May Day Weekend at Osmaston
Another brilliant May Bank Holiday at Osmaston, and Sheffield DA pulled it off in style. We welcomed 85 units from 17 different DAs and sections, and from the first awning peg to the last cup of tea on Monday, it felt like one big family weekend.
Saturday: Sports Day with a Twist
Saturday afternoon was all about the family sports on the field. We had the classics, egg and spoon and the obstacle race, with plenty of wobbles and cheers from the crowd lining the track.
This year we added a few new events and they were an instant hit: the tent erection race, which was very competitive and was far funnier to watch than it sounds, and the glutton race, which left everyone laughing. Tea, coffee and cake followed, then the medal ceremony for our proud winners.
Saturday Night: Battle of the Decades
Marquee was full of anticipation as Nine teams packed into the marquee for the music quiz. We covered everything from the 50’s to the 2020s, and the competition was fierce but friendly, and very close with only six points between the top five teams. It was eventually won by “Norfolk and Chance Again”
A great singalong atmosphere to round off the day.
Sunday: Breakfast, Bargains and a Big Fundraiser
The Alfresco Cafe opened bright and early for breakfast, and then it was time for the Youth Fundraiser Penny Fair. Lots of games, lots of prizes, and Jane's preloved items stall did a roaring trade.
It was brilliantly supported and raised over £1,000 for Youth Funds, a fantastic effort, thank you to everyone who played, donated and spent
.
The weather held for most of the day, though Sunday afternoon turned a bit wet, which meant we had to call off the Junior Youth game of Scatterball. A shame, but it gave everyone a good excuse for a rest of visit to the local pub.
Sunday Night: Bingo, Raffle and the Tilley Lamp
Back in the marquee for the ever-popular, and often chaotic, bingo. A few new calls were added this year which kept the laughter going all evening. We also handed out the Penny Fair prizes and drew the raffle.
We then followed with the annual Tilley Lamp Lighting competition. There were the usual flare-ups, a disqualification for over-enthusiastic pumping, and in the end the title went once again to Andrew Milner. Congratulations Andrew, you've done it again.
Monday: A Walk and a Pack Down
We finished the weekend the right way with a lovely three-mile walk around the estate, taking in the Water Mill and that hill which seems to get steeper and longer every year.
Back on site, plenty of volunteers mucked in to take down the marquee and pack everything away safely until next time.
Thank You
A huge thank you to our stewards Paul and Rachael, and Andy and Jane, for getting everyone pitched easily and safely and for keeping the whole weekend running smoothly.
These weekends don't just happen. It takes different teams and a lot of willing helpers to organise every event, put up the marquee, run the cafe, sell the tickets and entertain . My thanks go to everyone who helped and to everyone who came along and supported it. You made it a weekend to remember.
