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Rough Rider · Strata Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 403

Hi guys just got back to Wales after 5 hours driving.
Well what can you say about the weekend..............
Fab weather, fab company, fab entertainment. It was really great to see you all again, and also make new friends.
A HUGE THANKS to Nev once again for organising it all Very Happy

( I don't know how you do it Nev??)
Thought the Gorrilla was brill Laughing

Who was in the costume?????????????????????????? Laughing

Roll on next years Gong Show Laughing

Already got a few ideas Wink

Ryan
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Roll on 2011 "RATTLER" here we come!!
DENISE DINN LARRICK & CHARLIE BOY, WALK ON WATER.
"RATTLER" LIVES ON.
You haven't ridden a coaster till you've ridden "RATTLER"
"RYAN"......One of the original "MUSKEGON 4"

c anderson · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 7:16 pm Post subject:

As Ryan as said, the Bash was another fantastic time, the Gorilla was a sissy with a welsh grunt !! Can't guess who it was but it was a great idea and was well done. Thanks to all the performers on the shows, the staff and the brilliant organisation that is Andy Hine. Great to meet evrybody again, especially Jonathan, who found my wallet when I dropped it, a life saver.
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Regards
C Anderson

coastergraham · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 8:09 pm Post subject:

One question for all you guys who went to the bash.

How was the Grand National running?
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RapterGirl · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 8:17 pm Post subject:

I had a cracking weekend and was great to make some new friends.

The Gorilla act should of won, but then I already told you that! Thanks to everyone at the Broadway hotel for making me feel like one of the gang.

Hugs xx
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RCCGB Membership No. 2374

Nimmykins · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 8:20 pm Post subject:

Paul and I have been back for a couple of hours now, but needed a rest after our 5 1/2 hour train journey.

What a fantastic weekend. Good fun, great park, brilliant friends.

It really struck me during the show on Friday night (the standard of performers improving year on year) just how much time, effort and research goes into making the Blackpool Bash the full-on weekend of entertainment it is.

We were very impressed with Craig Harper. who put his all into his performance. I don't watch Britain's Got Talent, but thought he proved himself to be a great entertainer.

I was very impressed with the way the Pleasure Beach is being improved. The fountains were beautiful and the Art Deco look of the new and revamped areas was very classy.

The atmosphere in the park was also great with lots of families looking like they were really enjoying themselves.

Fingers crossed Rollercoaster, Trauma Towers and Noah's Arch will return soon.

Saturday night's show was superb. Well done to all those who took part.

I don't get to see the whole gong show, but I feel The Coaster Club Boys were robbed! Fortunately I did get to see the whole thing in rehearsal and you lot missed a treat! Wink

Bunnie.. inspired!

The Gorilla in the Mist was superb, I will be uploading the video to You Tube.

Unfortunately because Nemesis Nick was on last, I'd already gone back stage. Paul filmed some of it for me though.

I would recommend taking part in the gong show. I've done it twice... and Penitrating Russian Theatre may return in the future... if you're unlucky!

To end, thank you Nev, for spending your time putting this wonderful weekend together.

Thanks to all those at Blackpool Pleasure Beach for putting in the extra work involved for our visit and being super-friendly. (Which reminds me I must put in a customer service comment about the Zipper Dipper man, he's such a star!)

See you all next time.
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Plus four travelling coasters including Olympia Looping and Eurostar.

mophead · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 11:58 am Post subject:

Well what a great weekend. Friday started with a grim drive to Leicester to meet Terry before we headed on to Alton Towers. The towers were pretty packed but we managed rides on the rapids, haunted house, Nemisis, Air and Rita. Can't say I like the interior of the new cable cars (the old ones were more comfortable and socialble) but the outsides look cool. Soon it was time to head over to Blackpool and the traffic wasn't too bad.

Really enjoyed the friday show specially the last act - much more fun than a dance in a shower - and all too soon it was time to head back to the hotel.

Saturday brought great weather (and unfortunatly for us huge crowds). The Big One, Steeplechase and Grand National all provided great ERS's and there was wall to wall sunshine all day epecially welcome after our late afternoon ride on Valhalla!

