Reason for visit: seeing the amazing Jemima Brown in a performance of award nominated Surge.
Access:
I’d never been to Newcastle before, and the journey was fairly straightforward. Well, a 7 a.m flight isn’t the easiest to negotiate, particularly with the frankly sub-standard public transport links to Aldergrove, but security and boarding were smooth and quick, and 40 minutes later we were touching down in “the Toon”. I was mightily impressed by the frequent, clean, and cheap Metro services to and from the airport, which took me (via the Jesmond stop) to Central Station, right across from the County Hotel, where I was staying. By 9 am I had dropped off my bags, done a recce wander, and by 11 I was sharing a cappuccino with darling daughter.
For Jesmond Dene parkrun, I got the metro back out to Jesmond. As it’s on the airport route, the service is quite frequent, about every 15 minutes on a Saturday, and the journey takes about 10 minutes. From the metro station, turn left, and walk all the way down Jesmond Road until you see signs for Jesmond Dene. It’s about a 15 minute walk. I got a 38 bus back into the city centre.
Facilities:
The briefing takes place near Millfield House, where there are loos and a cafe (and an ice cream van and a pets corner). When I visited there was a great market happening on Armstrong Bridge, where I enjoyed an iced latte and a granola breakfast cookie. Coats and bags can be left at the scanning area.
Course:
Oh my stars it is hilly! And has steps! And a resident puddle known as “Mr Puddle”. I’m pretty sure I also encountered Mrs Puddle as well as various Masters and Misses Puddles. But it is stunningly beautiful. Definitely no prams, and no dogs, though there were plenty of dog walkers around.
Crowd:
200 or so, I got chatting to a cow-legging wearer, and a local runner. But by the time I’d finished they had all disappeared, so I didn’t get much park-faffing.
Gear:
It was May 4th, so of course I had to wear some Star Wars clothing! I have an R2D2 dress, and Chewbacca/ Big Bang T shirt, so I wore them both. Black windproof leggings, parkrun world tourist cap, and had my cross body bag slung around me. Blue Hokkas that I’d travelled in, and was very worried about returning in, following my encounter with Mr Puddle. Dress code around here seems to be skirt the size of a hanky, and shoes like housebricks. (Not for parkrun, though. )
Strangely Appropriate Song On Shuffle:
I had no headphones with me, but was enjoying the birdsong in the trees.
Time:
I was very slowly jog walking, barely keeping ahead of the tail walker, so 51 minutes. Do I care? I’m out there taking some exercise in the fresh air.
And the Rest:
Well, I certainly made the most of my time in this friendly and scenic city! I managed to get a walk on the beach followed by fish and chips, charity shop bargain hunting, sipping a cocktail in a rooftop bar, an art gallery, science museum, castle, and of course as a bridge aficionado there are 7 unique and stunning ones to enjoy. Highly recommended!
I’ve got a wee summer job (yay!). But it means I often have to work on Saturdays (boo). A couple of weeks ago I had a Saturday off, AND it was scheduled to be Montalto’s inaugural (yay!), But then along came Storm Olivia, and the whole estate was closed (booo). Last week they were able to have their inaugural, but I was working (boooo), but I did manage to make it to their event number 2 (yay!)
Access:
You need a car, there is no public transport option. We are currently a one-car family, and the real pinch point is that my husband needs the car each Saturday morning, where he has to be in Ballynahinch at 10 am. Handily enough, Montalto is just around the corner from the town, and those times aren’t too bad for a drop-off /pick-up for me, so I suspect Montalto Estate will become a common feature of my parkrun journey over the next few months. (On those Saturdays when I’m not working ). And as it’s dog friendly and has a great cafe, this will be no hardship!
Plenty of car parking, and it was being efficiently marshalled.
Facilities:
Super cafe, and you get to spend some time in the beautiful grounds afterwards if you aren’t rushing off. There are toilets in the courtyard, as well as in the next block along. There’s also an enclosed dog exercise area beside the car park, so Toby could have a bit of a meet’n’greet with the other pooches before setting off.
Course:
The estate is home to some charming views and gorgeous flora. But oh my it is HILLY! I was discussing with other parkrunners, and we reckon this may just be the most brutal course in Norn Irn. Brutal, but bootiful.
There’s a narrow funnel to get through before the start, and the paths are mostly gravel and not very wide. 2 laps, so there’s more room to choose your line on the second one.
Crowd:
There had been over 400 at the inaugural, with 250 when I attended. I’d expect it to level off at around 100. Lots of dogs, it’ll appeal to those who just want to take Fido for walkies. A few prams, bravely coping with those hills. And quite a few young uns. I spotted my first “bring back the stats” T shirt in the wild.
Gear:
I wore my 250 top, though the numbers are peeling off, warm trousers, cow cowl and headband. Toby was in a purple harness.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:
I was listening to the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest entries, and was inspired by Luxembourg’s “Fighter” as I struggled on the upward sections.
Time:
I was walking the ups and running the downs (though they are so steep that it was hard to make up much time on them) So 49 mins. Hey, it looks like I’ll be revisiting a few times, so I’ll get to improve on that.
It’s that time of year again, having a good ole listen (and watch) of this year’s entries and picking my favourites. Note, official video is not the same as what we might see on stage in Malmo. This year we have lots of uh-uh oh-ohing, nonsense lyrics (NL), featured animals (FA), and of course Terry’s favourite, plenty of scantily clad whallopers (SCW). The bookies and I agree on the top 3, but vehemently disagree on Denmark (I think it’s great!) and Greece (I’m not a fan). So. In alphabetical order…..
