Things Don't Always Go To Plan

Monday 29th

Because a picture....

Things Don't Always Go To Plan

Monday 29th

Well....

All was well on the Daper Drive to Chandler's Ford, where we enjoyed tea, good company and a good look at some of Brookspeed's rather lovely stock.

We bimbled off at 10ish towards our first check point, had a coffee, sent out some updates via email and WhatsApp and then it was time to head to Goodwood.

About 6 miles from our destination the wireless turned itself off, the windscreen wipers became erratic and Maurice stopped! A powerpack got us going but sadly the alternator had failed and no amount of jump starts was going to see us to the end, or home.

A quick button press or two to summon the AA and after a call to confirm our exact position Philip arrived with vast reserves of electricity and some more tools.

My diagnosis of an unfortunately timed alternator failure was confirmed, but there was a chance of a roadside repair....

Sadly, the brushes weren't worn out and the AA no longer carries the Bosch alternator as a standard spare part (apparently, it's not in great demand 40 odd years on). We cleaned the internals as much as we could, fettled the brushes ever so slightly and once it was all back together the charging rate was ever so slightly better.

Thorough chap that Philip is he very kindly followed us home and Maurice is now waiting, charger attached, for his appointment with the alternator doctor.

It's all rather embarrassing given that Maurice was probably the youngest entrant, but as you all enjoy the irony we can reflect that the Germans have a word for this type of thing:schadenfeude!

Training

Wednesday 3rd

Although this fundraiser isn't of the usual variety based around hill walking, training is a vital part of the preparation as any Dapper F1 Driver will confirm. The weather was dreadful today, so it was an ideal opportunity to take Leo to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park and walk in the South Downs.

We managed 12 miles, a pub lunch at the Red Lion in Chalton (try the Duck Billed Platitudes if you get the chance; a delightfully fruity I.P.A.) and were thoroughly soaked by the time we got back to the car.

Leo was disappointed that the expedition was so short, but he's too young to drink or drive and he certainly can't vote yet!

It seems that we're in good shape for the drive on 28 September, but Leo is working on a walking schedule to ensure that I maintain my current form and all goes well on the day.

Getting behind the wheel for The Distinguished Gentleman's Drive

Saturday 30th On Sunday, September 28th 2025, I'll be taking part in The Distinguished Gentleman's Drive. Together with thousands of classic car enthusiasts around the world, I will be raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health for the charity, Movember.

Before the dapper day, I'll be looking to raise as much as possible for the cause, to help men around the world live happier and healthier lives. With men's chances of developing prostate cancer later in life increasing, and one man dying every minute by suicide, we must do all we can to prevent more men from suffering.

This is something that affects us all and together, we can make a change. Please give what you can.