Meeting Chris, A Vanlife Icon at Stonehenge

Meeting a Vanlife Icon.
Vanlifer Chris lives in his van and has been on the road for decades. His attitude to life and to the people he meets is reflected in Vanlife even today.
A kind, generous and extremely interesting wise man, he likes to help others feel better about life whilst living his life simply earning enough to get by selling his hand made walking sticks.
Chris uses his wisdom in supporting others, enjoying and respecting the natural environment, and being kind.
It's this ethos we will carry forward to our event in July 28-30th at Newbury Showground. In Chris's own words 'Just making people happier is a good thing'
Please show your support for Chris, like comment and share his interview.
He is invited as a Special Guest to Vanlife Celebration and I really hope he will honour us with his presence. Thank you for watching.
More exciting updates coming about Vanlife & Overlander Celebration over the next few weeks, to learn more about this unique and exciting 2023 event please visit our social media pages linked below.
www.vanlifecelebration.com
Vanlife and Overlander Celebration Facebook Group Page / 662710042051341

[@kevinrossington509]

Met him last year,,lovely man,bought a walking stick off him,he said pay me what you want,,we need more people like him

[@wormwood6424]

Did you pay him😉

[@angeladawn805]

You can pop to your local library to read biographies of lots of famous people. But I'll wager that this man's story would be far more interesting, and full of wisdom.

[@quirkydrift]

"Within the simplicity of everyday lives, ordinary people and seemingly unremarkable individuals reveal the most profound truths about life's complexities, making them the true treasures of our existence, where intriguing stories unfold."

[@garryreed2725]

Its Like listening to Fred Dibnah, bless his soul.

[@quirkydrift]

Very similar characters Garry, they both remind of me blokes I grew up around as a young lad when we had local pubs in Lancashire!! I would sit at the bar listening to many characters like Chris and Fred. If you bothered to listen there was a wealth of knowledge to be gained from their down to earth strieght talking common sense ways and so many funny stories. I also {many years ago} had the privilege of spending a day with Fred when he came to pick up some stone flags from our back garden, I helped him load and unload them back at his house in Bolton and he showed me around his steam driven work shop that he had built. He would talk and explain everything and tell stories until the cows came home, an amazing guy. The day would have made an incredible KZbin video but I guess the BBC beat me to it!! Lol Thanks for your comment Garry Best Wishes

[@ste123456754]

That's exactly what I thought you know you know

[@flasheart3817]

​@@quirkydrift That's impressive in itself. Loved Fred. 👍

[@thesunreport]

Definitely agree.

[@nickthomas181]

Wait till you get to know him he was a roofer years ago so yes a lot like Fred.Chris is from Bury ,I'm from Burnley so we got on as we understood each other lol Also I got on with his ex wife Jenny.

[@ncrongendov733]

Now THIS is the sort of celebrity we should all be into it

[@LaibaK213]

ITS MY GRANDAD 😂😂😂😂😂

[@maidinulster]

Yeh like some genuinely being themselves and a real decent sort

[@quirkydrift]

Thank you everyone for your kind comments supporting Chris, I'm really pleased his video is continuing to get views and comments, he's a real gentleman and the world could do with a few more like him.👍👍

[@pepo2235]

are you keeping all the profits from the KZbin video, how ironic

[@quirkydrift]

I dont make a penny from it I'm not monetised dipstick@@pepo2235

[@timallen6025]

He treads lightly on the earth and yet has done so much and helped all along the way- how many of us can really say that ?

[@mjs2333]

Met Chris a few times in Dartmouth where he parks up where the river meets the sea. Lovely man. Had a good few chats with him...he was thinking of downsizing to a tent but l'm glad he's still in his van! I just wish he would take the state pension he is due as he doesn't take anything from the state yet he has paid his stamps in the past. Great guy!

[@darshansingh4375]

A beautiful soul, contentment is the secret to happiness.

[@hollywood1426]

The truth in the beatitudes ❤

[@Evilzionistbabykillers]

He seems like a decent human being,hard worker and fostered loads of disadvantaged children,the world needs more people like this gentleman 💯😊

[@suziq4394]

Oh to be as contented as this man seems to be... wish him long life and happiness...he deserves it.

