The Barn Birthday Bash 2011
Over all the years of attending the Barn Bash I have noticed that most of us have at some point fallen victim to circumstance which precludes our attendance. Few of us can say that we have been at every Barn party since I first introduced this now accepted part of Salutation life to the club back in 1994. This year's absentee of note was Thora. Such is her presence at this event everyone who was told of her non-attendance was for a brief period quite shocked; it just doesn't happen. It's like water without the hydrogen and she missed a cracker. In fact she missed at least one other crack as one that remains nameless here took a naturistic view of drying off after a refreshing Roeburndale Bath. Mandy Does got the best look if you're interested Thora.
I noticed the residue of oil, rubber, grit, stones and general road dust that collects at the outer extremities of such rotaries. MTL didn't
There was of course Chris's crack as usual (gotta be safer than saying the Shitecrack. No?) and the less said about that the better but his willingness to be seen yet again carrying his discarded clothes as opposed to wearing them was remarked upon by Sid. Yes Sid, I believe he really does enjoy it.
While on the theme of cracks it would be pertinent at this juncture to mention a few additionals MTL collected on his way up. Peeling off an ever increasingly congested M6 we bashed the A50 from Sandbach to Warrington in double quick time, regularly reaching speeds into 3 figures to accompany the beaming smiles such a boisterous ride was bestowing upon us. The fast bit was fine. The slow bit wasn't. Rolling into a roundabout at Warrington I noticed the residue of oil, rubber, grit, stones and general road dust that collects at the outer extremities of such rotaries. MTL didn't and both him and his bike took a magic tarmac ride resulting in a cracked screen, smashed foot-peg (rode 50 miles without one), bent bars, scratched tank, dodgy brake lever and one mashed up tin of beer in his rucksack.
The three of us arrived at the same time as Mitch landed which was handy as he was able to carry the Washburn Traveller, allowing me to lug heavy food laden panniers to base camp. Paul was the 1st face we spotted, collecting wood chippings at the the Barn Bridge and others soon followed as we made our way into the glade.
The paniers were a lot lighter going home due to 2lb stewing steak, half a field of veggies and a bottle of Jack being put to good use over the weekend. I do recall the odd comment being passed as Steve helped slice onions and Uncle Andy offered a supporting role in supply of a sharp knife and questioning why I didn't peel my carrots but the end product was worth it I hasten to add. Next year I'm charging.
Quite what his tent was doing that far up the glade I'll never know...eh Naz?
We had two happy campers this year. Chris had made the call to bring his tent as did Mandy and Snorz, both providing great opportunities for tumbling bodies as guy-ropes caught out both Chris and Snorz, one leading to a half naked fall into a bed of daffs. Quite what his tent was doing that far up the glade I'll never know...eh Naz? While we were spared the deep bass-like rumblings of Nigel snoring inside the barn courtesy of his self ommitance it seems we weren't spared it from other sources; myself, Beetlejuice, Big Steve and Dave all adding our own chorus to the peaceful easy feeling.
What else can be said about the weekend that won't have been said many times before regarding this annual foray into Middlewood? Two new members have done their 1st barn, one returning member has been reunited with his club, Joe slipped back into it like he was never away, Sid and RyanFuxSake joined in and Tracey's new fella seems ok first time of asking.
I caught no fish, Dave and Chris made some money in the sweepstake, a moonlike bum briefly appeared at one the of the ladders and the sun shone down all weekend. Top Notch.
Andy Kat
Here's a few of Mandy's pix :
Here's a few of Wigan Paul's pix :
