It all started off quite well, Martyn, in white van man disguise, called for me as arranged and we met Phil Loom at the Blue Star Garage on time. We agreed to meet at the café on the A10 near Royston and set off, through the tunnel and we watched a huge queue of cars on the other side, slowly crawling towards the bridge, Martyn remarked "I'm glad we're not in that lot". I saw a sign "Diggerland" and suddenly remembered I'd left my ticket in a drawer at home!
This revelation didn't go down too well with Martyn, we stopped, I phoned the BMF and asked if there was any chance of getting in without a ticket? No chance. So after leaving a message on Phil's phone that we would be a little late at the café, we turned back towards Dartford.
Over an hour later we were back at the Diggerland sign, now equipped with ticket and, following a concerned phone call from Martyn's daughter, extra toilet rolls. We met up with Phil at the café, the owner had stayed open late just for us and after a cup of coffee we prepared to leave. Now we all know how useful Gaffer Tape is but the café owner's face was a picture as Phil carefully taped up his boots and leggings against the rain. It was like seeing an Eskimo sewing themselves into their winter clothes.
Any road up we were a little late in arriving at the BMF and after visiting several gates as usual we found somewhere to park and then put up our tents. As a result we missed "The Playgirls" who were on at 9.00pm but saw the full set of "Iron Horse" who were very impressive heavy metal, starting with Judas Priest "breaking the law" and playing most of my favourites including Saxon and UFO numbers.
Saturday was shopping day and we made full use of the bargain bins, Phil buying two sets of leather jeans and a Clint Eastwood style Duster jacket. We left our shopping bags with Helen and Dutchy who were helping with T shirt sales in the trade area. We visited the Triumph Owners Club tent, which was very dark due to lack of artificial lighting, it's the cuts you know, but we were able to find Sarge and Lawrence and have a chat.
Saturday night entertainment was also good, the highlight being "Strangers" who played a wide range of stuff from Blue Oyster Cult to Abba and finishing with an almost perfect "Queen" Bohemian Rhapsody. We will have to contact them for our rally next year!
Saturday night was warmer, one of my purchases being a new sleeping bag and Sunday, well, we went home, totally rallied out.