BREAN 2003

AN ORGANISER'S VIEW

The onslaught started in Legends with members arriving in droves. Tony was behind the desk, so I was able to give lots of hugs to our female members (don't tell Venita) and some male ones (no I don't swing both ways).

I must say the venue we used in the first year looked terrific as we extended the dance floor, and the lighting from Gary was really great and made it look a great deal better. The atmosphere was electric.

Saturday was a mass of entertainment which started with Adam Redshaw and his amazing kites; I do believe that was well attended, around 35 people. How many did you injure in the end Adam?

In the venue was the Karaoke and people were ready and waiting for their moment of glory. Yours truly decided to sing and no he did not empty the place (much!!). It was excellent with six acts, from Gary and Kerry doing Olivia Newton John and John Travolta, Paul West in a Hula Costume (no jumper) singing Tom Jones, Erica Knight and the Corrs (sorry last place), Sutton girls trying a new song, and rather well, then the Hounslow girls and guys or was that girls dressed as Atomic Kitten? Well they won it and got £60 for it, in second place winning £40 was Ian Crawshaw singing a Hollies song in the Death costume. Thanks to all who took part, they were great sports and hopefully enjoyed it. Also thanks to the judges - Chris Page, Bekki Randall and Karen (Rob the DJ's other half), and special thanks to Venita for a most excellent hosting of the event and putting up with me.

Saturday night saw the first band called Midnight Dynamos, a rock band covering the 50s, 60s and 70s, though all of them were in their 20s. A good night was enjoyed by all that were there.

Sunday morning came with around a dozen mad Midlands males dressed in dresses, and what a sight! Yes I was tempted, but I knew something would be in store for me later. We got on the bus for the Real Ale Trip, got lost on the way and there was fun turning a coach in the middle of a country road! We had the old sing a long with Tony the DJ of the day, with over 100 people there it was a great sight to see. The best of the afternoon was an impromptu "Fashion Parade" by the lads. It was back to the comp with Gill and Venita as Judges and me presenting. Prize money yet again was forced from my hands with some teddy bears to boot. Michael Sutton was the overall winner and does she/he need to shave those legs. The bar staff stole all the guy's dresses, whilst one of them was asleep on the sofa, and then paraded them outside. Paul West, why were you trying to avoid us? His clothes were stolen during a debagging session earlier and hidden. Thanks Gill for a great time.

Sunday night we had a problem, no time and two acts, so we started with 'In St Louis'. I wish I could have kept them on longer. They were followed by Steve Littlewood as Freddie Mercury. Thanks to: Tony and Linda Burgess, Venita Olayemi, Tim Day and Debbie Mann, Adam Redshaw, Lara Collins and Chris Page, ALL the door staff many thanks, also Gary Jay and Rob (our DJ's), the bar staff, Matt the duty manager, Lee on security, The management and other staff of Brean Leisure.

STOP PRESS! The name of the event is to change (as long as there is no objection from the NEC)

Wayne Fenton - Organiser

Extract from Plus News - Summer 2003

BREAN SANDS REAL ALE TRIP

Sunday morning of the Spring Holiday dawned and it was time for the Real Ale Trip Two coach loads of people headed out for a whole afternoon of drinking. It was at the same venue as last year; yes they did have us back. Some of the lads, all from the Midland Area, dressed up in drag, to add to the afternoon's entertainment.

We eventually arrived having got slightly lost on the way. Food was available, for an extra charge, which was a good way to start the afternoon of drinking. An impromptu competition was launched for all the men in drag with Mike Sutton coming out as the winner. I think the short dress and the hair was the winner in the Landlady's eyes. The live entertainment was excellent, and it helped that it was a really nice day so we could all sit out in the garden.

Some of the locals came for what they thought would be a relaxing drink on a quite Sunday afternoon, and wanted to know what we were all about. I believe that someone even wanted us to send them some information, so we must have set a good impression.

The end came all too soon, and the Landlady and bar staff stripped the lads, nicked their dresses and wore them themselves.

Of course the day would not have been right without our Area Chairman at the time falling asleep during the competition. As we made out way back up the motorway, we had the usual stop at the services for the toilet, almost leaving Pete Mann behind, but unfortunately for all of us, he came back in the nick of time.

A good time was had by all, see you all next year.

Photos: Leo Glover, Story: Susan Jardine

Extract from Flying South Spring 2003