The Coaster Crazy show provided non stop entertainment and was fantastic fun. I especially liked Andy Hunters choregraphed fight sequence in the Gong Show and was impressed by Nemisis Nick's passion for his art....

Sunday was another fantastic day weatherwise and the park was much emptier. The ERS on the Big Dipper was fantastic - almost as good as an American ERS - but I did make the mistake of a couple of early goes on the thrill ride - my ears still hurt! After some socialising over coffee it was time for some more riding. Unfortunatly after a ride on the mouse my sunglasses (which were in my pocket) ended up in several pieces. The Big One was a walk on so we had several goes before heading off around the park. Later in the afternoon we left the beach for a stroll along the pier. We enjoyed most of the rides there except the ghost train which was the most rough, terrifyingly unstable and painful ghost train I have ever been on! Then it sadly it was home time. Luckily as we didn't leave till 5:45pm traffic on the motorway was fairly light and I eventully made it home in an impressive 4 1/2 hours.

Thanks Nev and roll on the next trip.
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Jester · Site Admin Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 317

butler · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 2:26 pm Post subject:

Bravo Jester Bravo!!
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amigasat · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:10 pm Post subject:

Well i've done it again, my Bash photo's and comments are all up, all 252 of them so I hope you enjoy them! I'm currently doing the club's trip report so this should be available later this evening.

Have Fun and see you in a theme park soon..........

Dave
Founder Member of The Famous Muskegon 4
Member of the "First to be denied SAW by Technical Failure" club
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Next Trip : Early 2010
Coming soon Muskegon 2010

Goodwood · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:22 pm Post subject:

This will be a short report as you are bound to get very detailed ones later

BASH 2009

Good weather
Good company (you know who you all were)
Good riding
Good entertainment (mostly!)
Good outfits
Good laugh
Good fun
Good hotel (Langroyd, where else!?)

Think that about sums it up in a few words Razz

Almost forgot.......Dodgy Jokes Laughing

Oh and my youngest daughter Cara was just tall enough to ride Avalanche for the first time, nervous on the way up, continuous giggling on the way down.......will be tall enough for the Big Dipper next year (and maybe more!)...she'll soon be catching up with Amy (My sister!!) Wink

Auntie Murial · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:29 pm Post subject:

Cheers Nev for an truly amazing Blackpool Bash, as Ryan said, I just dont know how you do it !! Very Happy

The Weather on Thursday when I left Reading, heading towards Nottingham was dreadful and I feared for the worst weatehr wise for the weekend. However, after staying at Chris's ( Trax ) house on the thursday evening we both headed off friday morning to find glorious sunshine for the rest of the weeked.

Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed the addition of the new dancing water show outside Trauma Towers, and felt this was one of the highlights of the trip along with great company, entertainment, rides and lots of alchol Smile

Was great too see old friends and great to see some new faces too.

Looking forward to the next event.

Twisted Evil

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stealth fan · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:47 pm Post subject:

Like Mophead, we started at Alton Towers, which was heaving. Me and Mum met them in the queue for the Monorail, which was round by the toilets. It was a shame to see a big gap where Corkscrew once stood. Managed 1 on Hex, 1 on Rita and 5 on Nemesis SRQ.
Thanks Nev for, to me, the best Blackpool Bash I have been to. The weather was superb, the fountains were a great addition.
Good to see people again aswell. I'm still laughing at Craig Harper doing all 5 members of Boyzone

Pics are on Facebook, video to come to youtube soon.
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Rogue · Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 3865

Thanks Nev for organising a great weekend.

Had a great time in the company of great friends, was also fab getting to chat to people who I have not chatted to much before.

Thoroughly enjoyed running round in the fountains (even if it was a bit cold) and had fun in my short stint in the gong show.

