RCCGB FORUM

Nemesis Nick · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 10:56 am Post subject:

RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2009

Date: Friday 17 April to Sunday 19 April 2009
Venue: Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool (that’s its name now, but how many of us will still call it Blackpool Pleasure Beach?)
Who Went: Me and a large number of other RCCGB members, including Andy, Christine and Charlotte Hine, Andy Hunter, Andy T, Adam King, Alan Chilvers, Barry, Big Stevie B, Bunnie, Charlotte Rogers and family, Chris Bell, Dan, Death, Derek, Julie, Alan and Saffron, Frosty, Gareth, Gary Williams, Kelly Cameron, Libby Williams and family, Lorraine, Mark Blundell, Mart, Mike Cuff, Penny, Ryan Hackett, Sarah Booker, Vicci, Wendy Evans.

Day One - Friday 17 April

Getting To Blackpool
Recently I was making up my mind whether to go by train, or take the slower but cheaper alternative of the National Express Coach. In the end I went for my preferred travel option, the train. I left Bath at quarter to twelve and got to Blackpool North around 4:30pm. The journey was relaxing and hitch-free. On arrival at Blackpool North I asked a member of staff to take my photo standing by the “Welcome to Blackpool North” sign. I then managed to catch a bus to just a stones throw from my hotel, and checked in around 5pm. I stayed at the same hotel as last year, and the staff remembered me.

Around ten to seven I went to Pablo’s Fish and Chips for a Pablo’s Special, i.e. fish, chips, mushy peas, bread and butter, plus fizzy drink. After all, that’s the traditional meal at the seaside, fish and chips. Something Blackpool is so famous for. I followed that up with the other seaside must-have, a whippy ice cream from the kiosk outside Pablo’s, which I enjoyed whilst walking around South Pier. That lot certainly filled me up for the evening. At the end of South Pier I spotted the steelie “Crazy Mouse”. Promised myself I’d ride that some time on Sunday, just to add it to my collection. Whilst walking around the pier I met a few other RCCGB members.

Friday Fun
I entered the Paradise Room around twenty to eight. Surprisingly no-one checked my trip badge, I’d have thought there’d have been a member of staff on the door checking those to ensure only those on the trip were admitted to the Paradise Room. Food was available to buy, but I didn’t buy any here as I’d already eaten prior to entering the Paradise Room.

The fun began at ten past eight when Andy Hine appeared and said “Everybody say Blackpool”. That must be his catchphrase for the opening night of the Blackpool Bash.

Act 1: Comedian Carl Schofield
Carl began his act by singing a song. After that he found plenty to joke about. He asked various members questions, and made jokes about their responses. To finish off, he rapped to “Here Come The Men In Black”. He mentioned people he’d “picked on” earlier, and also mentioned Big One and Grand National riding tomorrow. Towards the end, I removed my sweatshirt to reveal my “I’m With Puds” T-shirt, and he mentioned that in his rap song.

By the way, I wore that “I’m With Puds” T-shirt going up on the train, but I was thinking of putting on my white RND 07 for the evening. In the end I decided to keep my “I’m With Puds” (Children In Need 2008) one on. I wish I’d stood up earlier and coaxed Carl into asking me who I was with. Then I’d have removed my sweatshirt to reveal “I’m With Puds” – the humorous answer to his question (despite coming to Blackpool alone). That would surely have made everyone laugh, to say the least!

Carl finished around twenty to nine.

Fill-in act: Knife Throwing
Nev asked someone from the audience to stand in front of a board. Balloons were placed around him, and Nev threw knives to pop the balloons and stick in the board. Well actually, Nev was pretending to throw the knives, and Alan Chilvers stuck knives through the balloons (thereby popping them) and into the board. Together they made an excellent job of making it look real.

Act 2: Magician Brian Sefton
At ten to nine Brian Sefton appeared to perform a ten minute magic show. He did some amazing tricks with birds. I liked the way he managed to produce one after another and then make them all disappear in that box. Also he did a trick combining rings together. A half hour interval followed his act.

Act 3: Craig Harper
When this began at half past nine, Nev announced it as being the finale. It was certainly the longest act of the evening, if nothing else. Craig sang a few songs, including “Amarillo”, “Would you dance if I asked you to dance” and “No Matter What” (Boyzone). At one point he went into the audience to tell jokes.

Craig performed “Music of the Night” with Lorraine sitting in a chair on stage. A bit of Phantom of the Opera in the show. After that Craig performed “I Have Nothing” and “I Wanna Go Home”.

At 10:35 Craig said “Goodnight, God bless” and Andy reappeared, but the audience called for a little more. We heard a bit of Geoff Wayne’s version of “The Eve of the War”. Charlie, who was to be 9 on Saturday appeared on stage, and we all sang “Happy Birthday” to him. Finally Craig performed a medley of songs before saying his final goodnight around quarter to eleven.

We were supposed to leave as quickly as possible so the Paradise Room could be prepared for Saturday morning. I was a little slow leaving, and saw the stage go down before leaving. By 11:15 I was back at my hotel for a good night’s sleep, ready for another exciting day to follow.

Day Two - Saturday 18 April

First thing
I asked for an early breakfast at 8:15 in order that I could be at the Pardise Room at 9:00 or soon after. A full English breakfast was available, but I chose beans on toast as a lighter alternative, because I felt it would be too risky to have a full English before riding Pepsi Max Big One, Steeplechase and the rest.

Initial Meet-Up
The fun began around 9:00 in the Paradise Room, although it was about ten minutes later when I arrived. A couple minutes after my arrival Andy spoke on stage. He told us to get our wristbands and lunch vouchers. Due to the new admissions policy, we were warned to get our hands stamped before leaving the Pleasure Beach at lunchtime, in order to be able to get back in afterwards.

