Royal British Legion 90th Anniversary - Bromsgrove 11th June

[GeoffSmith]

We've been approached by the secretary of the Bromsgrove branch of the Royal British Legion (no points for guessing who that may be) to see if we would be interested in attending/supporting an event on the 11th June. More details here.

The RBL are obviously after donations and are asking for 20% of anything we collect, but given the healthy state of the kitty, I have said that anything raised should go to the RBL. I'm sure any attendees will dig deep and there is talk that a reasonable advance donation would secure a visible presence at the entrance to the event (and hopefully exposure to the local press/radio/TV) so I may do some kitty fiddling if we get enough people on the list.

Hopefully there will be enough of us to mount a counter against the inevitable tide of MGs and we may even get the Donington stand out of mothballs for a trial run, so if you are interested, please stick your name on the list as soon as possible.

1. Geoff
2. Pinky
3. Sy
4. Clemo
5. Specky

[inkitin]

To help support such a good cause, yes please!

1. Geoff
2. Pinky
3. Sy
4. Clemo
5. Specky
6. Inkitin

[Sy V]

Thank you guys and in my normal manner of talking to myself, I'll pass on our support to the Branch Secretary!

[Sy V]

Well. Stripey started first dig this evening. I won't tell you how long it has been...
Going to do the H1/H4 headlight swap with something that'll project a pattern to get it through the MOT (cheers WIKILEC) and then we'll be all set for the 4Ps!
Here's an extract from the last lot of RBL minutes I typed up:

"XI. Poppy Picnic Party in the Park (4Ps)
Following the break, extensive discussion took place reference the 4P event. The Chairman summarised the finances by explaining that an estimation had been submitted to Head Office in which it was stated that Income from the event was estimated at £5,400.00 and Expenditure was likely to be in the region of £800.00. Head office duly agreed to meet the £800.00 figure and arranged for a BACS payment to be made to the Branch’s account.
The known attendees were mentioned these included (in no particular order), Main Arena (40 metres x 30 metres), Bouncy Castles, Hog Roast, Ice Cream Vans, Fire Service (Smokey Joe’s), West Mercia Constabulary, The Greyhound Trust, Craft Stalls, The RBL County Caravan with Riders Branch and Welfare, Beer Tent, Military Wing of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (confirmation awaited), Bromsgrove RBL Women’s Section Stall, a Raffle, Bromsgrove School CCF Band and Command Task Stalls, Theatre Train Performance, Spiral’s Dance Class Performance, Kidderminster Girl Guides, Steve Knight Costume Jewellery, Bromsgrove District Housing Trust, Edwin Court Candles and Cards, Second Hand Stall, Mercian Regiment Recruiting Caravan (and Regimental Mascot - it's a goat that apparently shits everywhere SV), Cinnamon Trust, Hot Frosted Nuts, Fancy Cakes, Redditch Royal Navy Cadets Band, Zumba Fitness Club (15 minute demo and thirty minute public participation session), a Barber Shop Quartet and up to eight Lotus Elans from Lotus Elan Central (complete guess here gang, it can be eighty eight if needs be SV).
Bromsgrove’s MP will open the event with a message from Buckingham Palace, The Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire will be in attendance. There will also be a Beating of the Retreat Ceremony with two military bands playing. Various arrangements to date were then confirmed with 1000 leaflets, 35 A4 posters, the event banner with various logos (costing £250.00). The Chairman then outlined the future effort/organization still required and asked that anyone who has secured the services of participants confirms the particular needs and space required for the particular stalls. He then went on to state that he was appearing on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester on the Saturday preceding the event (4th June) between 1000 and 1130hrs. The Chairman said that he was waiting for BBC Radio and TV to get back to him with regards to an outside broadcast from the event itself."
It's coming on nicely!

[Sy V]

This is the latest SITREP with only 10 days to go...

