My First Talk-Show Appearance ...

Just before Christmas, I was contacted by a Radio-Canada TV researcher about appearing on the French-language talk-show Luc et Luc, hosted by Luc Leblanc, to talk about my art. After a brief chat, she said she would call back to confirm.

Sure enough, she called back a few days later to confirm that I was scheduled to go to Moncton, New Brunswick, on January 6th for the shows taping.

My wife Lise and I left the afternoon of the 6th for the 2.5 hour drive to get to studio in time. Once there, I met the researcher for a briefing, and than the host Luc LeBlanc for introductions and going over interview notes. Everyone who worked on the show were extremely pleasant and professional, which helped me relax.

We sat to the side with the studio audience, and each waited our turn to be interviewed. It was very, very entertaining, with the host keeping the audience laughing, even when the cameras weren�t on � he�s a very funny guy.

My turn came up, and I can�t say I remember too much of what I said. Towards the end of the 6 minute interview, Luc had me do a sketch in front of the live studio audience ... it was stressful, and fun at the same time!

Prismcolor sticks (black & white) on 20"x 26" gray achival stock.
� Paul Chenard 2010
Luc LeBlanc Collection

After my interview, I finished the sketch and gave it the host as a gift. I was so distracted that I forgot to take a photo of it before we left. Last week, the host sent me a "thank you" card with a pic of me sketching during the interview, and over the weekend, he e-mailed a pic of the finished sketch � a very thoughtful guy!

The show will air by the end of March � I�m look forward to seeing it.

Brooklands again, in front of Malcolm Campbell's workshop, preserved today as a museum of racing machines. Campbell was known for his land speed record 'Bluebird' cars and boats. The '27 Velo KSS/TT I'm riding is owned by Ken Boulter, a good friend from Chiddingly, seen in the lower photo contemplating the bike the prior day. Ken has an ex-Brooklands Norton with sidecar inside the museum, which he rides on track days, although his health isn't so good and this is the only time he rides.

BROOKLANDS RELIVED, 2005

Dai Gibbison, David Vincent, moi, at Brooklands Reunion Sep '05. David Vincent won a Gold Star (100mph lap in a race) on a '34 Velo KTT, in 1936. He was inspired to begin racing after his friends tired of being blown off by his fast riding, and insisted he take it to the track; he thrashed his ride-to-work KSS in the very first Clubman's race at Brooklands, netting a lowly position, so immediately sought out a real racing machine. He purchased the ex-Lamacraft Velo mkIV KTT, two years old, and within a few races had gained the coveted Gold Star (not many were awarded for 350cc machines). His bike was the same model as mine (see below), and I can attest to the speed possible - it was clocked at 105mph and rising.
Lower photo shows David with his actual Gold Star medal; says he, "Gold Star, pah! It's brass!"