My biggest blag paid huge dividends.
After camping up next to a fellow hawkfan at the first Eastern Haze festival in 2006 - my first festie and his, he was there to enjoy it and to film Dreammachine, an off shoot of the Ozric Tentacles; I also helped him fix an issue with his gearbox on his car.
We kept in touch, intending to meet up as punters at the Hawkfest in 2007.
As time drew nearer, he said that he couldn't afford to go. Later, he got in touch, saying that Hawkwind had asked him to film the entire thing. Including Dave Brock's wedding. Was I still going? Was I any good with a video camera - he wouldn't be able to do it alone.
"Yes, mate, I'm great with them" was the instant reply...
Followed, upon arrival, by "how do you turn these on?"...
Filmed many sets, and the wedding (!) and off we went. MyChoonz was the name. Lots of videos on YouTube too.
Lots of festies, by invitation, two Hawkfests, the second Eastern Haze, Moonfest, 8 Cosmic Puffins, several SRSs, some On Board The Crafts, Hastrek, CX3, several gigs...
All marvellous fun, great to be part of the scene, never a bad time.
And noticed today that our Flickr account has more than two million views...
And all because I helped a fellow fan with his car.
Can't wait to get back in a field...