I was one of many who queued to collect my wrist band which I’d pre-ordered at the time of booking. Also those of us who’d bought wrist bands were given a ticket. Did everyone get one of those? After that, I collected my lunch voucher.

Andy announced another change of plan: the Grand National ERS was to now take place from 4pm to 5pm, instead of 5pm to 6pm as originally billed, due to earlier closing time.

Coffee was available at this time, but I didn’t have one as I’d just had a pot of tea with my breakfast. This was also a chance for us to talk to one another, and I spoke to Rough Rider about the USA woodies he enjoys so much.

Morning ERS
Just before 10:00 we entered the Park for the ERS on Pepsi Max Big One and Steeplechase. The sun was shining, and there wasn’t the bitter cold wind we had during last year’s morning ERS.

Pepsi Max Big One
I began with Pepsi Max Big One. My first go was in the back row. During my first ever time of riding it during last year’s Saturday morning ERS, going up the lift seemed like going on forever. It didn’t seem quite such a climb this time. Once at the top I thoroughly enjoyed the steep (albeit not vertical) drop without screaming. The rises and falls the rest of the way out and back again to the station collectively made for a thrilling and fun ride, with a few little bits of AIRtime on dips.

I had two more goes on Big One, both in the second from back row.

After my third go on Big One, I found out that our ERS was due to finish at 11:00, not 11:30 as originally billed. Thought I’d better do Steeplechase next, rather than having a fourth go on PMBO.

Steeplechase
By now there were very few members waiting for this, but there was a long queue of members of the public eagerly awaiting its public opening at 11:00. I quickly got on to the left horse to enjoy my first circuit of this. Half the fun of this ride is the racing feeling. I sang “Giddy up” going around and overtook the centre and right horses at one point, but they overtook me again and I was last home, worse luck. As I left the ride at the end of this go I saw Derek and Saffron in the centre lane.

Having raced back to the entrance, showed my badge and got on to the centre horse without having to wait. The waiting public clearly didn’t like the way I was able to get on to the ride just by showing my trip badge! I had that feeling of being privileged for that one go. Once again I sang “Giddy up” on the way around.

After this go, I hoped for a turn in the right lane, but the ERS was now over and the public were allowed on. I decided to leave riding the right lane for later, as I didn’t want a long wait from the back of the queue. As it happened, I ended up not returning to this ride later in the day to ride the right lane.

Summary of my rides this ERS: Pepsi Max Big One 3, Steeplechase 2. Who beat me on that?

Morning Freetime
Once the ERS was over, those of us with wristbands (like me) could enjoy the rides to our hearts content.

Irn-Bru Revolution
I decided to begin my freetime with one go on Irn-Bru Revolution. Having climbed the stairs, I didn’t have long to wait for a go from the second from front seat, which gave me almost as good a view of the track as the front. The train went forwards, down, round the vertical loop and up before grinding to an abrupt halt. Wow! That was fun. As for the return journey, backwards, that was a tad hair-raising. For some mysterious reason, going backwards around a vertical loop is scarier than forwards. I dread to think what going around Colossus at Thorpe Park backwards would feel like!

Zipper Dipper
The woodie I failed to spot at last year’s Blackpool Bash, so I was determined to ride it this year. Basically it’s a baby version of the Big Dipper. The lift may not go very high, and the dips are quite small, but it still makes for a fun ride. I’m sure some of its drops are bigger than the Weymouth Super Snails! The kiddie woodie for adult kids as well as little kids. After one go, I rode it a second time.

Fruit Shoot
A vertical drop ride by Moser Rides. I sat facing the Irn-Bru Revolution. There were five rises and falls. Altogether a thrilling ride. I had a second go, this time facing Zipper Dipper.

Tea Cup Ride
This differs from the one I rode at Alton Towers, Paultons Park and most recently Thorpe Park (SAW-Ted – with other RCCGB members), in that there’s two turntables, one clockwise and one anticlockwise. Your cup cleverly swaps from one turntable to the other each time the notches meet in the middle. You can’t spin the cups on this, they spin themselves. Afterwards I had my picture taken with the Tetley character on the seat.

Carousel
There’s a couple of carousels in this area, I’m not sure which one it is, but it’s the one with cars and motorbikes on that I’m talking about. I decided to have a go on this, just to tick it. Since the cars would probably have been a bit tight to get into, I rode on a motorbike. Okay, not a thrilling ride, but worth a go just to get my tick. If nothing else, a rest ride before something more boisterous.

Roller Coaster - CLOSED
At this point I left Beaver Creek Children’s Theme Park, and didn’t return there the rest of the day. I wanted to go on a big ride or two before lunch. The first white knuckle ride I saw was Roller Coaster, but it was closed. It looked as though it would be closed all day. I saw a couple of other RCCGB members there, and said I’d heard a rumour about it being SBNO this season, but was miffed as to why it was running back in March. The others said that was only temporary whilst Grand National was being got ready for this season.

Has it been closed for good, or will it reopen sometime, e.g. next year? I hope it won’t disappear because the UK can’t afford to lose another woodie. Sad

Perhaps we should petition to save Roller Coaster. Anyway, I took a few shots of the station.

Flying Machines GT4
My final ride before lunch, a go on the Flying Machines. I sat in plane GT4. Once the ride started, the planes went around anticlockwise and gradually moved further outwards, to the point where I was riding over the edge of Grand National

Lunch At Paradise Room
Just after 12:30 I went to the Paradise Room for lunch. The meal was delicious: chicken, chips, side salad and coleslaw. To drink, I had an orange juice and lemonade. I avoided alcohol as I felt it would be unwise drinking alcohol before riding again.

