ISLAND INVASION RALLY 2002 - ISLE OF BUTE
The Islanders would like to say a big thank you to all who came to the rally and all the non-members who willingly volunteered their time to help out at the event and made it so successful.
Report written by Alan Jackson
It started again..... This time earlier, the rally started the year before for the Islanders... but then if you've read last years' rally report you'll know this, nothings changed!
Well that's a little lie, it is getting easier. Practice makes perfect and the more we
practice the better we'll get. This year brought hordes that we didn't expect, the
pre-book numbers were up on previous years but we were nearly caught out by the extras that turned up. But being good "Islanders" we coped.. this was the first year we were forced into our overflow site we didn't even know we had until hours before the
rally.
The Thursday before the rally and we already had people arriving. Thankfully there were willing volunteers and their help was greatly appreciated. The marquee went up quicker than last year,
practice makes perfect. Then we had the fun of making our own stage; this was a new venture and lessons were learnt, I personally am glad I had steel toe caps on that day, as some of the buggers don't know how to wield a hammer. We had fun cutting metal bars and wooden slats until it was pointed out to us that we'd borrowed them. Wonder if they've checked them yet!! We had the added problem of re-siting the Marquee so the sound guys could have an adequate power source. They came and erected their small amount of gear then decided to test without telling anyone. Loud was not quite the word when there's a speaker just 2/3 feet behind you!!
But at least it bloody worked and by the reaction on the nights of the rally the expense was well justified.
The bar was stocked, the stage made, the pole-dancing arena erected, the PA system ready and waiting, all we needed were some musicians. First up was "Destination", young local guys, we have attempted to continue the tradition of giving some "Learners" a chance and they greatly appreciated it. They played well for their age 14/15-year-olds. We then went for the more established group from the Island "Class C". Who are more used to a slightly more conservative audience and so revelled in the chance to "Rock it". The third band for our Friday night was "Roadhouse" who at one point during the day didn't look as if they would make the rally. (This was one of our hiccups) they duly arrived on stage and proceeded to entertain all with a good mixture of different types of music, playing through till the early hours.
The first day was over, our greatest surprise was the amount of folk who arrived that day. We honestly didn't expect that many. The Port campsite began to look decidedly small considering the amount that had booked, but as yet had not arrived.
The Saturday came and this year due to the fact the Island Highland games were on we left everyone to their own devices. Apparently many rally attendees had a wonderful time at the games, I suspect most found the "Beer " tent fairly early.
The Saturday evening arrived and again we had a young band on first this time "Disciple" followed by "Destination". We then went into a slightly different mode when "Paddicraic", an Irish band from Yorkshire played a variety of folk type music to heavier rock music.
The evening was finished in great style by rally stalwarts "Sticky Fingers" they played till late in the night or was it early in the morning. The Saturday brought about the usual competition malarkey. "Miss Invasion" being the highlight, although why I can never understand. We had fireworks, lots of alcohol, and the usual prize giving best bike, trike etc.
Huge apologies to the girls but due to a "cock up" in our system we were unable to award a furthest travelled female, this will be erected, sorry! Corrected next year. Honest!
Saturday came and went, Sunday arrived. We waved goodbye to many but had a pleasant surprise at how many people stayed over for the Ceildh. As it was a Scottish type entertainment day we had a battle enactment group lined up for the afternoon. This was brought in at great expense and it took fantastic negotiating skills to persuade them to come to the island. See photos. The evening's entertainment was local group "Creag an Roan" and "Paddicraic" had another stint on stage. The evening went well with the usual slaughter of a poor haggis (after the unsporting gesture of chopping off its legs) many were brave enough to try the haggis.
Each night, for the late people amongst us, we had arranged a bonfire at the rear of the Scout hall, which was well attended on the three nights. This could be confirmed by the number of empty cans around the embers the next day.
We took the marquee down on Monday, with solemn pain in our hearts, it was an extreme effort. We all had to dig down deep for second wind or was it that we all had "Fu*****" huge hangovers.
HERE'S TO NEXT YEAR
THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED OUR RALLY HOPE YOU HAD AS MUCH FUN AS WE DID
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Samantha Pretty in Pink
The WINNER! |
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More pictures of Happy rally-goers
