Bling

So sad I won’t be coming. I hope everyone has a good time.

Sorry Bibs and co, I will not be able to make next weekend. There is a family event I can't get out of. I tried asking for a different date but I was out voted. Apologies. I hope everyone has a great time. 1, 2 & 3: Bibs, Rachel & Chloe 4 & 5: Sparky & The Ayatollah 6 & 7: internets & Mrs internets 8 & 9: Pete & Sue 10: ChrisJ - Not coming 11: Dan E 12: Spyros - Not coming 13: Kim.com 14 & 15: Bart & Caroline 16: Cliffy 17: Scott 18: Nick 19: Phil 20: Dave 21 & 22 jan ade Plenty more room if people want to come and have some fun and a few drinks before Christmas

I don't know if this video has been posted before. It makes an interesting watch. Has coverage of the Bell and Colvill Turbo Esprit, before the official introduction of the official Lotus version. Great interview with Martin Colvill about the car and turbochargers being the future !

WoW....The Titanic !! You lucky boy, and it isn't even Xmas Day yet !

Looks like a great drive out and meet. So disappointed I was unable to make it 😒

For those of you who are placing Christmas lights / decorations in your front garden, can you please avoid anything that has Red or Blue flashing lights together? Every time I come around the corner, I think it's the police and I have a panic attack. I have to brake hard, toss my gin out the window, hide the weed, fasten my seat belt, throw my phone on the floor, turn my radio down, and push the gun under the seat, all while trying to drive. It's just too much drama, even for Christmas. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

@Sparky / @Dan E - I have also booked the Premier Inn. Sounds like drinking will start early.

This is a real achievement @Bibs- well done and congrats on the award from Lotus. Lovely gesture for them to recognise your efforts.

Happy Birthday Ian. Hope you have a great day

I registered for the show

The orange one has been for sale for a very long time. Also, UK Sports Cars sometimes keep cars on their website that have been sold so would need to check

I have also seen it. I am not a big Dune fan and have not seen the old ones. I really enjoyed it. I have not seen a film that I enjoyed as much for a while now. I now want to dig out the old film and the 3 part mini series.

Went there last night in my non ULEZ compliant BMW. It should be outside the ULEZ zone. I approached it travelling anti clockwise on the A406. If I got it wrong I will let you know when I receive the unpaid ULEZ fine 😬

I also hope to make it

Wow @Gjk Grahame, as others have said, those models look amazing !! I wasn't sure what to expect when @Sparky asked you to post photos of your hobby 😁 Your work area and modelling equipment also look fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for posting the photos @Janet Disappointed I couldn't make today. Looks like a nice location

I couldn't make it today. Anyone remember to take any photos ?

I am not that fussed on Supermarket Ian although I was not too happy on Monday to find the shelves empty. Meat and water seemed to be the main shortages along with other shelves but I didn't look to see what was meant to be on those. Apparently milk is having to be destroyed now due to the driver shortage. They are also forecasting risks to the electricity supply this winter. Something else to look forward to.

Agreed. If facts from people in the industry and photos do not fit with your view of the world, so be it. I'm out 👍

I took those two photos on Monday evening in my local Sainsburys

It is indeed complex with more factors at play but things like Brexit and the Pandemic are big contributors. IR35 is another element specific to HGV drivers. a friend runs a company that supplies both HGV drivers and manned trucks to companies across the UK. IR35 is one of the factors that is causing him headaches in trying to get HGV drivers. "explain to us HOW Brexit and IR35 caused the issue THIS MONTH, but in the months previous we had no issue" We didn't feel it before because we were in the pandemic and demand was subdued. Now demand has ramped up, the shortage of labour is becoming apparent. " the issue is now being alleviated and normal service is resuming" Panic buying has fuelled the shortage of petrol but in the south east, three weeks after it started there is still shortage. Last night, I drove past 4 petrol stations and they were all shut. That is not normal service resuming. There is also a shortage of certain foods and this winter we will be running close to break even on electricity. Is that panic buying too?

The petrol shortage is due to shortage of labour due to Brexit and IR35. in April 2020, IR35 put the onus of liability on to the companies resulting in many stopping the employment of contractors. Many HGV drivers prefer to remain Contractors resulting in them not wanting to work for U.K. companies now only offering permanent roles. Those who are from the EU and do want to work as permanent employees face Brexit challenges. I am not saying IR35 is a bad thing, it just one of the factors affecting the current state. It is the combination of a number of things, not one easy fix.