Friday 29 August 2014

RCCGB Mega-GLOW-Mania 2014

Date: Saturday 9 August 2014
Venue: Oakwood Theme Park
Who Went: Me and a large number of other RCCGB members, including Andy Hine, Alan Chilvers, Doug, Charlie and Lizzie, Happy Helen, Ianto Gulliver, Mark and Margo, Matt Walker, Planenut, Ryan Hackett, Sophia Jones.

DISCLAIMER: The above is NOT intended to be an exhaustive list of everyone who attended. It's a small sample of attendees; mainly those I spoke to and/or rode with at Oakwood. I sincerely apologise to anyone I've not listed.

N.B. Any use of "today" in this report means Saturday 9 August 2014.

Rationale For Trip
The RCCGB's annual visit to Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire, to enjoy a one-hour ERS on the wooden rollercoaster Megafobia before opening time, a one-hour dark ERS on Megafobia with party music after closing time, and more riding in between. This was my third consecutive year of attending this trip, and this time I went the extra mile with kitting myself out for the dark ERS. Prior to this trip, I went to T-Shirt Print, The Galleries, Bristol to have the slogan "Coaster Crazy Kid on Tour!" printed on the back of a pink hi-vis jacket. In addition, I bought myself fluorescent yellow and fluorescent pink sports shorts from Sports Direct, Bath a couple of days before setting off for Pembrokeshire. That's how keen I was to look my part on Megafobia in the dark this time. Despite that I didn't buy any glow sticks prior to the event. Just like 2012 and 2013, I also took along my fluorescent yellow cagoule with Skatedrive on it, but didn't bother taking my torch this time.

Saturday First Thing
Having awoke at 6:10, I had an early breakfast at 7:30. It consisted of a choice of cereal (I had cornflakes), a glass of orange juice, fried egg and beans on toast, four triangles of toast and a cafetiere of coffee. At 8:00 the taxi which was booked for me the previous evening turned up outside to take me to Oakwood.

Welcome To Oakwood
When I reached Oakwood, the first thing I noticed was that the entrance had been given a change of colour scheme. Whereas last year it was green, it's now purple. A few members were already there. Nev arrived shortly afterwards, and others gradually appeared. Whilst waiting to go in, I met and briefly spoke to Happy Helen and her friend Sophia, followed by Doug, Charlie and Lizzie. Eventually Nev gave his welcome message, and asked Oakwood first timers to pose for a group photo by the entrance.

Megafobia ERS
The day began with a one hour ERS on Oakwood's famous wooden coaster Megafobia, which has been operating since 1996. It was designed by Dennis McNulty and Larry Bill, and built by Custom Coasters International, Inc. According to the RCDB, Megafobia is the fastest and tallest wooden coaster in the UK. Surprisingly though with a track length of 2956 feet it's only the UK's fourth longest woodie. Unlike Blackpool's Big Dipper, Megafobia is not an out-and-back coaster as the track crosses over a few times. Also the wood is unpainted unlike the wooden coasters at Blackpool. The ERS, which was officially due to start at 9:00, actually started around 9:15, but nonetheless we still had the full hour of exclusive use of Megafobia. During the ERS I enjoyed six goes as follows:

First go: Not only was this my first go on Megafobia this ERS, it was also my first ride of the day. I sat in row 4 with Andy.
Second go: I sat in the second-from-back row with Andy.
Third go: I sat in the second-from-back row with Planenut.
Fourth go: this time I sat alone, but can't remember which row.
Fifth go: I sat in the second row.
Sixth go: This time I sat in the third row. At the end of this go, the ERS was over.

Altogether a great ERS on Megafobia, and best of all it was dry and sunny at the time. On each of my goes there was plenty of AIRtime as the train ran around the track. During the ERS, I joked to Nev "The Netherlands finished second in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, and were in the top four in this year's FIFA World Cup, so we all ought to go on the rides in Neverland today".

Morning Free Time
When the ERS ended, members dispersed around the Park. I left Megafobia and didn't return to it until the evening ERS. From the end of the morning ERS until the afternoon baseball I was alone most of the time.

Treetops Coaster
This Zierer Tivoli – Large steel family coaster has been operating since 1989. The train leaves the station and climbs the lift hill. After the first drop, the train follows the track through twists and turns amongst the trees. In certain places the track goes close to the ground. Finally the train returns to the station. On this occasion, one go consisted of one lap. I enjoyed two goes on this coaster, my first go was in the back row, and my second go was roughly mid-way along the train.

As I headed towards Speed afterwards, I met Ianto Gulliver by the hot dog stand, and spoke to him for a few minutes.

Speed
This Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter (Custom) steel coaster has been operating since 13 April 2006. Each ride car seats eight riders (two rows of four seats). Considering it was a Saturday in August, I was surprised to discover only one ride car was running. After leaving the station, the ride car ascended the vertical lift hill, and down the first drop, which is beyond vertical to begin with and vertical the rest of the way. Next it went uphill, downhill, uphill again, around a bend on an angle and down into a vertical loop. After another climb there was a heartline roll and further twists and turns until the car returned to the station. Altogether a thrilling and fun steel coaster; to me the ride experience seemed more like Rage (Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea) than Saw (Thorpe Park). By the way, Speed is not the same model as Rage which is a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter Model 320+. I enjoyed two goes on Speed. There was a very brief sprinkling of light rain during this time, but thankfully it was very light and lasted just a few minutes.

