The Brindley Boxer

Arras – Best Aire So Far!

We drove the short distance to Arras and pulled into our first Aire. Having never used one before we didn’t know what to expect!

What a surprise awaited us. A motorhome parking site in the town itself. New tarmac, toilets, showers, fresh water, waste disposal, and free Wi-Fi all available. For a first Aire stop, we’re not sure whether this might be the norm, or whether we had a severe case of beginners luck.

Arras didn’t disappoint either. It attracts thousands of visitors every year, who explore the city’s architecture and historic buildings.

Market day in the square bought out all the best in French produce. The strong smelling cheeses and large meat stalls were impressive to say the least.

After a walk around the sights Sharon had her first coffee in La Place Des Héros and later, a nice three course lunch.

Sharon got excited trying to get into toilets and showers. No one could find the code to open the doors until Sharon worked it out and then ran round all the other campers telling them how to get in. Never been so hyped over something we don’t need!

Some of the attractions in Arras include the Town Hall and its Belfry (listed as a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site since 15 July 2005), the “Boves” (a maze 10 m or 33 ft beneath the city), the Squares (La Place des Héros and La Grand’Place), the Art District (the Theatre of Arras and the Hôtel de Guînes), the Abbey District (The Saint-Vaast Abbey and the Cathedral of Arras), the Vauban Citadel, and the Nemetacum site (the ancient town founded by the Romans 2000 years ago). The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is just outside the town.

Time for trivia – The rat is the likeable symbol of the city of Arras. The townspeople’s affection for this little rodent is rooted in history, and today it is expressed in multiple forms. First of all, in chocolate! An essential local product and a speciality to nibble as you take in the sights.

In former times, the “s” in Arras was not pronounced. So “Arra” became “A Rats” (“with rats”, in English) in popular imagery and language, as they both sounded the same in French. Rats first appeared on official city seals in the fourteenth century, surrounding a lion and a fortified enclosure. From 1331, they also appeared among the symbols of the Bishopric of Arras. Adopted by the coin mint of Philip II of Spain in the sixteenth century, the image of the rat was disseminated widely and thus it became the curious and rather mischievous emblem of the city.

France

Early start and a long journey took us from home to Boiry-Notre-Dame. A drive to Folkestone and into France via L’Shuttle. A remarkably uneventful journey but one made in good time and with zero fuss.

Boiry is a small commune just outside Arras. It’s a farming village with a population of around 500. At a guess, nothing much happens here, but it is the perfect first stop after a long day.

Billy is clearly exhausted and caught catching a nap. The early start, long journey and excitement of the tunnel has him beat.

Race Day

The British Grand Prix didn’t disappoint. Plenty of action on and off the track, all enjoyed from the outstanding views at Club Corner.

It was good day for British drivers at the 2023 British Grand Prix, taking two out of three podium positions. Verstappen cruised to victory for his sixth win in a row and a record-equalling 11th consecutive triumph for Red Bull. McLaren’s Lando Norris fought off an attack from Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes after a late safety car to finish second to give the 160,000 fans a double home podium to cheer. Verstappen’s eighth win in 10 races this year brought Red Bull level with the record McLaren established in their historic 1988 season with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

Oscar Piastri made it a great day for McLaren with fourth ahead of George Russell’s Mercedes.

The best racing of the day came in the F2 and F3 feature races. The competition was fierce and there were plenty of spills to keep the fans entertained. Victor Martins secured victory in F2 and Oliver Goethe took the F3 honours.

An excellent day was finished off by Tom Grennan performing on the main stage. Tom played professional football at Luton Town F.C. before becoming a universal pop star. With 4 billion streams across all music platforms you could say he is quite successful!

Silverstone weekend has been brilliant. Plenty of thrills, spills and lots of laughs along the way.

Landooo

A mixed day of weather at Silverstone. Rain in the morning and a fresh wind, followed by sunshine and stuffy air in the afternoon.

An early start as we parked ourselves on the finish line to watch the F3 and F2 sprint races followed by F1 qualifying.

Unfortunately Verstappen turned the raucous cheers of the British fans in the packed grandstands into groans, after Norris went fastest before Verstappen, after an indifferent qualifying to that point, grabbed pole.

The revived McLarens, sporting an upgrade that had vaulted the car up the grid when Norris alone ran it in Austria last weekend, beat the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in fourth and fifth and the Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in sixth and seventh.

Given Lando’s pace, could he be the one to topple Verstappen tomorrow? Judging by the roars in the stands, the partisan home crowd will be hoping so.

Busy Day At The Track

Friday at Silverstone for F1 practice sessions one and two, as well as F2 & 3 practice and qualifying for the sprint races.

The weather couldn’t have been kinder. A warm sunny day and was a pleasure to get into the stands to get out of the sun. Toured the stands and managed to watch the action from the Hamilton, Luffield and Club stands. Some amazing action and a few spins to keep everyone entertained.

Never seen Silverstone so busy on a Friday. If today is anything to go by Saturday and Sunday will be rammed.

Verstappen led the way today ahead of Sainz. Mercedes had a difficult day, Russell and Hamilton down in 12th and 15th despite a new front wing. Norris was 14th fastest in the upgraded McLaren, to cap an indifferent day for the British drivers.

Sharon had an exciting day posing as a Hollywood A lister. Ball gown and catwalk next?

The Future?

Saw this unusual plane at Silverstone today. Tucked away from the overpriced merchandise and even more overpriced food, was this glimpse into the future.

It’s the Lilium Jet, the first FDA and EASA approved all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet! They are looking to offer passenger and freight capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions.

Perhaps the grandchildren will be travelling in this type of transport when they grow up!

In other news, Sharon try’s out the Mercedes Bucket Hat!

Grand Prix Ready

All set up at the campsite ready for the British Grand Prix this weekend.

After an early start and a trip to the Three Horseshoes in Henley, we dropped Billy off to play with Douglas and Norman and headed on to Silverstone. Can’t believe how many tents, Motorhomes, and Camper-vans are already set up when there is no action until Friday. Thought we’d beat the rush and, to be fair, I guess we did, but only just!

Now for a relaxing evening and a slow day tomorrow before an action packed few days of racing, hopefully.

The British Grand Prix is organised in the United Kingdom by the Royal Automobile Club. First held in 1926, the British Grand Prix has been held annually since 1948 and has been a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship every year since 1950.

The British race is the oldest in the Formula One World Championship calendar as the 1950 race at Silverstone was round one of the first championship season. It and the Italian Grand Prix are the only two Formula One World Championship Grands Prix that have been staged during every season that the championship has been held.