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Blenheim Palace 2007 |
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Once again the
Bears were invited to the Blenheim Palace horse trials to provide what has
become known as the alternative horse power show. As last year we were asked
to bring along a static display for the three days with the possibility of
doing some dream rides on the final day. This year the event came the week after many of the Bears had returned from Guernsey and so had to be accommodated with some haste. Nevertheless around 20 cars provided a fair mix of transport for both display and rides. Positioned in the same place as last year Bears enjoyed privileged views of both the action and shopping. Those who had not spent all their money the previous week were able to wander around designer shops to their hearts content whilst their partners nervously polished the car in the hope that some money would be left for the fuel to get home. |
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The club tent provided a strong brand image topped off by the now familiar flag. With the cars lined up facing the public passing on the road their was a fair amount of interest in the club at what is not a motoring event. Whilst all the cars drew some attention Geoff’s Ferrari, Richard’s Corvette, and Paul’s Cobra vied with Mike’s 1932 8 litre Bentley for most attention. Disappointment on the first day, when it was found that all that had been put in one collecting bucket was 78p was tempered somewhat when the second day yielded £38.
On the Sunday the chance to ride in the cars increased the possibility of more money for Helen & Douglas House Hospice. In the end we provided 10 rides, the same number as last year. Not on a par with some other events but sufficient to see the amount raised to a respectable level. |
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As last year the fund raising aspect of the Blenheim show is limited and it is difficult to see any way of increasing the effectiveness of this part of the Bears attendance. Despite this disappointment it seemed that those who attended enjoyed doing so. They did however express their pleasure in many ways. Mike Gardner took his shirt off too many times to count, so much so that Dave Muttock, worried that he might frighten the horses, bought him a Sporting Bears shirt in the hope that this one would stay on longer. Keith and Tom in the meantime took off and joined the other “Fools without horses” who ran the entire cross country course, fences included. Whilst Boo and Don tried to buy the entire stock of a boot stall, Mick, with the help of Michelle, found another selling liquorice fudge (a rare and by far his most favourite confectionary) and did the same with their supply.
On reflection attendance for the weekend seemed to have been enjoyed by all the Bears who went. We wait to see if we are invited next year and indeed if there are sufficient Bears interested in attending what is to all intents and purposes a wonderful social event with amazing shopping and horsy potential.
Mick Bryan |
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