Arriving at Millhouses Park at 6.15 in the morning and finding Dave Moxon already there should have been no surprise - except it was pitch black and the only light was from our storage hut, throwing a shadow over the concrete marker bouys already out of storage. It was our Autumn Open Day and we were hoping for a bumper day. The weather was totally different to last year, when we had to abandon it due to heavy storms. Today the weather forecast said 25C with light cloud cover.

Having the estate car was a godsend. We stacked everything in the back and, over three journeys around the park in darkness we delivered the bouys, three gazebos, tables, etc to their relevant positions for the day. Next job was marking out the areas allocated for the visiting Clubs and Traders. Now that was fun, as it was still dark, putting in a peg, walking four yards then looking back to try and see it. When it came light it became obvious I would be no good at orienteering as they were all left and right of where they should be.

By 7.00 Terry, our Commodore was there and by 8.00am John Bottomley was sorting out his steering course, Ken Brothwell, Alan Whitworth and Bill Allen were getting the gazebos set up, John Blackwell and his son had their stall well under way, Stan from Kirklees was busying himself with his gazebo and fine display of warship and aircraft carriers, Malcolm from Leeds Large Models was erecting his huge gazebo, Mick and Kingsmill members were erecting their shelter for their magnificent tug models, the Flag man was waving his wares, Candy Floss would soon be on tap from Bob and family and Paul and Andy were setting up to sell second hand models. Muriel, Mandy & Brian took control of the Raffle and spent the morning sweet talking £1 coins out of all and sundry. With over 20 quality prizes it helped to sell the tickets. With all hands to the pump everything was ready to go by around 9.45am. The area looked good and full and several members were happily sailing on the lake. The Cafe was in full swing and the public started arriving in a steady stream.

The whole day can only be described as a roaring success from the Committee's point of view. The Steering Competition attracted fifteen entrants, with the winner of the new Tom Gorman Trophy going to Bill Allen. Bill went through the course with his Fairey Huntsman in true style. Tom presented the Trophy to Bill, we hope this being the first year of many he presents the trophy. The draw took place at 2.00pm and guess who won the first prize? Bill Allen of course. Even more bizarre, guess what the First prize was? None other than a full wooden kit of...............a Fairey Huntsman.

We were very lucky to have a true showman compere' to encourage the public and visitors to take part in events. Many thanks to Bob Pullin and his vocal assistant, the loud hailer. Most of his announcements were welcomed by all, though he did get a little over zealous when I was displaying my little speed boat by announcing that anyone who wanted a go with it should form an orderly queue. Fifteen children, three batteries and a soaking, when I had to retrieve it from the lake due to a flat battery my nightmare was over. Thanks Bob, it was fun though.

The finale' of the day was the Junk Race. Over 20 home made Junks drifted across the lake in a gentle breeze. At first it was obvious which one was going to win. That is until the wind changed direction slightly and the one that was less than a metre from the side drifted off at 90 degrees. From that point on the leader changed about a dozen times, all cheered on by the public. Simple event that provided a lot of fun for all.

And so the event came to a close at around 3.15pm. Everyone packed up and the area was clear by 5.00pm. Bob had his paddle boats back on the water and the children were in their element. As we were leaving the skies darkened and rain fell over Millhouses Park. It was the signal that we had been granted a wonderful day, and now it was all over for another year.

The Committee would like to thank BBC Radio Sheffield for their support in allowing us to have a live broadcast last Friday to advertise the event, the traders, Kirklees, Kingsmill and other Clubs who came as individuals to support the day, the public for their support and finally, the members who helped make the day the success it was.

Graham Voss, Webmaster & Publicity Officer

It is still dark - What was that flash?	Candy Floss anyone? What, at 9 o'clock?	Almost ready	A well deserved cuppa after looking around	SSMS Ready

Early sailing	SSMS		Across the lake	Kingsmill

Kingsmill MBC	Kingsmill MBC		Memrobilia	Candy Floss

Private sales	Private sales	Across the lake	Across the lake	Kingsmill MBC

Flags	Kirklees MBC	Kirklees MBC	Stan's Aircraft Carrier	Leeds Large Models

Leeds Large Models	Leeds Large Models	Sailing Area	Sailing Area	Sailing Area

Tom Gorman Trophy won by Bill Allen presented by Tom Gorman		John, looking exhausted after Steering Competition