100% agree with Kev on his Bash 2009 summary, don't think I can add much more to that apart from changing some of the "goods" to "greats"
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Membership Number 2210a
"Don't stop me now, I'm having such a good time"

coastergraham · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 7:54 pm Post subject:

Beaker · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 8:22 pm Post subject:

Personally I think the Gorilla in the Mist was DOOMED to fail Laughing

Good weekend in good company and good weather (better than in was in the Meridian TV area).
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AndyT · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 8:44 pm Post subject: I had a great time too

I feel like I am beginning to get to know you all. My first gong show was great. I liked the improvisation:

"Shout out what you would like me to do"
"get off"

Genius. Laughing

Regarding the Grand National, I thought the red train was a bit slow, and ended up getting thoroughly beat, but the green and blue trains had a good race.

I didn't realise there was so much fantastic air to be had at the back of the Big Dipper too!

Thanks to everyone who had something to do with the Bash: Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Coaster Crazy People, Friday night people, Andy H, and everyone who turned up.

I've put some photos on my flickr site. see link in my sig.

Andy T
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stealth fan · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:00 pm Post subject: Re: I had a great time too

stevencaine · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:01 pm Post subject:

Thank you so much for an amazing weekend Cool

see you on the Usa trip not long now Wink

bradpeet · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:56 pm Post subject: Re: I had a great time too

oblivion · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:56 pm Post subject:

Havn't really got much more to add really, another fantastic trip and thanks to everyone for making me feel like part of the group as I was feeling a bit wierd without simon there! Cheers Nev for another great Blackpool Bash, roll on the next trip! x

Meep · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 11:11 pm Post subject:

Was well good, isn't it.

Steven Burns · Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 1777

isn't it though Very Happy

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RCCGB No. 2293

nemesis scribe · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 12:58 pm Post subject:

Wow, what a stunningly fantastic weekend.

Great weather, great friends, great shows, sparkroyd-ly stunning hotel and not a broken shower cord in sight!!

Thanks to Nev and everyone for making it special.

Oh, and if anyone dis-agree's that the weekend wasnt good, then i shall get the 'naan man' to come and get ya!!! Twisted Evil

hahahaha (eh Graham hehehe)

Billy the Kid aka McAdam Very Happy

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Andy Hine MBE · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:56 pm Post subject:

Provisional dates for Blackpool Bash 2010 "Toga, Toga Toga" are:

Friday 9th - Sunday 11th April

I hope to confirm by the end of the week.
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butler · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:59 pm Post subject:

Rough Rider · Strata Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 403

Magic · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 3:44 pm Post subject:

c anderson · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 4:01 pm Post subject:

Toga is next years theme.
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C Anderson

coaster-andy · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 4:34 pm Post subject:

Goodwood · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:33 pm Post subject:

100% agree with Kev on his Bash 2009 summary, don't think I can add much more to that apart from changing some of the "goods" to "greats"

Did think of putting a number of "greats" Bunnikins but wanted to try to convey the lovely relaxed, sunny atmosphere, the chilling out time etc... Cool

Hope everyone made it back safely Sunday or Monday Smile

And let me add my thanks to all the others Nev....the Bash gets better and better, here's looking forward to next year and hopefully more sunshine Very Happy

Steven Burns · Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 1777

My best picture says it all again Very Happy

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stev...sizes/o/in/set-72157615563943491/

The rest here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevie-b/collections/72157609017161370/

Was a realy great weekend.
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RCCGB No. 2293

STEALTHYBUTBAD · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:11 pm Post subject:

