THE 2021 MONSTER ENERGY BRITISH GRAND PRIX MOTOGP – A Weekend of Learning, Length and Loving People!

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THE 2021 MONSTER ENERGY BRITISH GRAND PRIX MOTOGP – A Weekend of Learning, Length and Loving People!

Kashmire Hawker • 30 August 2021

My thoughts on a smashing Weekend at THE HOME of Motorsport!

As I stated 6 weeks ago, the pain and heartbreak of missing the Formula 1 British Grand Prix is a feeling that wasn’t going to leave my mind for many a year. In typing this at Towcester’s Costa whilst waiting for a bus to Northampton and on a train back to Birmingham, that feeling very much still resonates.

However, and thankfully three weeks after the gutting blow, I received the invitation 18 months in the making: to do my first weekend as part of the 400+ strong Silverstone Race Maker team, for the first MotoGP race since 2019’s biblical on-the-line victory for Alex Rins.

And with the last few weeks at home being difficult (for reasons certainly not to explain right now), the opportunity of my first visit outside of the West Midlands since January 16^th, 2020, is one I can say was worthwhile.

Of course, being one of several newbies across the team naturally meant a few awkward moments; particularly with people’s names, length of time which they have been part of the Race Maker programme and where folk reside - which naturally, I am delighted the West Midlands has many! Having said that, everyone’s collective kindness, decency and friendliness made me feel just at home – knowing of the unique combination that Motorsport and Voluntary service runs through one and all.

I first knew of their outstanding pedigree, whilst donning the bright yellow shirts of Global Security Stewarding (now in the Blue of Sierra 1 Security Stewarding) of Sheffield, for the 2018 blazing hot Formula 1, the 2018 rained-off MotoGP (hope the F1 family have dried off in Belgium!) and 2019 Formula 1 (overshadowed by England’s marvellous Cricket World Cup win) in my Student days. The energy is the most boundless I’ve ever known and alongside that, folks’ friendly nature made my decision to apply for a spot in the 2020 recruitment the most straightforward thing in recent memory.

It makes me rather annoyed to know and have been told of experiences, that at every event a small minority of the public like to put the blame of the Pink and Blue army. I would simply say to all reading this and who heads to Silverstone: we can’t solve everything and if you have an issue, be clear about it but remember the need for respect in the process!

As for the weekend and the duties I had, my location was that of the unroofed but brilliant viewing point of the Village A grandstand. This is located within the circuit’s Zone 8 and covers the stands at Farm, Village and the trackside viewing down the Wellington Straight – alongside the vast Entertainment Zone, where Dizzy Rascal seemingly made several thousand go Bonkers on Saturday… Again I also say big thanks to my fellow Zone 8 team members, for making me extremely welcome and I would happily work with you anywhere across the track.

There are around 1,300/1,400 seats and is primed in an areas where at least half of the track is viewable. Alongside the flow of Farm Curve – a place primed for Motorcyclists heading straight for an accident and Village corner itself, fans can also see The Loop, Aintree and the majority of the Wellington Straight; which from the top is a superb sight and behind it the stunning Maggots and Becketts Complex (where Mr Marquez was hugely lucky on Friday), the flick of, all of The Hangar Straight, Stowe Corner and the run down to the Vale Chicane.

In being partnered with an experienced member of the crew, I felt very much at ease with his several years of volunteering in the bank, even despite him having to cover the covered Village B on Sunday thanks to a few dropouts and an ill Steward or two. Out of each day and despite being on my own on Sunday, Race Day actually felt the easiest, as a result of significant space remaining in the stand and everyone enjoying the occasion and the MANY Marc & Alex Marquez flags from their Fan Clubs, unlike the Friday and Saturday custom of General Admission ticket holders being able to rove anywhere they please.

That in itself meant a packed house for Saturday qualifying and many a Valentino Rossi fan embracing the 2^nd part, of a long and deserved goodbye (just a shame about his rear tire hitting the cliff quickly!) and myself just about grabbing a spot at the top, to see the action, ensuring everyone looked okay and keeping a close eye for problems, particularly of those who love to smoke and vape – which rightfully is not permitted in such an area.

At the forefront of my mind, was ensuring people knew where they were going, interacting with them in a pleasing and approachable manner, giving out many a Entertainment Guide which becomes your bible across the weekend and of course raving about the love of two wheels. It didn’t surprise me that with most betting on a Fabio Quartararo victory, he delivered in as cool and measured manner as needs be after he swopped in front early on. I very much see a 65 point lead with up to 6 races to go as uncatchable and the 22 Year Old Frenchmen looks fully enroute to the ultimate crown.

