A big thank you ...

Alchamist · 5 Sep 2011, 10:47 (Ref:2951078)

Hi guys,

I'd just like to say a huge thank you to Chris, Jayne and the team that organised a fantastic "taster" day at Donington yesterday. Even though they may not have been firing on all cylinders that day, they still went out of their way to ensure that the 20 bleary eyed attendees were looked after and well briefed as to what it was all about and what to expect.

I would also like to say a huge thank you to Ian and Caroline (I think - I'm useless with names!) on Post 1 yesterday afternoon, who put up with a complete newbie asking questions and generally looking dumb (a perpetual state) without complaint or comment. They ensured I got included in what they were doing, including getting me "hands on" with the stalled car and the yellow flag (who would have thought that waving a flag could be so difficult ... I spent most of my time unravelling the thing instead of waving it!)

I am sure I will be returning to start my time as a marshal. My only issue is a lack of confidence in new situations ... the way the car park cleared in the morning as we watched as everyone went to their assigned posts was a spectacle in it's self ... I think the whole "where the hell do I go" factor might be the hardest part for me to overcome!

Still .. here's hoping I can get into an orange romper suit soon ... even if I think I'll have to have a custom made one (you can be short and thin, or tall and very fat, but not tall and reasonably fat like me it seems!)

Jay

The Fat Clerk · 5 Sep 2011, 10:58 (Ref:2951084)

It was good to see you all in Race Control yesterday, hopefully what I said to you made sense - I'm used to talking to drivers and they have a language all of their own!
With regards to overalls, as you saw, I'm very tall and very fat and do have mine made to measure, AWS who do the BMMC (Marshals Club) ones do it.

warweezil · 5 Sep 2011, 11:05 (Ref:2951088)

AWS did an excellent job on my made to measure probans in a very short time. For me the hardest part was getting measured accurately.

Alchamist · 5 Sep 2011, 12:43 (Ref:2951157)

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

It was good to see you all in Race Control yesterday, hopefully what I said to you made sense - I'm used to talking to drivers and they have a language all of their own!

Yes, it was great to see Race Control and all that goes on - although I remember you turning round and saying that there was a car off in the gravel on monitor 4 ... and not being able to see it for the life of me! How you keep up with it all on there is beyond me

The Fat Clerk · 5 Sep 2011, 13:05 (Ref:2951168)

Luck

CookieMonster · 5 Sep 2011, 18:21 (Ref:2951295)

Hi Jay,

Glad you enjoyed it and good to see that you've found Ten Tenths! And well done on remembering our names.

Don't worry about the flag waving - if you'd seen me on Saturday you would have realised that getting the flag tangled up is not just an issue for newbies...

Also, don't be afraid to ask questions - many a wise marshal has told me that you can never know everything there is to know about marshalling, and there is no such thing as a stupid question. Although there are sometimes stupid answers.

Hope to see you at the F3/GT meeting on the 24/25th!

Caroline

Alchamist · 5 Sep 2011, 18:46 (Ref:2951319)

Thanks Caroline,

Of course, the real trick is knowing the questions to ask! I am under no illusions that I know anything about marshalling at this point in time. I have read the pocket guide cover to cover (or jpeg to jpeg as I have it as an ebook), which is why I had a vague idea as to which flag colour was which ... Except for the white flag, which I think was what my brain was waving at the point you asked me!

Hopefully will be able to make the next meet ... If I can get the paperwork through in time to be able to get my onesie etc!

MichaelG · 5 Sep 2011, 19:11 (Ref:2951329)

I'd just like to second that big thank you too. I also had a great day from start to finish. Loved the whole exposure to all the different forms of marshalling, race control, scrutineering, on post etc.

I ended up on post 2 at Redgate with Colin and his guys. They were a great bunch and all very knowledgeable, in fact Colin said the same, "there are no stupid questions, only sometimes stupid answers!".
Sounds like you had a little more action then us, apart from a few spins it was fairly quiet down there. Saying that it gave us plenty of time to chat to everyone and get some very good advice.

Still really buzzing from it and can't wait to get out there next time!

Once again big thanks to all involved!

Michael

Alchamist · 7 Sep 2011, 05:38 (Ref:2951998)

Well, my BMMC membership forms were sent off yesterday ... so it looks like I will be bugging some more of you guys in the coming months ... I apologise now for that!

