Pirate update and Celebrations

I am pleased to announce that I have just signed a cheque for £700 to the RNLI. This was from the sponsorship we recieved and a percentage of our takings that weekend.
Thank you to everyone that helped us- the boys that did the pedaloe laps overnight so my staff could get some sleep, the Rangers and "friends of the Cafe" that did some laps too, and the more serious sailors that didn't shout too much when we drifted onto their course! Also all of our customers that sponsored us and supported us, and continue to do so every year

This year is the Parks 21st Birthday. Next weekend- 8th and 9th we have a Family weekend. The Park has invited all of the groups that use the park throughout the year to do displays etc for the weekend. Heart FM are coming with their stage, there will be an '80s Tribute band and Pat Sharpe- he of the Saturday morning shows. There is also kite flyers, face painting,taster courses in sailing and windsurfing, fire and police stands, willow work, Stick making, demonstarions by the Rangers and of course The Collabor8tors will be at the cafe on Sunday lunchtime to serenade you while you eat.

We also have a Hydrosphere in the park now, up on the small lake(Lynch Lake) next to us. For those uninitiated with the concept, and I still don't really understand it, you are in a see-through ball filled with air and the idea is to walk across the water. This is apparently very difficult to do and most end up falling and then crawling around. Very funny to watch, possibly quite annoying while you are in it. It is weather dependant and should be on each day over the summer.

So lots happening and I hope you can come and see what the park is all about on
8th and 9th August.

Music on the Water

I think I have become a fan. I have never been a "fan" of anything- not a full blown supporter. Jodie has the football. At this juncture I should say well done to Posh. They apparently have gone up a division, or a league or something, which is good. And the same weekend Manchester United won 5-2 to Tottenham. This all made Jodie very happy, and those of you who came in on Saturday evening will have heard her voice raised in football chants as she exclaimed her joy.
Those of you who missed her somewhat interesting versions of classic pieces, and joined us on Sunday instead, will have a notion of why I am now a fan.
We were joined by "Shakehandseric and the Collabor8tors". These guys are proper acoustic musicians. They play instruments and don't do things by computer!There were four on Sunday, but the numbers go up depending who can collaborate with them (now you get the name). Between them they play guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, harmonica, ukuele, banjo and piano. They even do accapella, which is impressive in this day and age of synthesised everything.
Richard Young is the main vocalist, and as "Shakehandseric" write his own stuff. Roberto is vocals and lead guitar amongst other instruments, and has several CD's. Andy plays piano, and John- one of our regulars- sings and plays guitar, banjo and sometimes even the ukulele.
They do covers if they are not singing Richards songs, a mixture of pop, folk and modern classics, from Dirty Old Town, I'll Tell Ma, If I said You Had A Beautiful Body to Valerie, Chasing Cars and Halleluia.
They were kind enough to give us a CD, which we will gladly play in the cafe to share with you all. They have a gig list, and you can see and hear them on www.myspace.com/shakehandseric
I am hoping they will join us again to play at the 24hour Sail, in aid of the RNLI in June, and also at the Parks 21st Birthday Celebrations in August.