Waterfall
Two giant slides descend from the top of a tower. You launch yourself at the top on a coloured plastic tray; for this reason some members call this the tea tray ride. At the bottom of each slide you float across a shallow pool of water before hitting the run-out, which is a shallow uphill slope covered in artificial turf. Depending how you hit that shallow pool, you may get wet.

I had four goes as follows: left slide, right slide, left slide, right slide. N.B. references to the left slide and right slides are as viewed at the top of the tower, i.e. with your back to the top of the stairs and facing the tops of the slides. On each go I was lucky enough to sail across the landing pool without keeling over. Between goes I heard someone say "You're not wet enough".

Clown Coaster
This Pinfari Circus Clown steel coaster has been operating since 1997. It's the smallest of the Park's five coasters, and is located in the Circus area. Being a kiddie coaster the rises and falls are very small. Adults can ride it, but for them it's clearly for coaster tickers rather than thrill seekers. The train climbed a slight hill and down the first drop. After two more small rises and falls it was back at the station. One ride consisted of a few laps of the track, but I've forgotten how many. For now I only had one go on Circus Clown and didn't return to it later.

Coffee Break
By now I felt like a coffee, so I went to The Little Darlings' Café in Neverland for one. As I was nearing the end of my coffee Helen and Sophia entered. I would have liked to have spoken to them, but they were waiting at the servery as I was finishing my coffee, and I wanted to return to riding.

Crocodile Coaster
This powered kiddie coaster formerly operated at Camelot Theme Park as Junior Dragon Coaster from 1992 to 2012. Since 25 May 2013 it has been operating in the Neverland section of Oakwood as Crocodile Coaster. Another somewhat mild coaster, with a minimal rise and fall, but this was still worth riding anyway. I enjoyed two goes: back row followed by front row.

Tink's Flying School
Formerly Plane Crazy, this ride was relocated to Neverland, rethemed and renamed Tink's Flying School for the 2013 season. Basically this is like a carousel, with planes suspended from the top. This was quite a popular ride, and I had to wait two runs to get on it. As the ride spun around the planes were forced outwards by centrifugal force. Turning the rudder in front of me left or right forced the plane to twist whilst the ride was in motion, which added to the fun. For now I only had one go.

Baseball
Just before 13:30 I walked to the field at the front of the Park for baseball. When I got there other members were waiting for the game to begin. Some people were already practising. Eventually Nev asked all those who wanted to play to get into one of two teams, Woodies and Steelies. I played for Woodies. As usual Nev played on the Woodies team. Both sides batted and fielded twice each. I had a few goes at batting, on one of my goes I ran two bases and stopped, and subsequently ran the next two bases back to the start when the next person batted. As expected, the Woodies won.

After the game ended I asked someone to take a few photos of me in the field. Someone put a marker cone on my head and asked me to hold a bat for some of the photos.

Afternoon and Evening Free Time
After the baseball ended, some members returned to the camp site for a rest. Others including me returned to the Park for more rides.

Train
Oakwood has a train which runs along a clockwise circular route from the park entrance to the reception, and back to the entrance. Some members including me waited at the park entrance for the train, and travelled on it to the reception. I sat with Andy. From the train I spotted the Neverland ride Oakwood Aerodrome. Clearly this train is really intended as a transport ride, to take visitors in and out of the park, rather than a pleasure ride, but I've classed it as one of my rides in my day's ride count.

Lunch
At this point I felt like a light snack, so I went to The Little Darlings' Café in Neverland, where I had a cheese baguette and cup of coffee. Although I enjoyed the coffee, I was disappointed with the baguette.

It started to rain whilst I was in the café. By the time I had finished my lunch the rain was quite heavy, but after a few minutes I put on my all-in-one splashsuit and went outside. Very shortly afterwards the rain became extremely heavy and I sheltered in the Neverland photo collection point.

Tink's Flying School
When the rain eased a little, I was eager to get back to riding, so I headed for Tink's Flying School. This time the operator was waiting for someone to ride it in the pouring rain. Although I was the only rider approaching it, the attendant nonetheless ran it just for me. Thus I was the only rider on Tink's Flying School for this run. For now I only had one go.

Skull Rock
You will get wet (or possibly soaked) on this log flume whatever the weather. So it made sense for me to ride this in the rain when I was already wearing my splashsuit anyway. This formerly operated at Camelot Theme Park, and began operating at Oakwood in 2013. Unsurprisingly the queue for this was quite short, as few people wanted to ride it in the rain. The log headed around the canal and up the lift hill, ready for the drop and mighty splash which followed. Having disembarked I queued again for a second go, and again the wait was quite short. The rain had just about stopped by the start of my second go.

Tink's Flying School
Next I returned to Tink's Flying School. Now that the rain had stopped, more people wanted to ride this, so this time I had to wait for one lot in front of me to ride before I could get on. Being as it was fairly windy, I discovered that by turning the rudder the right way at the right time, I could take advantage of the wind, which added to the fun.