Bakersboy · 7 Sep 2011, 09:36 (Ref:2952065)

Quote:

Originally Posted by warweezil

AWS did an excellent job on my made to measure probans in a very short time. For me the hardest part was getting measured accurately.

Yes absolutely first class service from AWS but they do tend to shrink in the wardrobe over the winter

warweezil · 7 Sep 2011, 11:13 (Ref:2952125)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bakersboy

Yes absolutely first class service from AWS but they do tend to shrink in the wardrobe over the winter

Its a problem... might even be contagious as it seems to affect my Viper Belt too

schrammy · 7 Sep 2011, 22:01 (Ref:2952431)

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

With regards to overalls, as you saw, I'm very tall and very fat and do have mine made to measure, AWS who do the BMMC (Marshals Club) ones do it.

Are you really Dave, never noticed before...................................

Stone-kicker · 8 Sep 2011, 10:21 (Ref:2952594)

Don't worry about the overalls, I wouldn't recommend anyone to buy them until you have really decided that you enjoy marshalling.

Get yourself good waterproof boots and a set of waterproof jacket and trousers and some good gloves (welding gauntlets). These can all be used for other things in life whereas the overalls really don't cut it as fashion accessories.

Alchamist · 8 Sep 2011, 10:28 (Ref:2952597)

I suppose it would show everyone that I was a complete newbie

MichaelG · 8 Sep 2011, 19:33 (Ref:2952894)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alchamist

Well, my BMMC membership forms were sent off yesterday ... so it looks like I will be bugging some more of you guys in the coming months ... I apologise now for that!

Think I'm going to wait and just get 2012 membership. I assume you have to wait until after 1st Oct to send all the forms off? Can't send them early?

Stone-kicker · 8 Sep 2011, 23:18 (Ref:2952966)

You have to wait until October 1 for the club membership but not to marshal, just volunteer and come and join us as a "guest"

Alchamist · 17 Sep 2011, 11:16 (Ref:2956813)

Just got my tickets and passes through for Donington next weekend. If anyone sees a clueless looking individual around there Saturday morning, point me in the right direction please!

David Owen · 17 Sep 2011, 15:49 (Ref:2956906)

Jay and Michael, why not come and join us up the road at Cadwell Park for the 750 meeting in October (8th & 9th)? It will be great and you will be made most welcome. In any event welcome to Marshalling, stay safe and enjoy it!

Alchamist · 17 Sep 2011, 16:27 (Ref:2956915)

Perhaps next year, but unfortunately getting the missus' sign off on a 300 mile round trip might prove to be a bit difficult this time of year or else I would have taken you up on that offer.

MichaelG · 18 Sep 2011, 13:55 (Ref:2957632)

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Owen

Jay and Michael, why not come and join us up the road at Cadwell Park for the 750 meeting in October (8th & 9th)? It will be great and you will be made most welcome. In any event welcome to Marshalling, stay safe and enjoy it!

I might just take you up on that offer. I love Cadwell Park, one of my favourites though haven't had chance to go there recently, not far from me too.

I guess it doesn't matter that I'm not registered yet? Also, I haven't got any proban overalls or reflective waterproofs etc yet (have some very good waterproofs but there not even remotely reflective). I guess I'll need to buy at least a reflective tabard or similar?

David Owen · 19 Sep 2011, 17:21 (Ref:2958138)

Michael, come along - you don't need to be a member- we have orange tabards to loan (or some overalls if you just happen to fit the sizes (not large unfortunately)). You would be made really welcome and with it being the 750 finale it will be a fantastic weekend.

Free post maps, tea / coffee and biscuits are available at sign on.

PM if you are interested.

Pete Howarth · 20 Sep 2011, 20:45 (Ref:2958753)

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Owen

Michael, come along - you don't need to be a member- we have orange tabards to loan (or some overalls if you just happen to fit the sizes (not large unfortunately).

I'm sure I've got a spare larger sized overalls that could be loaned if required.

MichaelG · 21 Sep 2011, 12:40 (Ref:2959054)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete Howarth

I'm sure I've got a spare larger sized overalls that could be loaned if required.

Thanks for the offer though I don't think I'll need any larger sized overalls, only a 30" waist at most

Sticker Rub · 24 Sep 2011, 13:25 (Ref:2960362)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelG

Thanks for the offer though I don't think I'll need any larger sized overalls, only a 30" waist at most

Oi! Stop showing off!

Bakersboy · 24 Sep 2011, 21:45 (Ref:2960509)

A few pork pies will cure that.

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