Just after 1pm David gave his speech, outlining the new admissions procedure, investment in the Pleasure Beach, and the new fountains. I loved the way he said “We like to make adults feel like children”, if only more places had that ethos. If only they’d get Taylor-Made Play Equipment to install the UK’s biggest indoor adventure play complex here, with tube slides, Astra slides, drop slides, soft play equipment, ball pits etc, bigger than Sea Dragon’s Play City at Woodlands and which adults (with or without children) can play. How much more could you marry up to the said statement than that? Laughing

After a delicious meal, I was in no hurry to return to riding in the sunshine outside. In order to let my food settle before riding again, I hung on in the Paradise Room for a while. I spoke to Mark Blundell, who sadly was unable to ride in the aftermath of his accident last October. It was great meeting him again for a chat, he and I rode Wild Thing twice together at the Summer Bash at GYPB last June. I felt ever so sorry for him being unable to ride on this occasion.

Afternoon Freetime
Just after 2pm I finally re-entered the Pleasure Beach. The Ice Blast was currently out of action, but they were hoping it would be open again before closing time today. At least someone was there trying to see what could be done.

Derby Racer
Basically a giant version of galloping horses. Didn’t we have a takeover of this after the ERS? If so, how did I manage to miss that? At least I had one go on this now. Being on horseback, I couldn’t avoid singing “Giddy Up”, but of course the horses all go round at uniform speed on this.

Wild Mouse
The woodie none of us could ride at last year’s Blackpool Bash due to it being closed at the time, the Wild Mouse. Yes, time for me to enjoy a bit of mouseing about. I rode this with Andy (NOT Nev), This was my only go on this all day, but it was mega fun. I liked the way we climbed to the top and whizzed around the u-bends. Now I see what you mean, it’s rough to say the least.

I’d have thought this ought to be Rough Rider’s favourite at Pleasure Beach Resort Blackpool. Rough as it is, how does it compare to Rattler, Shivering Timbers, Mean Streak, etc across the Atlantic?

Spectacular Dancing Water Show
The time was coming up to 3 o’clock, so both of us headed for the fountains where loads of other members were already waiting. I put on my cagoule and leggings whilst waiting. One musical show started, but for some reason we all hung on for the 3:20 show. Meanwhile I saw the fountains form arches in the interim period, and I tried running under the arches, as well as through the central part of the fountains.

By 3:20 Nev was there and the fountains performed in time with “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”. I got into the centre, and was some others tried to hold me in a jet, presumably as I had my rain gear on. Loads of pictures were taken here of one another, all for the Wet Zone in the 2009 Yearbook. Didn't us adult members have a lovely time in the fountains, great to be children for once isn't it? Laughing

Avalanche
My next ride was on Avalanche, the bobsleigh roller coaster. I sat in the back seat and felt really relaxed all the way around. Nothing scary about this, why class it as “white knuckle”?

Grand National ERS
I got there in time for its 4pm start. There was a long queue of members waiting to ride. During this ERS, I managed a total of three goes.

First go: setting off from the left lane. I was in the back seat of the maroon train. The other train was the red one with Nev at the front. The red train was ahead on the lift, but I sang “Giddy up” and the maroon train overtook it, and won. At the end I said to Nev “I beat you”, and he pointed out that the red train is named after him.

Second go: setting off from the right lane. I was on the maroon train again, racing against the red train. The maroon train led on the lift and kept its lead, again I said “Giddy up”. The maroon train won.

Third go: setting off from the left lane. This time I rode the blue train, against the green one. Barry and someone else sat behind me. Dan was on the green train. We were neck and neck on lift, but then the blue train took and kept the lead, and won. That’s three wins for me, what a record!

After my third go the time was 5pm and thus the end of the ERS. I didn’t bother having any further goes on Grand National after that. Grand National is slightly shaky and you get a bit of AIRtime on it, but I think the most fun from riding this is the hope of beating the opposing train on it - the racing element.

Early Evening Freetime
I stayed in the Pleasure Beach to continue riding until closing time. There was confusion about that, some rides were closing at 6pm, and others 7pm. The Ice Blast was now in action at last, but its queue was really long so I avoided it. What a pity I never got to ride it all day. This is what I rode the rest of the day:

Flying Machines
My cumulative second go for today on this, on GT8 this time.

Impossible
Another fun bit, including the mirror maze and funny mirrors. What a pity the swing ride at end was out of action. A notice said “No ride today” and everyone had to leave through the chicken exit.

Monorail
I got on just in time for its last go of the day around 5:45. Okay not a thrill ride, but it took me all the way around the Pleasure Beach, and outside it to loop around the Paradise Room.

Bling
One white knuckle ride I was determined to fit in before closing time. After a wait of about ten minutes, I fearlessly got on to enjoy the ride. I was so confident about riding it I sang Lordi – “Hard Rock Hallelujah” (Eurovision Song Contest winner 2006 – Finland). It swung, spun and held me up high in the air for a bit. I must admit, it was my scariest ride of the day, and I had the feeling “terrafirmer” at the end. Although fun, once was enough. Definitely a nul pointer as far as re-ridability is concerned.

Pepsi Max Big One
I was determined to have one more go on this before the day was out. This was my only go after the ERS this morning, and I sat in the back row.

Infusion
Nev said we’d get an ERS on Big Dipper and a surprise coaster Sunday morning. I felt pretty sure the surprise coaster would be Infusion, but I didn’t want to bank on it. So I had one go now. By now the queue was really short. The train went up the lift, round the vertical loop and all the twists.

At the end of the ride the attendant noticed my badge, and said “You lot have got ERT on this tomorrow”. I said “We’ve got an ERS on Big Dipper and a surprise coaster, so presumably the surprise must be this one then”. Well blow me down, I now knew the surprise coaster! Still I kept quiet about that all evening to avoid ruining the surprise for others.

