Ok, time for a brief report!
The RCCGB were all organised with pre-purchased tickets. As I did not want to responsible for peoples cash, we paid on the day. Thanks for Paultons for organising this and thanks for CFers for having their money ready. It went swiftly.
A rather soggy start to the day where were walked around Cobra’s out of bounds area. It was nice to have a group shot. I did cringe when I heard the “uggy uggy uggy” chant and my non-CF mates gave a me a bit of a strange look. Mark retaliated with a “Coaster…Force” shout. Although I find the shouting a little cringe worthy, it did lighten the mood!
Andy Hine did a little introduction and I reluctantly stood next to him. As you know, I’d rather mingle with people that “lead” but it was nice to stand there along side him and welcome everybody. I hate those photos, Tina…diet starts today!
ERT on Cobra and backwards Sky Wingers followed. I only managed one go on Cobra, was too busy chatting. I regretted doing the Sky Winger backwards. I thought “**** it”, it’s not something I can do on every theme park visit so I went for it. As soon as it spun backwards I wanted it to end. I have to admit that I would have rather had Edge ERT than Sky Swinger, but that’s a personal preference.
A few of us wandered off for a coffee and a bacon roll. Even though it took forever to cook, it was really delicious. Just what the doctor ordered!
Next up was the Peppa Pig World presentation. Having liaised with the park previously regarding the construction, I didn’t learn anything new but I could see people were interested. I think everybody on the whole is looking forward to it, although it may alienate some.
A short Q&A session followed. A couple of decent questions, including one from a well spoken Jordan. When Andy Hine asked his question, I admit to rolling my eyes and waited for the woodie question to crop up! In both of the times I’ve met Andy, it’s all he goes on about! Keep plugging away, Andy, I’m sure a park will get one in their own time! And that chap who asked the question about slides…erm…err…bit too much excitement about slides and play areas methinks!
The tour of Peppa Pig World was great. I think it looks really fantastic. I’m excited about seeing it complete next year. I don’t think everybody managed to hear what Stephen Lorton had to say as the group was spread out, but Leigh captured it all on video and will probably make our documentary next year! It’s good to learn that they will market PPW nationally.
Then we split up to do the treasure hunt! I used this time to catch up with my non-CF mates. Having young children, they wanted to do the childish rides. I took Jessica on Flying Frog twice…she loved it! My friend Leah also had several goes on the ladybird ride. It was hilarious. Nic – FYI, that baby is Messy Dave’s youngest, not his! I spotted a group of CFers walking around and they drew on my mind-boggling knowledge of the park for some assistance with the hunt!
I collected the prizes from coach drivers rest room and was ASTONISHED by the sheer weight of all those wheels and pieces! I really struggled carrying that box over towards Cobra. Thankfully I spotted a couple of RCCGBers who kindly assisted me.
Andy and I carried out the draw. Thankfully people realised that I was joking when I read out the first winner as “Andy Hine.” Well done CoasterForce for the big cheers when one of us won something!
At lunch, we went to the pub by the entrance to the park and had a delicious meal that took FOREVER but the banter was great and the table was brilliant! I was impressed by it. Simple things, eh?
After lunch, we did our own thing. CoasterForce stuck together as a group as we always do. We occasionally bumped into the odd RCCGBer but they seemed far and few between. We did the Astroslide with Stone Cold’s usual competiveness. Poor Ollie had to slide down without a mat
We criss-crossed the park doing Stinger, Waverunner and the amazing Jumpin’ Bean. “Ahh, ahh, ahhh, ahhh….ohhhh!” No drop tower I’ve been on can match the willy lift of this ride. It literally makes my balls ache. Fantastic ride!
Stone Cold, Neal, Maddie and Ollie had a go on the water balloons. Yes, the Stone Cold related noise was immense. Maddie certainly has the water ballooning skills!
Next up was the crazy golf. It’s amazing to play this type of attraction for free (for a small returnable deposit). I could have won but fluffed the last hole. Plenty of banter, competitiveness and friendly rivalry! Sorry for the fat ass comment, Tina, but you did open yourself up for that one
Back over to Cobra for one last go, stopping off again at the astrodslide, and then it was 5pm and time to go home!
You all know that I’m incredibly favourable towards Paultons. I absolutely adore the park and, with CF, it’s such an amazing day out. It’s a park that I’m happy to wander about in without riding. It’s so gorgeous. There’s enough there to keep me entertained and enjoy. I always walk away with a smile.
Regardless of what anybody may think of Andy Hine or the RCCGB, I loved the chance to work alongside them to create a memorable day out for enthusiasts from different groups to enjoy. Yes, we do things different but ultimately we
all just want to piss around at a theme park with good mates and make our own memories in a neutral environment.
Thanks once again to everybody who turned up and embraced the day. It was a different experience for myself and CF but one we can all (hopefully!) agree was brilliant!
Thanks also to Marcus Gaines who was my RCCGB equivalent when organising this with the park. I’m unsure what involvement Andy Hine had with the organisation, but cheers anyway! Biggest thanks must go to Caroline, Rob and Stephen from Paultons management...carry on with what you’re doing and you’ll have a fan for life in me!
Right, enough sentimental bollocks from me. Keep the trip reports coming!
