His name is Frank Melling. He's the brains and brawn behind the Thundersprint, the annual race meeting in Northwich, Cheshire which attracts more than 100,000 people each year. He writes for the DT on classic bikes and he's quite handy on two wheels.
He's also from the North, so naturally has a whippet and a flat cap, but we'll forgive him that. Anyway, he'll be guesting for the blog, and as such, has sent a few words in advance of his arrival in cyberspace.
More at The Telegraph.
The implications of plans by Vale Royal Borough Council to impose new dog control orders for dog owners in Cheshire include: being made to keep their dogs on leads, excluding dogs from designated areas, and restricting the number that can be walked by one person at a time.
More at UK Pets
We have a nice little slideshow of the Thundersprint 2007 images now online here Thundersprint Slideshow.
Thundersprint’s Biggest Fan is James May
Whilst the fastest riders screamed their race bikes round the tight Thundersprint track, gentleman racer, and Thundersprint regular, James May adopted a more leisurely approach.
"I really enjoy the Thundersprint for many reasons. You get to ride in what feels like a real race to me - the Thundersprint is the only competition I have ever done so I don’t have that much idea - but without someone using me for grip as they shoot past.
"I also like the paddock. The atmosphere is very intense - pure, distilled vintage motorcycling from an oak cask rather than the biking alcopop that some motorcycling events have become.
"The highlight for me was an Egli Vincent that was more art than engineering: truly beautiful. I really enjoyed the custom bikes on the Krazy Horse stand too.
"My 87cc Honda is light, agile and, except that it has little more power than an energetically pedalled bicycle, would be ideal for winning the Thundersprint. But I didn’t!
"Another reason for coming to the Thundersprint is Gossips’ Fish and Chip shop. They serve some of the best fish and chips in Britain and the Council ought to erect a plaque outside their shop commemorating their prowess.
"Finally, I love coming to Northwich. I have never visited anywhere I felt so instantly at home. The relaxed 1950s atmosphere is wonderful and if it weren’t for work commitments in London, I would buy a house in Northwich tomorrow.
But if I can’t move here, I definitely be back for next year’s Thundersprint."
Thundersprint organiser, Frank Melling said: "James is the genuine article. Courteous, modest and helpful and a pleasure to have at the Thundersprint. He is also outstandingly the most popular rider we have and it was a special pleasure that he won the: "Most Optimistic Entry" award voted by all the Thundersprint organising team.
"And you can’t get much more optimistic than entering a 43 year old scooter against a class full of serious classic Grand Prix machines!"
HALF TERM HOLIDAY FOOTBALL
Fun Footie for 4-11s
For parents with a hectic schedule and children with a love for sport and especially football, Extra Time's high quality courses will be like winning the league.
The upcoming half term courses in Cheshire offer fun yet structured football coaching for primary school children in a safe and educational environment.
They will be run by highly trained and experienced coaches that are fully qualified by the FA, checked by the Criminal records Bureau, and fully insured. As well as being loads of fun and very healthy they also offer skill development through well researched and unique games and drills.
The courses will run as follows:
Great Budworth Primary School, Nr Northwich, May 29 and 30 (Tue and Wed)
Kelsall Community Primary School, May 30 and 31 (Thurs and Fri)
Miss Walton, Head Teacher at Lostock Gralam Primary School, recommends Extra Time's coaching sessions: "Extra Time's combination of enthusiasm, expertise and winning smiles has made out after school club an undoubted success. The approach of the coaches to children is first class and the pleasure the kids get from the session is very evident.
Owner of Extra Time and qualified coach Jonathan Pearson comments: "We at Extra Time are specialists in educational and fun sports coaching for 4-11 year olds and provide after school sports in over 15 primary schools for more than 300 children and currently run PPA Cover at Kelsall and Tarvin Primary schools. Over 200 hundred children attended our Easter holiday courses and the feedback was superb."
Players will be split into groups of their own age and ability for coaching games and drills. These will be tailored to their level so that they are either developing skills via excellent coaching or learning without even realising through fun games. There will also be a number of football-related educational and fun quizzes including healthy eating and premiership stars, as well as a medal for each child and the chance to win a trophy.
If anyone would like their children to join in the fun, then they can sign up for the half term holiday courses or get further information by visiting www.extratimecoaching.co.uk, contacting Jonathan Pearson on 07789 114779 or e-mailing jon@extratimecoaching.co.uk.