Looking back over 2006 it was a real roller coaster ride (excuse the pun). As the traditional funfair business declined sharply, our corporate activities really took off. We visited some absolutely stunning places, and some real rough areas. One small community event we were attending was scheduled to finish at four pm. A few days before the event we received a phone call from the organisers, "Do you mind finishing at three", they asked
"No problem", I replied, "But is there a reason?"
"Yes, the police mobile CCTV camera van has to leave at three, and they advise you not to be there after they are gone", lovely!
We also met some varied characters, again some were absolutely lovely people, on the other hand at least two of those we dealt with are actively being sought by various police forces who would like them to help with their enquiries.
One thing we have found is that experience counts for a lot, the experienced events organisers know not only what is possible, but also what is viable, unfortunately some of those organising community events have little grasp of economics, people will organise a table top sale aimed at an audience of 200 people, and ask if we can attend with a roller coaster, four or five major rides and a dozen stalls? When you explain that for the expected crowd you may be able to bring a single children's ride, they are somewhat crestfallen.
We survived the year quite well, the only problem we encountered that we couldn't solve was the day we were booked to attend a James Bond themed day at a car dealership, on the way to Scunthorpe the vehicle, (an 8 wheeled Foden carrying a custom built shooting gallery) developed a problem with the cooling system and couldn't make it, normally we have a spare unit carrying a slightly smaller shooting gallery which could take its place, unfortunately that was booked into a private party at Worksop at roughly the same time so there was nothing we could do, the annoying thing is that our Foden vehicles have consistently been absolutely superb, the only other breakdown being a broken fan belt, and the vehicle limped home on that day under its own steam.
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"No problem", I replied, "But is there a reason?"
"Yes, the police mobile CCTV camera van has to leave at three, and they advise you not to be there after they are gone", lovely!
We also met some varied characters, again some were absolutely lovely people, on the other hand at least two of those we dealt with are actively being sought by various police forces who would like them to help with their enquiries.
One thing we have found is that experience counts for a lot, the experienced events organisers know not only what is possible, but also what is viable, unfortunately some of those organising community events have little grasp of economics, people will organise a table top sale aimed at an audience of 200 people, and ask if we can attend with a roller coaster, four or five major rides and a dozen stalls? When you explain that for the expected crowd you may be able to bring a single children's ride, they are somewhat crestfallen.
We survived the year quite well, the only problem we encountered that we couldn't solve was the day we were booked to attend a James Bond themed day at a car dealership, on the way to Scunthorpe the vehicle, (an 8 wheeled Foden carrying a custom built shooting gallery) developed a problem with the cooling system and couldn't make it, normally we have a spare unit carrying a slightly smaller shooting gallery which could take its place, unfortunately that was booked into a private party at Worksop at roughly the same time so there was nothing we could do, the annoying thing is that our Foden vehicles have consistently been absolutely superb, the only other breakdown being a broken fan belt, and the vehicle limped home on that day under its own steam.
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