River Caves
My final ride of the day, one go on the River Caves. I put my cagoule on for this, but not leggings. The boat sailed through all the caves. Right at the end there was the rise and fall to make a splash.

The time was now 7pm. All rides now were now closed, so I left the park and returned to my hotel nearby to get ready for the evening.

Summary of my rides all day:

Morning ERS: Pepsi Max Big One 3, Steeplechase 2

Irn-Bru
Zipper Dipper x 2
Fruit Shoot x 2
Tea Cups
Carousel (sat on a motorbike)
Flying Machines GT4

Derby Racer
Wild Mouse
Avalanche

ERS: Grand National 3 (and my train won all of them)

Flying Machines GT8
Impossible
Monorail
Bling
Pepsi Max Big One
Infusion
River Caves

Coaster Crazy Show
Around ten to eight I was back at the Casino Tower. There was a queue up the spiral steps to go into the Paradise Room.

The theme for the evening was Cowboys and Indians. I had a cowboy hat and red check shirt. That combined with the blue jeans I’d been wearing all day was a cowboy outfit, was it not? Okay, I didn’t have an imitation gun / knife, or a Sheriff badge, but those weren’t essential were they? Lots of people dressed up. Some dressed as cowboys, some dressed as Indians. Wendy Evans wore a cow costume – COWgirl – get it? Some had the extra “cowboy accessories”, e.g. I noticed Gareth had a Sheriff badge. Some had inflatable horses in front of their waists. Goodness knows where they got those.

Initially I spoke to Derek, Julie, Alan and Saffron who were dressed for the occasion. A little later I found myself a seat near the front of the stage, and set my camcorder up on its tripod for filming later. After that I went to get myself some food: curry and rice. Just unfortunate that by the time I was being served, the opening act was underway.

The opening act began around 8:30. Here’s how the evening progressed:

Show Opener – Alan Chilvers, Adam King, Mike Cuff.

Speech from Andy Hine.

Act 1: Kelly Cameron – “Wig Wam Bam”.
An appropriate country and western song for her dressed in her Indian outfit. I guessed we’d get a few country songs to tie in with the theme.

Game 1: Mummies
Three people on stage, who had modelling balloons wrapped around them. Final score yellow 7, red 5, blue 8.

Act 2: Libby Williams – “I Have A Dream”
An ABBA song. Last year’s Gong Show winner, she was back to do a billed act. Didn’t she do well for a five year old. It must have taken a lot of courage for a girl her age to perform a billed act. She certainly had a lot of cheering and applause.

Game 2: Gopher Show
Basically a version of musical chairs in which children had to get the item Nev announced from the audience and return, only to find a chair had gone. Each child received a Pleasure Beach sticker when eliminated.

Act 3: Wendy Evans – “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” (Fanny Wynette)
A country and western song by Tammy Wynette, with part of the song parodied by Wendy. I like the way Wendy said “I like wood and he likes riding S-T-E-E-L”

Gong Show
At last, the famous Gong Show, with a record eight acts. These were Ryan Hackett (Gorillas In The Mist), Bunnie, Coaster Club Boys, Ashley, Chris Bell, Andy Hunter, Charlotte Rogers and Nemesis Nick (with Wendy Evans). Only Ryan and Charlotte made it to the end without the hooter going. All the others were booed off at some point. Andy Hunter and me were bottom two, and I was declared the worst act. Never mind there, I was awarded a sticker for coming last. Well done to Charlotte Rogers, aged 6, for her impressive Irish dance. That’s two years running now, the winner has been a little girl competing against adults. Is that a hint of unfairness? Perhaps they should have a separate Junior Gong Show and Adult Gong Show next year.

Act 4: Sarah Booker – “Money Money Money”
The second ABBA song of the night, this time performed by Sarah Booker. Well sung Sarah. Were the coins artificial, e.g. chocolate ones?

Game 3: Fit To Burst
Members of the audience were asked to inflate the packs of balloons on the tables for the next game. Three people sat on chairs on the stage, hoping to burst as many balloons as possible by sitting on them, whilst accompanied by the theme tune to “Hawaii Five-O”. Dave from Derby won, having popped 12 balloons. Naturally enough, loads of balloons were left over at the end, and they were kept for the After Show Party.

Act 5: Gary Williams – “9 to 5”
Another country and western hit. Didn’t I say there’d be a few C&W songs to tie in with the show theme?

Thank yous from Nev.

Act 6 (Finale): Alan Chilvers and Wendy Evans – “That’s What Friends Are For”
I waited backstage at the start of this, behind the curtains, that’s why you saw me when the curtains opened. Other billed and gong performers, plus other non-performers (mentioning no names) went on stage to wave their hands in time to the music.

After Show Party
The stage went down at 10:05 to form the dance floor for the disco which followed. An hour of non-stop hits, including “Gotta get this party started", "YMCA" and "The Locomotion”. The final four songs listed below were played in their entirety:
Lasha Tumbai (with the group who did it last year on stage – will that now be an annual occurrence)
Amarillo
Always Look On The Bright Side of Life
New York

I thoroughly enjoyed dancing along during the disco, and popping several of the balloons left over from “Fit To Burst” earlier.

Then “That’s all folks”

The disco ended around 11:05. However I hung on for a while after to have my picture taken with other members, and talk to others. It was 11:40 when I when I left the Casino Tower and headed straight back to my hotel for a much needed sleep.

Sunday 19 April

First thing
Well after an action packed day, I got up, packed and felt ready for more. Just like Saturday, I could have had a full English breakfast, but chose beans on toast as a lighter alternative. I somehow think a full English prior to riding Big Dipper and Infusion would have been a recipe for disaster.