Albania – Titan
Pretty lady in a pearl face mask on a horse, wrapped in a duvet, and in a bath of rose petals. In a red dress with slits so high at the sides one has to ask if she is actually wearing underwear. I don’t really like this Lady Gaga vocal style. Verdict – NQ
Armenia
I still can’t get my head around the odd time signature, but there’s some ethnic trumpet playing while the singer strokes a chicken (FA) in a big knit cardi. Verdict – quirky enough to garner some support.
Australia – One Milkali
Love love, peace peace, featuring some indigenous singing and lyrics, the video is very odd, as it just shows the lyrics with the 2 singers not actually singing, just smiling and bobbing their heads about. Very reminiscent of The Beloved’s Sweet Harmony. NLs abound – 0.618? Spill the tea on reality? Fleetwood Macs and Janets? I need a translator. I do like the digeridoo, hope it makes an appearance on stage! Bit of a grower. Verdict – 2 point.
Austria – We will rave
Catchy hook, « We rum de dum dum de We will rave » (NL) from a SCW with a techno break and a steamy video. Sounds like Rhythm is a Dancer, and another no-knicks dress. Do people still go to raves? It’ll go down well at parties. Verdict – 1 point
Azerbaijan – Fahree
Ethnic wind instruments
Ethnic percussion rhythm
Ethnic half-notes
Ethnic yodelling
Reminiscent of Madonna’s Frozen
Verdict – will qualify and then underperform
Belgium – Before the Party is over
There’s emotionally overblown, and then there’s Mustii’s giving it 110% whilst writhing around semi-naked covered in glitter, going see how dramatic I can be? It’s all terribly The Show Must Go On angst-ridden earnest, not a feel good song, and I don’t like it much. But it will get votes. Verdict – a grudging 3 points
Croatia – Rim Tim Tagi Dim (NL)
Bookies favourite apparently, it ticks a lot of Euroviz bingo boxes with the nonsense title, some stupid dance moves, bread making, cows and some chickens (FA). Oh, and a one eyed cat being asked to meow back. It’ll raise the roof in the hall! Verdict – it’s a 10 from me, be happy if it wins.
Cyprus – Liar
SCW in a gold suit, otherwise instantly forgettable. NL Wake up in the morning and I feel like Oooh lala. Verdict – NQ
Czechia – Pedestal
Shouty SCW reminiscent of Avril Lavigne or Garbage. Brave to bring a song about domestic violence to Eurovision. You stay silent, I get violent. Verdict – NQ
Denmark – Sand
Very competent and relatable performance, of a well-crafted song. I’d expect this to finish well up the left had side of the board. Uh-uh ooooh bit will have the crowd singing along. NL shouldn’t be so hard like breathing underwater. Verdict – I give 8 points, but the bookies don’t rate it.
Estonia – some big long name that no-one is ever going to be able to pronounce
Bonkers Bassy Beardy rap with ethnic stringed instruments. Nope, still can’t find the melody. Reminds me of Mongolian band The Hu (seriously look them up!). It’ll have a certain type of fan. Verdict – bottom of the RHS
Finland – No Rules
I’m mad, me, Windows 95 Man, does quite a lot of screeching. I’d be happy to never hear this again. Verdict – bottom of RHS
France – Mon Amour
Passionately delivered typical French ballad, with very breathy vocals, in a mirror ball suit. NL create an ocean in the fire, though the lyrics are pretty easy to follow. One for my French class to translate. Verdict – 4 points
Georgia – Firefighter
SCW does a remix of Ruslana’s Wild Dances. NL I’m running like tigers. Verdict – NQ
Germany – Always on the Run
Big bear chap in a leather jacket, but it’s a dreary generic radio pop song that won’t stand out. Lewis Capaldi inspired. NL I know my blessing with the privilege. Shame, I always like songs about running! Verdict – will be hovering round the bottom of the table.
Greece – Zazi
Bit of Greek folk dancing mixed with I’m so trendy rapping. Sounds like Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire. NL I fall and move like dice. Verdict – mid table
Iceland – Scared of Heights
Alison Moyet lookalike with a very bland, dated and unoriginal song and staging. Verdict – NQ
Ireland – Doomsday Blue
2 songs in one. A soft and melodic verse, interspersed with a VERY SHOUTY chorus. There’s some horror movie voodoo Avada Kadava spell casting going on, but I can’t be sure. Ireleand have struggled to qualify in recent years, and I think Bambie Thug will join the others on the bench. Verdict – probably qualify but only cos there are at least 11 songs worse.
Israel – Hurricane
Very plodding, though the video features some operatic and balletic comtempto-waft dancers. NL someone stole the moon tonight. Hard to keep politics out of things, and there are fisticuffs on t’internet between those who think the song is the best thing since sliced matzos, and those who are vehemently opposed to even taking part in the contest, let alone giving any votes to Israel. Verdict – right hand side of board.
