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23 Apr 2012, 15:29 (Ref:3064342) | #1 | ||
Rookie
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 4
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My first day as a Marshal (28th @ Brands)
Hi all,
So after having been to a taster day way back in August last year, I've decided to bite the bullet and become a fully fledged marshal. I've joined the BMMC, bought my overalls from AWS, bought a hi-vis jacket and stocked up on pork pies. I can safely say that I am raring to go at my first full event, this Saturday (28th) at Brands Hatch. The whole thing all seems a bit new & confusing to me at first but I'm sure that'll wear off. So has anyone got any advice for a newbie? Also, is anyone going to be at Brands on Saturday? Would be good to know some names before I venture out there for the first time. Cheers Dan |
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23 Apr 2012, 15:32 (Ref:3064346) | #2 | ||
Admin
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23 Apr 2012, 15:35 (Ref:3064348) | #3 | ||
Racer
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 180
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First of all the main thing is - stay safe and enjoy yourself!
Everyone will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and don't be afraid to ask them while your there. If your not happy doing something - let your IO/PC know, they wont look down on you for it. Can't give you specifics about Brands - because I've never been there. Enjoy. |
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23 Apr 2012, 15:35 (Ref:3064349) | #4 | |
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,091
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Go prepared for absolutely any weather. Sometimes you might get it all in one or two sessions!
Take some sun cream. Use it! If, like me, you burn at the drop of hat, take two hats and don't drop them |
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Walk a mile in someone else's shoes. When they realise you have, you'll be a mile away and you'll have their shoes. |
23 Apr 2012, 15:59 (Ref:3064360) | #5 | |
CCNA
Royalridge Computing A LARGE Teapot Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 10,691
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Don't forget your gloves. You'd be amazed, that's all I can say!
Don't rely on the provided lunch - bring your own, along with sufficient fluids for the day. Be prepared to look interested while everyone tells you their war stories. We all love a new audience and everyone else is sick of listening to us! Don't worry - you'll soon have some of your own and then the conversation turns into a bizarre marshalling version of the Four Yorkshiremen Sketch "You had flags? We used to dream of having flags. If we wanted a green, we all had to blow our noses on a hanky and put it on the end of a stick." "clean hanky?" "aye" "bloody luxury" Brands is a great circuit and you will definitely have a good time |
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If you feel that the circuit is not safe for racing, please go into the pits and retire. |
23 Apr 2012, 17:07 (Ref:3064388) | #6 | ||
Racer
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 459
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I can only reiterate what has already be said (but is nonetheless important) Boots (not trainers) Gloves that you can flick off, hat with a peak (keeps both sun and rain out of your eyes) Coat (not flag coloured), water, lunch (you will not have much of a break and it is not (as was earlier intimated) provided)
The weather is not certain, the only thing that is certain is that you will have a good time. |
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You see a washing line full of ladies underwear blowing in the wind? Do you notice how it swings lazily back and forth, without direction or meaning? That's your flagging that is. |
23 Apr 2012, 17:11 (Ref:3064392) | #7 | ||
Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Dan,
Firstly, a big welcome... You have picked what should be (based on previous ones) a cracking meeting As for advice - lots of people will have lots of advice (and if you do a search on tenths you will find threads/posts which may help) but the basics as ever are; be prepared for any type of weather (or some days that might be all types of weather) food/drink for the day by the looks of it you some idea about the clothes side sorted but just to add - wear layers so you can add/remove if necessary, have a hat, suitable gloves etc keep safe have fun Have a willingness to learn - so look, listen and ask questions I will be there both days and am more than happy to have a chat before the day starts .... if you have some specific questions about this Saturday before the day then either post them on here or you can PM me if you prefer Finally, keep safe and have fun Dave Last edited by deley; 23 Apr 2012 at 17:17. |
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Dave Eley Flag & Experienced Marshal |
24 Apr 2012, 13:51 (Ref:3064896) | #8 | ||
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
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Hi Dan,
Good event to go to first. You'll learn a lot as lots will happen. Try and take a step back to start with and see how things are done, regarding incident. If you want to try some flagging, just ask. Any questions, just ask. 750MC have a loyal, experienced following, so there will be plenty of knowledge. The essentials are; Keep safe, keep dry, keep warm and enjoy. See you there. |
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My Auntie has been ill or so long we now call her, "I can't believe she's not better". |
24 Apr 2012, 14:43 (Ref:3064935) | #9 | ||
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 264
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24 Apr 2012, 19:44 (Ref:3065106) | #10 | ||
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 874
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When your first incident arises, you'll be keen to do something - sometimes the wise decision is not to .....
