FOSKER'S FERRARI CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE & GARDEN PARTY

18/07/10

This was the second year that Fosker’s had covered this event at James and Sheila Needham’s glorious home in Ightham and with in excess of over 150 Ferrari’s on display it was a car enthusiast and photographers dream. I had Nick Simmonds in tow with me, he is not only a car nut but a great photographer and between us we covered the brief that had been set out for us. The event hosted a wealth of classic Ferrari racing cars, Daytona’s, GTO’s, 430’s and even an F40 and F50 which sounded and looked great, hard to believe that they were conceived over twenty years ago, the F50 fifteen years ago. I was luck y enough to be a passenger in the F5 which had only done 1500 miles since new! The entertainment during the lunch which had been beautifully prepared by renowned chef Mark Sargeant, was by Roger De Cousey and Nookie the Bear, showing my age here but I remember them form many many years ago. Nookie was always the cruder alternative to the other ventriloquists of the era. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and after the day ended my face resembled Ferrari Red almost! David Piper the British racing legend was also present as was host for the event Brian Jones whose voice I have heard hundreds of times during his commentating at Brands Hatch during the 80’s and 90’s. Their was also an auction for Demelza House childrens charity which raised just under £13,000, I donated a car shoot and canvas from the days photography which went for £1000, many thanks to Beverley Brown who has a collection of six cars, one being a Porsche Carrera GT, can’ t wait for that shoot. The event promises to be even larger next year, whether I will be turning up in an Italian sports car then is unlikely but just being part of the day is a huge privilege.