Dampened
Spirits - not likely- more like deluged spirits....On arrival at Warwick
School the day before
the official 'opening' of the National of 2009, the organising committee faced
a massive clear up taking place on site, from the Folk Festival that had
preceded our event. The site was reminiscent of the 60s Flower Power era with
fences used for drying out various pieces of clothing and the grounds-men
busying themselves with the quagmire that was a result of 5,000 people
attending over a weekend period.
We
were also made aware that at that point in time there were only two showers
for use with promises of the rest of the amenities to be available by the
Thursday...oh my goodness one of the things that attracted the organising
committee to the school was the enormous amount of amenities that would be
available! I C'est la vie.
Well
not to be flattened by all the comings and goings we set up the reception and
our personal plots in readiness for the Tuesday attendees, of which there were
over 28 units. The weather was kind, but not so on the Wednesday when we
suffered torrential downpours almost all of the
day. Many campers were not able to erect tents until early evening, but
spirits were high and promises of weather changes came from all directions. At
this point it must be said that the staff at the school were most helpful and
were willing to put folk up inside on z-beds rather than have a wet night. No
one resorted to this.
Well
not to go on, the rest of the week we felt went well. It was a good line up
for the run to Coventry Transport Museum and no doubt there are many stories
relating to that episode. But we believe that there was actually a line-up at
the Museum of 50 cars, albeit they may not have all been Alpines.
The
tickets to Warwick Castle were very much appreciated by all and we thank the
SAOC Committee for their sanctioning and subsidising these. All who visited
the Castle we hope had a lasting experience. What a fantastic site that Castle
is to behold.
We
were sad that Saturday's weather was a dampener, consequently no driving test,
but there were still many folk entering into the spirit of the competitions
etc., and folks going out on the local runs. The Alpine line-up was good with
many umbrellas in use. The ladies' enjoyed their time in Stratford whilst the
boys looked at their toys.
The
day was rounded off by what we thought was a great evening with good food and
the live band. Maybe proof of the age-group of many Alpine owners was the fact
that there were so many folks dancing and singing to the music of the 60s and
knowing all of the words!
We
hope that everyone enjoyed the National and the organising committee would
like to convey their thanks to all the helpers including the dormitory runners
of the West Midlands Group and anyone outside of the group who helped in any
way to make it a successful event.
The
auction carried out prior to the prize giving raised £322 which goes to the
Rootes Archive Centre. We have to thank Warwick School staff both indoor and
outdoor for their co-operation and sincere support in every way in making our
National a success.
On a personal note I would like to thank the lads of West Midlands for all
their hard work over these
past 2 years and recent months in the lead up and during the event.
Jo Winters
To
enlarge picture, hover then click.