Morning ERS
Having left the hotel just before ten o’clock, I ran to the Pleasure Beach and found everyone waiting outside the Casino Tower for the ERS. We were supposed to start at 10:00, but it was 10:13 when we were admitted. The ERS was on Big Dipper and a surprise coaster – that being Infusion. I already knew the surprise coaster from my one go on it the previous evening before closing time.

Big Dipper
I avoided the Big Dipper altogether on Saturday, as I knew we were having the ERS on it Sunday. You see, I wanted to use my time Saturday to ride other rides, which I wouldn’t be able to ride Sunday. Therefore I began with the Big Dipper today, and thoroughly enjoyed a total of four goes on it.

1) Second from back row: Mart next to me (Derek and Saffron were in the row in front of us)
2) Second from back row: Mart and me back but one
3) Back row: Andy T and me
4) Second from back row: Jeff and me

I insisted on the back or second from back row, in order to have the most AIRtime. There was loads of that on each dip, considerably more than Grand National. Also I noticed this was considerably shakier than Grand National. After one of my goes, I saw Rough Rider getting into the third or fourth row from the back. I’d have thought he’d only want to ride Big Dipper at the back, to have the most AIRtime and shakiness.

Infusion
After four goes on Big Dipper, I switched to Infusion to make sure I had a few goes on that too. I had a total of seven goes on this, with Mart sitting next to me on all of them. Together we tried various positions, as follows:

Back row (go 1)
2nd from back (go 2 & 3)
3rd (go 4)
2nd (go 5 & 6)
Back row (go 7)

At the start of the last go, I saw Derek and Saffron waiting. Our last go was the last ERS run, which finished at 11:15. Derek and Saffron had season ticket wristbands though, and would ride the first public run. On exiting the ride, I asked someone to photograph me and Mart standing together on the path under Infusion. Afterwards I saw Derek and Saffron exiting Infusion, and spoke to them for a few minutes.

From Infusion I headed in the direction of the Park exit. As I passed Bean Street, I saw Alan Chilvers, Penny and other members sitting outside, so I sat with them for a chat. Also I saw Nev again during this time, and Frosty for the first time this Bash. I sat next to Frosty for several goes during the ERS on Roller Coaster at last year’s Summer Bash, GYPB. Why did it take me so long to meet him this time?

Rest of Sunday
I left the Pleasure Beach at midday, and collected my bag from my hotel. Thereafter my goal was to gradually toddle back to Blackpool North station.

I went on South Pier, to have one go on Crazy Mouse, just to add it to my list of steelies I’ve ridden. Unexpectedly, I met Nev, Alan Chilvers and other members at the end of the pier, and we posed for extra photos.

Having left the pier, I caught a tram to the North Pier, and wandered around that area for a while. I had a portion of chips from a chippy near the North Pier, and a whippy ice cream at the North Pier. My timing was a bit slack after that, I got to Blackpool North around 2:40 having missed one train by a few minutes, and had to wait until around quarter past three for the next train to Preston. I faced a wait of about half an hour at Preston for a train to Birmingham New Street. The wait there was fairly short for an onward train to Bristol Temple Meads. Unfortunately at Bristol Temple Meads, I arrived there at 8:13 having just missed one connecting train to Bath, and had to wait until 8:50pm for the next one. Not sure I picked the best sequence of trains home that afternoon / evening, with those longish gaps at Preston and Bristol Temple Meads. I finally got home just after 9pm.

Outtro

Highlights
Gorgeous warm, sunny days Saturday and Sunday.
Meeting members I’d met on previous Club trips again (including Andy Hine, Barry, Death, Derek, Alan and Saffron, Frosty, Mark Blundell)
Having two goes on Zipper Dipper and one on Wild Mouse (two more woodies to add to my very limited collection)
ERSs on Pepsi Max Big One, Steeplechase, Grand National, Big Dipper and Infusion.
Beating Nev on my first go on Grand National during the ERS.
Two nights of entertainment, plus dancing in the disco Saturday night.
Getting mentioned in Carl Schofield's rap song Friday evening.
My little speech comparing the drop on Weymouth Super Snails to the drops on Big Dipper and PMBO at Pleasure Beach Resort Blackpool during Craig Harper's act Friday evening.
Singing “Believe” (Dima Bilan) – 2008 Eurovision Song Contest winner in the Gong Show Saturday night.
Achieving 4 goes on Big Dipper followed by 7 on Infusion during the Sunday morning ERS.

Lowlights
Not being able to ride the classic woodie Roller Coaster (I wanted to have at least one go on all 5 woodies there).
My heartbreak at seeing Derek and Saffron riding together, without Alan. I felt ever so sorry for Alan being unable to ride at this year's Blackpool Bash. Having seen just Derek and Alan at Saw-Ted, it would have been great to see Derek, Alan and Saffron riding together at Blackpool, but sadly that wasn't to be.
Seeing Mark Blundell in the Paradise Room unable to ride. Again, I felt really sorry for him missing out on the ERSs and general riding at this year’s Blackpool Bash; heartbreaking for me after riding with him twice at last year’s Summer Bash (Wild Thing - each of us taking turns to get squashed).

As for my being booed off at the start of the second verse of “Believe”, I was disappointed at not being able to make it as far as the middle eight or very end. Still several people I spoke to afterwards were impressed with my performance, only one gave a negative verdict. I took coming last in the Gong Show with a pinch of salt. To me, the heartbreak at seeing Alan Eddy and Mark Blundell unable to ride was much greater than my being booed off and coming last in the Gong Show.

