Jayne and I left the THS in Weymouth on Wednesday morning to travel to Berkley Castle to enable us to steward our block booking on Thursday morning. We arrived about 14:15 set up and went along to the stewards meeting at 16:30. Spent and enjoyable evening down the local hostelry having a meal and playing Skittles “Killer” (with Jayne winning the first game) with members of the S.W.Region and on-site Electricians.

7 o'clock Thursday morning saw me standing at the entrance to our stubble field along with five other stewards awaiting the normally expected early arrivals. We waited and waited - 9:20am saw the first van arrive and there after a steady stream throughout the day with Dave & Shirley our D.A.’s first arrivals at 10:30am. We had 18 units booked into the event and by close of play Thursday evening 12 of our units had arrived. Friday saw the remainder arrive.

We spent Thursday & Friday evenings along with others in the Main Marquee watching the evening’s entertainment. Saturday morning we went down to check out the Trade Stalls for those bargains.

Saturday morning at the opening ceremony saw the S.W. Regions entrant in the "Young Achievers" competition take first place. Saturday afternoon saw us taking part in the Mardi Gras procession the theme for this year being "Medieval". We entered into the Small Group section for up to 25 people as "The Court of King Henry VIII" with Jim as Henry complete with the six wives, jesters, and an executioner (Baz) and we won.

We returned to our area and celebrated at the Chairman’s on-site get-together arranged for 5 o'clock.

During the evening we toured the illuminated Street scenes, what a display which our own S.W. Region won with a very impressive Castle with Banqueting Hall complete with large central chandelier and a Lamb being spit-roasted in the old fashion way. Our congratulations go to them for a fantastic display.

Sunday morning we took part in the Pennon parade, which culminates in the main arena with the closing ceremony and presentation of the Trophies. Jayne collected the trophy on our behalf in recognition for all her work in making the costumes.

The weather was again very hot on Sunday afternoon and it took quite some time to pack up stopping for cold drinks and Ice Creams from the van that suddenly appeared in the middle of the field, eventually we departed at about 16:15 leaving Jim & Mavis who were staying over for the night to travel home during the day on Tuesday. We arrived back in Bournemouth at 19:30. A great weekend was had by all with the S.W. Region winning Three prizes.

We have attended up ‘till now about six NFOL's across the country, and can say that we have enjoyed them all (missed the MUD in Wales two years ago). If you want to join in the fun with us at next years NFOL which is being hosted by the Kent region, its only down the road just of the M20 at the Kent County show ground Maidstone. Come along and help us to try and retain the trophy. The Theme for 2005 is "Festivals of the World" if you have any suggestions as to what we can enter as please let Jayne know.

Mick Cooper.

JUST HEARD THAT ANNE AND GORDON WON 2ND PRIZE AT TAMAR’S FOL WELL DONE TO YOU BOTH. (THE THEME WAS SOAPS!!!)


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Directions for NFOL at Kent Showground, Detling, Kent