[@rickyward2356]

Sounds like Fred Dinbah the SteepleJack (RIP) 😊

[@mandybermingham3470]

He offered me a cup of tea and one of his cheese on toasts he'd made for himself. Best cuppa I've had. Really interesting stories and a fab walking stick I bought .❤

[@quirkydrift]

👍😃 lol love that, thanks for your comment Mandy

[@brianedge1868]

I’m just up the road from Chris, he seems like a friendly man, he waves every time l drive past.

[@anoshya]

Fascinating man…wish there were more like him on the open road. My wife grew up in Ireland in the 50s and remembered itinerent men who just travelled around all their lives

[@pjbruxy]

Could listen to Chris for hours, he reminds me of an old gent (Edgar) who lived close to me some years back. Edgar was a very closed book at first but became more open as time went passed, the stories and advice he spoke were priceless and nothing that books or education could ever teach, to spend just one day with him now would be magical it was a very sad day when he passed away. God bless

[@fionareed9884]

Your comment is a lovely memorial to Edgar! Thanku for sharing. God bless 🙏

[@galahad6001]

A free man ..

[@nickthomas181]

I know Chris I worked with at Glastonbury for a few years.Wow this is amazing I haven't seen him since 2019.,I stopped after the pandemic I have my mum to care for.II worked with him on the recycling at Glastonbury,he was a good friend.Wow I can't believe this

[@chriswalford4161]

I remember someone I think is him from way back, chatting Goose Hall - early 1990s

[@nickthomas181]

@@chriswalford4161 Yes the Goose Hall is at Glastonbury so theres a dam good chance

[@CCCP16]

I was at the amazing Stonehenge free festivals in the early 80's

[@peaceforchildren4303]

what were they like?

[@davidbaker8483]

I was there when Hawkwind headlined.80 or 81?

[@davidbaker8483]

@gogoalala You could sit on the stones in those days. I think there were Hells Angels doing their thing, and the cops stayed outside.

[@fionareed9884]

​@@davidbaker8483 Was there with my daughter for the Summer Solstice in 2019..yr b4 stupid LD! We could be up close to the stones & touch them & some were sat on them. Think it all changed after that sadly 🥺

[@heatherheron6694]

There's a message here for all of us and that is that consumerism does not bring us happiness whereas being at one with yourself and nature is the true key , oh and there was a mention of Jesus. Thanks Chris 🙏🙂

[@scarlettskies100]

I could listen to his stories for hours ❤❤❤ what a lovely soul

[@quirkydrift]

Yer me too he is a natural story teller, even more so in real life off camera, glad you enjoyed thank you for commenting Scarlett 👍

[@jasonrenshaw9010]

When are all living the stressful life, keeping up with the Jones’s, paying bills, being swept along with society, someone living the simple life seems a lovely idea.

[@flasheart3817]

Great bloke. The way in which he speaks reminds me of Fred Dibnah. Another wise bird. Great vid

[@hookywookywithmalarkyman704]

YEP old fred dibnah bang on mate, did ya like that ???

[@elizdonovan5650]

It's good to see a van that looks real and lived in. Interesting gentleman. Happy travelling. 😊😊😊

[@quirkydrift]

❤👍👍

[@darrenpearson5312]

What a legend you are Wizard Chris , we've spent many hours chatting and enjoying your company. You always keep intouch and it's heartwarming to see you here. See you at Eqinox in a couple of weeks . Forever a brother of the road . All our love . Daz n Brian aka The Big Green Bus. ❤️ 😍 💖

[@quirkydrift]

That’s fantastic thank you for commenting. I’m hoping to see Chris this weekend and will show him all the kind comments I’m sure it will make his day thanks again best wishes 👍

[@cmcmillan7987]

What a nice bloke. Thanks for content.

