History Trip: Spitfires, 007, LARP, The Royals, Life Philosophy (And Other Random Musings)

[@TomSykesMedia]

At 6:18 you can see the model of the spitfire that you missed. Its rigged on a large pole but looks like it has dropped. The Ian Fleming obelisk contains an inscribed plaque which reads 'Omnia perfunctus vitae praemia marces' - 'having enjoyed life's prizes, you now decay'. The grave also contains the remains of his wife, Ann and his son Caspar, who died of a drug overdose in 1975. He was buried on 15 August 1964 just three days after his death. The graveyard is just a stones throw from Warneford Place and estate which Fleming relocated to after completing the Bond novels. It was here he penned 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. The estate is now the home of Formula One motor racing tycoon Paddy McNally.

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the extra info 😊👍

[@chowceo]

I enjoyed to exploring and conversation. I found it interesting in your conversation you said “never say never”😊 “Never Say Never Again” is a 1983 spy film directed by Irvin Kershner. The film is based on the 1961 James Bond novel Thunderball by Ian Fleming ❤

[@thewanderingamerican5412]

Oh I thought it said, "Having enjoyed life's pizza's..." 🤣🤣

[@Kimberley-Z]

A wonderful treat to see Sir Ian Fleming grave. You described Queen Elizabeth perfectly. I think William and Kate will honor the British people with utmost grace and pride. They will be perfect. 👍 good vlog love when you visit churches ⛪️ 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@thewanderingamerican5412]

I'd like to see some more images of the headstones to see the years and epitaphs. Maybe some cool ones.

[@LuLuTheGremlin]

yay! I look forward to these every day now! Always good to relax and hear your musings.

[@leawade8663]

I love old churches. Thank you for showing us this. We'll wishes from Kansas, US.❤

[@onlytm981]

Thanks for the LARP update. I've been wondering why you stopped that. I really enjoyed listening to you recount your LARP experiences in those videos. I very much feel the same about the royals and freedoms etc.

[@MarleneCurrie-j5e]

Enjoyed your musings Rick - just be your contented kind self.

[@chowceo]

Tiny steps, focus and a purpose make getting out and about enjoyable and not overwhelming ❤

[@rickvanman]

Love that!

[@Karenattheplot]

My Dad used to be ground crew for RAF and worked on spitfires during the war. He always said the cockpits were very small and tricky to work on. He was based mostly in Lossiemouth.

[@johnclark2333]

My father served in the RAF during the war. He was with Combined Operations at RAF Lossiemouth, never been entirely sure what that entailed but believe it involved search and rescue of downed pilots though for reasons I won't go into he would not have been directly involved. Regards John

[@Karenattheplot]

@johnclark2333 My Dad wouldn't really tell us much about what he did or what happened. I believe there were several occasions where crews left and didn't return. He was only 22 when the war ended and I think it impacted the rest of his life.

[@johnclark2333]

​@@KarenattheplotSimilar story here with my dad and lots of others, they never really talked about their experience during the war. It's only now that he's long gone I wish I knew more and could have known him better.

[@Karenattheplot]

@johnclark2333 Sadly my son seemed to get more info out of him than I did about the spitfires. He was only 8 when Dad died but Mum and i would leave them alone whilst we went shopping and it was only after he died and Mum showed my son some photos of grandad by planes that Daniel piped up that he'd seen them before and grandad told him all about it. Guess he wouldn't have asked Dad anything too challenging so that would have been OK. Dad had mental health issues in later life and I think it was where he'd bottled things up. All a bit sad really.

[@desertplantsofavalon]

What a wonderful drive out to Sevenhampton and beautiful church and so AMAZING to see Ian Flemings grave, I am the same with contentment, being happy and at peace with all my plants around me is all I want haha, thanks so much for sharing another awesome trip out in the van with us Rick, and sending lots of love and happiness from Belfast XXXX

[@kevinsymons2703]

I'm a great believer in underachieving is underrated. Just bimble along doing what makes you happy.

[@bina_two]

I've followed you for nearly 16 years at your various channels, and I truly enjoy your content. However, having never been to the UK, I LOVE your local travel vids. Whether it's the group camping, or checking out historic sites, I love the scenery and the chatty facts and observations. You're a fantastic tour guide, and I look forward to more exploration of your local area!

