Sidcup MCC Spring Motocross Canada Heights -
Continuing the Muddy Sunday Theme, spent a few hours at the Sidcup MCC Spring Motocross at Canada Heights. The course at Swanley Kent, known as Canada Heights, acquired its name during the 1914-18 War when a large contingent of Canadian troops were camped there on the high ground. Over the years the circuit has hosted many events from Club to International competition. Although local, I go there very rarely and only when there are clear blue skies and the track is dusty or following rain when it’s really muddy, just trying to get a really good image or trying things out. As I worked my way around the course one of the safety marshals asked me how long I had been taking pictures - I was trying to get inside the ropes and striking up conversations with folks in influential positions is one way if you don’t have accreditation. The question got me thinking - I went to Canada Heights on the weekend after I bought my first SLR Camera. A Fujica ST601 purchased at Fox Talbot Cameras in Tottenham Court Road, cost me the about three weeks wages. It was a very well reviewed camera and great value. I shot the day on 35mm ORWO Chrome slide film [36 Exposures per roll] made in East Germany, it was a cheap bulk buy and still have them boxed in the loft somewhere. I googled when the ST601 was launched [1976], which was a real surprise as I thought I bought it a year earlier! So in those 38 years, cameras are now digital, film is dead, ORWA were bought by Agfa who in turn are now a Belgian Multi-National. Fox Talbots were bought out and then I think subsequently sold to Jessops, Fuji are still around, but there is no East Germany. I did the equivalent of 13 rolls of film and reviewed them instantly rather than waiting 3 days to be developed. The ST 601 was damaged and replaced with a Nikon and I have been with Nikon ever since - but I be blowed if I can get a good picture at Canada Heights.