It was an amazing and great weekend ! I travelled up to the Langroyd Hotel (wont stay anywhere else) on the thursday night After finishing unexpectedly earlyier than planned at work due to them ending my contract ! (thanks !). Anyway , Back onto the trip report (the "naan man" aint about is he ? lol) Friday was a very sunny dayeven if it was a bit windy. Waited for some of my other Coaster club friends including the now famous Lorraine ! to turn up. After they had got themselves sorted out , we went out for a walk , got some lunch. After lunch , a walk up to the sealife center whilst taking some photos on the way of the Blackpool tower and some other bits of scenery (not including the "naan man" lol). After a look round the sealife center , ice cream , then a quick ride on the tram to south pier.
The evening had great entertainment and i enjoyed it very much. After getting my picture taken with Craig Harper it was time to head back to the hotel for a quick drink or two.
Saturday was an early start for breakfast. After getting my cameras together and packed in my bag , it was time to make the way to the paradise room to get everything needed for the day. I managed just 1 ride on the big one in the e.r.s and no rides on the steeplechase. After the e.r.s a go on Bling , then some other of the rides until it was time to get lunch. After lunch , back out to the park to get some more riding in. The e.r.s on the Grand National had been moved forward by an hour being at 4pm instead of 5pm. After the e.r.s a few more rides before leaving to go back to the hotel to get ready for the evening.
The evening was as good as ever with some good and some interesting acts. Bunnys act i have to think was brilliant as was the gorilla !. The party was good too with the ever popular "Danzing" thrown in for good measure followed by "amarillo".
Sunday was another nice and sunny day and the E.r.s's were good on the big dipper and infusion - 5 rides on the big dipper and 1 on the infusion
. After the e.r.s it was time to say goodbye to a few people and then went for a quick trek to the South pier where i had a go on the "Crazy mouse" which stands up to its name ! - my legs havent quite recovered lol. After the south pier it was time to say goodbye to Duncan , Spinner and Mini me. I went back onto the pier for some pics and video and then headed into the pleasure beach to do more of the rides where i met up with some of the Langroyd possie who i hung round with before we went back to the Langroyd to get ready for the evening Which included meeting the "naan man" (just thought id give the "naan man" a mention or 2 adam ! lol).
Monday morning , it was time to get packed up and ready to leave the hotel. I was informed that everyone who had stayed at the langroyd hotel (the best hotel there is) including the owners were going to alton towers for the day so i decided to tag along with them all for the day and we had a great day even though i wasnt feeling 100%. I eventually got home at about 9:30pm.

I would like to thank Nev for all the hard work he puts into making the Bash as brilliant as it is ! , John and jane who own and run the Langroyd hotel for their great hospitality and i would like to thank everyone else who let me hang round with them in the Pleasure Beach - You know who u all are ! - A fantastic bunch of friends !.
I would like to thank the "naan man" (adam) for making a surprise appearance !.
I would like to apologise if this report went on a little bit (i was just warming u all up for some of the longer and more detailed reports to come !)

Hope to see everyone Soon !

nemesis scribe · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:48 am Post subject:

bluea61 · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:25 am Post subject:

Excellent weekend, had good fun with the usual crowd. Not much more to add to what everyone has said really!! Alton was a great add on.

Watch out Graham, Naan Mans goona get you! Laughing

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Steve
RCCGB - 2355

Boo · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 3:26 pm Post subject:

Don't really think theres much i can add to previous trip reports!
Had a great weekend and think it may of been the best trip i have ever been on!
Great weather, great friends great place!! ... and the best hotel ever!!!

The alton towers add on was great too.
I have never laughed so much over an Indian...Graham i hope you didnt have nightmares of naan man Wink

hehe

Many thanks to Nev for organising the trip, to my Dad Razz

for buying me the trip for my Christmas present and too all the people who made the weekend so amazing!!

Rogue · Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 3865

ForeverBlue · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 4:30 pm Post subject: Thanks Everyone

We would just like to say a big thank you to all of you that stayed with us over the weekend. We had a fantastic time with all of you here - by far the best weekend of our year. Thanks also, to those of you that popped in for a beer on Friday & Saturday night - it was nice to catch up with some old faces & meet some new ones!

A big thank you to Nev for all the hard work that goes into making the bash such a blast!

Sunday was fantastic....HUGE thank you to Steve, Hayley, Andy, Bunnie, Amy, Dan, Graham & Adam (Naan man) for the most entertaining meal we have ever had! Laughing

Just hope we are allowed back to the Indian Restaurant! Rolling Eyes

Also, thanks for encouraging us to "throw a sickie" & join you at AT on Monday.

We have had an amazing weekend & the add on was a perfect way to round it off!
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stevencaine · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:04 pm Post subject: Re: Thanks Everyone

looping lee · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:28 pm Post subject:

Wow what an awsome weekend ! Many thanks to Andy and all the Acts ( pro's and Am's ) the staff at the pleasure beach for the great ers's ( big dipper crew were stars ! Laughing

) everyone i spent time with Laughing

! And John and Jane at the 'Langroyd' simply the best hotel there is in Blackpool ! Very Happy

Yee Haa ! Bring on the Toga's !!!!!!!!!

bradpeet · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:54 pm Post subject:

Not much else to say really.