[@rickvanman]

Wow, thank you

[@stephaniestephens6813]

I love your life philosophy, it matches with mine. I feel it’s a deeply contemplative philosophy, without any need to scrabble and scramble to get to some sort of expected outcome.

[@lorenzothreadgill5935]

Hello Rick this was a great video very enjoyable and l learned things l didn't know, thank you take care.

[@rickvanman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnrichardson1796]

My outlook on life is very similar to yours Rick , my best mate is a Rockstar drummer and we started out together (me on guitar/ vocals , I never “made it” but spent years thinking I should strive to be like him , when I finally gave up on it ( through him I saw the real reality of that world )I felt free and liberated , I just love the simple tranquil life now 👍

[@petemoring67]

YES!! - A Very nice little Pottering Around Video Rick - Keep 'em comin' 😄 ...... A Philosophy For Life?? 🤔 ... "RELAX! Said The Night-Man - We Are Programmed To Receive - You Can Check Out Any Time You Like! - But You Can Never! Leave" 🤠

[@dfwv7411]

I love the new format. Thanks for showing us buildings and some of the history from hundreds of years ago. I think that’s being stripped from our culture.

[@johnrichardson1796]

I love the simplicity of these videos , excellent 👍

[@RoonerTheLooner]

Loved that... Born blessed with no ambition. 🙂Me too, but have never thought about it in that way. Thanks for the video.

[@AaronTheHumanist]

"What's wrong with just existing?" Now there's something to ponder over in my journal tonight. Good thoughts, interesting video. So look forward to seeing your videos in my stream.

[@rickvanman]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊👍

[@jeanetteswift1]

What a tranquil place. Just the sound of the wind in the trees. Loved it.Shame the church was closed.

[@Johnjoe321]

Rick great to see you out and about, lived and worked in Swindon for 18 months and didn’t know any of those little nuggets. Sir Ian Flemmings grave was really interesting, where’s the Vic?! Such a peaceful place, just you and the birdsong. Thankyou🫡

[@mariepaulegauthier]

Thanks!

[@rickvanman]

Thank you so much for your continued support, it is very kind of you 😊👍❤️

[@krafterpc]

So nice to see out and about. Love these types of videos from you. 🥰

[@janealdinger2235]

Loved your video! Fascinating and informative thanks for taking me on a trip! I would have enjoyed seeing the inside of the church! 25:36

[@alisonspink7217]

Hi must say I agree wholeheartedly with your philosophy whether it’s a similar age thing or not I don’t know. Really enjoying the trips out and just the general content of the videos. It just feels like catching up with a friend which is nice isn’t it? 😊

[@karenspencer7678]

Always love your videos. Saw this - we are human beings not human doings xx

[@rickvanman]

I like that saying 🙂👍❤

[@cliffe8]

Thanks Rick lovely ride out 👍👍

[@iPad49]

It was lovely meeting you at larp (seeing the van irl!) and watching your videos about the hobby. Maybe give it another look when PD get a new site, they're trying to get somewhere permanent so they can build and that'll really step things up!

[@jackholloway272]

Hey Rick just wanted to say, I took my shot and went to Empire on my own without knowing anyone, after watching your videos on it, I had been thinking about it and your videos convinced me to go. This upcoming E1 will be my 6th event and I am loving it, Ive meet some amazing people there, slowly learning whats happening. So thanks for the videos talking about it.

[@rickvanman]

Glad the videos helped, and you’re enjoying it 😊👍❤️

[@JoshsWeightLossDiary-zs8bq]

Great video Rick! So much better than dishes or cleaning. I was getting real nervous for a little bit thinking you were going to have us watching paint dry. 😂. I enjoyed the content much more and that's what I would love to see more of. Rick's trips. 😊❤

[@rickvanman]

Don’t worry, watching paint dry is coming next week 🤣😂🤪

[@JoshsWeightLossDiary-zs8bq]

@@rickvanman (Darth Vader) Noooooooooooooo! 😂😂🤣

[@rickvanman]

@@JoshsWeightLossDiary-zs8bq 😂🤣

[@LouiseL7740]

Really enjoyed your little jaunt to Fleming's grave as well as your commentary. I completely feel the same way about life, Rick. I was just having this very same conversation with my son about being contented in life, and how to know when you have 'enough' of what you need. So many people spend their lives chasing money, celebrity, huge homes, expensive cars etc., only to end up unhappy and searching for more and more. I also believe that being kind costs nothing, and that living ones life authentically is just about as perfect as it gets. Being true to oneself, without causing harm to others. Love these honest common sense talks, Rick. Anyway, as far as trips for you, how about visiting places where they may have something famous that they are known for? Like the best cheese? An organic winery? Or a unique bakery item? What about a camping trip to the Lake District with Alex where you visit the Llama farm? Just suggestions....whatever you choose, I'll be watching! ...have fun! Thank you for taking us along on your field trip!