Summing Up
Wow, what a mega excellent weekend away that was. Thanks a million to Andy Hine for all the effort he has to put into organising a trip of this nature. At the Blackpool Bash, the ERSs and other riding are only part of the fun. The other major chunk of the fun includes the Friday evening entertainment, Saturday lunch and Saturday evening Coaster Crazy Show and disco. All the better that on this occasion, I participated in the Gong Show. The Friday and Saturday evening entertainment is something we don’t get on other trips I’ve been on such as SAW-Ted, Summer Bash and Loopathon Alton Towers, and therefore sets the Blackpool Bash light years ahead of them. No wonder Nev says in the Blackpool Bash invite “If you can only make one Club trip this year, make it this one”.

Roll on the Blackpool Bash 2010. Not sure whether or not I’ll attend the Summer Bash this year, and/or the “maybe” Family Funday on the south coast (if and when that happens). I very much doubt if I’ll attend Oakwood or either day of Loopathon.

Magic · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 11:29 am Post subject:

Nick, I wasn't able to to attend this year, but after reading your report I feel like I was there.

Don't be upset about coming last in the Gong Show, you should be honoured as that's what most people want. The Gong Show isn't about winning it's about losing. So really you won the Gong Show. There have been some legendary winners in the past including Colin (AKA Death) and Andy Hunter (Andy Hine's brother). I bet most of the audience can't remember who won, but they'll remember who lost for a good few years. You can now declare yourself a legend in RCCGB folklore.
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Rough Rider · Strata Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 403

Superb report NIck.........WOW!!!! comes to mind Laughing

Thanks for the mention, it was a pleasure to speak to you Nick.
As magic correctly pointed out...."CONGRATULATIONS" on winning the worst Gong act Very Happy

See you on a ROUGH RIDE soon Laughing

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

Very detailed report Nick

In terms of the ERS's I had about 6 goes on the Pepsi Max Big One and 1 go on the Steeplechase. Similarly on Sunday I spent the entire ERS on the Big Dipper clocking up around 7 or 8 goes (I'm not a fan of Infusion)

With the fountains, myself, Richard Jones (smiler) and Amy Tinson (boo) went in the fountains at the 3 o'clock show - Richard and I also joined in everyone else at the 3:20 show.

I'm glad you managed to ride Bling - am I right in thinking you didn't do this ride at last years Blackpool Bash?

Well done for performing in the gong show Smile

it is very admirable to get on stage and sing in front of all the club members.
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Nemesis Nick · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 12:58 pm Post subject:

ForeverBlue · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:09 pm Post subject:

Great report there Nick! The only thing we would mention is that "Wig Wam Bam" was actually a rock song not a c/w song. Performed by The Sweet in the early 70's if we remember correctly.

Also you asked Bunnie, does she remember who "held you in the jets" Shocked

..... Sounds painful mate - hope you have fully recovered!

Fantastic report once again & a truly wonderous gong show appearance. You are a legend! Wink

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

Nemesis Nick · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:41 pm Post subject:

nemesis scribe · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 2:29 pm Post subject:

Great trip report neme nick Very Happy

I did PMBO x 6 Steeeplechase x3, so i win!!!!! Laughing

I have however never been held in the jets Shocked

ooh errr . . .

Wig wam bam was a glam rock track wasnt it ForeverBlue, if i remember correctly? Very Happy

Everyones a winner in the gong show . . . except the people who lose that is Laughing

Gidddy up indeed!

Yeeeee - ahhhhhh!! Cool

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ForeverBlue · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 3:02 pm Post subject:

Hmmm, Neme Scribe. I think you're correct. It WAS indeed a ''Glam Rock'' number that happened to have had it's 1st Airplay at 11:17am on the Tony Blackburn Radio Show on Radio 1 (national). Remarkable as it may seem, he, also, has never been held in the jets! Wink

Vote Naanman!
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Andy Hine MBE · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 3:24 pm Post subject:

Can every member please send me £1 to cover the cost of the extra bandwidth used by Nemesis Nicks trip report! Laughing

I have just read all 13 pages (if you print it on A4 paper!). I thought it would be cheaper in the long run to print it then turn the PC off, rather than read it on the screen and use up 1500kW of electricity! Laughing

You know I'm only serious!

Wonderful trip report, although you did miss Mick Edwards doing his table magic! (and he's my real brother so don't upset him!).

Charlotte Hine managed 6 goes on the Big One during the ERS and 2 on the Steeplechase. She has had a good trainer though teaching her how to get the most in an hour! Wink

As for the Gong Show - it's all about losing! Winning is so last century. Andy Hunter (who's not my real brother!) is gutted that he didn't come last. He will be back to take you on next year!

And for a real blast from the past of Glam Rock, check out The Sweet, singing Wig Wam Bam here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSsdITqAmCM
who incidentally used to rehearse at my mums house in the early 70's. I was too young to know who they were then.

So, who's up for the Gong Show next year?
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Nemesis Nick · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 3:45 pm Post subject:

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

Nev, if we all send £2 will that cover us for future trip reports too Wink

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smiler · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 8:43 pm Post subject:

OMG wow what a trip report. Any America trips planned Nick the reports would be fantastic dont think my computer would cope Laughing

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Death · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 8:54 pm Post subject:

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

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

I made a mistake in my last post. So i have put all of my messages in the quoat from Nick. I`ve changed it all to bold. I dontknow how to split quouts isn't it Laughing

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krusty_the_clown · Site Admin Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 317

steve, Ive seperated your replies for you

Meep · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:59 pm Post subject:

Steve says thankyou very much and he loves you for doing that Very Happy

Death · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 10:22 pm Post subject:

frosty · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 8:08 am Post subject:

Andy Hine MBE · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 8:31 am Post subject:

Polite request:

"isn't it" is not required at the end of every sentence! Thank you! Smile

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mophead · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:44 pm Post subject:

frosty · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 9:04 pm Post subject:

Nimmykins · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 9:41 pm Post subject:

Nemesis Nick · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:27 pm Post subject:

Death · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 12:20 am Post subject:

Hail again! Twisted Evil

Nemesis Nick · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 4:00 pm Post subject:

Death · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 4:41 pm Post subject:

Nemesis Nick · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 2:56 pm Post subject:

Gong Show 2009 - My Predicted Line-Up

In the run-up to this year's Blackpool Bash, I predicted that this year's Gong Show line-up would be like this:

Act 1: Ryan Hackett
Act 2: Alan Chilvers - goodness knows what (maybe not hypnosis this time)
Act 3: Greg Spalding and Sarah Booker (something other than Penetrating Russian Theatre)
Act 4: Alan and Saffron - a Rene and Renato style duet song
Act 5: Nemesis Nick - "Believe" (Dima Bilan – Eurovision Winner 2008 for Russia)
Act 6: Someone else
Act 7: Libby Williams - a song (something other than "Tomorrow").

Did anyone else (whether or not entering it) predict who might be in the Gong Show? If so, please share your predictions here, just for comparison.

Gong Show 2009 - Proposed Line-Up

When I received my back stage pass (listing all the billed and gong acts) with my programme, trip badge and Saturday wrist band voucher about 10 days before the event, the Gong Show line-up was as follows. As you can see, my predictions were a good bit wrong!

Act 1: Ryan Hackett
Act 2: Bunnie
Act 3: Ashley
Act 4: Chris Bell
Act 5: Andy Hunter
Act 6: Charlotte Rogers
Act 7: Nemesis Nick

Nemesis Nick · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 2:59 pm Post subject:

Gong Show 2009 - On The Night

So this is how the Gong Show actually turned out on the night.

Act 1: Ryan Hackett as Gorillas In The Mist (song unknown)
Dressed as gorilla, played the drums. The song went something like "I've been feeling .. in the air tonight, hold on". Does anyone know what the song was? It sounded like a Phil Collins one. Great lighting effects: blue at first, followed by other colours. Cheers and clapping, no hooter. At the end Nev said "The acts are just getting too good, aren't they?"

Act 2: Bunnie does Death (hooter went)
When Nev announced this, he said "You do know him very well, he’s been around for a long long time, please welcome Death. Bunnie did Death’s crossed arms pose, and calling out. She had 15 seconds on stage before being booed off.

Act 3: Coaster Club Boys (hooter went)
There were two of them, one was on a chair facing the audience, the other was standing at a table. Does anyone know who they were, they were just announced as "Coaster Club Boys"? What record was playing in the background, and what was the significance of it?

This must have been an extra act, it wasn't on the list I was sent with my programme and trip badge with about ten days before the Bash.

Act 4: Ashley – "If I Loved You" (hooter went)
She performed this without music.

Act 5: Chris Bell – improvisation (hooter went)
He asked the audience for a scenario, but all he got was boos, and very quickly the hooter went.

Act 6: Andy Hunter – held up a puppet (hooter went)
What puppet was it that he held up? By the way, he climbed on to the stage from the front at the start of his act, and exited the stage at the front. Evidently he must have sat in the audience right to when he was called, and returned to the audience immediately after being booed off. I thought all Gong Show performers had to wait back stage from just before the start.

Act 7: Charlotte Rogers – dancing
The music she danced to sounded like Irish music, please correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway, her performance was excellent for a six year old, a highly talented little dancer. Does anyone know if she had been attending a kids' dance class? No boos, she made it to the end without the hooter going. When she left the stage, Andy said "Did you like that?" and most of the audience said "Yes". He then said “One more to go then”.

Act 8: Nemesis Nick – "Believe" (Dima Bilan – Eurovision Winner 2008 for Russia) (hooter went)
Wendy Evans was dancing along behind me. You saw me start in the crouched position, turn around after singing "or change my direction", lie down and then kneel facing forwards. At the start of the second verse I finally stood up. That was all part of the act, I was trying to mimic Dima Bilan's actions when he performed the song in last year's Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final. I spent some time over Easter weekend and the week leading up to the Blackpool Bash practising those floor moves, trying to get them as close to Dima's moves as I could.

I got as far as the start of the second line of the second verse before the hooter went. Fair enough, it would have been nice to have gone a little farther, e.g. second chorus or middle eight, but I could have been booed off much earlier (e.g. first verse).

Voting for the best and worst acts

Best two: Gorillas In The Mist v Charlotte Rogers. Charlotte won.

I've noticed that, during the vote for the best act, I got cheers. Just out of curiosity, were they for my on-floor moves, or singing?

Worst two: Andy Hunter v Nemesis Nick. Nemesis Nick voted worst act.

Andy Hunter said "I've come out of retirement to beat that, you can't let him win." By "win" did he mean be declared worst act?

Magic · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 3:38 pm Post subject:

Act 1: Ryan Hackett as Gorillas In The Mist (song unknown)

Song was indeed Phil Collins - Air Tonight. The act was a tribute to the famous Cadburys Dairy Milk advert

Act 6: Andy Hunter – held up a puppet (hooter went)

As Nev's brother he is allowed the special priviledge of getting on the stage from the front and not going back stage. Or it might be he's banned from going back stage after the incident. Or he's just a law unto himself.

Voting
I wasn't there but based on the videos I would have cheered for your moves on the floor.
Yes by Win Andy would have meant be declared worst act. Coming last is what the Gong Show is all about and Andy Hunter is one of just a few to have been declared the worst on more than one occasion. You managed to succesfully knock the veteran champion off the bottom, winning, spot.
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Nimmykins · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 4:02 pm Post subject:

Act 3: Coaster Club Boys were performing a parody of the Petshop Boys song Being Boring.