Fantastic company, fantastic weather, fantastic entertainment. Thanks Nev.

There are a few photos that I took on Sunday here http://www.facebook.com/album.php...amp;id=647566453&l=cfde9d87ca
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nemesis scribe · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:55 pm Post subject:

Hahaha, regarding the already mentioned superb Langroyd, how many people got the following from thrie hotelliers:

1) Rollercoaster biscuits (ohhhhhh yessssss)
2) A genuine personalised McDonalds badge (ohhh yesss)
3) A brand new shower to destroy at your own time of choosing (ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yesssssssssssssssssss)
4) A life time of memories, aaaawwwwww . . . .

Thanks J & J, sparkroyd 4eva Laughing

Naaaaan Man mwah ha ha ha ha ha . . .
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Rogue · Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 3865

Rogue · Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 3865

For those who enjoyed Craig Harper have found these videos on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd_P2GnG9Iw (audition)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCK1Dm2N-gw (semi final)
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Rachel
Membership Number 2210a
"Don't stop me now, I'm having such a good time"

smiler · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:32 pm Post subject:

Well same as above Laughing

What a great weekend it was. Pictures can be found here and some on my main website on thursday plus a video of the fountains to.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10803540@N02/collections/
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Photos updated (14/12/09) Winter wounderland and the O2 fair

Flicr photos update (14/12/09)
Video update (03/11/09)

Death · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 12:07 am Post subject:

Hail all!

I have to confess that trip report writing has never been one of my finer skills nowadays, but I'll try and make a decent effort here. Cool

Friday, 17th April 2009CE:
Although I'd originally meant to get up at 03:00 and take a side-trip to Alton Towers on the way up, I got a bit waylaid with last minute preperations and overslept. However, having to head straight for Blackpool at least meant that I managed to enjoy some very nice high-speed Pendolino thrashage on the way up! Indeed, the usual Club member "meets and greets" started a little earlier for me this year as I wound up catching the same train from Preston that Gareth was using! Cool

After dropping Gareth off at the Broadway (And bumping into Ryan H and Dan in the process) and finding that the owners of my hotel were out, I decided to wander over to South Pier to Kill a couple of hours...Where I unexpectedly bumped into Bunnie, Chris, Coaster Toaster, Smiler and all the rest! After some good clean phun in the bar and managing to check in to my hotel later on, Friday Phun ensued! Unfortunateley - Being rather tired from the trials of the day (Or maybe just having a bad pint) - I can't actually remember much about the night...Sorry! Confused

Saturday, 18th April 2009CE:
As (re)planned, our ERSs on the Big One and Steeplechase began at 09:00. Although I enjoyed a couple of rides on the Big One for old times sake (Cue Nev saying "Ooo-err Mister!" Laughing

), I have to say that this year I actually enjoyed the Steeplechase ERS better. Mind you though, that could just be because the Steeplechase can be ridden like a Hayabusa on fire if one knows what they are doing...And using a small technique of my own crafting, I only missed first place in two of the numerous rides that I took that day! Very Happy

I spent the rest of the morning walking around the park with another Chris that I'd bumped into (Can't remember thy surname...Apologies!) and not riding much, mainly because the ride queues were far too long for our liking. We decided to be the first onto the Big Dipper by turning up just before 12:00 to get a good spot in the queue, only to witness a ride op amend the opening time to 13:00 just after we arrived. Confused

Worse still though was noting the number of other attractions that appeared to be closed permanently - Including Noah's Ark, Golden Nuggets, Space Invader (Unlike most of ye, I like the ride!), the original haunted swing inside Illusion, Trauma Towers, and - Worst of all - The Rollercoaster. Crying or Very sad

