RCCGB Blackpool Bash 2009

Trip Report - Blackpool Bash 2009

The 21st Blackpool Bash, the social event of the year got off to a great start, members travelled from all over the UK in great weather and converged on the seaside town of Blackpool. At 8PM the Bash started unusually straight into a comedy act with Carl Schofield who literally made things up as he went along. I had the misfortune to sneeze during his act and did I suffer. He ended up calling me "Shrek" and our table he referred to us as members of "Fraggle Rock!", a great start to the fun on Friday. Next it was

Graham's turn where Nev invited him onto the stage where he was told to stand against a board. Balloons were then attached to the board and Nev was going to throw knives at them to burst them. Graham then had a blindfold fitted and the fun was to begin! Unknown to Graham, Alan was at hand to burst them at close range but he thought Nev had thrown them. The blindfold was removed and a nervous Graham returned to his seat! Next up was magician Brian Sefton who amazed us all with his act, especially the little white doves, where did they come from? Our final act of the evening was Craig Harper, from last year's Britains Got Talent. This was a great act of jokes, singing, you name it. Club member Lorraine went up onto stage and was a part of the show! After the events it was time to drink up and get a photo taken with Craig as he was so popular with the crowd. Then it was back to our hotels for a few late night drinks and then off to bed in readiness for a day of riding coasters.

Up early on Saturday it was back to The Pleasure Beach. We were taken in the park via the side gate as the public had already arrived then we all went over to the Big One for our first ERS of the day, a dual ERS on The Big One & The Steeplechase. After the ERS's had finished members split up into their respective groups for some more riding. Lunch was provided in The Paradise Room where we could all view and purchase the clubs' merchandise. We also took time to welcome all the first timers on the trip and took a group photograph of them! Then it was back into the park for some more riding. At 3PM we gathered by the new fountains where we witnessed several members getting absolutely soaked on one of the choreographed shows. They posed for a photograph before hugging Andy! At 4PM The Grand National was closed to the public for our exclusive ride session. The park was due to close at 6PM but due to the glorious weather this was extended to 7PM so extra ride time was available to everyone.

Shortly after the park closed we all gathered in The Paradise Room for The Cowboys & Indians Themed Coaster Crazy Show. The show opened with Alan Chilvers and the gang doing their version of "Cotton Eyed Joe" followed by Andy introducing the night ahead. Kelly Cameron followed with Wig Wam Bam and then it was the first game of the night entitled Mummies where members came up onto stage and the male members had to tie as many balloons as possible around the ladies in a minute. Last years Gong Show winner Libby Williams was next performing Abba's I have a dream. This was followed by our second game of the evening, the popular Kids Gopher Game where the kids are asked to retrieve an item from the audience. It's a version of musical chairs and the winner is the last one to sit down after the seats had been removed. Wendy Evans was next doing her rendition of D I V O R C E followed by the infamous Gong Show. Gorilla's in the mist opened the show to a huge applause ( For those that didn't know it was Ryan in the suit! ) Bunnie was next as Death and true to form was straight off! The Coaster Boys were next followed by Ashley Brown & Chris Bell. Andy Hunter followed with his tiny puppet! Charlotte Rogers then danced for us followed by the worst kept secret last act, Nemesis Nick. It was between the Gorilla and Charlotte and Charlotte won, maybe we'll see her in the show proper next year. Sarah "Nimmykins" Booker was next on stage performing Money Money Money and was throwing chocolate money into the audience. The last game of the show was next where members had to burst as many balloons as possible. Gary Williams then

followed dressed up as Dolly Parton performing 9 to 5. Andy then thanked everyone and the show finished with Alan Chilvers & Wendy Evans performing "That's What Friends Are For" They were joined by the rest of the Coaster Crazy Show's cast before the stage was lowered for an hour of dancing the night away. We were even treated to another performance from the famous Ukraine Krowd performing Danzing Lasha Tumbai. The night came to an end, another great nights entertainment all provided by members for members. After a short while we all retired our hotels for some late night beverages before retiring for the night.

Sunday started with an early breakfast in our hotel We all had to vacate our rooms before heading back to the Pleasure Beach where again we went into the park via the side gate and were taken to the Big Dipper for a combined ERS on the Big Dipper & In Fusion. After the combined ERS the club events finished. Those that purchased a Sunday Wristband enjoyed a further day in the park. Some of us explored Blackpool and found the 80's bar doing Sunday Lunch & a drink for under a fiver! We had a great weekend as usual and even the weather was great for us. Our next trip is across the pond in the states so be sure to check out the website for daily updates!! See you all in a theme park soon.


Comedian Carl Schofield	Magician Brian Sefton	Britains Got Talent Craig Harper with our very own Lorraine	The Big One during our ERS	The Steeplechase during our ERS


RCCGB First-Timers having a great time	RCCGB members enjoying the new fountain attraction	Grand National ERS at the lifthill	Grand National ERS at the first drop	Grand National ERS from the bridge just before the finish line


Coaster Crazy Show Opening Act	Wendy Evans performing D.I.V.O.R.C.E	Club Party	Big Dipper ERS at the first drop	In Fusion ERS

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