It’s been a few days since the Vintage All Dayer at Westbourne House School and just about everyone who wasn’t there has asked me how it went.
As an organiser and host, it’s always tricky to answer that because I only have my viewpoint as the person running around all day and evening working with the crew to make sure it all runs smoothly. So now I’ve had a few days to recover and chat to those who actually came along (and see the awesome photos taken by Lee Barrett and Kate Henwood), I can report from both sides. Firstly – let’s get this out of the way - the day was hampered by perfectly timed drizzle that seemed to arrive just as my guests did, and not leave until around 9.30pm. However, everyone turned up armed with a brolly and a smile and a determination that the weather wouldn’t affect enjoyment of what was to come.
The hair and beauty salon – courtesy of Mark Lewis and Benefit Cosmetics – was deployed to the main foyer entrance because of said rain and both areas acted as a buzzing welcome and the teams didn’t stop coiffing and beautifying for nearly five hours! It was a joy to listen to the giggling and gossip in this area throughout the day ‘under the dryers’ and every lady who passed through this area emerged looking like a superstar pin up!
Once presented with their ‘pin up playing card’ supper token and eight free game tokens, my vintage do’ers made their way through to the main hall and were greeted by Mr Cool Cat himself Colin Tenn of Brighton Jive, spinning the tunes before he took the first of two dance classes of the day. I witnessed complete beginners learn very quickly how to pull off some great moves – Colin really is the best teacher and I can’t recommend him highly enough. In the hall, we also had some vintage traders selling cute and kitsch wares and the stalls added an incredible splash of colour that complimented the many outfits seen spinning around on the dance floor.
Outside, I had planned various activities, some of which were scuppered because of the weather but the rows of colourful deckchairs blew in the wind as the coconut shy and hook a duck were enjoyed by most and raucous laughter is exactly what I’d hoped for and precisely what I got. The village area had a small selection of vintage traders and of course Ethel my little ‘fake’ VW camper and Tiger Lily the bus bar looked on as guests were ferried to and fro by Davey my chief umbrella carrier. The 60’s marquee complete with parquet dance floor, mini market, a full line up of DJs and the hugely talented girl trio Timeless was a very popular haunt and I witnessed many shapes being thrown on the floor while others pulled up a chair in the craft corner to create floral hairpieces and cute crochet jewellery.
Back over in the 50’s hall, guests were treated to a full line up of live music on the vast stage from the likes of Greggi G and his Crazy Gang, Elvis & the If I Can Dream Band and of course The Jive Aces. In between the live acts, I took to the floor to teach the ladies some pin up perfection moves and also did a 50s set whist the guys and gals spun around me - one of my favourite things to do! Colin kept the music coming and it all seemed to run very smoothly. A highlight was the presence of our very own Camp David who not only joined in with the pin up class and had countless selfies but worked the audience for the whole day and promoted my next big event – Vintage Weekender 2018!
So how did it all go? I would say we pulled it off and all went to plan despite the weathers attempts to dampen the spirits. As testament to this, the bookings for OCTOBER 2018 Vintage Weekender at Mill Rythe, Hayling Island have soared and many people are taking the opportunity to bagsy their accommodation of choice with a £25 deposit (balance can be payable in small chunks over the next 15 months!)
So I hope you’ll join the myself and the crew again next year – and remember, I want you to come and have the time of your lives (a clue…)
Book now www.awayresorts.co.uk or speak to a human 01442 508850