Hopefully, what I'm thinking to be permanent closures will simply turn out to be temporary closures for refurbishment and overhaul, and these rides'll all be back for next season. They may not be world renowned attractions, but they serve to reduce the queues on the parks main rides...And in that capacity alone, they serve a very important duty. Aside from that, the history and cultural value of the Rollercoaster really warrants it becoming a permanent and Grade-I listed attraction in my view. Smile

Lunch was the usual RCCGB affair, but it's good to see that BPB are saving the environment a little by only issuing one voucher for both food and drink, insted of the two vouchers we used to receive! Incidentally...Did anyone recognise what kind of chicken they were serving there? I've had chicken breast before, but that's the first time I've ever found so much meat inside the carcass! It tasted damn good too, IMO...Well done BPB! Cool

Skipping forward to the Grand National ERS; This was simply awesome as always, and it's great to be able to experience the true camaradrie of the Club once again! As a chuckle-worthy side note, it's worth pointing out that the slowest train on the 'Nash that day - Coming in at last place on each run - Was the one that BPB named after Nev! As an experiment of curiosity, I'm going to have to stuff a couple of my industrial strength coffees down Nev's throat next year before the ERS and see if "his" train runs faster than all the others put together! Twisted Evil

And on the subject of historical rides: I also spent a bit of my day later on having a close look at the control/mechanical systems and available historical info for Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machine, especially as I was astounded by the ride having been running for 105 constant years now - And showing no sign of slowing up just yet! Just in case anyone else is interested, the ride itself uses an 1890CE tram speed controller for all of it's operations (There's no computer or similar mechanical device controlling the ride - The operator controls it manually, operating it in the same way to how one might operate a tram) and even after 105 years of operation, the thing is still running on it's original 1898CE vintage DC motors! Shocked

Anyhow...I see that I've already written enough about Saturday to fill a years worth of AIRtime, so I'm going to put a sock in it for the most part. However, I have to say that the Coaster Crazy show itself was a real eye opener for me this year, and thoroughly enjoyable! Given that she can't be any older than five, Libby must be one very brave girl to be able to stand up on stage on her own and perform in front of 300+ people, and IMO her act really deserves a special mention. Cool

Of course, there was also the Gong show which had me in complete stiches for reasons that many will probabally be able to figure out. To be perfectly honest, I thought that Nev was trying to catch me on the hop (I'm a bit of a Steelie, so I wouldn't put it past him!) and so I started for the stage desperateley trying to think of some kind of act to put on, when Bunnie ran out from behind the curtain! Laughing

Personally speaking though, I reckon Bunnie did a better job of impersonating "Death" than I do! Shocked

Sunday, 19th April 2009CE:
Unfortunateley, I wound up missing the Sunday ERSs as I had some important and more pressing business to attend to elsewhere, and that - Coupled with the after-effects of a late night at the Langroyd - Is why I wasn't present at the Sunday events. Hopefully, ye all had a damn ace time there all the same though! Cool

Although I'd planned to shift along to North Wales after the 'Bash, a 45 minute slog up the 'Mile led me to the central tourist info and hotel booking office...Which - In true Murphy's fashion - Turned out to be closed on Sundays (WTF? This is Britains' biggest seaside resort we're talking about! Shocked

). Thus, I was relegated to a direct journey back home again...Although listening to some decent, hard 'n' fast Thrash and Industrial Metal at 145mph on the train back to London was a slight consolation for that! Twisted Evil

Notes, mentions and other errata...