[@LH-cj8bk]

Another great video...love this series😊

[@blackpanoverland3852]

Well Done Rick. I like your new format, I started watching you years ago and like the driving around and talking videos. I'm a leave no trace kind of person too, and live and let live. Take Care

[@jimnorlem6802]

I enjoy your videos , sight and sound. I, myself, would rather watch the road than watch you speaking. It is not that I do not like seeing you but I enjoy seeing the road . Thanks and maybe if it would interest you visiting old closed down WWII bases might be fun day trips or more. I was in the UK 1955-1959 . I first started watching you when you bought your first van and took it to the allotment . I think that has been a year or two ago. Thanks for sharing and I am sure I will enjoy whatever you have up.

[@gabrielmagister6072]

Love these travel videos! Thank you.

[@basicbrewing]

I enjoy the driving and touring around videos (as well as others). As an American, I'd like to hear some tips on navigating where you live - specifically, road markings, signs, and how you manage to share the road on those very narrow stretches. I don't know if it's worth a whole video, but maybe just a comment here and there. We plan to visit one day. I don't know if we'd be bold enough to drive ourselves. 🙂 Cheers!

[@rickvanman]

I’ll try to remember to give it a mention next time I’m on a narrow road 😊👍

[@xondominique2602]

yaaay the royals! didn't think you'd talk about them lol. awesome video overall, loved it. i'll be back for more comments. i actually read all other comments on your channel, all very interesting. thank you

[@ajnorfolk1818]

Great video as always Rick

[@thewanderingamerican5412]

I LOVE Spitfires! Loved Leslie Howard's old First of the Few, but I know some of the timing was jumbled around to make the movie work.

[@aneweratas3932]

Don't underestimate yourself Rick. You provide a valuable service to us all through your videos and I admire the way you sgare your life and live. 👍 If you're happy not being in the rat race and do well on your own (your way,) then more power to you and to us. (because we learn so much from you and each other.) Isn't genuine happiness the key? 🙂❤ Keep up the great content Rick!

[@hp-cs7mx]

When I worked in UK, a co-worker was named Merlin. No prizes for guessing what her father did in WW11.

[@janewaring2913]

Agatha Christie is buried very close to where I live. I’ve visited the grave many a time. I find it all very interesting.

[@stevegasparutti8341]

Totally agree with your philosophy Rick. Although im sure the drive slows a little down a bit with age - it certainly does with me. Another enjoyable vlog - all the best Rick

[@didisinclair3605]

Stopping mid-vid so I don't forget (lol) are any of the old red telephone boxes still in use, or are they just left for history/charm/sentiment? I do love them!!! And regarding your philosophy about life.. I wholeheartedly agree.. we are so surrounded with voices telling us to save the world! travel the world! be a huge influence!!! but I agree that simply 'being' and being KIND and compassionate, is a mighty fine thing. Then again, I would like to come back next time, with a real passion.. commitment to a cause. Like the glorious Malala. Wonderful video, Rick. thanks.

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the great comments and feedback. I think most telephone boxes these days tend to be village libraries and other features, they rarely have phones in them.

[@MikyTake]

I recall your Larping in 2018.. Which other years did you Larp, did I miss them? I loved those videos..

[@rickvanman]

It may have just been two years, but I think I started in autumn 2017 and went through to the end of 2018, for some reason I remembered it as three years 🤪🤣

[@Patsagilitybits]

That was interesting. I've lived in Cornwall for most of my life, but when I was very small my family lived in London. Ian Fleming was our next door but one neighbour. My family moved out to Surrey and we weren't very far from the main Vickers factory at Brooklands. I remember the VC10 being tested there. There's a Tesco and Marks and Spencer on the old Brooklands racetrack now.