Italy – La noia
Very catchy, this party in a song easily becomes an earworm, I just wish I knew enough Italian to be able to sing along with the rest of it. Hairography a feature in the video, and the singer is extremely good. I’m secretly hoping it’s a hymn to the Discworld goddess of Things That Get Stuck In Drawers, Anoia. Reminds me of Las Ketchup, or Chanel’s Slo Mo, I’m bopping around the kitchen to it. Please stylists, resist the urge to put Angelina in a skimpy outfit. Verdict – 9 points
Latvia – Hollow
Slow and heavy. It does not improve on subsequent re-listens. Video features Hanibal Lecter in a sandpit. Verdict – NQ
Lithuania – Luktelk
Backstreet Boys sing an ode to quinoa (NL), in a remix of Tick-tock, What You Waiting For. Verdict – 5 points
Luxembourg – Fighter
Welcome back Luxembourg, who haven’t competed for years, despite being previous winners. Sung in French and English, with ethnic drums, sounds like Destinys Child Charlie’s Angels song, but I fear it won’t stand out enough. Verdict – might qualify, but won’t be a points gatherer.
Malta – Loop
SCW performs an assisted somersault – geddit? Verdict – NQ
Oh God what nonsense is this! In Dutch! With rapping! Big comedy wig/ shoulder-pads/ glasses/ hat. Turns into No No Limits half way through. The video has a more reflective ending, though I’m not sure that will make it to the stage. Juries will hate it, under 8s will be jumping up and down in delight. Verdict – 2 points
Norway – Ulveham
High screechy intro, but not unlike Loreen. Folksy melody, with a high screechy chorus. They think they are Evanescence. They are not. Verdict – might scrape into the final
Poland – The Tower
Quiz show theme tune. Verdict – NQ
Portugal – Grito
Deep and meaningful, with masked backing singers. We are 1 minute in, and I’m already thinking Oh Lordi how much more of this can I stand? Verdict – scrapes into final 26 at number 26.
San Marino – 11.11
Pink hair, schoolgirls, messy chaotic video. Is the title a time? Verdict – NQ. In fact, my last place out of 37.
Serbia – Ramonda
One of several songs this year to have a girl’s name as the title. Nice close harmony build up, but otherwise forgettable. NL everything is quiet just like underwater. Verdict – NQ
Slovenia – Veronika
SCW does a lot of screaming surrounded by semi naked men. Verdict – NQ
Spain – Zarra
Video is Paloma Faith at a hen do, turns into a SCW surrounded by male strippers. Verdict – right hand side.
Sweden – Unforgettable
Electronic banger from Sweden’s answer to Jedward (except they can actually sing). Daft Lyrics and a do-re-mi-fa-so hook. Verdict – 7 points
Switzerland – The Code
Falsetto reminiscent of Mika, some heavy breathing and a mini opera, crossing The Magic Flute with Lafayette’s high speed rapping. Oho oh oh, hook, Like Ammonites, I just gave it some time (NL), and lots of running around in a tutu. This year’s Bond theme song (Billie Eyelash/ Sam Smith era), if not a whole Bond movie condensed into 3 minutes. Verdict – my favourite, 12 points
Ukraine – Teresa and Maria
Heartfelt Sisters doing it for the sisterhood, paying tribute to Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary, and the struggles that women face. Truly awful rapping. But people will vote for Ukraine. Verdict – 6 points
UK – Dizzy
Olly is an inspired choice to represent UK this year, and by all accounts his live vocals are up to the challenge. There’s a sweet little change to major key in the chorus, in amongst an interesting chord sequence. So, a decent song which I know will be performed brilliantly, but it won’t stand out. Verdict – right hand side of board, but hopefully avoiding the dreaded nul points!
Reason for visit: My son’s special day, being held in glorious Cornwall.
Access:
Getting to Cornwall is not easy. It is WAAAAAAAAAY over there, and when the trains aren’t running it’s a 6 hour drive from London (for my daughter). She wisely stopped overnight at Plymouth before making the final leg along those narrow winding roads. My journey there was quite pleasant, a flight from Belfast city airport to Newquay, followed by picking up a hire car. My return journey was impeded by Storm Debi, which caused my Belfast flight to be cancelled. But thankfully I was able to switch onto a Dublin flight, and catch a bus back up north.
Getting to Penryn Campus is pretty straightforward, with excellent directions given on the parkrun page.
Facilities:
There is ample parking by the sports centre, which also has clean loos. From there it’s a wee dander to the start line, plenty of signage along the way. On our visit they were celebrating their 100th event, so scones with jam and cream were provided. Dispensation was given to apply the toppings in whichever order you pleased.
Crowd:
They usually get just under 100 runners, it got into 3 figures this time, probably because of the special occasion. My son is a parkrunner, – we also another guest with us, as well as Apollo the dog, young B in a pushchair, and an under 11. So we had All The Things, and a good job we had 3 adults to take charge of one each. My under 11 had only 2 speeds, despite me trying to persuade him of the joys of Meemaw’s “gentle jog”. Lots of encouragement from the other runners and volunteers.
Course:
It’s hilly! Starts with a downhill section, at a turnaround point you go back up the hill, and across to run round a little maze. And you do that 3 times. All on tarmac paths.
Time:
Gentle jog, hills, I was happy with a 50 minute time, coming in just ahead of the tailwalker.
Gear:
Cold weather pants, With Me Now top, cow cowl and headband. Blue Hokas which I’d travelled in. I didn’t see any other cow cowls, though when we checked later my son would be eligible, being on 36 different events.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:
I didn’t put my headphones on, as I was the responsible adult for an under 11. But I’d started re-reading Espedair Street last week since I was in Glasgow, and happened to reach the description of driving on the Cornish roads around Newquay, which I could totally relate to.
And the rest:
Well what a wonderful weekend it was! I got to see Lands End, the Minack Theatre, and the Eden Project. As well of course as the fantastic family celebrations, with lots of cake, champagne, grandson cuddles, and a never ending game of Monopoly.
