August 22nd 2010

I didn't get to witness the opening ceremony of the newly refurbished Sir John Barrow monument, as down at Ford park we we're all scurrying about getting everything ready for the start of our Gala. Although we had planned it down to the very last detail and had lots of volunteers there was always going to be those last minute hitches. Like the regulator on the gas bottle that Tom was using to cook the giant Paella on packing up just at the moment he was going to start cooking. Jackie shot off to Bardsea leisure to find a new one whilst the giant Paella had to be manhandled to Ford house kitchen. And then an hour later transported on the back of our buggy to a waiting queue of hungry gala goers, not an easy thing to do, but that's events for you, unpredictable.
Then there was the incident with my guitar. Plug in to test-nothing, must be a bad lead, back to the studio, pick up another, plug it in, nothing, two bad leads? No turns out the batteries in the pickup that were fine yesterday had gone kerput. Luckily John, who was performing with Martin rushed off to get me his from home.Jackie had some trying incidents with stall holders, which eventually were sorted out and by one o'clock we were in full swing and our monumental gala was swarming with people under a beautiful sun-drenched afternoon sky. The welcoming the world flags fluttering away in the breeze, the Town band playing on the side lawn, Ford Park was fulfilling it's role as the towns showground.
At 1-45 the stage was set for Martin Gilberts' story of Sir John Barrow. With Heather and her two girls looking resplendent in their costumes, and Martin in his stove pipe hat and cloak. With the help of some young conscripted players they held a large audience spell bound for just over quarter of an hour with the story of John Barrows life.
Van Dunks swimming sensation provided a laughter filled half hour before my contribution to the day took to the stage. The Shanty Crew, seven seasoned salty dogs, fresh from two rehearsals stepped forth to render a selection of sea songs. They delivered a spirited forty five minutes of nautical goodies that had the audience singing along, with a couple of tunes written especially for the occasion.
My song Pepperpot was asked to be repeated for our guest of honer, Sir Anthony Barrow himself, who had missed it whilst listening to speeches in the VIP tent.
The Ford Park Galley sold out of paella and veggie chilli, the Monumentale did a roaring trade, a splendid time was had by all.

Lots of people wanted to know if they could buy a copy of my Pepperpot song. Well, you can download the MP3 from the Ford Park website or give me a call, or email me at colin@ford-park.org.uk and I'll run you off a copy. All proceeds to Ford Park.