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for sharing! Interesting stuff, and a small world 😊👍

[@selbermachenguru]

Listening to you is like looking into a mirror. I dumped Larp years ago, but will go back to it this year. On, Off, On, Off, people like us are 100% into something for a while and ALWAYS switch soon, but often come back sooner or later. So this is not a fail, its a feature. Running in circles is just a two dimensional view, in the 3D world it's not a circle, its a spiral, and we never do things twice. We just do different things that seem to be the same. I embrace my attitude since I grew old and wise (not completely serious here)

[@johnclark2333]

Not just James Bond, but also Chitty Chitty Bang Bang🙂

[@rickvanman]

That’s interesting, I didn’t know that 😊👍

[@MattCowlinn]

Rick you should do videos on you doing geocaching - I think you’d love it

[@lindapeterson5810]

I do enjoy the opportunity to see the English countryside 😊

[@xondominique2602]

i understand The White Horse of Uffington is near where you live. perhaps you can show it to us.

[@tomservo75]

Really enjoyed listening to the philosophy part, that sounds a lot like me. In the US you'd be a Libertarian!

[@tomservo75]

23:08 Sums up my feeling about the Royals, and monarchy in general, pretty perfectly. I'd probably take many of the Royals above our recent U.S. Presidents, but being American and founded on the idea of getting away from royalty, living in a country not only without royalty but without any type of nobility, many times I've asked, "Okay so what is it that they.... do?" That just seems wrong to me, the idea that you have wealth, power, and social superiority, not because of anything you've done, but what family you're born into. I do at least hope there is no tax money going toward it, God knows they have enough wealth of their own.

[@AaronTheHumanist]

Drakelow tunnels was an underground shadow factory in the war that also built spitfire engines, later turned into a nuclear bunker, now partially open for visitors now and then. Near Kidderminster in the Midlands.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

I used to walk past Alexander Hamilton’s grave in NY every day.

[@1GuinnessPlease]

Nice one Rick, 👍 question about the dash cam ,is that the 360 camera your using?

[@rickvanman]

Thanks, no it’s just a standard forward facing one with the white angle and 1080 HD format.

[@CampervanTales]

Not just an author but a former spy. He had quite a life.

[@thewanderingamerican5412]

Some experts believe that there a few olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane that date back to Christ's time! Because ... the trees that they know date back 1000 years could have regenerated from their original roots. //The oldest tree in the world, Methuselah, is located in the White Mountains of eastern California and clocks in at 4,854 yrs. It's exact location is kept secret for it's safety. //And the world's oldest FOSSIL trees have been found in my state, NY, dating back (supposedly if you believe this dating) millions of years. Located in Schoharie County. Eastern White Pine is my favorite tree. It's a tree thing. LOL

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the great comments, interesting stuff! 😊👍

[@sparkyprojects]

Without the royals, what would we have, probably a president, now just look at all the countries with presidents :P In a similar vein to Larp, what about something like the sealed knot, you go to recreation of history, dress the part, have some basic skill, answer questions that the public may ask, be the people that usually have medieval market stalls etc.

[@namgnaf1]

Hi Rick, just to say, i really identify with the being “blessed with being born with any lack of ambition” …. The thing is, you can do just as well with that attitude and be a lot happier … fair play … also why did you take your series of success videos down, loved them! Ha Ha!!! Say hi to Kev if you see him.

[@Tom-it6gr]

Rick, have you done the myer briggs personality test?

[@rickvanman]

Never heard of it

[@FilmPunk]

I thought clamping cars had been banned?

[@rickvanman]

I would love to think that is true

[@FilmPunk]

@@rickvanmanJust checked and it's true private clamping was banned. It can only be done now on public roads if the vehicle has no excise licence, parked in no waiting or other restricted area (eg permit holders only). In fact "It is a criminal offence to clamp/block/tow away a vehicle on private land without lawful authority. " as above.

[@FilmPunk]

Banned since 2012 apparently @@rickvanman

[@sirlordbabish3873]

I'm one of the unambitious content types. Identified the rat race trap early and I retired early; you don't need much money to live and be content in life. I wouldn't know what to do with a lot of money. Like my neighbour who worked every day, made it to retirement and who is now very ill. Time is the most precious asset, enjoy your time, money is a human invention

[@rickvanman]

Never a truer word spoken 😊👍❤️

[@dcsss]

Apparently the north door of churches is the one that’s open!

