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Stephen Vokins
Team Principal
Stephen Vokins is a 48 year-old lifelong petrolhead. Since leaving University he has worked at The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu for more than 25 years, alongside writing four books on motoring, presenting on Men & Motors car TV programmes, and is a regular contributor to motoring magazines and BBC Radio 4 factual programmes.
He recently underwent major heart surgery, and it was during his time in hospital, the idea he'd nurtured for some time to take the world land speed record for lawn mowers became a new goal for him. "I decided", says the eccentric Stephen, "that having successfully got through this life-saving surgery, I should do something spectacular with the new lease of life I've been given.
Climbing Everest is too much like hard work, but taking Bob Cleveland's record for Britain is mad, bad, and slightly dangerous - in other words, perfect!"
Jon Williets
Project Manager
Jon is the Manager of the Waitrose store in Lymington and he has a passion for Land Speed Records.
He first worked with Stephen Vokinswhen he spent part of a sabbatical working with him at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu."I was thrilled when Stephen asked me in early 2009 to be Project Manager for Runningblade" A recent trip to Pendine Sands in Wales, where the record attempt is to take place left Jon in no doubt that he was right to become involved.
"We have a diverse team on board, and it is really exciting working alongside so many people who are determined to gain another land speed record for Britain".
Don Wales
Driver
Don is 49 years old, married to Francesca and has twins Charlotte and Joseph aged 17.
He is a professional photographer specializing in advertising, fashion and travel work.
Don has worked in the industry since leaving school at the age of 17 and has been self employed for over 20 years.
Don's grandfather was Sir Malcolm Campbell and his uncle was Donald Campbell, who between them broke over 20 Worlds land and water speed records.
Don holds 8 UK land speed records for electric cars including the outright UK record at 137mph set at Pendine Sands in 2000. He is currently planning a new Bluebird Electric car capable of 350mph to attack the World record in 2012 .
Don is also part of the World beating British Steam Car team. He broke the World Record for a Steam car at 148mph on Edwards Airforce base, California in August 2009 .
"I am looking forward to revisiting Pendine not only because I broke my UK electric car records there but it is also the venue that my grandfather broke his first record in 1924.
Clare Hensley-Boyd
Communications Director
Clare graduated with a degree in Computer Science and Business Administration, Clare moved to London and enjoyed a successful career in the high tech computer and telecoms markets, rolling out innovative products and programmes, both in the UK and Europe.
Following the big decision to move out of London to the New Forest earlier this year, I met Stephen and he told me about his idea. I liked the fact that it was quirky and fun but with a serious mission to raise funds for charity.
So following several meetings at the local pub, the plan was hatched for Clare to join the team, where she is now utilising her considerable experience in marketing and business development to add to the successful financing and promotion of this exciting project.
Martin Tipper
Webmaster
Martin brings to the team extensive practical experience in IT, web-design and all aspects of audio and video. His career started in photography and then moved to IT where he has held a number of senior management roles in the private sector and latterly in local government.
In addition to the design and development of the website, Martin will be ensuring that there is plenty of good video footage of the team's work - as a record for the team, for use on the website and also available to the media.
He will be fully at home behind a camera or a computer - much happier there than driving the machine!
Ralph Hosier
Technical Consultant
After studying engineering at Exeter Collage (where he would lecture in engineering 20 years later!) Ralph progressed to Warwick University where he studied 'controlling things with computers and doing hard maths'.
After six years in development engineering, and becoming chartered, he set out on his own offering contract engineering to the world of automotive dreams. Since then he has had the privilege of working all over Europe with a variety of companies including Bentley, Jaguar, Land Rover, and a range of small manufacturers and race teams.
He now has a small workshop where he builds race cars and specialist vehicles, occasionally he find time to enjoy racing his splendid old V12 Jaguar.
Ralph also write for magazines such as Practical Performance Car and Evo.
Jack Blomfield
Graphic Designer
Jack is our youngest team member and is currently in the midst of studying at Bournemouth Arts University. Since his early years he has been sketching and creating anything from fashion trainers to sports cars. Jack has a natural flare and ability to quickly focus on his vision and has recently designed and produced work for local businesses.
He finds his work on pproject Runningblade challenging but exciting and he feels very privileged to be part of the team.
He hopes his logo and mascot will bring luck and good fortune to Project Runningblade and all those involved in breaking the land-speed record for lawnmowers.
Speedy The Gardener
Team Mascot
Designer - Jack Blomfield
Download Speedy To Colour In
speedy
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