The First
100 Machines
Live Talks 

Over the last seven years, I have been extremely fortunate to sample a great variety of mainly classic and vintage machines from the world of transport.  I have decided that it is high time I shared some of my behind the scenes experiences with like minded folk.  At this stage, there are no dates and venues arranged for public performances as the talks are primarily aimed at Historic Vehicle/Heritage Transport Clubs and Societies which occasionally have a guest speaker.  A copy of 'The First 100 Machines' mailer (above) has its own page on the site and provides a brief description of what these talks are about.    

It was great to see all of you who came to Collectormania Glasgow last weekend.  Danny (John-Jules), myself and the other guests had a very enjoyable weekend and I for one am determined not to leave it another seven years before I return to Scotland. 

'That's an interesting costume!' you're probably thinking. Well, in July the good people of Loughborough University awarded me a DTech.

As is states on the certificate, I have been 'admitted to the degree of Doctor of Technology honoris causa by resolution of the Council and the Senate of the University in recognition of meritorious services'.  Essentially this is recognition for bringing the world of engineering to the public - mainly through programmes like Massive Engines and Britain's Greatest Machines and I have to say, such recognition gives me a strong sense of pride!

I travelled to Loughborough for the graduation ceremony on July 16th and had an excellent day.  I was very well looked after by Chancellor Sir Nigel Rudd, the Vice-Chancellor Shirley Pearce, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Ken Parsons and, of course, their colleagues.

The ceremony itself was reassuringly formal and it was good to see all the graduates being awarded their degrees after several years of hard work.  It is just a pity I wasn't able to stay on for the Graduation Ball in the Students Union which, as these things do, went on to 4.30 ish in the morning! 

The Official Chris Barrie Fan Club is now well and truly underway so for anyone who is really keen on exploring and indeed discussing my career in depth with like minded people, then www.officialchrisbarriefanclub.com is the place to go.

Many thanks to all of  you who came to Milton Keynes over the last weekend of May.  I had an excellent couple of days and hope that I managed to supply satisfactory answers to most of your queries.  Also, a huge thank you to the Collectormania production team who were highly professional as ever.            

Many thanks to all of those who sent Birthday cards and wishes for my 'big day' at the end of March.  The moment has now passed, I shall never be a forty something again.  I fully accept this and it is now time to crack on!

I have said that I will be compiling my 'Top 10' machines from both Britain's Greatest Machines series, well, I have finally whittled them down to 20 and these are listed on the BGM page now.  Speaking of BGM, there are, as I write this, murmerings of a third series.  I shall keep you informed of developments.

From what I hear, there is a distinct possibility that we shall start making some new episodes of Red Dwarf early in 2011.  However for the most up to date news on this, please visit the Red Dwarf site.  As most of you already know, Dimension Jump 2010 has been postponed but the provisional dates for 2011 are 8th, 9th and 10th of April. 

Event Hosting and Speaking wise, I can only hope that 2010 is as much fun as 2009. 

I know that over the past couple of years responding to all received webmail has been something of a challenge, however I will persevere with this challenge!

It seems I need to reiterate that I simply don't do Facebook or Twitter.  It is very kind of some of you to invite me to be a Facebook friend, but you really are wasting your time.  This is not to say I will NEVER do Facebook but it is certainly a 'no no' at the moment...