Neverland Chase
A tractor ride in the Neverland area. When it was my turn I got into a tractor which worked its way around the circuit and back to the station. Not a particularly exciting ride, but being as I didn't ride this last year, it was worth one go just to say I'd been on it.

At this point I asked someone to photograph me jumping in a large puddle whilst wearing my splashsuit. Afterwards I left Neverland.

Fun Zone
An indoor attraction. Wondering what this is, I walked through it. This is home to two bowling lanes, and loads of coin-op amusements. Without further ado I left Fun Zone. I also took my splashsuit off at this point and put it in my rucksack.

Teacups
This is a tea cup ride in the circus area of Oakwood, and is therefore self-explanatory. I fancied a go, so I got on and enjoyed one go on it. The ride experience was what one would expect from a tea cup ride. This was my only go on here all day.

Bobsleigh
A toboggan run. You sit on a toboggan and are carried up a lift hill to the top of a steel track. At the top you set off downhill along the steel track (set in the hillside), around a series of U-bends, under gravity. To control your speed along the way, use your brake. You must slow down as you approach the station. Thus with the lift hill, and going down the steel track, one could argue this is a coaster of a sort. When I approached the entrance I had to walk quite some way to find the back of the queue, hence I thought the wait would be quite short. How wrong I was, there were still plenty of visitors wanting to ride Bobsleigh, and since there are only a few wet condition toboggans available, the wait was longer than I'd have liked. It rained again whilst I was queuing, but the queue was under cover. By the time it was my turn the rain had stopped and I was able to ride this without any rain gear.

The station announcement warned that the track was wet and slippery, though I guessed that would be the case considering the afternoon weather. This was my first time of riding this in wet conditions and I had to take extra care, braking regularly on the descent. Riding this in its wet condition felt somewhat different to riding this in the dry conditions I experienced in 2012 and 2013. This was my only go on Bobsleigh all day.

Coffee Break
Due to the wet conditions, I felt like a coffee again, so I headed towards Neverland. Along the way I saw Mark who was to give me a lift back to Tenby. When I got to Neverland I had a coffee at The Little Darlings' Café. This was my final visit to that café for today.

Oakwood Aerodrome
This Neverland ride features a set of planes which go up and down around in a circle. Each plane is themed around a particular country, bearing a name and the applicable country name. I rode in plane number 2 Helga – Germany. This was my first ever time of riding this. Although it wasn't particularly thrilling, it was worth a go just for the record. This was my only go on here all day.

Tink's Flying School
From one aeroplane themed ride to another, I had one more go on Tink's Flying School. This was both my final go on Tink's Flying School, and final Neverland ride for today.

Moon Landing
A drop slide called Skyleap until 2012. In 2013 it was renamed Moon Landing and given Moon theming, including some information about the Moon at the top of the stairs. Adults are allowed on it, and I was keen to have a few goes. Its vertical drop didn't seem as tall as Demon Drop Slide at Flambards, Buzzard's Swoop and Red Devil at Devon's Crealy or the red drop slide at Puxton Park, but it was still great fun. Furthermore unlike the aforementioned drop slides which all have flat run-outs, Skyleap's run-out has a hump at the end. If you go fast enough along the flat section you will go over the hump. I enjoyed four goes on Moon Landing; on one of them I made it over the hump.

As I left Moon Landing it was raining again, so I donned my splashsuit again. Despite the rain I headed for Snake River Falls.

Snake River Falls
A set of four water slides which you ride fully clothed in dinghies. The slides leave from the top of a tower. The staircase leading to the top is split into lanes, each one clearly indicated by an overhead sign at the bottom; therefore you have to decide which slide you want to queue for before you start climbing the stairs. Facing the slide entrances from the launch platform, from left to right they are as follows:

Cobra: a closed tube slide with many twists and turns on the way down. The slide is enhanced by lighting effects.
Left open slide: a straight, open top slide. It starts with a downhill slope, followed by a much shallower (albeit wavy) gradient. Finally there's a fairly steep drop before the run-out. The water is at its deepest just before reaching the run-out; depending how you land there you may get wet.
Right open slide: a straight, open top slide identical to the left open slide.
Python: a closed tube slide with many twists and turns on the way down. The slide is enhanced by lighting effects.

As I approached the slides there was an exceptionally heavy downpour. On my first go some other riders were waiting half way up the stairs. I asked if they were actually queuing for the slides. They went to the top, and so did I, only to be advised to wait at that midway landing where it was sheltered. When it was my turn I went down the left tube Cobra.

On my subsequent goes the attendant was waiting at that midway position for riders as no-one else was waiting to go on it! However Snake River Falls remained open, despite the rain, and he let me have the remaining three goes I wanted to have, those being right open slide, left open slide, right tube slide (Python). On these three goes I had the feeling of being the only one foolhardy enough to ride these slides in the heavy rain, but at least I managed to ride them all in quick succession without queuing.

