|
Most
regrettably it was necessary to cancel the Hands On weekend at the last
minute.
On Wednesday 3rd
September, despite recent rain Mike Beeby and Richard Allsop, who farm the
land, considered that the land was draining well and were optimistic
provided the weather stayed reasonably dry. While the forecast for Friday
was wet it was decided gauge ground conditions in reality rather than rely
on the forecast.
However the
latter proved all too right. The rain started at about 1 am on Friday and
by breakfast time it was obvious that the land conditions would not permit
any movement of engines or tackle and a decision was taken by Mike Beeby and
I to cancel the event. This action was reinforced by the continued rain
right up to 4pm that day and by further very heavy rain during the weekend.
Fortunately we
were able to contact all but one of the participants and all those bringing
engines thus preventing nugatory journeys and costs. We held a dinner on
the Saturday night as planned with neighbours and supporters which revived
or spirits just a little.
We are making
immediate plans for a replacement event. Because of planting arrangements
the same field will not be available but we are considering an alternative
in the locality to be held in the spring of next year. We hope to take a
decision at our committee meeting on 1 November. Accordingly we will be
offering participants a full refund shortly and a place on the rescheduled
event.
Considerable
preparation had gone into making the weekend a success. As far as I know
this is only the second SPC event to be cancelled in forty years so we were
really unlucky. However the alternative would have been impossible.
John Billard
15 September 2008 |