[@James-ly3wf]

So good to see Chris on here ! I worked with him on the litter pick at worthy farm for a few years - a genuinely nice and cool human being with interesting and intelligent things to say. You’ll be blessed if you’re lucky enough to own a piece of his woodwork, a gentle artist and craftsman. As you can tell - I’m a fan! Cheers Chris , hopefully see you on the road sometime . Peace, a lazy litterpicker 👍

[@Seeking_Gnosis]

Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it.but if you close your eyes and listen to him,.could have sworn it was Fred Dibnah

[@MelliaBoomBot]

how amazing. I remember going to free festivals in 1990 ish and maybe before...and I remember characters like this. wonderful. I miss those days..

[@mommabearonthego]

he’s such a beautiful soul…

[@VitaMea-di9zx]

Grazie per la traduzione nella mia lingua del video

[@tallcat576]

What a wonderful man. ⭐️

[@rizmark5522]

GreaT Bloke, God Bless him..

[@steves7013]

A proper northern character! Brought a smile to my face 🙏🏵

[@quirkydrift]

Certainly is Steve, he would be happy to hear that, thanks for commenting 👍👍

[@ChristineRowley-j1v]

Very interesting man

[@Vanlifeaslan]

Very interesting guy not many about like him , speaks the truth

[@100Noddy]

I like Luton van conversions like this, simple basic build, space to build a porch area and ease of framing out with recycled wood makes it reachable for anyone. Compared with a £30K or 40K modern van conversion, I would much rather have something like this for £5K.

[@xx_blasphemer_xx8148]

Literally this guy knows wots going on in the world, the hidden agendas thing was on point! I wish him the very best

[@tubecated_development]

I wonder what society’ is? Just grifters and consumers…

[@shrunkensimon]

@@tubecated_development It's on the back of the dollar bill, is what it is

[@tubecated_development]

@@shrunkensimon My ‘society’ uses pounds and pence.

[@silvafox8371]

Very respectfully and sensitively done interview. Cracking bloke . Can't wait to meet him in person

[@quirkydrift]

Thanks for that very much appreciated 👍

[@maximusreed]

Interesting wise man had a fruitful life ....

[@steveanon3685]

What a lovely gentleman.

[@Beandaddy2013]

💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@quirkydrift]

Thanks Dave 👍

[@jartotable]

This man needs to be on stage at van festivals being interviewed because not only has he got stories to tell but he must have a bounty of mobile tips and tricks.

[@quirkydrift]

Thanks for your comment, Yes he was at Newbury Vanlife Celebration July last year invited as a guest, Hopefully he will be there again this year 26th - 28th July 👍

[@pennyimm6876]

What a wonderful gentleman. If I have the fortune to meet him I shall be purchasing a stick from him indeed. ❤

[@andrewbilton5993]

What a lovely fella-and a kind one as well.

[@barbarahalkyard1901]

He was the wizard.Of a thousand kings .And i chanced to meet him one night wandering.He told me tales and he drank my wine. Me and my majic man kinda feeling fine. The Wizard.Uriah Heep.

[@shirleyac12]

Uriah Heep. Just played London

[@GabyZacara]

We met him a couple of years ago and traded a book with him! He gave us an old book about trees 🥰🙏🏻❤️✨️ Such a character x

[@quirkydrift]

love that thanks for commenting Gaby 👍

[@Quartzone6145]

What a lovely man.and so interesting his life

[@katienorthenmore1892]

What a pleasure to watch that was. Thank you. Yes this man is something to aspire to. It's simple really. What he does. And attitude is everything! Great to hear his stories What a life. Take my hat off to him❤ Yes he should get his state pension. Then he could do what he likes with it..even charity. This man is an inspiration and I am so glad I watched this. Thank you so much 💓

[@quirkydrift]

Thank you for such a lovely comment Katie its very much appreciated ❤

[@raymondpomfret4214]

This guys voice reminds me of fred dibnah

[@danbaxter4216]

He reminds me of a Russian guy I met along the Camino to Santiago who gave sticks and staves to pilgrims.

[@captainplanet1576]

Walked past this guy before. Wish I'd stopped for a convo.