The other big highlight in my mind alongside the exploits of Fabio, Valentino, Cal Crutchlow (on the Yamaha, for probably the nicest one off possible) and Jake Dixon (who did what he could on his debut), was that of Sam Lowes in Moto2, where after an intense battle ended in a 4^th placed finish. The start to take the lead on the Opening Lap was sublime and rightfully sent the place into pandemonium and no doubt illustrates a man who after his season with Aprilia in 2017, deserves to give the top class a 2^nd bite of the cherry.

In finishing up and as mentioned, the combination of Sport and wanting to give back makes such a Programme and involvement within it extremely special. Many people look to events of the kind to make them feel happy, give them memories to last a lifetime and see people do their best for society and the nation.

As a 23 and going 24-year-old with Autism, it again proves that anyone can do that they hope and in my explicit opinion, if the Government were to make Volunteering – for up to a week, at least one a year compulsory, then I would feel delighted knowing of the ways such experiences can change people and, in many cases, change them for the better.

With the MotoGP championship rolling on to Aragon on September 12^th, I hugely look forward to keeping an eye on the business end of the season and preparing for many more trips to the area key to West Northamptonshire District Council, hopefully commencing with the Round 8 and Races 22, 23 and 24, of a mega tightly fought Kwit Fit British Touring Car Championship on September 25^th and 26^th!

The major question is: will defending Champion Ashley Sutton and Laser Tools Racing finally shine a light, knowing he has yet to crack at on the National Circuit? 😉

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World Autism Awareness Day 2025 - Personal Reflections and an Announcement

by Kashmire Hawker • 2 April 2025

With 2025’s World Autism Awareness Day being today, I can’t help but reflect on how much there is to do in giving the next generation the opportunities they deserve, but that many are relishing the opportunity to input and fighting for better. Last Thursday night, I as an associate of Changing Our Lives along with others did a half hour presentation to 30 young and aspiring footballers at Sporting Khalsa in Willenhall, as part of a project that seeks to break down perceptions of Autism and Learning Disability in the South Asian Community. I came away from that feeling really encouraged and pleased, at the understanding and real sense of compassion which those youngsters had for one another and illustrates the immense power of education when in action. It also made me reflect on just how much I have personally done and achieved. A University Graduate, someone who has sat on both set of benches in special Parliamentary sittings, visited Number 10, being a guest at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, having my first full-time job at the biggest major event that my part of the world has ever seen, then moving on to being a part of regional government, as well as volunteering at the Home of Motorsport regularly, being an advocate for various organisations in the disability, sustainability and cultural spaces and running to serve my home City for four years, are all things which for someone like me usually shouldn’t happen! But all that and much more has occurred, which just shows that when the right support is there and by working as hard as you can, people in their own ways can reach the stars. All as above mentioned feel beyond my wildest dreams, but with employment for Autistic and Neurodiverse people still incredibly low and opportunities being limited all thanks to perceptions and diagnoses, as well as broken systems holding millions back: there is still A LOT more to do. Knowing all that I have questioned myself intently: what more can I do as part of such an important mission? Well, with me having scooped 5,102 votes from four Local Government Elections since 2021, even if the last two polls have been incredibly narrow failures which have naturally drained some confidence, I am firmly of the belief that having skin the game, utilising and highlighting personal experiences and willing to go above and beyond in the service of others, is far better than sitting on the sidelines as some, particularly of other generations have somewhat suggested. As a 27 year old whose generation has had potential squashed and opportunities reduced; particularly fellow Autistic and Neurodivergent people and those who reside in communities which has been chronic underinvestment, sitting back for me will never been option. And seeing too, contrary to many narratives and views of some, that many are able to juggle personal lives, alongside their careers, representational responsibilities and other things; I cannot see why that should hinder my aspiration and mission of giving back to the place which I am grateful for opening up all I have done, since becoming a Wulfrunian in 2009. So after very lengthy and hard fought consideration in the last several months and with processes now underway, I do today confirm it’s my intention to apply to be part of The Labour Party’s approved Panel of Candidates and therefore seek selection for the City of Wolverhampton Council Elections on Thursday May 7th 2026 . There have been many points which I have come very close to walking away and putting out a statement declining to apply to be on the Panel of Candidates, not least through things which have been stated and which I believe deliberately and by calculation seek to discourage people like me. I however, as I feel I have shown at many stages in my life, am not one for quitting and with my experiences, growing knowledge and unlimited passion for seeking to be a real change maker and a contributor for the common good, feel that my time to step up that service through Local Government, has duly arrived. I thus look forward to again seeking to submit myself for even greater service in the coming months and if selected by a Branch, will embrace campaigning in seeking what is right. And knowing that I have sought to serve others in the past 13 years, I state that why can’t others who have wonky glasses like me, who take a little longer to think stuff through like me and who perhaps need a few more folks to give them a hand, be able to be a change maker too! I will look forward to updating you all on this and other things down the line, with humility rooted in my heart.

