Well my field is very quiet, all the stands are still up but empty, the wind and misting rain is blowing them around. A huge branch has blown off the smallest Walnut Tree, the wind has been strong. The Biffa Bins have gone, the loos have gone, the bar has been sorted out and all the spare drink organised to go back, or gone back. The deep freezer will be moved back to the freezer shed, the fridge has gone back to the clinic, the signs have been taken down, the car park returned to a field next door, the temporary fencing is down, the horse field is clear and Mollie is back, we are almost back to normal, just the tents to go on Thursday, and that will be that.
The two days of the Falconry Event went really really well, we were busy, lots of visitors, of course we could have done with more, but considering it was the first time for this event we were very pleased. The weather was great, grey to start with both days, but soon the sun broke through and it was sunny and warm throughout the day, all the birds flew well. Gary Bidiss did a great job on both days, with his little hybrid flying superbly on the first day and although mucking him around on the second, ended up doing its usual excellent stuff. and a great kite demonstration (material kite not live one!) with a training kite and his peregrine. Terry Large was only with us for the first day as he had a prior engagement, but did his usual excellent demonstration with a number of birds. Nigel King flew his Aplomado on the second day which was a treat. He could not fly it on the first day he said he had just given it a snack on the first day but the rest of us think it must have been a whole flaming pigeon it had a huge crop for hours!! However he and Mark flew it together on the second day and she flew nicely to the two of them .
Our original dog demonstration had let us down, but Howard Kirby stepped in at the last minute on the second day and what an excellent demonstration, the best I have seen and a joy to watch. I hid my dogs away for it.
Needless to say my staff did a first class job with all the demonstrations and not one bird let us down, they all did brilliantly. The dogs were in heaven, we should have taken bets as to how much weight they would put on over the two days!! They were convinced that the whole thing had been put on for their benefit, but they did have fun and on the first day we tried out a motor to pull a rabbit and Sedge, Sorrel and Indigo showed people that although fat, they could still chase the rabbit! However for most of the day they either cruised the Centre helping people out with their picnics or food, or sat by the two food stands looking starving (well trying to!)
We had some great stands and artists, and all the exhibitors were really nice, and seemed to have a good time. The atmosphere over the whole place over the two days was really friendly and pleasant and it was good to see old friends that I did not expect to come. The UKFC cooked the BBQ and an excellent job they did and Mike and my staff manned the bar. Everyone on the stands and in the camping area came, Richard had organised the lighting for us and it looked great, there was a band but most people were enjoying chatting so few went over to listen. The BBQ finished on time as promised at midnight, although by the time I got to bed it was closer to 2.00 am – way past my bedtime.
All in all it was a great weekend, with lovely visitors, a wonderful setting, a good joint effort, and my staff and volunteers did a fantastic job making the place look wonderful beforehand. Charlie Heap put in enormous effort for the Centre to get the thing up and running.
Here are some of the comments
Good event, very well organised ,some top displays ,nice to put a face to some of the forum members and catch up with some old friends, i first visited the centre in 1977!!!!! been back a few times over the years, great setup, clean and tidy, brilliant, mark.
I also had a great weekend with the Mrs. met some awesome people, deffo will be going next year!
I’m glad me and Mrs went, had a good time, enjoyed displays, and David Foxes talk with wez:s input at the end ,Good seeing u guys, hopefully this will become a yearly event
I just have to say well done to Charlie and Mima + team for persevering with the event and putting on such a good event. It’s obvious from the comments how well received it has been.
I had a terrific day on Sunday, even the Mrs enjoyed it. Loved the art stands and was a pleasure to meet Mr Rampling and hope Birmingham wasn't too painful for you! Great to meet various other people and see a variety of birds flown so well.
Finally I have to admit in my opinion Howard and the dog show stole it for me, I don't know a great deal about the subject but I found it fascinating and entertaining and a really nice chap to chat to afterwards and all at the 11th hour! Even Mima commented on it being the best dog display she's seen! Thanks Howard!
Roll on next year maybe!? Make sure your there to support it!
Jimmi
ARE we going to do it again - probably yes!!! Watch this space!
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