[@MusicalTeapotOfficial]

Wow thank you for documenting such a wonderful character, Chris has got the right idea! I myself am an artist and live a counter culture lifestyle in the United States in a Caravan and share the same values, really love the life. Bqut our lives are hard because some people and the government really don't want us living outside of the system, I'm grateful for what we can have for now as we could not afford thousands a month renting. When I return to the UK I'll look out for Chris, also my parents live in Newbury that's actually where I'm from so I shall let them know about the event! They own a RV too and love to go to festivals

[@quirkydrift]

Thank you for watching and for your interesting comment. It’s seems more and more people are aspiring for a life more free and meeting Chris and listening to his stories and his values was very inspiring for me, he is a very kind wise soul and I am grateful to him for allowing me to document him. Best wishes to you and your parents it would be great to see them at Newbury and to come and say Hi. They can find me on My Facebook Quirky Drift feel free to send a friend request there is a nice little community developing on there. Take care best wishes,Nigel

[@jimksa67]

Great video ! Jesus was God Bro and had no bed of His own. But He died to make salvation available for all FREE! shalom from an old {85} Christian in Canada. God is good and His mercies are new every morning!

[@user-ok2fu4hc3f]

Love you Chris ❤❤❤

[@quirkydrift]

I'm sure he will be delighted with that, thank you 👍👍

[@jenstar8921]

Oh my goodness what a life well lived.. what an interesting book/film this would make of his life. Thank you so much for this video as it stands as a reminder of the importance things in life, as long as you have enough to get by wealth isn’t it.. your health and a sense of community, looking after one another is what counts.

[@quirkydrift]

Thank you for you lovely comment Jen, the world seems to have a shortage of wiser people who can teach us meaningful values through example but Chis is definitly one of a kind who inspires everyone he meets. I asked Chris to do this interview after spending some time chatting with him at Stonehenge, he is a very humble man who shares his stories freely, he loves to chat and make people smile. 👍

[@YorkshireGirlinDarwin]

Beautiful man 🌷🇦🇺❤️

[@iriereilly24]

Chris is a legend 😊

[@craigdouglasmartens7037]

What a wonderfully gentle and emhic soul Chris is. Thank you for introducing him to us all. I'd consider it a great honour and privilege to meet him. I'd definitely follow a channel with him. Beautiful and graious life. We all need to learn to be more like him.

[@Mike-McIvor-Photography]

What a character Chris is and I can only imagine what it must feel like to be so free... you mentioned your friend being gassed in his van in Europe, well I can tell you as a retired international lorry driver, I knew of lots of cases of this happening to truck drivers all over Europe, but mostly I heard about it happening in parts Italy. So be carful where you park over night, laybys are never a good idea.

[@quirkydrift]

Wow Thanks for that Mike, Yer it was my mate Steve chatting to him whilst I kept filming, somebody mentioned it was a myth and not possible but I know the guy it happened to, scary to say the least. Thanks for your great comment Mike best wishes 👍

[@TrebordorTrebordor-ew1ql]

I met him in Dartmouth he’s a lovely guy

[@chrismcdonagh5108]

This guy and Fred Dibnah would have got on so well, peas in a pod! Brilliant video!

[@quirkydrift]

Thank you Chris much appreciated, i'm so happy Chris has received so many kind comments.

[@jamesantonywhitehead2814]

Thank you for this; Wizard Chris is The Living History of modern Britain... If there is someone to aspire to, Chris is the man.. The poetry Chris creates is something he did not mention.

[@ArgumentShow]

I used to live in Larkhill and play on Stonehenge and Woodhenge (not real known then) as a kid 45 years ago. no barriers. The free festival was the best of times. I was born in Manchester and remember the rag and bone men coming around pulled by horses. I wonder if it was his dad? (Blackly about 1968 i remember)

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

What a lovely guy, I love his van, it looks really cosy and I love all the barge art items❤

[@quirkydrift]

Yes it's very unique and very much Chris, I miss my self built van. Thanks for your kind comment Anne 👍

[@deborahgustafson8274]

I am so happy that he can live like he wants, I wish I could, but women aren't safe doing that. He has has people rob him and steal from him, all he wants is to be free.I wish him well!

[@quirkydrift]

Hi Deborah thank you for your comment. Yes I understand that. There are lots of women in the community and some have set up groups to support each other and arrange meetings and other socials. If you would like more information please feel free to send a friend request on my Facebook Quirky Drift. Our festival this year is set up to better support people in Vanlife Community and our message is you don’t need to be alone. Best wishes Nigel

[@jamesantonywhitehead2814]

Some of the strongest willed trailers are women... There is a separate support network for females.. The people that usually steal are those that have enough those without know to ask.