The RSCDS is celebrating its centenary this year, and as it had its very first meeting in Glasgow, it was only fitting that this year’s autumn gathering took place in dear ole Glasgow toon. I’d previously ran at Victoria, Glasgow, so was keen to try a different one. Ruchill (pronounced as if saying the F word but with a soft ch at the end, like loch) is in the Maryhill area, on the north side of the city. It is famous for having a “whale shaped” course, and for affording fabulous views over the city and to the hills beyond.
Access:
I wasn’t too sure of the public transport options, so got a taxi to take me there. I’d booked it for 8.30, but it arrived at 8.10! Thank goodness, me being me, I was ready and waiting in the hotel reception. The fare was £10. Having more time afterwards, I was able to get a No 60 bus back into town. The bus stop is near the fire station, a short walk from the park.
Course:
The whale is composed of a large lap (the body), and a short lap (the tail). The full sequence of laps is large, small, large, small, large. There’s a small section where runners are going in both directions. And boy is it hilly! I absolutely loved the chalked signs on the footpath, reminding us that it’s just “a wee incline”, as well as thanking the volunteers, pointing out the view, and giving encouraging messages. As well as these, the course was well signposted with direction arrows, and cones blocking off any paths not to be taken, and warning of any trip hazards. In November, the colours of the trees were just stunning.
Facilities:
No toilets or cafe in the park, and most people just seemed to head off afterwards.
Crowd:
There are usually around 100 participants. I chatted to another couple of cow-cowl wearers, who like me were delighted to get another Letter R in order to spell the word “parkrun”. I’d got there quite early, but there were already chatty and welcoming volunteers there. First timers gather around the “Tree of Knowledge” for a briefing.
Gear:
It was November, in Scotland, so I was wrapped up well. My heaviest running trousers, Jog Lisburn base layer and With Me Now T, cow cowl, gloves and headband. Little zippy belt to hold money and phone, and Cracker can fit onto this belt too. Blue Hokas which the photographer managed to capture in a rare flying feet photo!
Time:
I’m awffy slow these days, plus it was hilly, and I did keep stopping to take pictures. But I was first in my age category! 47 mins something.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:
I had my headphones with me but didn’t get get round to putting them on! But I had plenty of Scottish dance tunes running through my head, as I was going over dances for the evening programmes.
Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain, which happened to be a question on El Cazador, the Spanish version of The Chase. It has something for everyone, with a beach, marina, old buildings, great restaurants and a superb public transport system.
We bought the Valencia Travel Card, which gave 3 days on any of the buses trains and trams, as well as a free drink and tapa in the cafe at the top of El Cortes Ingles, and discounts on the entrance to other attractions.
Its central market is famous, and houses a stunning array of meat, fish, cheese, fruit and veg, as well as other items.
We visited the cathedral, which has a beautiful octagonal tower, whose windows are made from thin stone.
Another highlight was a visit to Oceanografic, part of the City of Arts and Sciences.
It is made up of different zones, such as tropical, temperate, arctic, and is home to some mesmerizing jellyfish, a pair of beluga whales, sharks, rays and turtles.
There are 2 tunnels where you can walk underneath the fish tanks, as the various creatures swim over and around you.
The cafe serves and nice selection of sandwiches, coffee and beer, while underneath there is an amazing restaurant, Submarino, where you can dine while surrounded by a giant fish tank.
Plenty of restaurants do a “men del dia” for around 10-13 euros, which includes a drink and bread. A glass of wine was around 3 euros. Favourite breakfast was tostada with tomato pulp, served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Cow cowls are worn by parkrun tourists as an easy way of recognising each other on our visits. You can wear them at your home event as well. Cowfests started a few years ago as a way of selecting one event on a particular day that tourists could try to attend as a meet-up. In 2022 they were spread geographically, and NI had its first one at Knockbracken Reservoir parkrun.
Special selfie frames were produced for the different regions, and I have been carefully hanging on the the Norn Irn one all year.
In 2023 the venue chosen was Citypark Craigavon. Venues ideally have good facilities, parking, loos, cafe etc, as well as being easy to get to.
The core team at Citypark embraced the whole idea, and had a special cake produced.
RD Johnny sported cow ears and tail, and jingled his cowbells.
The cafe did a special bacon bap and a cuppa deal.
Tourists came from far and wide – Steven Alder and co flew in from London on the 6 am flight and were catching the last flight home again. A couple from Lincoln had been here for over a week, and had done their 200th event barefoot at Narin beach the previous Saturday. Others had been spending a few days seeing the sights.
Someone came up from Cabinteely, Dublin.
The selfie frame was very popular, though it was difficult herding all the cows together for a group photo.
There was lots of laughter and sharing of stories and memories. Someone even remembered me from when I produced a bottle of Bush whiskey for those who had “double Bushied”. And the crack continued in the cafe afterwards.
It was fantastic to see so many people, and big thanks to the team at Citypark for making us all so welcome.
Now, I’d better store that selfie board safely till next year!
Reason for visit – need something special for my arbitrary 350th, of course!
There are some parkruns which are on the “must do” bucket list, and Inis Meain, one of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, has rapidly secured its place on that list.
I’d been gutted when I couldn’t make a previous UK parkrun tourists group visit, as I was travelling to Scotland that day, see Deputy dawg blog. So I was delighted to find that another semi organised trip was planned for the end of August. And, more excitingly, this would be my 350th parkrun!
