Positioned at the head of the pier and in a very prominent position we were well received by the public and veterans alike. This very unorthodox location bought with it some unique problems. We arrived to find that the coast  was being buffeted by strong winds, which were a result of a storm at sea. After some debate we managed to get the 9x9 tent up using all the weights we could find and tethered the tent to the trailer; just in case. We settled down for the night in a flapping tent hoping it would stay earth bound. Fingers crossed the weather would improve for the next day.

Before the gates opened.

Saturday bought the with it the sun and with the winds being a a bit more sedate it was time to get the 12x12 up which proved more challenging than the 9x9, needing a few people to hold it down at one point., but with the help of some sandbags and the second trailer as a tether point it survived.  The sun on Saturday almost did for us, but with members of the group looking out for each other, the effects of the day were lessoned. Saturday also turned out to be the busiest of the two days, not only were we invaded by Vets of all ages, the public took a great interest in us and the local cadet force ended up being banned from our display for a short period to allow us to deal with the public. Luckily for this event we were in force, which allowed every one some sort of down time through out the day. 

Sunday morning before the crowds arrived.

The Saturday night was loud, what with the clubs and the parade of cars up and down the road below us, we walked up the pier for a little piece. 1.3 miles and we could still here the engines and the horns from the vehicles! Some of the group decided to brave the noise and bedded down with the display whilst a few of us moved further down the pier for a quieter night. Sunday again bought the sun, but the expected crowds were not to be seen. A more manageable level off public descended upon us and the day was spent at a more sedate pace. Again the cadets were banned (Evil Grin).

I was up early on the Sunday morning and the others awoke to find the weapons like this. (I just could not resist it)

This event proved to hard work for us and very enjoyable. We managed to spend quiet a bit of time talking to the veterans who were quite happy to talk about there experiences from WWII, Palestine, Suez, Korea and the Falklands. Most of them also enjoyed handling the weapons which a lot of them remembered them first being issued. Another lesson was learned in handling the cadets. They were into every thing but give them credit where due they listened and when asked to leave us alone for a couple of hours they did just that. This event also gave some of the newer members a chance to see how busy it can get, but I do not think it toped the first year we attended Colchester.

A new style of displaying the kit, which seemed to work quite well.

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