Bounce
A drop tower made by Huss. This has seats on all four sides of the tower. By now the rain eased, but unsurprisingly this was walk-on. Upon launch the seat unit rose rapidly to the top. This was followed by a gentle fall and rise half way a few times, and a gentle descent to ground. After a short pause, the seat unit rose again (albeit much more slowly than at the start) and dropped rapidly. Wow, not for the faint hearted or those with a fear of heights! The view from the top was breath-taking, I could see for miles, albeit blurred as I took the wise precaution of putting my spectacles in my rucksack before riding, so as not to lose them. After that go, I was able to stay on for a second go. Charlie and Lizzie saw me on my second go.

After my second go I left the ride. I considered riding Treetops Coaster next, but since I saw a great puddle on the entrance path, I headed for Speed instead.

Speed
Next I enjoyed two goes on Speed. The ride car travelled the vertical lift, vertical drop, loop and the rest of the track in the rain without any problems. Both goes were great fun despite the rain. Charlie and Lizzie sat next to me on my first go. By the end of my second go I had just about had enough of riding in the rain, so I didn't have any further rides during normal time.

Evening Dinner
Around 20:45 I went to Woody's Burger Bar to get something to eat, but just as I approached the queue, I saw Happy Helen and Sophia nearby, so I went to speak to them and have my photo taken with them. Having done that I queued at Woody's Burger Bar. When it was my turn I ordered large double beefburger meal, which included large fries and a large fizzy drink. Since it was raining, I sat in the indoor seating area to consume my burger and fries. It was really busy in that indoor seating area, presumably because no-one wanted to sit outside in the rain, but I managed to get a seat. Helen and Sophia sat next to me whilst I was eating my meal.

Once I finished my meal I needed to get ready for the dark ERS. Before leaving the indoor seating area I fully removed my splashsuit. The toilet near Waterfall was a convenient place to swap my jogging bottoms for my fluorescent pink sports shorts. I also put on my fluorescent yellow cagoule (with Skatedrive on it) and pink hi-vis jacket over my cagoule. After that, everywhere outside was dark and the rides were all closed, as the fireworks were about to start.

Light and Firework Display
At 21:50 it was time for the After Dark display of fireworks, lasers and fountains, set to music. Unfortunately I missed the beginning as I was finding my way back to the slope in front of the stage in the pitch dark after getting myself ready for the evening ERS. Anyway when I got to the slope I enjoyed watching the rest of the display, which lasted about ten minutes. Altogether a well-choreographed display, which ended with a goodnight announcement. During the display I stood next to Doug, who kindly gave me a few spare glow sticks (one for each of my wrists, plus four with which to make a necklace).

Megafobia Dark ERS
As the public left, members headed for Megafobia. The ERS began at 22:05 and lasted one hour. Most members were wearing or holding glow sticks; some had something with flashing lights. I approached Megafobia already wearing my fluorescent yellow cagoule (with Skatedrive on it), self-designed pink hi-vis jacket and fluorescent pink sports shorts, as well as the glow sticks Doug gave me. Several members liked what I was wearing. I was also going to wear the flashing loop that Mark gave me during last year's Oakwood trip, but for some reason it had malfunctioned since the morning (I guess it had got a bit wet in my bag). During this ERS I enjoyed six goes on Megafobia, but forgot to note which rows I sat in or who (if at all) I sat next to.

The party music which accompanied the one-hour dark ERS included snippets of "YMCA" (Village People), "My Old Silver Lining", "Glad All Over", Can-Can, "The Locomotion" etc. The final four songs, played in full, were:
Dancing Lasha Tumbai
Amarillo
Always Look On The Bright Side of Life
New York

Finally the Warner Brothers cartoon "That's all folks" marked the end of the party music.

Altogether another hair-raising ERS, definitely the grand finale of the day, despite the rain. The ride felt considerably faster and rougher than during the morning ERS; this time the train thundered around the track. Presumably that was due to the ride having been running all day, combined with the afternoon and evening rainfall. Riding Megafobia in the dark was totally different to in the morning; it was barely possible to see where we were going or the surrounding countryside, however lights in other areas of the Park could be seen. That coupled with use of glow sticks etc. on the ride, plus the music in the station added to the fun; no wonder this has been called "the best ERS of them all".

Summary of my day in order of activity

Morning ERS: Megafobia 6

Treetops Coaster 2
Speed 2
Waterfall left slide, right slide, left slide, right slide
Clown Coaster 1

Coffee at The Little Darlings' Café

Crocodile Coaster 2
Tink's Flying School 1

Baseball
Train from park entrance to reception
Lunch at The Little Darlings' Café

Tink's Flying School 1
Skull Rock log flume 2
Tink's Flying School 1
Neverland Chase 1
Teacups 1
Bobsleigh 1

Coffee at The Little Darlings' Café

Oakwood Aerodrome 1
Tink's Flying School 1
Moon Landing 4
Snake River Falls: Cobra 1
Snake River Falls: right open slide 1
Snake River Falls: left open slide 1
Snake River Falls: Python 1
Bounce 2
Speed 2

Evening meal at Woody's Burger Bar
Firework, laser and fountain display

Megafobia dark ERS 6

Cumulative Summary of My Rides (ERSs and Freetime Combined)