Milestones are hard won: you maybe get a 50 T shirt after little more than a year’s parkrunning, with the 100 shirt another year away. Then it’s a whole 3 years plus wait for a 250 shirt, and another FIVE years minimum before a 500 shirt is yours. So it’s no wonder we resort to daft challenges in between times, and also celebrate “arbitrary” milestones in our own way….
Access:
This is NOT an easy one to get to. You can’t just drive there, you need to book a ferry or plane trip, and both of those are subject to the vagaries of the weather. I booked a ferry trip from Doolin, which is a 4 1/2 drive from me, but wisely decided to go down the night before. I stayed in a BnB in Ballyvaughan, a charming village about 20 miles north, and on the Saturday morning I took the glorious coastal road round to Doolin. If you are going to stay a few days (and you’d be well advised to!) then Doolin is colourful and has some lively pubs and aran sweater shops. But it’s also a popular tourist destination, so expect availability and prices to reflect this.
If you are in Ballyvaughan, then Monks seafood restaurant comes highly recommended, but you do need to book in advance.
The outward ferry left at 9, and with a short stop to drop passengers off at Inis Oirr (small island) arrived at 9.45. The views from the ferry are nothing short of breathtaking, with the Cliffs of Moher standing resplendent to the east, and the magnificent Twelve Bens behind the sparkling waters of Galway Bay.
Once off the ferry, it’s a good 2km stroll up to where the parkrun starts.
Facilities:
There are loos at the community hall en route, and at the school hall where the briefing takes place. When I visited there were water bottles and muffins afterwards, but there is also a pub which does a selection of toasties and pizzas, as well as a shop/ cafe that has some small snacks.
To pass the rest of your time on the island while waiting for the return ferry at 4.15, you could visit a few viewpoints, enjoy the sense of calm, maybe go for a swim.
Course:
2 laps on tarmac on roads, where there SHOULD be no cars! It’s a tough hilly start, followed by a flattish section, followed by a downhill section, another flat, and repeat. Cheery marshals at each corner, and even some support from locals.
Time:
I’m still adopting a “walk the ups, run the downs” approach, plus I was stopping to take photos, so a 46-46 was fine by me. I’m pretty sure what position token I got, though the official results say 66.
Crowd:
I have to admit, I was expecting more of a “party bus” atmosphere at the port and on the ferry. Everyone seemed quite subdued, and I didn’t even see any group photos being taken. I was delighted to meet (again) Monica – this was her completing the full Irish set, a previous attempt having fallen foul of fog with her plane cancelled.
Gear:
I’d forgotten my cow cowl (but I didn’t see any others), and wore my reinforced front trousers, With Me Now top, world tourist jacket, and my Jog Lisburn hat, which turned out to be my MVP. It also held a 250 (runs) and a 100 (volunteer) badge, which together celebrated the 350.
Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:
I’d been listening to RTE Lyric on the way down, and smiled/cried at Liam Neeson’s rendition of Van the Man’s “Coney Island” – wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time?
And the rest:
Those other daft challenges I mentioned? Well, one of them is “Old Macdonald”, for completing parkruns beginning with E,I,E,I,O. So this was my second I, so completing that badge!
“ there’s a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait”
So sings Alexander Hamilton in the eponymous hit show.
As I prepared for my stint as Summer School Depute Director (or Deputy Dawg), I was very cognisant of the fact that I was about to do an awful lot of things that I’d never done before, so I was understandably apprehensive. And I asked myself, why on earth I’d wanted to do this?
I’d noticed that I was clenching my jaw, as I pondered how I could manage to pull off MCing in the Younger Hall, 200 eager faces looking up at me, and the renowned Jim Lindsay Band beside me. Could I put together a spectacular dem team, make sure the exams ran smoothly, and keep an eye on the young folk attending in week 3? And could I also juggle teaching a Saturday morning class, MCing the ceilidh, as well as assisting in the ambitious centenary events being planned? The depute’s “brief” is anything but!
So here we go with Deputy Dawg’s Blog
Day 1– Saturday
I was doing weeks 3 and 4 along with Director Sue. I’d asked if I could arrive on the Saturday before my fortnight started, to ensure I got there in time, and to get a decent handover with the previous team (directors and deputes do 2 weeks each.)
My first “million things I haven’t done” (MTIHD) was actually to drive to St Andrews-previously I’d flown, train, bussed, but it would be very useful to have transport to get round all the halls being used, or indeed, ferry someone to hospital.
My parkrun mascot, Cracker, came with me, though I would be missing 3 Saturday parkruns on the trot. On the ferry, I was directed into the bowels of the ship, deck 1, right at the front, pointing forward. So not only would I have to reverse to get out, I’d also have to go back up that scary steep ramp, my sensors beeping as I pressed the accelerator. And yes, I was last off the boat.
The journey up was pleasant and uneventful (I like that in a journey), with a toilet stop in Ayr, and a stretch of the legs once I got north of Glasgow. The sat nav took me easily to university hall, where I was delighted to find I had an en suite room for the fortnight. This was a real game changer for me, I find the shared facilities an awkwardness I could do without.
Over dinner it was a lot of saying Hi to old friends, who would sadly be leaving tomorrow. I watched the dancing from the balcony in the Younger Hall. As I wasn’t technically an attendee yet, I couldn’t join the dancing, but I was envious of all the space they had to dance, my 2 weeks had much bigger numbers, and space on that famous sprung floor would be at a premium.
Day 2 Sunday
9 am start. Handover with previous depute, who took me through the intricacies of the noticeboard, which would be the bane of my life, with its fiddly key and out-of-arms-reach height.
