Website Report On The Whit Roundup

Hi there!

   I reckon I can safely say that the Whit Roundup was again extremely successful, even though numbers were down from the last two. Nevertheless there were lots of old friends in such as Mel and Malc, the 'formation dancers,' (otherwise known as 'The Nuts,') and Sundance and Maureen – as well as new ones. These included some young ladies on a 'girls night out' on the Saturday who really joined in with the spirit of the proceedings. Pleased to have had your company girls!

 To begin with Dakota did a brilliant job parking all the vans etc up and issuing toilet keys. I will at this point also mention Mandy who was the chef over the weekend, producing really great breakfasts as well as her usual great evening meals, complete with mouth watering sweets.

Then acts booked for this weekend were again superb, Mel Paul and Mary Lacey on the Friday, WestRide on the Saturday and The Andy Bell Sound on the Sunday. All three are male/female duos, but they all have their own distinct ethos. Mary Lacey has a bubbly personality and soon has the guys on board, especially with that short skirt, garter and high heels! Meanwhile at her side is the dark and mysterious figure of Mel Paul, who doubles as lead singer as well as playing guitar.

The leprechauns on stage witness to Mary's Irish heritage, from where she no doubt got her charm and enthusiastic stage presence. In support of the duo came their green and yellow clad supporters, Ian and Jill, twins from Chesterfield, who joined them on stage for 'Under The Sun,' complete with maracas! It was also visitor Alan's lucky night, as he got to sit on Mary's knee for 'Happy Birthday.' Quite a few other men wished it were their birthday too!

On Saturday afternoon we had the Fast draw indoors, and then went out into the wind for the Western games. These were lots of fun, with archery joining the usual competitions. Fortunately I was on the horse shoe throwing – the horse shoes not being too difficult to find – the knives seemed to be a bit more elusive, for from time to time I saw rows of contenders scouring the grass!

In the evening WestRide gave a great performance. Vikki always looks fabulous in her colourful Western/Native American outfits whilst Rob Kay is a talented musician who peps up their numbers with instrumental interludes. There was plenty of scope for the visiting girls to join in with some real Western dances, including a hoe down to 'Y'All Come,' when they all got a turn at going down the middle.

On this evening Rusty was delighted to be serenaded by Vikki, (especially as she had told him he was too young!) with the song, 'Grandpa, Tell Me about the Good Old Days.' Rusty was also pleased as he paraded round the room with the Confederate flag towards the end of each evening to Ivor James' 'The South will Rise Again.) The other two Trilogies celebrated each evening were the American Trilogy and the Mexican trilogy, led by Rusty and Curly.

The Andy Bell Sound, Andy and Moira, arrived in time for breakfast. They are a duo with a fantastic amount of energy and a fund of stories, and this is before they even get on stage! They always look good on stage, changing each time to matching costumes. They are also both excellent musicians, Andy playing the guitar, ukulele, banjo and harmonica, and not necessarily one at a time, whilst Moira plays the keyboard. Furthermore Andy is responsible for their backing tracks.

The duo played for both of the Trilogies, (during which I'm sure I heard the sound of bagpipes and a trumpet – although not together,) and they didn't finish singing until half past twelve. I'm sure they would be still there if they hadn't had a booking the next day!

On Sunday Preacher, our DJ, came into his own as he dressed up in his ecclesiastical outfit to perform a 'Western Wedding/Blessing' for two of our visitors, Marshal Boozy and Dixie Gal. Frosty and Curly staggered under the weight of a tiny anvil for the ceremony while Rusty encouraged the couple forward with a shotgun. All finished well as the couple was presented with a certificate, duly signed by witnesses, and photos were taken.

On the same evening certificates and medals for the winners of the Fast Draw and Western Games were presented by our treasurer, Marlene, and despite Preacher trying to give away all the certificates at once and the batteries going on my camera, everyone got the right ones – for a change! (Photos for the winners can be seen on this website.) There was also a Fast Draw each evening when trophies were presented to the winners. The Top Gun of the weekend was Dark Wolf, with Marshal Boozy being Runner Up. Dixie Gal was the Top Lady, with Short Fire being the Ladies' Runner up.

Each evening there was a Raffle organised by Jenny, although Mick R. stepped in as chief ticket salesman, helped by Alice, on two nights during Jenny's absence. Still, Preacher swears that Jenny's relatives are still winning all the prizes! Meanwhile Rusty has been adding to the speakers in the room so that the sound system sounds better.

So, onward and upward!

The next Roundup Weekend takes place at the August Bank Holiday Weekend. And don't forget the Charity Weekend for Air Ambulance on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September.

   Hope to see you soon,

   Mrs Rusty.