Ian Coomber asked if I could take DHR to Silverstone for the VXR power event in aid of the 'Help for Hero's ' charity. I couldn't do the Sunday owing to a family birthday, but could do the Saturday. As it turned out I got two tickets and as Alex was on a sleep over weekend Joanne honored me with her presence. A rare occasion when she wants to come out in a Viva. Tony was also going up with his son so we arrange to meet at Toddington services and go up in 'convoy'. (If two cars can be a convoy). We arrived at Toddington at eight to find Tony waiting, then carried on up to Silverstone.

When we got there Tony was sent to the general car park which he says was miles away. DHR on the other hand, was sent in the VIP entrance. We followed directions, not really knowing what to expect. We were sent over the bridge along Hanger straight and into the Stowe pits. What an honor, DHR undercover all day long. They must have known it was going to rain and didn't want to get her wet! We met up with Andrew Duerden from the Heritage centre who then said "please park here all day and come back for the cavalcade at 12:00"? What? "Oh yes we are doing a couple of laps of the Stowe circuit". Great stuff!

I took Joanne straight over to the collection of race cars, real heaven! Baby Bertha was there. Speaking to Ian Coomber he said it really is every Vauxhall nut my age's wet dream. She really is stunning in my eyes. I asked Joanne if I could build a replica but didn't get a answer for some reason. Perhaps that means she's thinking about it!

We then wandered down to watch the drifting. This was done using Westfields. I'd love to be able to do that. Next to that was the Paul Swift stunt team. He did a small show on the hour. I've never seen Joanne so enthralled with cars. She thought it was amazing and didn't really believe what she'd seen with her own eyes. (When we got home the first thing she did was check him out on U-tube).

You could also go round the main circuit in a VXR of your choice, Corsa, Astra or Insignia. You could also take your own performance car round. All the activities were either £5 or £10. Not a bad price at all in this day and age and the proceeds all go to Help for Hero's. There was also karting, an exhibition by the army, a range of stands and celebrity racing with the top touring car drivers.

We had a really good day and for Joanne to still be talking about it two days later shows it was well worth it. If you do get the chance I urge you to go.