Party in the Park 2011

I arrived on Friday morning in the wind and rain and thought to myself how much fun it was going to be to put up the marquees up. A few people had arrived on the Thursday evening and had already put 1 marquee up so there were only 3 left to go, this is going to be fun! As I also had to put my own tent up I thought I would wait for it to ease off so I wandered round in aid of shelter and to sort out what needed to be done, John and Val were kind to offer me shelter with a cup of tea only to find out that the rain had not changed all day. Not amused.

After some time the rain had finally backed off so I darted across the field to quickly put my tent up, in the time it took me to do this another marquee had appeared so I gave a helping hand to finish off the last two, thank you to everyone that helped erect them. Once this was done I had my little station ready for signing on, all I needed now was people to arrive. Buster arrived with the beer, this put a smile on a few faces but I couldn’t see many more people arriving that evening as the rain may have put them off as we did have a mini thunder storm!!

To my surprise though a couple pulled into the field and approached me, I was amazed to find out that they had travelled from Germany and were traveling round the UK and they happened to see LRE and our MROC signs. I conversed with John Messer and we were delighted to have them join us for the weekend giving them an experience to go home with.

Saturday Morning I looked out and saw some sunshine, this was nice as we had the Gymkhana and the BBQ planned, fingers crossed for no rain. I returned to the signing on tent hoping more people would show and as I waited patiently people started to arrive, over all we had 35 units, this was a good turnout.

As we stood around having a natter a Spitfire and a Hurricane flew right above our heads, they did a figure of 8 around the castle and the grounds. This was a great sight. I wish I could take credit for this but unfortunately I can’t. Oh well. Don’t know how I am going to top that next year!!!

As the afternoon approached Phil Baker appeared with news that the Gymkhana was ready. There were about 15 entrants ready to see what Phil had installed for us this year! I gave a helping hand so we could keep people moving, as the rain set in now and then but there were still lots of fun and laughter being heard from all around. I don’t know how he comes up with it sometimes. The winners this year were Richard and Ruth Smith, well done guys!

The BBQ was also good fun, once it was lit it was soon surrounded with people and their grub, not as much fun when it started to drizzle….again, but we didn’t let it interfere with us too much hehe.

After feeding time the marquee filled with people, it was nice to see so many people come together as there were so many faces I did not know. We started the evening with the raffle where there were lots of goodies waiting to be taken, after we played Hoi, what is this you ask?! It is like bingo but using playing cards as your numbers, it’s very easy to play and can get you on the edge of your seat, it was a giggle and everyone seemed to enjoy as it was something new and different. Between the raffle and Hoi we raised £132 for the Air Ambulance, thank you to everyone who donated and played, I hope you enjoyed the evening.

Once this had come to an end people were relaxed, drinking, and even dancing if I remember right Mr Smith and Mr Perks  Everyone was on their feet having a good time and fighting over who could get their song on next with Busters beer flowing nicely.

Sunday the Scenic Drive went well with 2 drives for people to experience off road driving in what they may not want to take off road, this was a gentle drive through the estate and then the extreme drive later on that went on a little longer than we thought but it was also great fun, though some got slightly more muddy than the rest of us, not mentioning any names Glenn…..oops!

Monday and it was time to pack it all away, at least the rain held off for us to do this!!

My thanks go out to everyone who participated in the weekend.

Thanks to John Messer, Richard Smith, Sarah Barron and John Kesterton for helping organise the event also to Phil Baker for the Gymkhana, Buster and his beer and to Land Rover Experience.

Thank you for all your hard work to make the weekend happen.

Hope to see you all again next year. That’s all for now!!

Sam Miller
Social Secretary
 

Hi

Some of you may know me and have seen me around as I like to get my hands in anything that is going and you may have seen driving around the field trying to dodge the trees in the R.T.V. My name is Sam I have taken on the role of Social Sec.

I am excited to be given this opportunity and would like to take on any ideas or feedback on any social events that occur throughout the year as it is your club also. I have helped out at a number of events so have met and know quite a few of you and would like to arrange something for everyone to enjoy as there is no reason doing a social event if no-one is going to turn up because it isn’t there scene. I enjoy a good knees up and a giggle and I am open to trying new things so please feel free to contact me at .

I am looking to changing and adding a few things which will hopefully attract new club members to join in the fun and making it a fun time for all to enjoy. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Sam Miller