Take your lead off those with you & remember that if one car can get there, so can a few more! Suggest you dig back over the forum and watch a few clips of incidents at Brands - the recent touring car synchronised parking session will hopefully illustrate why you need to stay alert during an incident. I don't get to Brands very often or to enough 750MC events, but haven't had a bad 'un of either yet! |
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David (plus Chrissy, if she's not working) |
24 Apr 2012, 21:53 (Ref:3065173) | #11 | ||
Rookie
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 69
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Hi Dan,
Echo everything that the guys above have least said, bring extra layers, lots of them. It's my first 750MC meeting this weekend and I can't wait, so many marshals have told me it is one of the club racing highlights of the year. See you there, I'll be one of the big blokes in orange in the breakfast queue in Hailwoods! |
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25 Apr 2012, 11:06 (Ref:3065312) | #12 | ||
Pie On 'ere
Veteran
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,650
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Keep warm and dry or you'll be miserable.
Make sure your boots are comfy and waterproof. If your hands, head and feet are warm then you'll be all right. I don't do Brands often enough but I know you'll be certain of a friendly welcome. |
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Why is there no such thing as cat-flavored dog food? |
25 Apr 2012, 12:50 (Ref:3065370) | #13 | ||
Rookie
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 63
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Hello! Relatively new myself, started last year, have done about 10 now but still a trainee. Breakfasts at Brands are very good. Druids is freezing and Paddock is hard work. The Portaloos by Graham Hill are unspeakable, they're never emptied, only left to evaporate, so you need to go in pairs in case one of you falls unconcious. Take warm and waterproof stuff for this weekend. Plenty of food and water/drinks. Just listen to what everyone tells you, they're incredibly helpful (in a slightly ****-taking way ) ask questions, watch and listen, muck in, have fun, it's what I'm still doing!
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25 Apr 2012, 13:18 (Ref:3065388) | #14 | ||
Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 751
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Don't forget the only stupid question is one you don't ask. We've all been there, just some of us it was a long time ago. Keep safe, dry, warm, and have fun.
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27 Apr 2012, 16:49 (Ref:3066239) | #15 | |
CCNA
Royalridge Computing A LARGE Teapot Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 10,691
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Oh and if you happen to be in one of the areas with trees and wearing your rain jacket, beware of IOs with a twisted sense of humour and CHECK your hood before you put it up - you never know what they might have filled it with......
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If you feel that the circuit is not safe for racing, please go into the pits and retire. |
29 Apr 2012, 21:59 (Ref:3067172) | #16 | ||
Rookie
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 4
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Thanks for the advice everyone, I had a great time even if the weather was horrendous!
Special thanks to Nick, Richard, Phil and Dave on post 9 for the welcome Dan |
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30 Apr 2012, 08:00 (Ref:3067282) | #17 | |||
Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
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Quote:
The weather was actually worse on Sunday morning! Glad you had a great time. If you need a lift, I'm doing DTMs Friday 18th May and Sunday 20th May, Masters (GP circuit) May 26/27th and, possibly BRSCC Sunday 9th June, all at Brands. Possibly be easier for me to pick you up outside Green Park tube. Let me know. Nick. |
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My Auntie has been ill or so long we now call her, "I can't believe she's not better". |
30 Apr 2012, 08:18 (Ref:3067291) | #18 | ||
Racer
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 372
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Caterham Academy 2006, Roadsport B 2007 |
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