I sorted the name badges into alphabetical order and got ready for this week’s arrivals. Although registration wasn’t officially till 4, some attendees arrived before this, especially those coming from far away. At the front door I met a charming Japanese couple, who spoke absolutely no English. I tried to explain to them that they could leave their luggage here and come back later to register. Google translate on the phone is a godsend!
Some attendees had volunteered to help with registration, so I briefed them while we started dishing out badges.
Staff meeting at 5 with director Sue highlighting the week’s events.
Junior summer camp was on this week, so we said hi to the young ‘uns. Then a First timers briefing, introducing them to their teacher and answering any questions.
The traditional drinks reception was at 8.15, including a welcome speech from Sue. No photography as we have under 18s this week, and no alcohol to be left in the party room.
Next on my MTIHD was to call the dances in the common room, accompanied by Alan Ross. It was a lot of fun, and I soon relaxed into it. Alan was very calm, and played some fantastic tunes that had the crowd demanding more.
Tidied up, closed windows.
Drinks in directors study for the musicians Frank and Alan. The depute’s job is to replenish the ice, slice lemons, help serve drinks and hand round nibbles. I was trying desperately to remember a joke I’d heard, but, in best Morecambe and wise style, I was using all the right words, but not necessarily in the right order.
Day 3 Monday
Remembered that joke for Frank! (See footnotes, but don’t get overexcited) But it’s not a suitable one for the ceilidh.
I stationed myself with a coffee in the crush hall, aiming to ensure that first timers found their teacher or knew where they were going, and trying to deal with people already asking to change classes.
We packed some bags with teas, coffees etc for all the halls, before doing our rounds. Shock horror, there was No Coffee in Town hall! We got sorted with the janitor who will do it for the rest of the fortnight, so taking any pressure off us.
I was paying particular attention to the dancers in the High impact classes to identify dem team possibilities.
After lunch, we had a meeting with teachers to sort out class moves (all sorts of reasons given from the students!)
Some of the unit 3 candidates hadn’t submitted their photos, so I went to their classes and took the necessary headshots.
After evening dinner, we went to the town hall, where I continued my search for the dem team. I think I have 4 women ok but need a man number 4. I really want 4 of each for this week’s dem, because of how the opening placing will look. It doesn’t help when people don’t wear their name badges, cos I don’t know everyone’s names. And the men’s habit of wearing their badge on their belt makes it very awkward to try to read it.
Day 4 Tuesday
Waited in the foyer to pass on a few messages incl no videoing, as someone had ignored the instruction and posted something on Facebook already!
More requests to move class kept coming in.
Topped up supplies in guide hall, joined in with beginners to make up set.
Into the office for some admin, people still want to move class, or come up with solutions for noisy hand dryers. The junior summer camp presented us with some hand decorated plaques and door hangers.
We reckon Julie Walters and Dame Judi Dench will play us in the movie version of this fortnight.
At the Dem team first rehearsal, we revised Domino 5, and then put it into an overlapping set. It went really well! What a great bunch they are, full of enthusiasm and diligence. May be a MTIHD but it’s a delight to be working with some of the best dancers in the world.
Wrote up dem intro that the MC will read out on Thursday night, but cannot work out how to email it.
I managed to drive all-round the wee streets of St Andrews! And only had to three-point turn once! (You can’t drive through the arch going out of town).
Evening dance in the Younger hall, for this week’s centenary event, a live link up with TAC in Halifax. After quite a few anxious minutes trying to work out if we could both see and hear each other, and a £100 phone bill as Sue phoned her counterpart across the pond, we were off. We tried dancing the slosh and the can-can, just to make sure they were actually seeing us, and cheered when they copied what we were doing. What an amazing experience, I cried with joy at the bouncing floor, the stellar music, watching folk on the other side of the world do the same dances, sheer magic.
Day 5 Wednesday
Worked out how to use the complicated laundry room.
We took a Good Hard Look at the advanced class, to assess the folk who wanted moved up, and decide where the most suitable place for them was.
I walked back via the other halls, and joined in with the beginners again.
As part of Exam prep, got a list of the candidates.
Dem team rehearsal, cleaning the phrasing and starting to practice how we would walk on and off.
Didn’t sleep well, anxious about the dem. Was I taking too much of a risk with Domino 5?
Day 6 Thursday
People badly parked on the entrance road, took a note of their number plates on my rounds to try to identify the culprits.
Younger Hall, it’s a new class after the half way switch, and they don’t know how the coffee works.
Dem team practice in situ, I used blue tak dots to help identify the opening spots for each dancer, and let the team line up with floor-boards, windows, lights etc. before removing the blue tak.
I videoed their rehearsal, which was a useful way for us all to review and critique their performance.
Changed into tartan frock, and drove down with the till and the sashes.
Laid out sash and pins, and then discovered that none of them knew how to sash!
So I was furiously pinning up to the last minute, hoping that they would all look the same.
I took the team photo at the front door before they danced, though we will do the traditional staircase one as well.
I was so anxious, I think I held my breath throughout their performance. But they were brilliant, and I received lots of positive comments afterwards.
It was a quiet morning, we kept asking ourselves, should I be doing something!
Got strawberry tarts for examiners, and a charity shop glass to be mine with an identifying tartan ribbon.
Returned the dresses and sashes to the office, so they can be washed for next week.
Lunch was set out for the examiners in the directors study.
