The inaugural 'Dump the Wife' weekend proved to be a tremendous success with excellent weather, good beer, food and company. Not forgetting a bit of cricket playing and walking.
The initial squadron left Birmingham on Friday morning at 9.10am led by Wing Commander Chap with flight sergeants Atkins, Bond & Fish. A smooth trip was had with only one refuelling stop being made at Taunton Deane services where FS Bond made the most of the 'please help yourself' sign by taking a bottle of red sauce and a bottle of mustard!!. The rest of the journey went un-interrupted and we touched down at Gerrans (Cornwall) at 13.15pm.
After the Chaps had dumped their gear, Chap had to do some menial tasks (grass cutting) leaving Dave, Phil and Steve to explore the local amenities of Gerrans and Portscatho i.e. the beach, Plume of Feathers pub and Ralph's supermarket for supplies. Returning mid afternoon from their endeavours we relaxed in the garden with a few ales before getting ready to go down the local pub for a meal.
At 6.00pm we made our way down to the Royal Standard pub for beer and food. This was much needed as it is a long way from the chap pad - all of 43yds according to Steve. We ordered our grub (excellent trio of Cornish fish - healthy or what) whilst washing this down with plenty of beer. We had radio contact with Squadron leader Tonbez who had set off with Flight sergeants Rog & Simbers at 4.15pm, indicating flak over Bristol delaying their ETA till after 9.00pm. However, with some excellent night time flying SL Tonbez managed to get the crew safely landed at 8.15pm in time for last food orders at the pub and then to drink until last orders at the bar - midnight. The only black mark on what was a good day was the rather heavy-handed treatment towards Steve by the landlord - chucking him out of the pub for practicing the ancient 'chapart' of 'lombing', well it was right under the nose of the singer who was on that night!. Time for a good nights kip with Phil deciding to take the 'Roy Mears' option and sleep under the stars, he also produced the only 'Seagulls breakfast' of the weekend.
Day 2 Saturday - the chaps were all up relatively bright and early and settled in for a full English, expertly cooked by Steve, assisted by Tone. After doing the domestics we set of for the day's excursion to St Mawes. The group split up into 2, the walkers - Dave & Phil who opted for the walk & ferry to SM and those less robust chaps who went for the bus option. We all arrived in SM pretty much at the same time.
Time for a game of cricket at the St Mawes Oval (well the kiddies play park) where we had a two innings match of the Chaps vs. the Chaps. The 3 chap team won by 10 runs approximately, the 3 chap team being Dave, Rog & Phil. Excitement and exercise over we headed off to the pub, opting for the Victory just off the main street, A few more ales were consumed interspersed by hikes round SM to find food and other activities. The return journey to Gerrans beckoned with the chaps again splitting into two groups. This time Dave, Phil, Rog & Sim decided on the ferry and walking option taking the coast path back - not realising this was a 3 hour walk!!. Tone, Steve and Chap opted for an extra pint in the Rising Sun and the bus method.
Arriving back at Gerrans, Tone & Steve headed off to the local shop and the pub whilst Chap opted for a siesta. We then relaxed in the garden with a beer or 2 before heading back down to the Royal Standard for an evening meal. The other chaps finally made it back around 6.30pm after their epic stroll again via the Plume of Feathers. We spent the rest of the night in the Royal Standard supping and drinking. Again the pub gaffer was not impressed with Steve's friendly nature so we all left around 11.00pm to catch Match of the Day. The sleeping arrangements changed again, with Phil still doing the outdoors bit, but we left Tone zedding on the sofa until the early hours. In the morning Tone & Rog had swapped places - Rog muttering something about Tone pinching the duvet!!.
Sunday morning, again the chaps were up bright and early to another full English cooked by Steve. After doing the domestics (aren't we all well trained these days!!) we settled down to watch the start of the F1 GP whilst listening to the first half of the Blues vs. Villa match. We set of for home at 1.00pm and a successful and enjoyable weekend was made complete by the news from 'St Rubbish tip' that the Villa had won 1 - 0 with Gabby scoring late on.
Here's to the next one.
Chap
Piccies - here