Remarks to West Midlands Labour Party Regional Conference - March 1st 2025

by Kashmire Hawker • 1 March 2025

My remarks to WM Labour Regional Conference on March 1st 2025.

Happy New Year! 2024 Review Part 2 and 2025 Look Ahead

by Kashmire Hawker • 31 December 2024

A Very Happy New Year! A few more Reflections on 2024 and a 2025 Preview

Season's Greetings and some 2024 Reflections

by Kashmire Hawker • 23 December 2024

As 2024 comes toward an end, I can say that this year for me has been one of change, one of further development and one of opening my eyes in many ways. In typing this reflection, I feel immensely satisfied and proud to have made this year my first in a full-time job without a fixed end date, in an organisation of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which has plenty of opportunities for me to consider in the coming months and years and working within in an outstanding team. I also feel hugely delighted at continuing to give my time in voluntary service, not least through Parkrun, Silverstone and in the perhaps once in a generation Champions League Final at Wembley in the Summer, as well as raise £405, in two events of the Great Birmingham Run of £130 for Cure Leukemia and £275 at the Molineux Sleepout for Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation and The Good Shepherd. On top, to have again sought office to serve my home city for a fourth year running and garnered 1,656 votes (even if not a winning total!), as well as contributed to successful wider political campaigning for my party’s and substantially expanded on my engagement in them gave me a privilege and deeper fire in the belly than ever before, in giving back to Wulfrunians. Finally, many more runs, seeing Taylor Swift, Kaiser Chiefs and The Darkness in concert, plus a sublime Musical about the pop heroes in Steps, marching at two Pride events, continuing engagement with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Solutions for the Planet and Changing Our Lives and completing a fantastic personal development programme on getting younger folk as Trustees in Arts and Cultural organisations, have all formed part of another busy 12 months. Naturally however, losing an Election and your best furry friend in my house’s dog Harley, alongside needing to help move my Mum to a safer place, all in the space of 7 weeks stung greatly in May and June. The death of a beloved dog and family member and Mum’s house move were not easy financially to deal with, but I managed it as has been the case with previous years. This year has also meant some greatly more honest and blunt conversations, which have burnt a few bridges with once seen trustworthy allies and pals. Being straight and upfront however is sometimes the best course and I don’t regret that for one moment, not least when the mind is burdened enough with day-to-day activity. Those things have definitely made me really realised that the world is a big and lonely place, and that sense of loneliness continues to affect my thoughts. This no doubt feels true and always will do at Christmas, with December 25th being the anniversary of Kieran’s passing in 2021 aged just 25 and I frankly will never know how to truly feel on the day itself. Knowing he is not here to share Christmas lunch will always put a size 9 boot dent in my heart. Having said that, I have good people around me and I give my wholehearted thanks to all for your continued support and good wishes, at what will forever be a sensitive and mournful point of the year, in my family’s life. In whatever way which you and your family mark this festive and new year period, I hope it is as enjoyable and peaceful as it possibly can be and that it gives a chance to rest and be with those closest to you, as well as embrace it being the season of giving, whether gifts or love. A further blog post, or two, on reflecting 2024 and looking ahead to 2025 shall come before the clock hits midnight next Wednesday.

Co-operative Party Youth Network Election 2024 - Candidate Statement

by Kashmire Hawker • 16 December 2024

The Co-operative Party has been a natural home for me for towards five years and gives me a brilliant platform to shout about and run on critical issues. As Chair of the Walsall, Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire, Branch and as a Labour and Co-operative candidate in Local Elections in my home City of Wolverhampton since 2021, I’m proud to make an impact and with the party’s immense expansion over the years, I would be honoured to play a bigger part. And as someone with experience in Youth Representation – most recently with the West Midlands Young Combined Authority and Labour Party wise as the current Policy and Political Education Officer for the Wolverhampton West CLP, I feel ready to use that skill set to the full. Thus, if Elected as a Youth Committee Member, I will: Help to establish a WM Young Co-operative Youth Network spread right across my region, which is not just stuck within the Metropolitan centre; Work with Labour groups across my region, for them to Elect a Co-operative Rep on to their committee s; Engage with our friends In Trade Unions, Fabians Society and The Labour Party to run joint events; whether campaigning, educational or socially; Work with colleagues to ensure events are accessible as possible, not least for Neurodiverse people ; Join Young Co-operators up and down the nation in campaignin g; And be Accountable and Transparent in my work as per the Nolan Principles, so fellow Members can question me at any moment . We have a wonderful opportunity to shape the Party’s future and with a Labour and Co-operative Government now in place, it would be a huge privilege for myself to play a part. Please vote Kashmire Hawker for Youth Committee. Thank You!