Events (2008) pt 4

Crich

Liz Russell sent me this report and photos from Crich Tram Museum. 

"We got there on the Friday after what seemed like an endless drive. Helen, Kevin, Ellie, Hannah and I were on the campsite across the road from the tram museum which was very crowded. Others were camped in the museum itself above on the military campsite.

Friday night was spent in the pub in the museum, with music and some dancing to Paul Harper. Saturday was a washout, and after venturing over to the museum, meeting up with others, having a coffee and wandering around we ended up gong back to Helen and Kevin's caravan for lunch and the rest of the afternoon. Rain sort of stopped enough for us to go up to a barbecue that Frank and Angela had put on. Some then went to a dance in the local village hall while the rest of us ended up back in the pub, more music and a great atmosphere.

Sunday was much better as the sun shone, we went to the museum, had a ride on a tram and went in Johnny Newbould's Chevrolet Truck on the convoy. This was basically a ride around the museum twice! It was fun though! There were lots of stalls, lots of old cars, army vehicles and lots of people. Paul Harper was singing in the bandstand and there was a re enactment of a 1940's wedding. Hannah and I didn't stay 'til the end. I think there were about 20 from our group who went or people we knew."

Luxembourg

The Flitcrofts were on holiday when they spotted this display of military vehicles. While we might sometimes complain about our ability to attract and display large numbers of vehicle, I think we may have been particularly disappointed at this showing. The show was advertised as the International Show in Classic Motor Vehicle magazine.

Silverdale - Leeds Childrens' Home

Our new literary star has produced a report on Bob's latest event at the Leeds Children's Home in Silverdale. Thanks for this Graham.

"The Silverdale event is held twice a year at Easter and in September at the Leeds Children’s home a couple of miles to the north of the village of Silverdale the most northerly village in Lancashire, which leans gently against the gateway to the Lake District. The home is situated on the Morecambe bay coast line on a headland which gives the most spectacular views of Grange over Sands. The sunsets are stunning and some of the best you will ever see. In short the setting is idyllic.

Unlike most event where visitors have to put up tents, for a moderate fee you can sleep in the warmth and comfort of dorms which can accommodate up to 20 men and 20 women ( separated into male and female units ). There are superb showers and washing facilities plus the use of a large fully fitted kitchen so you can cook “your full English” with ease. Some people opt to bring their own caravans but these places are limited.

Once upon a time the Silverdale September event was just billed as a crank down. A few members of the SCNL MVT sitting around chewing the fat or counting the rivets on each others jeeps. Both the Friday and the Saturday nights were spent up at Woodlands Pub mixing with the locals some friendly some not so friendly. The Saturday night featured a sort of dance in an overcrowded room with some 40`s music that was rather difficult to dance to.

At the 2007 Easter event after a few pints and a couple of skirmishes with some hostile locals we decided that we would utilise one of the rooms at the children’s home and put on our own dance on the Saturday night. Since that first dance things have just got better and better culminating in our latest extravaganza “Silverdale`s got Talent”. Friday night started with a lamb curry provided by Sue from NWMC then Karaoke hosted by “TC without tash”. Saturday was a busy day starting with the Battle in the woods at the Leeds Children’s home which was put on free by the North West Military Collectors, the proceeds going to that charity, followed by a road run to the Ship Inn at Sandside. Saturday night was the dance with entertainment breaks provided by English Outback (Anthony and Callum) a rock duo making their first appearance in the UK, Ian Wray who performed a comic monologue and Sneak Preview (Gary and Mike) a vocal duo who performed both contemporary and traditional songs. A big thank you to Christine and Shelia for organising the raffle and those people who donated prizes. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed a super evening including the trustee of the home who attended. The event was blessed with superb weather making it altogether the best event ever at this venue. A special thanks goes out to Bob and Sandra Lindsay who work tirelessly to make this event a weekend to remember for all the right reasons. The total amount raised for the home was £1170.00 which exceeded last years total."

Carnforth Brief Encounter

With very little notice John and Elaine Ward pulled together the first of what may become a regular event at the Brief Encounter cafe at Carnforth Railway station. They had been approached by the museum owners to help put on a forties weekend, focusing on the cafe and station that had featured in the film Brief Encounter. Camping was arranged on a field overlooking the sea but due to the weather only a few brave souls made use of it. Saturday was wet all day so the road run was postponed until the Sunday. Fortunately there was plenty of shelter under the platform's roof. A few vehicles, Jeeps and a Dodge were on display on the platform while the larger REO, Mowag and LandRover used the car park at the front of the station. Quite a few re-enactors turned up to make the place look authentic. I took my camera but due to the cold (that's my excuse) the batteries were flat before I'd taken one photo, so I have no vehicle photos to show. Entertainment and a dance were arranged for the Saturday night, by which time I had rubbed the batteries and warmed them up so was able to take a few photos in the cafe area.

Sunday was a hot sunny day, but I couldn't make it to Carnforth. The photos on the Ingleton Homeguard site show bright sunshine and people enjoying themselves. Clearly this was the better day to have been there. Well done to John and Elaine for arranging this event.

Remembrance Sunday

Saturday and Sunday were spent in the cold and damp collecting for the Royal British Legion. On Saturday the location was Forton Services and on Sunday at Churchtown Memorial Hall. Photographs were taken by Dave Forshaw. Dick Newbould was asked to say a few words at Churchtown following the 2 minutes silence. Once the money collected has been counted, I'll hopefully be able to tell you how much was raised.

Churchtown Funday

Churchtown Funday was held in aid of charity so a number of our members went along to join in the event. I don't have any details of what went on, but I have been sent some photos.