If you are expecting self-indulgent pretentious bollocks then read on - you won't be disappointed. In any case, I offer no apology and nor do I offend easily. So work on it.

On the Origins of South of Watford:
My day job as editor of a UK trade magazine takes me all over the place. As people say, 'It's a dirty job - but someone has to do it.' In reality I turn down around 90% of the invitations I receive to visit companies who are keen to have their products written about.

But, every now and then, the publisher insists I go and talk to some of his clients from 'up north'. Over the years the issue has built up to the point where this rare occurrence is a bit of a joke and known as 'Ian's Northern Tour'.

For me, the North/South divide begins at Watford. I don't drive further than Watford unless forced to do so at gun point or there is some serious money involved (Did I say I was a freelance writer as well?) So, I am normally driven to far flung places such as Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds by our Sales Director.

This web site has been put together as a result of my quest to find and own the scooter I always wanted but could never afford the first time around, circa 1969. That dream scooter being a Lambretta SX200. And guess what? You know I still can't afford an SX200 so I've done the next best thing as far as I am concerned and that is to have a Series 3 Li150 restored from the ground up to look like an SX200. If I ever did get the money together for a 'real' one I don't think I would have the bollocks to get it out the garage and ride it so what the hell.

Anyway, so what about this South of Watford thing? From early Google based research it soon became evident that most of the 21st Century Lambretta action in the UK occurs North of Watford.

Hence 'South of Watford' was immediately conceived as a means of addressing this imbalance. No, not really. It's more about my fascination with all things Lambretta, a rose tinted retrospective memory of scootering in the late 1960's, a general liking of retro objects and the fact that the domain name was available.

Read on if you can be arsed. Use the nav on the left to click through the years and you will eventually get to the SX200 I now own. The trouble is... I now fancy a TV175

Told you this was bollocks - but you're still here so click on 1967

Just one last thing. Outside of the family the main love of my life, as you just might have noticed is football and in particular, Chelsea FC. It's a labour of love fending off all the stick but I'm long term - my first game was Chelsea 2-2 Nottingham Forrest in 1961. My dad and uncle took me and now I take my kids. The new scooter will be in Chelsea colours, the third choice kit to be precise - see shirt picture on the right.

Update: No scooters for 36 years and then you get three all at once come along. July 19th - a second Lambretta purchased and a Vespa PX210 Malossi - use the links on the left.

Go on, click 1967 before you drop off.