Ride
Total
Bobsleigh
1
Bounce
2
Clown Coaster
1
Crocodile Coaster
2
Megafobia
12
Moon Landing
4
Neverland Chase
1
Oakwood Aerodrome
1
Skull Rock log flume
2
Snake River Falls: Cobra
1
Snake River Falls: left open slide
1
Snake River Falls: Python
1
Snake River Falls: right open slide
1
Speed
4
Teacups
1
Tink's Flying School
4
Train park entrance to reception
1
Treetops Coaster
2
Waterfall left slide
2
Waterfall right slide
2
TOTAL
46

Rest Of Saturday
When the ERS ended at Nev gave a speech which lasted a few minutes. After that everyone headed back to the car park. Once there, Mark and Margo kindly took me back to Tenby. When we got to Tenby we had a spot of difficulty finding The Myrtle House Hotel, but we found it eventually. At quarter past midnight I was back in my room, dead tired.

Outro

Highlights
Morning ERS on Megafobia before Oakwood opened to the public.
Riding all five coasters (Megafobia, Treetops Coaster, Speed, Clown Coaster, Crocodile Coaster) and various non-coaster rides again.
Adding Neverland Chase, Teacups and Oakwood Aerodrome to my ride count.
Fireworks, lasers and fountains accompanied by music at 21:50.
Dark ERS on Megafobia after closing time, despite the rain.
Meeting Nev, Alan Chilvers, Doug, Charlie and Lizzie, Happy Helen, Ianto Gulliver, Mark and Margo, Planenut, Ryan Hackett, Sophia Jones and other members again.

Lowlights
My baguette mid-afternoon was somewhat disappointing.
Sudden change of weather around 15:00, i.e. rain to some extent much of the time thereafter.
Drenched out of action all day, though perhaps that was a blessing in disguise considering the weather after 15:00.

Summing Up
Altogether a mega fun day at Oakwood. Turnout was considerably higher for Oakwood than for Folly Farm the previous day, presumably because the Oakwood trip was on a Saturday, whereas the Folly Farm visit was a Friday. I particularly enjoyed riding all five roller coasters (Megafobia, Treetops Coaster, Speed, Clown Coaster, Crocodile Coaster) and several non-coaster rides (including Bobsleigh, Bounce and Snake River Falls) again. It was also a pleasure to meet other members including Nev, Doug, Charlie and Lizzie, Happy Helen, Ianto Gulliver, Mark and Margo, Planenut, Ryan Hackett and Sophia Jones again. The biggest highlight of the day was the dark ERS, during which the Megafobia train ran really fast around the wet track in the rain. Many other members liked my self-designed pink hi-vis jacket and fluorescent pink sports shorts; it was definitely worth me buying those beforehand as wearing them in conjunction with my fluorescent yellow Skatedrive cagoule added to the fun of the dark ERS on Megafobia.

The biggest let-down was the weather. Although it was mostly dry and sunny up until mid-afternoon (bar a few odd spots mid-morning) the weather suddenly deteriorated around 15:00 with a sudden downpour. Even though the rain stopped for a bit afterwards, it remained cloudy, and by early evening the rain returned, with another downpour whilst I was on Snake River Falls. Despite the rain, I had plenty of rides during the afternoon and evening rainfall. Looking on the bright side, at least it wasn't pouring with rain all day.

Many thanks to Nev for organising this trip to Oakwood, the staff for running Megafobia before opening time and after closing time, Doug for giving me the glow sticks and Mark and Margo for kindly giving me a lift back to Tenby in the evening.

Thursday 28 August 2014

RCCGB Folly Farm 2014

Date: Friday 8 August 2014
Venue: Folly Farm near Kilgetty
Who Went: Me and a large number of other RCCGB members, including Andy Hine, Debra Boggis, Matt Walker, Paul (aka Herman), Planenut, Ryan Hackett.

DISCLAIMER: The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of everyone who attended. It's a small sample of attendees; mainly those I spoke to and/or rode with at Folly Farm. I sincerely apologise to anyone I've not listed.

Rationale For Trip
A pre-Oakwood add-on to RCCGB Mega-Glow-Mania 2014, a visit to Folly Farm near Kilgetty. The itinerary was the same as 2013: (i) the daytime was free for everyone to enjoy the Park amenities at their leisure, (ii) after closing time the day culminated in an exclusive fair session in the Vintage Funfair, plus a basket meal in the Funfair Restaurant. For the purposes of Mega-Glow-Mania 2014, you could think of this visit to Folly Farm as the starter, and the Saturday visit to Oakwood as the main course.

N.B. Any use of "today" or "Friday" hereafter in this report means Friday 8 August 2014. Any use of "Saturday" means Saturday 9 August 2014.

Friday First Thing
Having awoke at 7:00 I had breakfast at the normal time of 8:00 consisting of a choice of cereal (I had cornflakes), glass of orange juice, full traditional breakfast, four triangles of toast and a cafetiere of coffee. Being as I wasn't intending to be go on any rides during the morning, I enjoyed a full traditional breakfast.