The exams ran smoothly, and I changed into one of my many frocks for the garden party, where I was in charge of pouring prosecco. Outside, the photographer was filming Dashing White Sergeant, with a drone. I can’t wait to see the end result of that one!
Cleared party room, and checked the layout of chairs for the ceilidh.
Day 8 Saturday
Checked party room, before a quick round of the classes, delivering missing shoes, laptops, etc.
One of the Candidate’s car has broken down
Managed to get an ice-cream at Janetttas, at last!
Guided Sue through the complicated laundry process.
Checked over cribs for tonight.
Helped folk sort out travel arrangements, especially those with a long journey ahead.
I had a quick power nap after lunch, before the staff and volunteers party.
I was a bit nervous before the evening, but made a coffee, took it to my room, and spoke out loud the words I am going to say.
Drove down to the Younger Hall , and put up the wall programmes. Deep breaths, I told myself, fake it till you make it. The Jim Lindsay band is so professional, they were a delight to be on stage with.
After the first few dances were called OK, I relaxed and started to enjoy myself. I made a few slip ups, but nothing major.
We finished bang on 11 as required, and I enjoyed a much needed GnT on my return.
Day 9 Sunday
I woke early, still buzzing after last night.
Tidied the party room, and started prepping name badges for the next intake.
Trying to work out how many sign up sheets I’ll need this week, with 2 candidate classes running, and volunteers required for their Unit 3.
Class lists pinned up, using someone tall for height.
Sweepstake on when the first class move request comes in (10 to 4). To be fair, it was from a husband and wife in different classes.
Staff meeting at 5, First timers briefing at 8, welcome drink 8-15, calling dances in the common room with Scott Band. This week’s attendees are all very competent dancers, and we had great fun!
Day 10Monday
Bracing myself for a raft of requests from dancers, teachers, examiners.
I’m worried that this week’s dem won’t have the wow factor of last weeks.
Not too much chaos at the front door, despite that high percentage of first timers.
Did the milk rounds, and looked at the 2 high impact classes, where there is plenty of choice for the dem team.
In the afternoon, this is the only time I have free before the garden party so I hit the charity shops for a fascinator. Every shop was full of dancers on the same mission.
In the Younger Hall I put up the wall programmes, and then spent the first half on the balcony, identifying my final team. Then I set off to ask them:
3 women said yes, one had to think about it.
3 men said yes, and 3 said no! One was booked on a boat trip, and he would rather see puffins than be on my dem team. Honestly! The next looked at me with terror in his eyes, and I quickly reassured him he could say no! And the third one had a sore foot.
Day 11 Tuesday
I didn’t sleep well.
I was up at 5 doing exam timetables, then a load of laundry,
Over breakfast, we learned that one exam candidate tested positive. I took her breakfast on a tray, and left it outside the door.
But my 4th woman said yes!
Met sore-foot guy in corridor, he agreed to be on the team!
Exam scheduling is a busy period, with candidates needing lesson plans printed and photocopied.
I was just feeling smug about having sorted my dem team, when the first man I’d asked called in wearing a mask to say he’s not feeling well. I sent him off with a covid test and my email address to keep in touch, as his US phone was being temperamental. Asked one of the fully certificated class to be his replacement, and started looking at 3c dances in case I need to re-do the dem programme.
Day 12 Wednesday
Man number 4 came into the office with a sore shoulder. I don’t really want to ask a member of staff to stand in, though that’s my absolute fallback, but……..
Puffin guy, your moment has come, you’re on the team!
More people testing positive with covid – I drew up a short protocol “what to do” that could be slipped under their door.
Early dem team rehearsal to allow for this week’s centenary event, afternoon tea from the university in Lower College Hall. This was a very swish do, attended by a veritable “who’s who” of RSCDS history, with lots of photographs being taken, and Ian providing some tunes on the fiddle.
Day 13 Thursday
7-30 am call from Sue- I need to take the advanced class as their teacher has covid.
My class musician was Luke Brady, who was a delight to work with. I got a bit confused teaching shehallions, which was made more difficult as I didn’t have an even number of dancers to make up square sets. But after a much needed coffee break we cracked it.
Someone approached me to ask for advice about their branch problems – really? Right here, right now?
There were complaints about the acoustics, I’m not loud enough, why doesn’t the society invest in some microphones.
Over coffee, we learned that another teacher had collapsed and had to be taken to A&E. So we are now 2 teachers short. Having considered all the options we decided to combine both high impact classes, and cancel the afternoon Highland classes
Dem team rehearsal in Younger Hall, they are so keen to make it look wonderful, and just a delight to work with.
I went over lesson plans for the rest of the week. I should’ve done the lesson I’d planned for Saturday, rather than trying to follow someone else’s plans.
Had a look at the ceilidh items, and planning the best running order.
Another candidate tested positive.
I’m feeling very under pressure, but trying to remain calm and diplomatic.
The dem team were all down in the hall in good time, so we got sashes sorted, and they warmed up in the foyer doing the Macarena.
They danced their routine beautifully, christened me their fairy godmother, and gave me a lovely wee card.
Directors study drinks – these constant late nights are getting to me, I’m usually in my bed by 11!
Day 14 Friday
6-30 call from Sue, she’s tested positive. So now we are 2 teachers and a director short.
The exams MUST take priority, the candidates have put so much time, money, effort and energy into getting to this point, I can’t let them down. I re-allocated the exam volunteer supervision duties, including taking people out of the fully cert class to be the required responsible adults. I took the Advanced class in the Old Dining hall from where additional volunteers could easily be plucked. The lesson went much better than yesterday’s, as I’d had more time to prepare. I made sure the examiners were happy and had all the paperwork they needed, and checked that their lunchroom was cleared quickly as they would need that space after the exams concluded.