Special Hails and heartfelt thanks unto:
- Bunnie - Thy Gong Show act meant something very special to me personally, and it touched my heart in a very positive way. I won't ever allow myself to forget what ye did there upon that night...And just how appreciated it made me feel!
Hails unto...
- Ginette, Chris, Ianto, Dan, Smiler, Mr/s Stewart, and everyone else from the "Coaster Toasted" group - As I call 'em!
- Ickle Stevie B, Meep, Mad Mamma C, Delroy and others from the DDP Krew,
- Dan and family from near Macclesfield (I believe that was thy name anyway, although I've got a terrible memory...I joined thy table on the Saturday night, and shook hands with ye on 'Nash's lift-hill during the ERS. )
- Mary and Andy Knight (As always! )
- Paul and Sarah (Nimmykins) - Great to see ye again at the Bash after all this time!
- "Y'r Grwpiau Cymraeg" - A.K.A; Ryan H, Gareth P, Dolly and Sally the sheep, and the rest of "That Welsh Lot"!
- The Coaster Police, and any other groups or individuals who miss the sheer raw power and grunt of Paxman Valenta thrash!
- Anyone else who I may have forgotton due to my goldfish-like memory...Blame the Ale for that!
Thanks unto:
- Andy Hine MBE (As always!) for organising yet another highly successful and most memorable trip...And also taking the time and effort to furnish me with some in-depth info on USA trips as well!
- All of the staff and management at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Or is that "Pleasure Beach Blackpool" now? ) for having us around again, making us all feel very welcome, and managing to put up with Nevs sense of humour for yet another year! We'll definitely be coming back with even more next year (As in: Both a greater number of attendees, and a worse standard of Nevs jokes!) and look forward to seeing ye all again!
- The proprieters at The Broadway, The Verdo, The Langroyd, and every other hotel that put us up (And put up with us!) over the weekend!
  .
Be(a)st bits of the trip:
- Bunnie's act in the Gong Show - Top notch without a doubt! Many thanks for that again, Bunnie!
- Being able to travel unto those sacred Northern Realms for the first time in a very, very long year!
- Managing to out-pace nearly everyone on the Steeplechase, finding a decent ride accelleration technique, and finding that the Steeplechase makes a good surrogate APT "driving" simulator to boot!
- Managing to find out about and part-explore the Steampunk mystique of the Hiram Maxim, and marvelling at it's long heritage!
- Being able to see everyone again after a long and boring closed season in a decent, comfortable setting, (As opposed to within the deep, icy waters of Thorpe's car-park! )
Wurst bits of the trip:
- Ginette getting whip-lash on the Big One during the ERS, and having to sit a lot of the day out as a result.
- Finding so many classic and much loved rides apparently closed down for good.
- Not being able to/not having the chance to ride either the Rollercoaster or the Big Dipper this year.
- Too many rip-off merchants pitching stalls on the 'Mile again.
- Not being allowed to take the EDSs (Exclusive Driving Sessions) on Virgin's Class 390 fleet that I was really hoping to get!
- Not being able to switch directly to North Wales straight after the 'Bash, thanks to not being able to book accommodation directly from Blackpool.

Anyhow...I have the slight feeling that the above just might be bordering the limits of "reasonable" as far as report length goes now, so I'm going to take another cigarette to shut myself up for ten minutes. Hope ye enjoyed the above report though, and apologies in advance if my way with words made it a bit of a boring one. Smile

Farewell... Twisted Evil

>> Death <<
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DieselDragon.co.uk - Deaths cluttered catacomb o' random stuff. Find me elsewhere! Smile

meatloaf · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:26 am Post subject:

Way to go Death - that report was nearly on a par, quality and length wise, with Nemesis Nicks SAw-ted report. Very Happy

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"if all history is relative, there can be no concept of 'being' - DISCUSS"

Happy Helen · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 12:26 pm Post subject:

sounds like you all had a great weekend.

Hope you enjoyed it.

nemesis scribe · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 12:43 pm Post subject:

Coaster Chick · Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 4:58 pm Post subject:

Another brilliant bash weekend. Got to ride more coasters this year - got too involved with rehearsals and last minute costume alterations for the show last year!!! Not that I'm complaining - had too much fun. Razz

Thanks Andy for all the hard work.

Great weather, great fun, great company and so good to see the 'coaster family' again. It is a long 6 months from Loopy to Blackpool. The shows were great and I also think the Gorilla was robbed. Also thought Bunnie was good.

Thanks again John and Jane for making me welcome in the bar at the Langroyd even though I was staying elsewhere. Laughing

Not long now till we cross the 'yellow line' - see some of you soon at Terminal 5.
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Official member of TTD Rollback Club 08 May 2006 and 13 June 2008
1st member to be arrested by the Coaster Police June 2007

stevencaine · Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 10:51 pm Post subject:

Anything from Nick yet cant wait too here about your weekend what was it like doing the gong show?