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Post by lymaze on Jul 17, 2008 10:24:33 GMT
OK here's my review. Sorry it goes on so long and no doubt I've missed some bits off.  I haven't said anything about what was on the segments so I haven't spoilt what is to come. I'll put the photos up tonight hopefully. |
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Post by lymaze on Jul 17, 2008 10:25:03 GMT
Well what a long but fabulous day. We all met up at the Sun Inn, which I’d highly recommend. Very nice food, very pretty setting, and the bar man is quite cute. Lew had already been there a while and had checked out where the airfield was so we set off about 1.15. Again, recommend anyone going sets off by 1 p.m. as when you get there you have to queue to get into the car park. This is where they check you in and give you the lovely wrist band which I shall keep forever. We then parked up and spent a rather hot half an hour or so standing about waiting to be let in. The guy who gives the little talk before hand turned up at 2.10 finally (10 minutes late). We were told the usual – don’t take bags in, no cameras to be used etc. The reason for not taking bags in was because in the last series a guy had a bunch of keys attached to his or to his belt and managed to key an Aston causing a huge amount of damage. We’d already read on HH that you can take bags in but decided not to risk it so took the bare minimum in with us (take your cameras but that’s all you’ll need). We then all set off towards the studio. It’s quite a hike, so again, make sure if you don’t take a bag in you have everything you need. As we were making our way along we were suddenly all told to hurry up as we were running late. As they’d started it late we thought that was a bit of a cheek.
We arrived finally and went inside. Some people had bags with them and there was no problem whatsoever. It’s much smaller than I was expecting. James’s Rolls and Jezza’s Mercedes were there. The large hangar doors were pulled shut and it began. We were thanked for coming etc, and then finally Jeremy came on. We three were standing at the back near some prototype cars as we wanted to avoid the cameras. There are screens everywhere so you can see what’s going on though. He then introduced James and Richard saying they were on 5p an episode. James got a huge round of applause. Much joking about them being paid by postal order etc. James had flown there and Jeremy said “And what did you do?” James replied “I flew through the middle of the Farnborough Air Show”. I had images of the Red Arrows having to suddenly take evasive action as this little plane appeared in the middle of their display.
They then introduced the first section – Jeremy in Japan test driving the car he drove in the last episode on a track – which is very funny. We all did our obligatory clapping and cheering etc. Then the Stig took it around the race track.
They then did The News which is a lot longer than they show and very funny. At one point James and Jeremy were starting to discuss something which slips my mind completely and Richard stood up and said, If you’re talking about this I’m going. He walked off the stage right up to us, passed me by inches (he’s lovely) and went to the back of the hangar where he was walking about talking to someone on his mike. I’m not sure if this was part of the act to be honest. He seemed a bit disturbed about something and was saying he needed things relayed back to him. He is the only one who wears an ear piece but that might just be me reading into things. Anyway, meanwhile James and Jezza were just sitting there discussing this subject for quite a while until Richard finally came back. We saw the photo from the internet – a man in a baby doll nightie on his knees behind a car. I won’t elaborate – I think you can guess what he was doing.
After The News suddenly the cameras came weaving back to the prototype cars and we were in the thick of it. Luckily we were behind the camera but it was a piece with Richard and James and we were in the front row so that was fantastic. They had to do it twice, much to Richard’s annoyance but they were bantering and James was being very friendly etc.
Then they showed the Mercedes and Rolls “challenge” – again very very funny. Then again we were right behind the camera as Jezza and James did their piece about it, including poor James having to repeat the name Tito again and again and again as for some reason they didn’t think he’d got it right. Then it was the tea break.
We went outside and they very kindly have tea urns set up so we got our free cup of tea. Richard was right behind us having his photo taken but then we turned around and he’d vanished and never appeared again so like I said, maybe he was having an off day. You only get 15 minutes so we managed to get a photo with James and then wandered over to find Jezza. He reminded me of some sort of messiah really being surrounded by his followers. He is an amazing man (sorry) but I got some long distance shots as there were so many people around him. Andy Wilman was everywhere – buzzing about but couldn’t get near him at all. He moves so fast but I finally managed to snap a picture of him. It was like hunting down a wild animal though. Sadly it is very busy and they are on limited time so no time to chat at all. Andy was finally left out there, walkie talkie in hand but he looked in the thick of it so we didn’t trouble him.
The second half was the SIARPC and I found this very dull. The two guests Peter Jones and his side kick were really discussing money and business for a full half hour before they got on to the actual driving. I spent the whole time though by Jezza’s Mercedes so I was very happy. He will no doubt have to have that cleaned and polished again.
Then it was the Fox Hunt with Richard on his horse and Jezza driving across country. Again, very funny piece. Richard and James appeared and Richard once again walked straight past me and I managed to kick a piece of plastic out of James way straight under Jezza’s car, and did he thank me – No. Then they did some quick bits to end about the Fox car, re-records, and signed off, much cheering etc and that was that. Out into the sunshine. Jezza walked past us all before we all got outside and the three of them were already behind the barriers as we were filing out.
