Tuesday 14thAugust the YPC took a group of the Young People and some of their parents / guardians to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The objective of the day was to ride as many of the top rides as you can.
The day started at Middleton Masonic Hall where the first part of the group was picked up by the coach. The second stop was Hewlett Court to collect the rest of the party, then on to Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
At the Pleasure Beach coach park we were met by our “Ambassador” who led us to the groups reception desk where our booking was promptly processed, wrist bands attached and entry tickets issued. The reception process was good, less than ten minutes after arrival at the coach park we were in the Pleasure Beach. It was 10.15, six hours of rides; our coach would be leaving the Pleasure Beach at 16.15.
The committee members, David Lightbown, Gary O’Neill and Roger Tinker, first task was to secure tickets for the afternoon’s Ice Show for those who had requested them. Tickets in hand and confirmations sent to those going to the show, a cup of tea / coffee was next on the agenda. What to do next? We decided to build up our ride experiences gradually. First the River Caves followed by a nostalgic ride on the Pleasure Beach Express. Onwards and upwards we decided to go for a higher adrenalin rush and chose the Log Flume. After a serious and prolonged debate about which was the driest position to be in the boat, we took our places, David in front, Roger in the middle and Gary at the rear. Everybody gets wet, the middle is worst.
Slightly damp, or in one case really wet, we met those going into the Ice Show at the Ice Arena to give out the tickets.
The time had passed so quickly it was approaching 16.15 time for departure. Everybody was on time at the coach. Weary, but elated they had all been on the Top Rides, for some several times. A successful day, objective achieved.
Our next stop was Seniors Fish and Chip restaurant for a much needed meal, riding the Pleasure Beach builds appetites and for Gary his reward for being the first to spot the Tower on our drive into Blackpool.
Then it was time to go home. Drop offs at Hewlett Court and Middleton were completed before 20.00.
Our thanks to Karen for managing the bookings, Swan’s Coaches and Pete the driver for a safe and speedy journey, Seniors for the good food and efficient service and Blackpool Pleasure Beach for the prompt processing at reception giving us more time for the rides.