More attendees testing positive.
I am so touched by how everyone comes to me and says “ how can I help”, and they genuinely mean it, and readily accept whatever task they are given. Some helped to serve drinks and pass round nibbles at the Volunteer thank you party, while someone else tidied up the chequered court where exam volunteers had been having coffee. Others offered hugs, tablet, a listening ear.
Director Jim was around as he’d been examining, and he offered to take my class on Saturday, which really takes off a good bit of pressure. If you are teaching a class, you are non-contactable/ usable for 4 hours.
I had a bit of fun MC-ing the Ceilidh, and people actually laughed at my jokes! We finished in good time, did a couple of ceilidh dances, and I got to bed at 10-30.
Day 15 Saturday
“One day more!”, we are all singing.
I started the clear down, making up a to- do list and then cheerfully ticking off each item.
Some final paperwork from the examiners.
The Garden party was being hosted by the University, and we decided to set it up indoors as rain was forecast.
The little cardboard afternoon tea boxes looked very cute, but they were a bit awkward to manage.
The celebration cake was cut by the youngest attendee, along with the person with the longest attendance record.
I did some packing, before changing into my tartan frock and heading down to the Sports Hall to MC the last dance.
Jim MCed the second half so I could actually do some dancing! Working alongside Luke and his band was an enormous privilege, and was tremendous fun.
It was a nice big hall, we had blue balloons of the number 100, that people enjoyed photographing themselves in.
I’d cleared down the director’s study, so I was grateful when someone offered to host the post-match drinks. I told everyone to get their requests in for next year’s programmes, which I will be devising.
Day 16 Sunday
There were lots of goodbye hugs in the crush hall.
Suggestions received re name badges, speed of recaps, give more info about covid cases, mikes for teachers……
I tidied the party room, took down the posters in Chequered Court, and found homes for the unclaimed raffle prizes.
I set off about 11, and my Sat nav took me a different way from that I’d come, more than 2 weeks ago, but I got to drive across the new Forth Bridge, which as a bridge afficionado was a real thrill.
Arrived at ferry terminal in plenty of time for my 7.30 sailing, But there were technical issues with the ferry, which eventually didn’t leave until after midnight!
After I got home, people kept asking me
Did I enjoy it?
I don’t think “enjoy” is the right word. It’s not that I DIDNT enjoy it, but it was….
…..exhilarating, challenging, rewarding, satisfying, and exhausting. Surprising. A privilege. Relentless.
Could YOU survive on gin, tablet, and 3 hours sleep?
Then you too can be summer school depute director!
Note: joke for Frank. A priest, a vicar and a rabbit go to a clinic to donate blood. The nurse asks the rabbit- and what blood type are you? And the rabbit says -I think I’m a type O.
PS, I get to do it all again next year. And I can’t wait!
Reason for visit: one of those pesky Wilson Index numbers! Oh, and apparently completed my Snakes challenge, (10 beginning with S) which I didn’t realise till afterwards! So that was nice.
Access:
I won’t lie, this was stressful. The campus itself isn’t completely well direction marked, there are some signs for NSC, more for the National Aquatic Centre, but in the torrential rain, and negotiating roadworks, and Dublin traffic, I was relieved to be onsite at 9.00. Then the fun started. The webpage says it starts near Abbotstown House. But there were no signs for that! It also said car parking at the Special Olympics offices. Again, no signs for that either. I parked up at a number of buildings that looked as if they might be the Irish Sport Headquarters, but anyone I asked (with an ever-increasing wild look in my eyes) “parkrun????” just shook their head, or had never heard of it.
At 9.36 I handbrake turned into the carpark. To save you some time and stress, the What Three Words for the car park are trio.lend.video
Course:
Dashing across to the disappearing back of the RD, I asked where the start was, and set off to try to catch the tailwalker. It’s 2 laps, mostly (wet and slippy) grass, but with a few muddy tarmac sections. It’s all marked with arrows, though I still managed to take a wrong turn, and on the 2nd lap I still hadn’t caught the tailwalker who was happily packing away the arrows. I did eventually catch her with about 800m to go, and she was most apologetic.
Gear:
Shoes first – I was in my Saucony’s, but trail shoes would be a better option here. I wore my blue trousers as they have a good zippy pocket for car keys, my parkrundancer apricot T which nobody got to see as I had my black pacamac on, PWT blue cap to keep the rain off, and cow cowl.
Crowd:
Small group today, I was the penultimate home in position 28. They were a friendly chatty bunch in a thankfully dry marquee afterwards, with some delicious home made ginger parkin buns. Yum!
I got chatting to someone about the number challenges – Wilson is probably still OK as it just involves individual runners attending this, that and the other event. But the Nelson, Fibonacci and Primes are now being discouraged, as they mean some events would be completely swamped on particular days. I can understand the logic.
Time:
I know this won’t be accurate as I took a wrong turn, but 42 ish minutes, considering I started late, was OK. First in my age category!
Strangely Appropriate Song On Shuffle:
“And I would drive one hundred miles, and I would drive one hundred home, just to get the Wilson Index number that I need upon my phone……….”
I didn’t have time to put my headphones on, so the sound most of the listening wildlife would have heard was me swearing.
Environmental note: yes I do feel guilty driving long distances for spurious reasons, but I try to minimise it, and car share where possible.
Dancing At Lunacy 