[@monty_sultana]

Chris is a awesome guy proper northern legend I’m from Manchester myself n been doing vanlife for 5 years ❤

[@oo-ww2qy]

met him a couple of times he's a wonderful man

[@quirkydrift]

He is thanks for commenting 👍

[@BRaff-hl4ip]

Glad to see that people like Chris are still greatly appreciated in this world. They have so much to offer by just being themselves and not what someone expects them to be.

[@quirkydrift]

great comment thank you, its fantastic to see so many positive and kind comments for Chris and who he is. 👍👍

[@vincentryals2478]

Such a lovely video. Thank you for posting. Due to poor health I don't get out to festivals anymore, but this video made me realise that when I did go in the past, that I was too intimidated by people like Chris to go up talk to them. What wasted opportunities with such special people like him. I recall Daevid Allen saying FEAR - false evidence appearing real. Hopefully that's a lesson I've learnt NOT too late? Great video!

[@clemguitar]

Chris is a proper down to earth bloke, a regular at the Beltane Bash

[@peaceforchildren4303]

wheres the beltane bash?

[@clemguitar]

@@peaceforchildren4303 this year it's in Peopleton near Pershore from 3rd - 6th of May

[@peaceforchildren4303]

great thanx! is it people camping with music..? or is it a big festival?@@clemguitar

[@clemguitar]

@@peaceforchildren4303 it's a small festival of around 400 - 500.people. There are 2 solar powered stages, one in a marquee and Sangers stage outside on a Horsedrawn wagon. The evening is the marquee only.

[@peaceforchildren4303]

great thanks!@@clemguitar

[@Dottydoraukexplorer]

Just love his truck ....spoken to him a few times when I've been up the henge. Totally authentic and humble chap who speaks words of wisdom and truth 😊

[@greenspiral2955]

Watching this in November, what a character!

[@KateAshworth]

If we had a pound for every time he said 'like, ya know', we'd be rich 🤪

[@user-eo6bk9sg5y]

Awesome van 🚐

[@neilwatson9581]

Deeply Vale. Yes AYE.

[@TC-jg3cz]

He looks exactly how I imagined someone who’s lived in a van for 30yrs

[@quirkydrift]

Lol well I have some years to go yet but at least I know what's coming!! 🤣 Thanks for your comment👍

[@orbsofsteel]

Brilliant, love living in a van, cant beat it, living the dream. Thanks for uploading what an interesting chap, miss the free festivals of the 80's & early 90's absolutely wild times 💫

[@quirkydrift]

Thank you for your great comment, keep on living it best wishes 👍👍

[@orbsofsteel]

@@quirkydrift Thanks, just discovered your channel will explore further. Give me a shout if you visit the north west Cumbria coast, still quite van friendly up here & a beautiful part of the country

[@quirkydrift]

@@orbsofsteel Thank you, will do. Lots of new content coming this year, just spent the winter editing and getting ready to be on the road moving again, Love Cumbria. see you out there 👍

[@DrencromC5]

Deeply Vale was amazing.....

[@anthonysunderland5387]

what a brilliant character Chris is, i would love to meet him a fellow Mancuniun

[@dismaldog]

What a great fella,love his walking sticks,me an ex spreads as well(plasterer).Bless this old fella.

[@johnhamilton5324]

The gassing story is an enduring urban myth. The Royal College of Surgeons ( when asked) stated it would take an enormous quantity of gas to put someone under in a van. Anaesthetic gases are also extremely expensive and if it was happening the inability to control the dosage would be resulting in fatalities .It is a fine line between being under and being dead, even in an operating theatre. Remember the siege in the cinema or theatre in Russia when the authorities used gas and killed many hostages? Anyroad hats off to Chris for being involved at Deeply Vale,one of the best free festivals along with Stonehenge of course.

