAll

 VB

"Snowy and VintagBarbara’s Most Excellent Top Gear Adventure" Written by Snowy.

It started with a Tweet. Just a simple tweet to the other side of the world.

Snowy: What’s new?

VB: I’ve got some terrific news!

Snowy: Don’t keep me in suspense!

VB: Keep it secret?

Snowy: Cross my heart hope to die, stick a needle in my eye, if I lie.

Now that I have recited the pledge that struck fear into the heart of every eight year old, I was committed. No loose lips on this one. No turning back. This was a “double dog” promise of secrecy!

Snowy: Ok lets be having it.

VB: I’ve got tickets for Top Gear for the 10 July!

Snowy: Eeeeeek! Awsomesauce! Lucky duck! Wish it were me!

VB: Wish you could come!

Snowy: Say hello to Mr. May for me!

VB: I can’t believe my luck and this is the best birthday present ever!

Snowy: Most excellent indeed!

Hmmmm....My mind went into overdrive. What are the chances that I have days off during the two TG filming days?”.  I grabbed my daytimer, lets see the 10 July. Holy crapoly! The filming falls on my days off. Am I mad? Can I afford it? Heck!

My Google finger went into overdrive. ‘Cheap flights, Vancouver to London’  Albatross Airways? Economy air travel, (wooden chairs, bologna sandwich) Done!

Snowy: Hey VB! Do you have a spare corner of the laundry room, where I could curl up? I won’t bother the cats or steal their food.

VB: Get over here!

With that I boarded a plane enroute to London. Did I feel posh? Yes! Was I an international jet setter? Yes! Well, in the theater of my mind anyway. And my bologna sandwich was like caviar to me. Spur of the moment decisions take on a certain cache, when a transatlantic plane ride to London is involved.

Having worked at film festivals and aware of the celebrity culture, questions arose. Will I get in? Will James give autographs and pictures, or will he hide in the green room during the tea break reading Airplane Magazine eating a pork pie? I fired off a tweet of inquiry, and to my amazement, he replied. He would indeed be serving tea. But as in life, things are subject to change, so who could be sure?

The TG day arrived. It was bright and sunny, wardrobe laid out, alarm set, 4 hours sleep, I was wide awake and raring to go! To avoid any possible cock ups on the motorway, we set out very early, we left nothing to chance. Enid all cozy in her satnav box, we fired up the ‘rod’ and our Most Excellent Adventure began.

We picked up our ‘rent a blokes’ and hit the road for Dunsfold. The air was tingly with excitement.

We drove along the road to Dunsfold and stopped at the guard station, a familiar sight when I accompanied James to work in his red Porsche. (via youtube) Greeted by a friendly fellow, we were issued purple TG wrist bands. After a brief lowdown on where to park and what to do, he assured me I could take in my picture for James to sign, along with a Mr. Big choccie bar, a reminder of his Arctic Adventure,  that I bought from Canada. We arrived in good time and parked in the first row of cars.

First stop, gift shop. Lots of T shirts with the Stig on them, but since he is my least favorite part of the show, I passed. I opted for a key chain and a sticker. I was hoping for a T-shirt of May and the boys, but since there were none to be had, I hazard to guess for licensing and monetary reasons, I left the gift shop only ten quid lighter.

We spent the next two hours eating yummy hot dogs, and sitting in the shade, madly googling the answers to the quiz. No one collected our completed quizzes at the door, so my guess, the prize went to the person that handed hers in. A slight oversight on our part, but never mind. 

After a briefing from what I recall to be a producer [it was the floor manager Snowy VB], we swiftly walked, (not ran) to the hangar where Top Gear is filmed. We flashed our wrist bands at security manning the door, and as our strategy discussed, we felt the best place to stand during the filming was beside the camera. That way we have a straight view of the stage and the presenters. If we stand behind the presenters, we had a good view of the back of their heads.

The stage was bare, only a security guard keeping tabs on things. No famous car seat for May and Hammond, nor Clarkson’s chair to be seen. Nothing was set up, odd.  The hangar/studio was smaller than I imagined. It looks much bigger on telly, especially with the swooping camera crane shots.