Getting To Folly Farm
I was able to get to Folly Farm by bus. Having left my hotel at 9:25 I walked to the bus stops the other side of town. There I caught the 9:40 Haverfordwest bus which stopped right outside Folly Farm. Between Tenby and Saundersfoot, I suddenly realised I'd forgotten my trip badge and letter. Since it was now not practical to return to my hotel to collect my badge and letter, and restart my journey to Folly Farm later, I just stayed on the bus all the way to Folly Farm and hoped for the best when I got there.

Welcome To Folly Farm
I reached Folly Farm at 10:15. According to the trip letter, we were officially due to enter as a group at 11:00. However Folly Farm was already open, and the general public were being admitted, so I joined the e-tickets and annual passes queue. When it was my turn, I showed my RCCGB card to the receptionist and explained that I was booked on today's RCCGB trip here, but had forgotten my letter and trip badge. The receptionist found my name on the list, ticked me off, and admitted me no problem.

Normal Opening Time

Follywood
During my 2012 and 2013 visits to Folly Farm I didn't have time to see the part of the Park across the road, so once I was admitted I headed straight for the subway and walked through to the "across the road" part of Folly Farm. This area is known as Follywood.

Percy's Piggery
The first attraction I noticed in Follywood was Percy's Piggery, home to various breeds of pigs. These included Oxford Sandy & Black Pig, Middle White Pig and Mangalitza Pig.

Outside Percy's Piggery, there didn't appear to be much else to see in the Follywood area of the Park. Someone told me that, to see the rest of Follywood, I would need to go on the land train ride.

Land Train
At 11:00 I got on the land train. The train set off along a track, and passed various animals along the way. At the far end riders had the option of getting off to walk along a nature trail. I chose not to do that trail and simply stayed on the land train back to the start. The return route was slightly different to the outward route, thereby taking riders past even more animals.

The Jolly Barn
Back in the main part of the Park, I entered the Jolly Barn. High on the wall is a sign showing drawings of farm animals, with the question "Can you draw the animals?" Visitors are allowed to draw the animals on the large chalk board beneath that sign. I tried drawing the pig, and my attempt was quite impressive; I took a photo of my finished drawing and asked someone to photograph me pointing to it. I even named my drawing Percy the Pig.

Afterwards I resisted the temptation to see the farm animals in the Jolly Barn or play in nearby Carousel Woods, because it was currently dry and sunny outside. Therefore I felt it was in my best interest to see the zoo and other outdoor areas now, and save the rest of the Jolly Barn and Carousel Woods for later.

The Zoo
Without further ado I headed for the zoo. I began with the giraffe and zebra enclosure in the Motobo Hills (African Reserve) section. Next I walked through Folly Forests, home to various monkeys including the Common Squirrel Monkey.

New for 2014 is the lion enclosure called Pride of Pembrokeshire. This is surrounded by a high fence, with another secondary fence outside it. I went inside the building in which information about the lion enclosure is displayed. Also inside that building is a large window through which visitors can see and photograph the lions without being obscured by the fence wire. Having left the building I walked around the outside of the lion enclosure and saw another outdoor window through which visitors have an unobstructed view of the lions.

My first sighting of other RCCGB members was in the area between Pride of Pembrokeshire and Penguin Coast around 12:50, when I met Nev, Debra Boggis and Planenut. At this point I briefly showed them my pink hi-vis jacket which was intended for the Saturday evening Megafobia ERS, and they quite liked it. Afterwards I walked around the Penguin Coast area.

Lunch
Having left Penguin Coast I felt like a light snack. I went to nearby Carousel Café, where I had filled deli bread and a cup of coffee. That's all I wanted after my big breakfast earlier.

The Zoo (continued)
After lunch I returned to the zoo to see the rest of the animals, starting with the emus. Next I walked up the path in the corner of the zoo where it says "More animals this way". The layout of the paths around this area has changed a bit since last year, presumably due to the relocation of some animals following construction of the new Pride of Pembrokeshire lion enclosure. Animals I saw in this corner of the Park included Red River Hog, Reindeer and Cusimanse. Also in this area is the Zoolympics challenge "get your dancing shoes on", in visitors can follow the step by step instructions to dance like a crane. I had a go, and did the routine twice over.

Having left that corner of the Park, my next stop was Tapir Territory, a lake populated by tapir birds. Afterwards I saw the Bactrian Camels, which have two humps. I finished off my time in the zoo section by seeing the Pride of Pembrokeshire lion enclosure again.

Ice Cream Time
Having left the zoo for the final time, I saw an ice cream kiosk, so took the opportunity to have a whippy ice cream. By now the sky had clouded over, but at least it was still dry.

Pembrokeshire Wheel
A big wheel. This required one 50p token. The views from the top were breath-taking. The wheel did a few rotations before it was time for me to get off, but I didn't count how many times I went around altogether.

Afternoon Coffee
Late afternoon I felt like a coffee, so I went to the café called Coffee Shop. There I had a cappuccino coffee and sat at one of the indoor tables to drink it.

The Jolly Barn
This is the indoor barn part of the farm. Around 16:10 I entered The Jolly Barn and headed straight for the chalk board where I drew a pig earlier. The space where I drew my pig had been reused by someone else now, so it was just as well I photographed my drawing immediately after finishing it in the morning. For the next ten minutes I walked around the Jolly Barn seeing the farm animals, which included sheep and lambs, goats and goat kids, bronze turkeys, pigs, a shire horse and miniature ponies.

