Party Preparations

With just over a week to go, preparations for the fourth annual mid-summer 'Party in Grayshott' (PiG) are well under way. It takes place on Saturday 21 st June. On that day a volunteer army of over 100 helpers will be working to ensure that the 11-hour free community event runs smoothly. Peter Knifton, who is one of the organising committee members responsible for logistics explained, "The Party is actually three events in one. A grand village fete, a carnival procession and an outdoor music concert. On top of this we have to organise the temporary closure of what is normally a busy road, and manage the special activities including, this year, a rock-climbing wall courtesy of Café Ba-Ba, and a live ice carving with chainsaw. To plan and execute all this we rely largely on the skills and talents of individuals in the community who give their time and services free".

The 'Music on the Green' concert is central to the unique atmosphere of the event, but presents its own challenges, as Mike Balcikonis of DSH Hire who, as one of the main sponsors provides the staging, lighting, sound and crew, commented, "As soon as the first live music starts mid-afternoon, we don't stop until the final performers take their bow at midnight. And we only have 10 minutes between each act to clear and set up the stage." Mike is helped in this task by the stage managers, villagers James and Vicky Martin who's business, Conference Dynamics, is based in Farnham. They will have their hands full as among this year's performers are a 20-piece Samba band and a concert band with potentially up to 60 members! Grayshott entered and was successful in winning the 2002 Hampshire Village of the Year. It then went on to win the National award for Business in the Community. One of its largest commercial organisations, Grayshott Pottery, actively supports the Party, through sponsorship and by providing the essential spoils needed for the Scout's pottery smash stall. Director Phil Bates said, "I am sure that the wonderful community spirit showed in putting on the 'Party in Grayshott' was very influential in winning these awards".

Pictured above with the newly unveiled 'Party' posters designed by young graphic designer from Camelsdale, Simon Collyer, are from the left:

Peter Hatch (Chairman PiG), Mike Balcikonis (DSH Hire), Peter Knifton (PiG Committee), James Martin (Conference Dynamics), Phil Bates (Grayshott Pottery).