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Southern Centres
26th – 29th August 2011
Apps Court Farm, Walton-on-Thames 26th – 29th August 2011
We were enrolled as Centre Line Officers back in February and we were slightly wary of our duties as the weekend came closer, we needn’t have worried as there were so many people around us to help out, many thanks to all.
We arrived on Wednesday morning to set up and welcome our West Sussex members from mid-day.
We were expecting 11 vans over the next few days but welcomed 5 additional visitors to our line which was great. Wednesday was a day of leisure and enjoying the delights of the Thames as we were fortunate enough to be sited next to the towpath with direct access to the river and a beautiful working lock.
Thursday bought a bit of rain in the morning and a scattering of vans to site. Thanks to South London we had the luxury of an on-site bar providing fine ales and cider amongst other beverages, which opened daily. The evening entertainment which was held in the extensive marquee started with Bingo and ended up with Mickey T (South London) providing an excellent disco and an opportunity to boogie on down!
Friday bought a bit of rain in the morning and saw the last of the vans arriving to enjoy the weekend.
Today the on-site burger bar, run by West Surrey, opened which provided food all weekend. We were entertained in the evening by Clive Cope, a family orientated comedian who kept us amused with family jokes and quizzes. We were also given the opportunity to sign up for the many games and competitions to be held over the weekend; such as WellieWanging, Croquet, Lawn Darts,
Horseshoe flinging, Bat-and-Trap, Boule, Connect 4, Cribbage, Darts, football, Hagar’s chess,
reversing and handicrafts.
Saturday started off with a bit of rain and a full English breakfast, that was on sale most mornings (which saved Fran slaving over a hot stove) and set me up for all the activities that we had signed up for. Prior to the opening ceremony, entries for the handicraft and children’s competitions were submitted and Gary’s Circus workshop entertained both kids and aduts, which was great fun. The fun continued after the official ceremony with fun and games for all to participate in together with a Summer Fete; thanks to all who obviously put a lot of hard work into organising both the games and Fete. The highlight of the day’s games was the 5-a-side football match between East Kent and a mixture of West and East Sussex boys; it was a hard fought game by both players and spectators!
The game was finally won on penalties by our boys! Many were left horse from cheering our lads on – well done boys! The day finished with a round of Bingo and an absolutely fabulous group called Abalicious / Red Hot 80’s that had everyone on the dance floor reminiscing to the good old Abba and 80’s tunes.
Sunday started off with a full English from the on-site café followed by a church service. The competitions continued with darts and the finals of the previous day’s activities together with falconry displays, ferret racing and the reversing competition which seemed extremely popular with both participants and spectators alike. Scott decided not to enter so as not to embarrass any other entrants with his exceptional reversing skills (not) as this included a trailer. Centre flagpoles allowed us to give out certificates and plaques to the West Sussex winners and runners up in the various competitions we entered. This was followed with, we have to say, the best evening of the weekend by a duo group called Frank ‘n’ Stein. We weren’t sure what to expect but they were brilliant, a couple of guys doing comedy impressions of pop stars. We haven’t laughed so much in a long time and the impression of David Bowie doing ‘Bowel Control Has All Gone’ was hilarious! Other impressions included Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Oasis, Ozzy Osborne, Freddie Mercury and many more, to name but a few. An excellent night was had by all.
Monday included the fancy dress competition and the closing ceremony together with a huge raffle.
Although the majority of people went home, a few stayed on to enjoy yet another enjoyable evening including Bingo and a pub quiz and the last of the alcohol in the bar – it was fair run dry by the time we went to bed!
All in all an absolutely enjoyable weekend which I recommend everyone try if they haven’t already!
We have had a great time in an enjoyable location, with the added benefit of a 2 day car boot sale, on site, for those wishing to browse for a bargain. Thanks to the committee who put 2 years planning into the event – a brilliant time was had by all!
Scott & Fran Phillips
Rallies