Carousel Woods
A wooden indoor play area, which adults are allowed to play on. It includes the following facilities:
4-lane Astra slide
Four tube slides
Log ramps and bridges
Multi-level towers; inter-floor access is by log ramps and/or climbing / dropping through holes

I entered Carousel Woods at 16:35, and played there until closing time of 17:30. In that time I went down the four Astra slide lanes twice each and all the tube slides at least twice each. I covered all parts of the play area including going up and down through the holes between levels in the towers. The tallest tower situated near the front of the play area has three wooden "proper" upper floors (first, second, third) above the ground floor. In addition, each of the said floors has a hole in it. I went through the hole in the third floor, through the holes in two intermediate levels, through the second floor, through two more intermediate levels, through the first floor and through more intermediate levels to the ground floor, and vice versa. One slight change to this particular tower since last year is that the ladder which linked the first floor to the second floor has been replaced with a 2-stage log ramp, as has the ladder which linked the second floor to the third floor. That change has spoilt the fun of the tower a bit, but on the plus side it is a worthwhile improvement in the interests of safety. My only problem was where to put my rucksack. I tended to put it somewhere on the play structure and move it from time to time depending where I was. There really ought to be lockers nearby for you to put luggage in.

Exclusive Fair Session
Folly Farm closed to the public at 17:30. However for us it was the beginning of the best part of the day, our Exclusive Fair Session (EFS). I found other RCCGB members waiting by the Wurlitzer Organ. Whilst waiting I showed a few other members my pink hi-vis jacket that was really intended for the Saturday evening Megafobia ERS.

The Club was split into two groups, A and B. The plan was to run two rides at once (rides 1 and 2 for explanation purposes), with group A on ride 1 and group B on ride 2, then swap over to have group B on ride 1 and group A on ride 2. We began by taking turns to ride the 1950s Caterpillar Ride and Jets.

1950s Caterpillar Ride
This goes round and round, and due to undulations in the track, it also gives up and down motion. Part way through the ride, the canopy is put over the riders, so the ride resembles a caterpillar racing around the track. Near the end the canopy is removed. I sat alone in row number 17.

Jets
Mini jet planes at the ends of arms which radiate from a central hub; I sat with Nev in plane number 11. When the ride started the planes all went around in a circle, and rose upwards shortly afterwards. However they didn't all go high simultaneously. A third of the planes reached full height, a third went to a midrange height and the remainder stayed relatively low. As the ride progressed each plane had a turn at each height. Finally all planes returned to their stationary height before the ride slowed and stopped.

For the next two rides, the groups took turns to ride the 1937 Coronation Speedway and Rock n' Roll Waltzer.

1937 Coronation Speedway
Also called Royal Coronation Speedway, this has horses, cars and motorbikes fixed to a circular wooden undulating track. I sat on a horse. The ride went round and round, up and down.

Rock n' Roll Waltzer
Self-explanatory, this is a typical fairground waltzer. Each waltzer has a rock star's face and signature on the back. I rode with Paul (aka Herman) in the waltzer bearing Buddy Holly on the back.

Ghost Train
This has several individual ride cars, which resemble railway engines, running on a track. Thus riders entered and left this ride one by one as trains became available. I got into train number 3 which followed the track through a spooky enclosure. After one lap I left the train.

1938 Dodgem Track
Another common funfair ride, the dodgems aka bumper cars. The group arrangement did not apply here. Instead the cars were filled on a first-come first-served basis. There were some members (I was one of them) who couldn't be accommodated though

At the end of that run, everyone who had just ridden dodgems left the ride. A second run was held for those like me who missed out first time around. Some cars were still empty, and they were filled with members who had already ridden, on a first-come first-served basis. Thus some members were lucky enough to get two goes on the dodgems. Now I'm not too keen on dodgems at the best of times, but I was determined to give it a go. I tried my best at driving my car around the track, but at certain times got into difficulty steering it.

Evening Meal
Once everyone had left the dodgems, it was time for dinner at the Funfair Restaurant. When booking we were asked to specify whether we wanted fish and chips, sausage and chips or veggie burger and chips. That doesn't necessarily mean everyone stuck with their original choices whilst being served. I had what I'd originally specified: fish and chips. A fizzy drink was also included, I chose Sprite. As I nearly finished my meal one of the catering staff asked if anyone wanted some of the remaining spare chips, so I went back for more. There were also a few sausages left over, so I had two spare sausages.

Around 19:15 everyone returned to riding. Normally I wouldn't go on rides immediately after eating, but this time I wanted to return to riding anyway. Thankfully even the spinning rides at Folly Farm are reasonably suitable for riding immediately after eating, unlike rides such as Disko, swinging pirate ship or Freak Out type rides. We split into the two groups we formed at the start, and took turns to ride the 1936 Lakin Swirl and Chair-o-Plane.