XI. Poppy Picnic Party in the Park (4Ps) - Organisation
The Chairman reminded the meeting that he needed as many Branch Members as possible to assist, on the day, in the setting up of various stalls and amenities. Twenty T-Shirts are being made to be worn by RBL Members on the day.
The Chairman stated that he wanted a male and female Standard Bearer in full RBL Regalia present on the day.
The confirmed attendees were mentioned these included (in no particular order), Main Arena (40 metres by 30 metres), Bouncy Castles (x2), Hog Roast, Bromsgrove Fire Service (Smokey Joe’s), Bromsgrove Police Force (West Mercia Constabulary) The RBL County Caravan with RBL Riders Branch and RBL County Welfare stall, RBL Bromsgrove Women’s Section (with Tombola), Greyhound Trust, Cinnamon Trust, Willow Hedgehog Rescue, Craft Stalls, Spiral’s Dance Academy, Card & Candles Stall (Edwin Court), Bromsgrove District Housing Trust, Second Hand Stall, Mercian Regiment Recruiting Caravan (and Regimental Mascot), BUPA, Face Painting, Bromsgrove School Combined Cadet Force Band and Command Task Stalls, Redditch & Bromsgrove Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Commando detachment, Cup Cake Stall, up to eight Lotus Elans from Lotus Elan Central, Steve Knight Costume Jewellery, CJ Zumba Fitness Club, Hot Frosted Nuts, National Blood Transfusion Service, Barber’s Shop Quartet, Beer Tent.
The Chairman asked if those present thought it was worth him approaching Chris Evans (BBC Radio 2) and inviting him to attend as he has just purchased a Lotus Elan. It was agreed that there was nothing to lose in approaching Mr Evans. {I didn't let on that Evans has bought a baby Elan - SJV}
XII. Poppy Picnic Party in the Park (4Ps) – Programme of Events
0800 to 0950 Set Up of Stalls, Arena etc
1000 Opening Address by Member of Parliament & Chairman of Bromsgrove Council
1010 to 1030 Redditch & Bromsgrove Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Commando Marching Band
1130 to 1150 Bromsgrove School Combined Cadet Force Marching Band
1230 to 1240 Bromsgrove School Barber’s Shop Quartet
1400 to 1415 CJ Zumba Fitness Club
1415 to 1450 CJ Zumba Fitness Club – Public Participation
1600 to 1630 Spiral’s Dance Academy (Ballet, Jazz, Cheerleading and Acro-dance)
1720 to 1800 Beating the Retreat (including The National Anthem and Last Post) – Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire taking the Salute. Standards are to be on parade at 1750. All County Standards will be invited to be present and participate.
Dress is casual with Event T Shirts and or RBL Badges. The last ten minutes will be a Medals Parade.
It was proposed by Karen Bird and seconded by Simon Vickers that any new RBL Members who join on the day receive their RBL badges gratis. The proposal was duly voted on and agreed.
It was suggested from the floor that Paul Matty (Independent Lotus Specialist) be approached for support. Simon Vickers agreed to approach Mr Matty but explained that, due to his involvement in his own Hill Climbing Championship, he thought that Mr Matty’s support may be difficult to secure.

[Nige]

Good luck with this and I hope the weathers kind. I'll be in Le Mans so can't be there but an excellent cause and one close to my heart.

[Sy V]

With less than a week to go, the local paparazzi seem to have upped the ante! No pressure then!

www.bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/story-Be-part-of-the-Bromsgrove-Poppy-Picnic-43708.html

[clemo]

with deepest regret i have been upgraded from a wedding evening do to an all dayer ( which her indoors is keen to go to)

so sorry to say sy i wil not be in attendance ,hope all goe's well with the rest of the elanners that turn up , please post the pictures of more lotus cars than MG's.
it sounds like a great event , very sorry to miss it...

clemo

[Gee0]

Sorry I can't make this as I'm so local but our daughter is making her First Holy on that day .

[inkitin]

Still intent on coming to this and also looking forward to it.

Sy

Do you need any help with setting up?
What time would be good to arrive? (It'll be an early start for me in any case!)
Is there a specific entrance to head for?

Thanks

[Sy V]

The set-up begins at 0800 with the gates opening to the public at 1000. An early Elan arrival would at least let the others know where to aim for. There is only one entrance to Sanders Park. From the town centre head to Kidderminster (on the A448) and it's on the left about 300 yds along the Kiddie Road.
All set-up help gratefully received but please be aware that I may be being pulled from pillar to post and not available for pleasantries (at least early on).

Sanders Park

Map

Sy

[dapinky]

Sy,

I am going to have to cry off at (nearly) the last minute on this one

All the parts for my HG replacement haven't yet arrived, so getting it done by the weekend is a bit optimistic (still have to work!) - i don't want to risk a journey of this length with it in it's current state - it certainly ain't improving!

I would have liked to attend, but as Angie is taking hers down to the Royal Cornwall Show, I can't even resort to 'Plan B'.

sorry (dissapointed!)

(still, it's a reason to take the Triumph to Castle Coombe instead)

[Specky]

Sy,

I to am in the same boat, HG failure...I've done the repairs, just got her running, but she doesn't have an MOT...

I doubt she'll pass first time tomorrow...

Please accept my apologies.

TTFN

[Sy V]

Smithers

Are you still up for it? If not, I'll tell inkitin to stay at home.

[Specky]

I to am in the same boat, HG failure...I've done the repairs, just got her running, but she doesn't have an MOT...

I doubt she'll pass first time

I new she'd pass...

Are we still on for this....I am available again.

Do I need a clean car? Cos it's minging.

TTFN

[inkitin]

I'll tell inkitin to stay at home.

Please don't say that, I've been looking forward to this for a while. I'm still happy to come, no matter how many Elans turn up. Seems like a good day out in any case.

Are we still on for this....I am available again.

Go on Dave! You know you want to! Although I won't be any use for talking about the technicalities of our Elans.

Do I need a clean car?

No, 'cos mine will look really good next to it.

[Wollah]

I have just spotted this event and would like to attend as I am local. I bought my elan last year from M400 KAY and am really enjoying it.
Please let me know what time I should be there.

[Sy V]

Looks like it's game back on!
We're setting up at 0800 and the gates open for the public at 1000. The earlier you get there the more chance I have to cajole you into helping set up other things... like the beer tent!
Thanks guys, you've cheered me up no end!

[Specky]

I'll be there 0830-0900, cos I've gotta drop the dog off in kennels.

I'll bring one of the big LEC posters and an umbrella.

Does any one require an Elan scan doing?

Guess I better find a chair then.

TTFN

[Wollah]

I'll be there about 0800 and looking forward to meeting you guys.
Paul

Elan S2 Medina Green M100 PDT