[@dcsss]

Not morbid at all. We visit our relatives’ graves. It’s our history and a way to acknowledge the person.

[@MrRocksoil]

Just checked,yew trees can potentially live for 3 thousand years that surprised me.

[@susanspiers1476]

I’m sure your brain and my brain are twins😂😂xx

[@rickvanman]

😂😊👍❤️

[@CoreyHunter]

We're all doomed. There's no saving humanity from its downward spiral into degeneration. So enjoy life on your own terms and make the most of it while you can.

[@MPGaurhier]

😇

[@stewved]

blimey my musings on the meaning of life? (arguably procreation and continuation of life would be the primary "meaning of life" for all life) I gave it some thought back when I was about 19 years old and I dedicated some time to it though I don't know how much! I started one morning and came up with a theory/answer one afternoon... (no idea how many days were in between LOL) The basic premise was, for there to be a meaning of life, there has to be an "outside" purpose. Life forms on the planet Earth can completely be explained by science, and I highly doubt Earth is the one and only planet out of the billions (maybe even infinite) planets out there in the universe that has life forms on it. Sure, many life-planets will not have intelligence since that is driven by chance and isn't necessarily needed for a species to thrive, and also there will be extinction from many reasons, including war, but again this is all just a natural part of the universe. It is also possible that our point is to create synthetic beings "in our own image" that are so much better than us in every way simply because they were created purposefully and with intent and not just natural selection and chance. The "outside" purpose for us being here would be from an alien life that either put us here or has somehow influenced us for the purpose. Is there any evidence for this? Not that I could think of. What does this ultimately mean? Well if you also factor in the myriad intellectuals that have all come before us and seemingly failed to figure out the meaning of life, I propose simply there there isn't one 😁 This means that "the meaning of life" is whatever your personal, family/friends, company, etc. goals are. Your reason for existence is whatever you choose it to be 🙂 Personally I want to just go through life with little fuss, perhaps making some small improvement to the world in some way. If I don't that is no biggie - I've touched a few lives and hope my existence has been positive for the majority of those who know me. OMG another huge comment! sorry about that but I hope it was entertaining 😊

[@rickvanman]

Lol! Love these ramblings 😊👍❤️

[@Ratrom2]

Wondered why you stop making LARP vids.. Now we know..

[@bb2021]

Used to be anti-royalist in my youth! But now, esp over the last few years, very glad we have them so that boris and his ilk can never be fully in charge! 😁 I mean L.Truss would have been 'Queen' 🤣😱😱

[@MariePauleGauthier-m1t]

💚💙🤍

[@BionicRasta]

Rather than keep switching views, it would work better to keep the front view camera on with the driver talking cam scaled down into one corner. Whether its the vicars influence for some reason you always end up at churches on these trips out. The yew tree thing is more about religious symbolism, can't say im buying the bow theory as they wouldn't still be standing today as they would have been cut down or ceased to be relevant over time. Regarding LARP looking back you attended your first late 2017 then three more going into 2018. Roleplaying was never really my thing but from a viewers perspective they never came over well because from what i gather you said you couldn't film the reinactment itself as it would break the rules of character. The emersion part / character building seemed to be something you liked researching, but I think you struggled more with social anxiety which is partly why you took the challenge on.

[@patriciahall6977]

Don't think it's morbid think it's interesting.

[@mariepaulegauthier]

My brother thinks just like you on striving🌺 🪐

[@samanthad2644]

Hi Rick! Loving the video so far, feels like Escape to the Country 😊 I am wondering- do you earn more if we watch all of the ads on each video without skipping? I’m inclined to skip, but only if it doesn’t affect your earnings. I’m sure you put a lot of time and work into your channel! 🩷

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the concern, it’s all a bit of a mystery how the adverts work if I’m honest LOL! I’ve never looked that deeply into it, but feel free to skip away, I think it’s only mere pennies per viewer, so assuming it only works on mass viewing principles.

[@mariepaulegauthier]

Thanks!

[@rickvanman]

Thank you 😊👍❤️

[@MariePauleGauthier-wk3hy]

Thanks!

[@rickvanman]

Thank you, that's very kind 🙂👍❤

[@MariePauleGauthier-wk3hy]

Thanks!

[@rickvanman]

Aww thank you so much for your continued support, you are very kind and this is most generous of you 😊👍❤️