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

Vans aren't known for being airtight, you'd probably need a gas tanker to do the deed😂 I've always thought it was just people having a few vinos before bed, then waking up with all their shit gone. I've get a rotty mastiff X, never had any issues in all my years on the road🤷

[@Mike-McIvor-Photography]

Well John, I cant argue against what you are saying, as I have no hard evidence, but what I can say is, after 30 yrs driving trucks (16 yrs international) I have been told on quite a few occasions (maybe 20+) by the drivers themselves, how they went to sleep and woke up in the morning with an empty cab. On most of these occasions no alcohol was consumed, yet they felt like they had a massive hangover and in a couple of cases empty cans of "easy start" had been found near by. A couple of the drivers had been told by police that this is a thing and often "easy start" had been used as a sedative (sleep drug) apparently it puts the intended target into a deep sleep. As I said I have no concrete evidence of this and some people may have used this as an excuse for loosing/spending money they shouldn't of, but I think no smoke without fire and I believe it was true in some cases.

[@craiggoodfellow1248]

Magic.

[@professorpepper]

Wonderful gentleman!

[@combrogi]

Anyone interested in donating a van. His mot runs out on the 12 April 2024. It had 346,429miles on it last year with lots of advisories so I'm guessing he could use a better one. 👍🏼

[@quirkydrift]

Thanks for your comment. Maybe ask him to reach out to the community if he needs help with repairs to get him through, I'm sure somebody will help do that I don't think he does social media, 👍

[@joeglabus7255]

What a guy ✊✊

[@LizWood-hc9ye]

What an amazing man

[@simongee8928]

Now here's a many I'd be happy to have a banter with - ! 😊

[@marthapage4756]

what a lovely gent!

[@nelliedownsouth2316]

I'm from Manchester/Salford.. 'Like, you know' he sounds like Fred Dibnah..from Bolton 👍🏻

[@quirkydrift]

@@nelliedownsouth2316 very much so, I met Fred and spent a day with him sorting some stone flags out, I come from Blackburn originally and I grew up with their type, if your from the north you’ll appreciate what I’m saying. What you see is what you get lol best wishes Nellie thanks for you comment 👍👍

[@consideredwhisper]

Met him in Dartmouth last year. Interesting chap.

[@Mercalons]

What a nice man

[@bearded653]

thank you what a great video, what a lovey man,new sub🙏

[@quirkydrift]

Thanks for your kind comment, its great to see so many fantastic comments for him. People seem to be seeing something in Chris that I did, something that is becoming too rare, it's still out there just a bit more difficult to find!! thats why I asked him to talk on film. Really appreciate the sub Thank you 👍👍

[@cheshirebowman4465]

This is a real English gentleman. Not many about nowadays. He would be my choice to talk to everyday. But a word of advice. Don't stay in one place too long they will claim it for a mosque. May you live forever bro. Keep doing what ever you need to keep doing.. Forever.

[@alanleahy2047]

He has life sussed...big respect..we're all guilty of being brainwashed and programmed...how much is enough?

[@fionawhiteford2128]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@quirkydrift]

Thank you Fiona I'm sure he will be delighted with that 😃

[@robwhite461]

Some people learn early in life what it means to be free, I often think it could be those who are old souls. The world is so full of control and distractions, you need to be awake about this fact, once you realise this it can go two ways, either you take action and make life changes (not that simple) or you just continue in the matrix. I’m in the middle, I’m conscious of it, but am finding it difficult to extract myself. One of the biggest issues is family, how do you just drop out? The other depressing thing is there are few like minded to talk to about it, most either don’t understand or are so caught up in the distraction that they are totally unawares, once you do awaken it can be very solitary. It’s my goal to free myself as much as possible, at least my journey has begun, I hope it grows! PS That patchwork wool jacket is amazing how artistically wonderful it is, where can you acquire one ? All the best Chris your an inspiration to many.

[@hookywookywithmalarkyman704]

WOW ! catweezle lives 🤣

[@JayneCooney-ku6vm]

Where are you in stone hence I'll come and buy one of your sticks I had a stroke four years ago I had my old faithful hospital sticks since I had it and it's a bit broken now anyway your brilliant

[@TheGoodlifeoffgrid]

Cris is a nice person met him a lot

[@DavidMcloughlin-kh1dr]

Good