1936 Lakin Swirl
Also called the Super Swirl or Lakin Skid, this has waltzer style ride cars with small wheels beneath them. Each car is attached by a pivot to a triangle protruding from the spinning central unit. That results in a rather unusual ride experience; a car rotates as far as it can go in one direction before suddenly being thrown sharply back in the opposite direction. I sat alone in car number 8.

Chair-o-Plane
Basically a carousel with chairs hanging from chains. As the ride spins the chairs are forced outwards on an angle. A gentle, pleasurable ride, that's all I really need to say about this. When the ride ended I was surprised it took several revolutions to slow down and stop.

At this point I put on my pink hi-vis jacket as I felt like wearing it for the remaining few rides.

Folly Farm's Famous Gallopers
Traditional galloping horses, no further explanation needed. I sat on the horse Graham.

1950s Cyclone Twist
A ride that should be familiar to everyone. This 1950s model obviously looks a bit primitive compared to the more modern ones you tend to see these days (which most of us are likely to have ridden somewhere, generally called Twister nowadays). Most members including me got on the first run. I sat with Herman in car number 3 during the first run. Being as I'd been on this sort of thing plenty of times before elsewhere, I knew what to expect. Just as I expected, this 1950s model gave a ride experience more or less the same as more modern models. Great fun, I still think the Cyclone is one of my favourite non-coaster rides.

Afterwards a second run was held primarily for those who had missed out first time around. The remaining seats were filled with members who had already ridden this first time, on a first-come first-served basis. I was lucky enough to get back on for the second run, this time I sat in car 4 with Andy.

Brooklyn Cakewalk
I'm sure I can't be the only member who initially thought 1950s Cyclone Twist would be our last ride of the day. Surprisingly there was still time for another ride, the Brooklyn Cakewalk. The whole group queued for the ride. Although several riders could be on it simultaneously, members had to be admitted to it one by one with a short gap between each. I got on to it fairly early on; there was a strange sensation whilst walking along the moving platform. In the interests of safety I held the rails whilst walking. Perhaps the hardest part was stepping from the first moving platform to the stationary landing at the far end and on to the second moving platform to return to entrance / exit end. Just as riders entered the ride one by one, they left it one by one.

Having left the ride I rejoined the queue and managed to get a second go. At the end of my second go most were standing watching, but I tried queuing again, and managed to get a third go. Once I had completed my third go the ride was closed, thereby marking the end of the EFS.

Summary of my day in order of activity

Daytime
Percy's Piggery
Land Train
The Jolly Barn (pig drawing)
The Zoo
Lunch at Carousel Café
The Zoo (continued)
Pembrokeshire Wheel
Afternoon Coffee
The Jolly Barn (seeing farm animals)
Carousel Woods (about one hour)

Exclusive Fair Session

1950s Caterpillar Ride 1
Jets 1
1937 Coronation Speedway 1
Rock n' Roll Waltzer 1
Ghost Train 1
1938 Dodgem Track 1

Evening meal at Funfair Restaurant

1936 Lakin Swirl 1
Chair-o-Plane 1
Folly Farm's Famous Gallopers 1
1950s Cyclone Twist 2
Brooklyn Cakewalk 3

Alphabetic Summary Table of EFS Rides

Ride
Total
Brooklyn Cakewalk
3
1950s Caterpillar Ride
1
Chair-o-Plane
1
1937 Coronation Speedway
1
1950s Cyclone Twist
2
1938 Dodgem Track
1
Folly Farm's Famous Gallopers
1
Ghost Train
1
Jets
1
1936 Lakin Swirl
1
Rock n' Roll Waltzer
1
TOTAL
14

Rest Of Friday
Once the ERS ended, the day was over and we all had to return to the car park. As the Club exited Folly Farm, I asked someone to photograph me wearing my "I'm Not An Adult I'm A Big Kid!" T-shirt and pink hi-vis jacket. Back at the car park, Andy gave me a lift to my hotel in Tenby. At 20:15 I was back at Myrtle House Hotel. A little later I went to get myself an ice cream from Fecci's Ice Cream Parlour, and sat in the Paragon garden to eat it. After that I returned to my hotel and got what I needed ready for Saturday.

Outro

Highlights
Playing on Carousel Woods indoor play structure late afternoon.
Evening Exclusive Fair Session on the Vintage Funfair rides.
Evening meal in the Funfair Restaurant.

Lowlights
Suddenly realising, on my way to Folly Farm, I'd left my trip badge and letter at my hotel.
Having to take my rucksack around Carousel Woods with me due to lack of lockers.

Summing Up
Altogether a worthwhile appetiser to Mega-Glow-Mania at Oakwood. During the day I particularly enjoyed playing on Carousel Woods indoor play structure for about an hour late afternoon, as well as one go on the Pembrokeshire Wheel. Best of all was after 17:30: a few vintage rides, a meal, and more vintage rides ending with the Brooklyn Cakewalk. Basically the visit to Folly Farm can be summed up as a leisurely day around the farm, zoo and other attractions, culminating in a spin on the vintage rides early evening, as a warm-up to Oakwood the day after. An added bonus was that the weather was better than predicted, dry all day, mainly sunny. Thank you very much Nev for arranging today at Folly Farm, I hope it continues as part of Mega-Glow-Mania next year and beyond.