Geoff, the Eagle iThrust homemade car, and the poor old Toyota pickup were given permanent places of glory mounted on the walls of the studio. The Top Gear logo was painted on the huge hangar doors, the studio lights were set, cameras placed. Everything was ready to go. The floor manager took control of the situation, reminding us that if we were attending the taping with anyone we were not supposed to be there with, it might be a good idea to leave.  We were given a brief chat on studio etiquette, and the Director took the stage. I don’t remember much of what he said other than being an award winning director or something like that.

Jeremy then bounded on stage, and all six foot five of him was in very fine form. He was bright, cheerful and full of energy. He explained the ins and outs of laughing, then showed us a very naughty tape full of naughty words and out takes.  I never say no to an education. He wore his signature jeans and a blue and white flowery shirt under a t shirt, but I agree, the shirt should have been buttoned up. Ahem Jezza, note James’ shirt, copy.

Jeremy then explained the need for good looking people, who would be placed randomly behind the presenters for the eye candy effect. I was not given one of the ‘beautiful people wrist bands’, nor did I mind. I can understand how the audience at home wouldn’t appreciate hairy backs and arm pits behind Hammond and James.  Eye candy serves a purpose.  Jeremy went to town on a chubby lad, saying “both of you must get out of the shot”. I felt a bit sad for the poor boy, who was very big indeed, but he took it in stride, and played along. If you want to be at Top Gear, you must expect the unexpected, good or bad. I think Jeremy apologized afterward, just part of the gags. [Yes he did apologise and had a bit of a chat with the lad. All was well. VB]

Hammond was then called onto the stage, neat as a pin, wearing a tweed jacket.  Much more subdued than Jezza, he worked the camera but seemed to be a bit preoccupied when the camera wasn’t rolling. Then, camera ready, he sprang into action on que. Jeremy took great delight in calling Hammond a prat for his choice of wardrobe, and insisted he couldn’t make it through the taping with the Tweedie on. The studio was hot!

Then came the bombshell. Us girls had just been discussing hair, mens to be exact. Long, short, buzzed, curly, baldies, or the ever popular Friar Tuck style. I have always preferred long hair on men. No silly pony tail, just free and blowy. Don’t know why, must have been something to do with my Keith Partridge days. Jeremy then announced that James had gotten his hair cut that day.  Us girls exchanged looks of shock and horror! Last time James got a haircut, he looked like he got too close to the weed whacker. I held my breath, please let there be a little bit left, please, please, please..

“And everybody please welcome Mr. James May!” James bounded onto the stage, his locks barely touched, and my breathing restored, I took my finger off speed dial, 999 was no longer needed, they could put the paddles away. Whew. No possibility of pictures with Mr. Q Ball, (my worst fear) The lovely May locks were intact! I could now rest easy.

After the earlier “put away the camera’s, mobiles, and other recording devices, threat of death and decapitation speech” I dutifully put my ipod in my pocket. The three boys engaged in good natured banter on stage. All the while Vintage was happily snapping. Then Mark the stage manager said, “Ok, cameras away, let’s get going.” What??? I could have taken more piccies! Grrr....

The stage was bare, a little puzzling to be sure. First up was the video of the trip to Spain in the ‘reasonably priced super cars’. Is there such a thing? Really? The lights went down, the lads left the stage, and we watched one of many monitors placed around the studio.

The News was next. The famous green car seat was brought on stage along with the engine block glass table and Jeremy’s single chair. It was announced that after the news, we would break for tea. The lads entered and proceeded to do the news. It seemed so spontaneous and fun, but it’s scripted to be sure, as smooth as silk. Time is money in TV land, and this was quite evident. 

The plan was hatched. As soon as the news was finished, we would dash out for tea, in hopes that Mr. May would be around. [Actually they filmed the short intro for SIARPC just before tea too, so we were able to get in place near to the doors. VB]

And Oh my God. There he was, serving tea as promised. With photo and Mr. Big bar in hand, I made my way to the table. I said hello to James, the penny had yet to drop.

“Hi James” I said

“Hello”

“I’m Snowy” ‘

“Oh my word he replied, you came all the way from Canada for this?” 

“Yes, and a mini holiday as well” I said

“You are mad woman” he said.