In the car park we spotted James’s Rolls coming down the road driven by someone else (as James was flying back). We waved, and they waved back. Then we all went our separate ways.
Sorry, this is so long winded. I hope I haven’t forgotten anything. There was so much going on and it was fascinating. They’re really a great team – work very well together and that seemed very natural. They were at work though and that was interesting to see. No doubt Lew and Inky will remember stuff I’ve forgotten (car names being the main ones).
Any negatives? Well they need to sort out what you can and can’t take in. Maybe say a small bag (as it’s mainly us girls who need these things with us). Apart from that it was very well run and everyone was very friendly and professional. I hope some of you get the chance to go because it’s a great experience.
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Post by Vixen on Jul 17, 2008 10:32:45 GMT
Wow Ly! Sounds like you had an amazing time! Glad you enjoyed it!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2008 10:36:14 GMT
WOW *applauds* Thank you Ly, that was brilliant and now we know how James was getting to RAF Wittering ;D Apart from the SIARPC, it sounded fantastic and I can't wait for Sunday ;D
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Post by mayniac on Jul 17, 2008 10:44:08 GMT
Thanks Ly, that was a great insight into the filming of TG. Can only dream of going ourselves for now, but live in hope!!
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Post by lew on Jul 17, 2008 10:51:33 GMT
The bloke said something about a 64 year wait though it was hard to hear him, as to James flighting maybe it was a better option for Peterborough. I'll add my two pence worth later as it all coming back it seems to go over you at the time, as ly said that was much it, if I was ask to go again, by heck I'd go again |
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Post by starfish on Jul 17, 2008 10:56:16 GMT
Thank you Ly for that report I thouroughly enjoyed reading it. I now have an idea of what goes on there as been wondering how it all works for a long time. can you see James in the hanger all the time?
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Post by maibee on Jul 17, 2008 10:57:20 GMT
Thanks for that, Ly. Very informative, giving us a fly-on-the-wall picture of what goes on behind the scenes, without letting any cats out of the bag. Glad that James is getting more of the acclaim he SO deserves. It sounds like he's very occupied filming his own projects, and I imagine (but of course what do I know, etc  ) he flew because he's working all over the place for his Big Ideas and/or the Oz project. Busy guy! Looking forward to Sunday when I'll be on white linen trouser spotting duty! (Only kidding, Lew! That sounds very pervy! But only mean trying to spot three ladies trying to avoid being on camera! ;D ) EDIT- why do I only spot my typos once I've posted!  |
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Post by Eclair on Jul 17, 2008 10:58:29 GMT
Well done Ly  Thanks for the excellent report  What a brilliant day for you. And you saw Andy running around like a wild animal   You are soooooo lucky! ;D |
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Post by lymaze on Jul 17, 2008 11:01:08 GMT
LOL. He looks like one too Eclair. All stubbly and wild haired.  I forgot to say - No Stunt Man again.  You see Jezza pretty much all the time Starfish but James and Richard disappear at times and then suddenly appear when you least expect it. |
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Post by beckstar on Jul 17, 2008 11:01:22 GMT
Glad you had a great time! I see you have encountered the sheer irritation of Matthew from Applause Store now...he's always late... even for Top Gear of the Pops, which was on a really tight schedule! Hmm... maybe Richard was having an off-day. He was in a bit of a pissy mood when we went but I think that was becuase Lewis Hamilton was getting all the girls that day! And aren't Jezza and James even lovelier in real life than on the telly? Jezza's so TALL... Cor... Look forward to seeing the piccies. You haven't, however, told us the most importnat bit: what was James wearing?  |
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Post by Shortie on Jul 17, 2008 11:02:38 GMT
Well done Ly ... What a brilliant day for you. And you saw Andy running around like a wild animal You are soooooo lucky! ;D Did he look like an ostrich? |
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Post by lindenchase on Jul 17, 2008 11:10:22 GMT
Great read. I'm really happy for you that you all had such a wonderful day. Looking forward to the pictures!
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Post by Eclair on Jul 17, 2008 11:10:35 GMT
Wowww!! All stubbly and wild haired! Going to get me a sexy game hunter's outfit! ;D lol. |
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Post by Shortie on Jul 17, 2008 11:13:19 GMT
Thanks for all that. Glad you had a good time - how fascinating to see how it all works and how they react together.
If James was going straight to Wittering it probably saved a lot of time to fly as it is airfield to airfield. He wouldn't get lost, Air Traffic would talk him in!