Act 6: Andy Hunter's puppet looked like a Zippy from Rainbow.

Act 7: Charlotte Rogers was performing a traditional Irish dance, in costume. One would assume she has had lessons.
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nemesis scribe · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 4:36 pm Post subject:

Strange, but after reading this i have suddenly just remembered the hilarious moment when Andy Hunter 'accidentally' punched Nev in the face and knocked his glasses off during the vote off for the worst act Laughing

Poor Nev

I wonder if Mr Hunter will be asked back after that??

Awww that was a you've been framed £250 moment . . . Very Happy

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Nemesis Nick · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 7:07 pm Post subject:

Magic · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 10:26 am Post subject:

Nemesis Nick · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 2:33 pm Post subject:

Magic · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 2:42 pm Post subject:

Yes. Some people really do want to come last in the Gong Show. Yes Andy Hunter really was going for his 3rd victory of coming last in the Gong Show.
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Canadian Dragon · Kiddie Poster Joined: 05 Apr 2009 Posts: 7

Hi Guys!

I have already had a few ideas for the next gong show (if I'm still here!). The point where it all went wrong was the point where I opened my big mouth!

1. Try the improv again, but ask for suggestions to be written on paper. The suggestions will be drawn from a hat. Please do not write down 'get off' or 'next'!

2. Following Ryan's Gorilla act, do the 'Eyebrow Dance' from the other Cadbury ad. Could be difficult watching this from a distance (I have ginger eyebrows).

I have more, but those are mysteries.

See you at Oakwood (I hope)!
Chris

Nimmykins · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 8:46 pm Post subject:

I would suggest Chris, not giving the audience the opportunity to yell "get off" and just do it!

Eyebrows (and balloon)
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Matt · New poster Joined: 16 Oct 2007 Posts: 2

From a long time reader and infrequent poster….

I’d just like this opportunity to thank Nemesis Nick for his kind words about Charlotte’s dancing in the Gong show. And also to congratulate him on one of the highlights of the weekend – it takes real guts to get up and perform in front of everyone.

Sarah and I were as nervous as hell, as Charlotte went on to the stage, but thankfully she pulled through.

Charlie is quite a shy girl, so about six months ago we started taking her to Irish dancing lessons on a Monday evening.
She took to it and enjoys it immensely; anyway, while discussing the Blackpool bash, out of the blue she asks if she can dance on the stage.
Josh also wanted to take part, and we had spoken to Andy at the Saw event but his act never came together – thankfully!

I explained that maybe she could take part in the Gong show and I explained that it’s not about being good or bad, but entertaining people and having fun, and that there is lots of booing! But she was adamant. So we left it and hoped she would change her mind.

2 days later she sat us down and showed us her ‘routine’. I asked her to repeat it and she did, all the steps put together herself with no help from us or the teacher. We then found some music to fit and we were set.

A couple of weeks before the bash we collected her from her dance lesson and the teacher had a costume to lend – apparently Charlie had asked to borrow one of the schools’.

We are so proud that she had the nerve to go through with it and enjoyed the experience. The only problem I have now is explaining that she can’t do the same thing next year!

A big thanks to Andy Hunter for leaving his puppet from his Gong act, “Disco Zoe” with Izzy (our youngest) – now her favourite toy and a tune that never seams to leave me!

And yes – we thought Ryan was superb and would have “won” if it wasn’t for the “cute kiddie vote”.

Finally once again, cheers NEV – Keep up the good work!

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

I thought Charlotte was amazing, even more so now when you take into account she has only been doing it for 6 months. She looked like a natural on stage and like she has been dancing all her life.
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Nimmykins · Posted: Tue May 05, 2009 8:50 pm Post subject:

What a great story, thanks for writing the tale behind the dance.
She was wonderful, obviously a natural.
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Happy Helen · Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 6:12 pm Post subject:

Nemesis Nick · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 5:25 pm Post subject: Re: Gone Show

The Judge · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 9:18 pm Post subject:

Hi, a great weekend enjoyed by all, Sarah Alicia Charlotte and Myself had a cracking time, want to thank RCCGB management for sorting the weekend out.
Big One running great best seat was 6 for me.
Grand national seemed to have one slow car but still a great woodie.
Big Dipper awesome
Wild Mouse (with Nemisis Nick) r o u g h.
Cowboys theme was great a big YEEEEHAAAA to 'yall.
Kids did great on the gofer game Charlotte blubbed in 7th place but Alicia made it to the final but lost out on a feather. Enjoyed the gong show (or should i say RCCGB's got talent) highlights the Gorilla bit and the alternate D'eath walk on. Full marks to Matts Charlotte Irish Dancing is really hard (i can only do it after 6 pints and 2 peach schnapps and then im rubbish).
Respect to my stick on cowboy moustache it stayed on till 1am and then only got ripped off by the hotel owner for a laugh.
Roll on summer bash, roll on blackpool 2010 TOGA TOGA TOGA TOGA.
all the best Andy,Sarah,Alicia and Charlotte Idea

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STEALTHYBUTBAD · Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 11:09 am Post subject:

just to let u all know i have posted my youtube videos from said trip on youtube.
My id on youtube is : coasterlover20000

Enjoy them as they include - carl schoffield doing his rap , craig harper with lorraine and Nemesis Nick , The knife throwing antics of one Andy Hine M.B.E , Nemesis Nicks Gong show Act and some footage of the new Pleasure Beach Fountains.

please comment and rate - id appreciate it !.