(someone has to be)

My days off, Albatross Airlines and a bologna sandwich all presented themselves, plus a free ticket, and a chauffuer to Dunsfold and back, it was a no brainer. The stars aligned. I gave him a Mr. Big chockie bar, the kind from the Arctic Adventure show. (nutters, I live in Canada, and I’d never do that!) He thanked me and said he liked Mr. Big. bars.

James signed my picture and I quizzed him about the x&o levels on the pictures. I insisted on 3 x’s. He insisted on one x. He relented, I got my three.  

Pictures were taken, chat was exchanged, and it’s all a bit of a blur. James picked up my camera and took a few shots himself.  I was too shy and nervous to ask for a cuddle picture, as VB got one and I’m insanely jealous. [Actually Snowy, he offered. VB]  I don’t like to invade a person’s space, some folk don’t like to get too close, I’m one of them. I don’t approach unless asked, just my way I guess.

After I had my time with James, I was shocked to see hundreds, (maybe not) of people standing behind me waiting for their photo op with James.  I had no idea they were there.

VB moved in and got a huggy shot. (rats!) [Snowy, I said he offered! VB] I took some pics of her and James, and I think I got some lovely shots. There was so much happening, and so many people milling around, it’s hard to remember exactly.

VB wanted to get a good spot for the SIARPC segment. I wanted a huggy shot. VB went back into the hangar. I went to the loo. [Actually we both went to the loo then went our various ways. VB] I made my way back to the tea table, and James was still at it, this time with ice cream cone in hand, encouraging folk to come up for a picture if they want one.  I took a few snaps and he offered me the flake from his Whippy cone. Then I asked him if I could get a ‘selfie’ piccy. He told me not to push my luck, but was very accommodating with me as I took a shot of the two of us. It turned out great!

Pictures done, tea over, I made my way back to the studio. SIARPC was next. I stood at the back and watched it on a monitor. Just before it started, Jeremy appeared out of nowhere and came up behind the girl in front of me and went BOO! She screamed, and laughed. Jezza was in a playful mood that day.

After the Cumberbach interview, the winner of the race had to be announced. I was standing at the back of the crowd, so I moved around to an open spot and a load of people moved in behind me. The last segment came and went. James won the challenge in his Audi, but all three chose the Farari as their car of choice. I think because it was the same colour as my shoes.

Andy Wilman made an appearance, looking like something the cat dragged in as usual. 

Jeremy closed the show with his bombshell routine and it was done. The lads went back to the green room, and the audience left Top Gear world, perhaps lucky to get tickets for another taping, one day, maybe. The studio emptied quickly, I took lots of piccies.

So that is it.  My excellent adventure came to a close. I got a couple of great piccies with Mr. May, had a brief conversation, and my mind is now full of happy memories of my spontaneous trip to England, and my wonderful trip to Dunsfold to see a taping of Top Gear.

I will say in closing, one never knows what to expect. Expect the unexpected. Go with the flow. Take the opportunities when they arise, no matter how silly, or how long the plane ride. Opportunity may never come your way again. Go for it, and if it works out, it’s a big bonus. It will make you smile forever. I have met what show business calls “the talent”, before, many times. I work at film festivals, so I am well versed in the protocol. Don’t expect anything, but be grateful for anything. If you wish to meet a person involved in show business, play by the rules. Be respectful, ask for a photo or an autograph and be prepared. Have a picture to be signed, I printed my favorite off the internet, you can too. Have a Sharpie pen ready. Take an extra set of batteries for your camera, make sure your photo card is not full and your flash is working. Preparation is key to a great experience.

Put yourself in their shoes. Acting, or presenting is a job. It’s hard work, it has many benefits, but also many pitfalls. I work for a transportation company and I would hate to come home to find lorry drivers hanging around my house, or at my pub, hoping to catch a glimpse of me, or declare their undying love. If a celeb interaction happens on the job, or it’s work related, thats ok, it’s expected. But when the talent heads for home, leave them in peace. When the director yells cut, they revert to being people too. This is not part of the fantasy, it’s the reality.

And as for Mr. May, what can I say?  He is your next door neighbour who works on cars, with scruffy hair, saggy jeans, and occasionally stops for a pork pie, a beer and a chat. He puts you at ease, is friendly and thoughtful, and an unbelievably nice bloke. You did a good job Mrs. May.  I can tell.

 Snowy