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Post by beckstar on Jul 17, 2008 11:25:16 GMT
If James was going straight to Wittering it probably saved a lot of time to fly as it is airfield to airfield. He wouldn't get lost, Air Traffic would talk him in! Exactly! Dunsfold to Cambridgeshire is a hell of a trek round the M25! Much quicker by air... |
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Post by Liz on Jul 17, 2008 12:17:26 GMT
You see Jezza pretty much all the time Starfish but James and Richard disappear at times and then suddenly appear when you least expect it. Crikey... just like genies?... *rubs magic lamp* Nah, didn't work!!  Sounds like it was a good day y'all... thanks for sharing!! |
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Post by cheeselova on Jul 17, 2008 13:05:25 GMT
Thanks for your report, Ly The siarpc segments, would you say scrap them altogether or take advantage of a toilet/fag break? This looks like it's going to be another great episode as well, you've certainly whetted my appetite |
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Post by Vixen on Jul 17, 2008 13:14:39 GMT
Ly, what about the Dacia Sandero?
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Post by bayleaf on Jul 17, 2008 13:35:45 GMT
If James was going straight to Wittering it probably saved a lot of time to fly as it is airfield to airfield. He wouldn't get lost, Air Traffic would talk him in! Exactly! Dunsfold to Cambridgeshire is a hell of a trek round the M25! Much quicker by air... What's he doing at Wittering? |
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Post by lindenchase on Jul 17, 2008 13:52:58 GMT
Smilerutd posted this on HH yesterday:
(...) i've just found out from my mate at RAF Wittering...and she tells me James is at their base tomorrow flyiing one of their planes and my mate i taking his blood pressure! She reckons they are there for some kind of filming? New series of 20th century or something similar maybe?
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Post by Shortie on Jul 17, 2008 14:00:16 GMT
Smilerutd posted this on HH yesterday: (...) i've just found out from my mate at RAF Wittering...and she tells me James is at their base tomorrow flyiing one of their planes and my mate i taking his blood pressure! She reckons they are there for some kind of filming? New series of 20th century or something similar maybe?I knew I'd read it somewhere but couldn't remember where! |
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Post by maibee on Jul 17, 2008 14:36:44 GMT
Or maybe you read it here Re: July 2008 Good Morning/Evening Thread « Reply #2391 Yesterday at 11:12pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- groups.msn.com/HammondHeaven/jmas....681667281253679From HH, James at some airbase tomorrow - Wittering? « Last Edit: Yesterday at 11:12pm by maibee » |
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Post by lew on Jul 17, 2008 14:50:12 GMT
Mr May wore a Black pinstripe jacket and beige shirt and black jeans.....not keen myself the jeans needed to be longer  and i wish his hair was more like it was on your avatar becks, I'd still snog him though ;D and i would say James looked tired, maybe because of his near death experince at Farnborough ;D Stiggy was there too and you could hear the two stars racing ;D |
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Post by Shortie on Jul 17, 2008 14:55:06 GMT
Or maybe you read it here Re: July 2008 Good Morning/Evening Thread « Reply #2391 Yesterday at 11:12pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- groups.msn.com/HammondHeaven/jmas....681667281253679From HH, James at some airbase tomorrow - Wittering? « Last Edit: Yesterday at 11:12pm by maibee » Could have been - I was attacked by a Senior Moment and looked rather vaguely for where I'd seen it. The conversation on HH looks familiar, as does your comment. I'm not a member of HH, just check it out for nice pictures and The Cloth Companion's Diary! |
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Post by Shortie on Jul 17, 2008 14:58:57 GMT
Mr May wore a Black pinstripe jacket and beige shirt and black jeans.....not keen myself the jeans needed to be longer and i wish his hair was more like it was on your avatar becks, I'd still snog him though ;D and i would say James looked tired, maybe because of his near death experince at Farnborough ;D I sometimes wonder if he has a lot of old suits and just wears the jackets. Or possibly haunts charity shops ... Had to rush up the page to check becks avatar! |
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Post by mansonmaniac on Jul 17, 2008 14:59:43 GMT
Very good detailed report Ly I'm glad you all enjoyed being at the studio's |
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Post by griasgirl on Jul 17, 2008 15:07:19 GMT
Great report girls!!! What fun you must have had!! Are you going to post some piccies up or are you still avoiding the camera??
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Post by lymaze on Jul 17, 2008 15:10:08 GMT
Glad you remembered Lew because I couldn't. Jeremy was wearing his cream jacket (the one in the header I think.  And a white shirt or was he . Richard - who knows. Too busy looking at his face. God I'm not good at the details am I. |
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Post by lymaze on Jul 17, 2008 15:19:27 GMT
I am. It's funny, I'm enjoying it more now than yesterday. I think it was such a big event that it was just strange being there. I'm very tired though. I need to lie down and not wake up for 12 hours but that's unlikely at the mo. Little things keep coming back - mainly Richard. Ha ha - sorry Rich. ;D
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) he flew because he's working all over the place for his Big Ideas and/or the Oz project. Busy guy!
Thanks for the excellent report 
You are soooooo lucky! 
and i wish his hair was more like it was on your avatar becks, I'd still snog him though ;D and i would say James looked tired, maybe because of his near death experince at Farnborough ;D
And a white shirt or was he