Exhibitors join forces with Event Staff in a battle against the elements to stage 2012 Beale Park Boat Show

Sunday 10th June 2012

Exhibitors joined Event staff to combat appalling weather conditions in order to stage this year’s Beale Park Boat Show (8th -10th June) at Lower Basildon in Berkshire.

The annual, three day event, had to postpone its Friday (8th June 2012) opening due the high winds and torrential rain which swept Southern England, but thanks to a concerted effort by staff and exhibitors who rallied together, the showground was transformed and ready to welcome visitors in time for the Saturday opening - performed by The Honorable Richard Benyon, MP, Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, and MP for Newbury and Nick Bailey, Park Director. 

Event Organiser, Gillie Jackson, said, “It was a tremendous effort and a real show of camaraderie which enabled us to open the Show.  Staff and exhibitors worked side by side, filling large puddles, covering sodden, muddy walkways and securing fixtures and fittings to ensure that the site was a safe and welcoming environment for visitors.”

Gillie continued, “The Show has always enjoyed considerable support and great loyalty from its exhibitors, and it was extremely rewarding and encouraging to see such commitment and enthusiasm for the event.” 

Despite the adverse weather, the Show attracted approximately 5,000 visitors during its restricted two day opening, and celebrated The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in style, with themed entertainments, FREE boat trips and family canoeing, and a Diamond Jubilee Display with boats representing each decade of the Queen’s reign.  The only disappointment being that the Classic Cars element of the display had to be cancelled due to ground conditions.

Gillie added, “The weather did brighten up and it was lovely to see so many visitors enjoying the Show and our themed entertainment.  Opera Anywhere, took to the water aboard “Sea Saga”, a 1965 classic Meakes cruiser, courtesy of River Thames Charters.  Artemis Studios Performing Arts School danced through the ages and “The Event”, a four piece band, delivered a medley of popular songs, marking the years of the Queen’s reign – all of this in addition to our regular entertainers.”

Competitions
Water Craft Magazine –  Amateur Boat Building Competition
The 2012 winners of  Watercraft Magazine’s “Amateur Boat Building Competition”, sponsored by Robbins Timber and Wessex Resins & Adhesives, manufacturers of WEST System epoxies, are:
Categories:
1) Most Innovative Boat – Tim O’Connor
2) Most Professional Looking Boat – Chris Adeney
3) Boat Offered Most Encouragement to Beginners – Adrian Gingell

Water Craft Makita Cordless Canoe Challenge
The “Cordless Canoe Challenge” winners for 2012 sponsored by Makita are:
Categories:
1) Outright winner – John and Joe Rutland
2) Most Practical Entry - Jeremy Harris
3) Most Imaginative Entry – Alan Craig

For further information and photographs relating to the competitions – please contact: Peter Greenfield, Editor, Water Craft Magazine on :Tel: 01326 221424 or visit: www.watercraft.co.uk

River Thames Charters and Beale Park – Luxury cruise prize draw
Beale Park teamed up with River Thames Charters to run an exclusive competition – giving the public the chance to win a luxury private charter for up to eight people, including Afternoon Tea and refreshments, on board Sea Saga, a 36ft beautiful classic motor cruiser with your very own skipper and crew, plus tickets to Beale Park Wildlife Park. 

The competition can still be entered on-line by visiting: www.riverthamescharters.co.uk or www.bealeparkboatshow.co.uk.  The closing date is 12noon on Monday 25th June 2012.

The Pontoon & Dock Company
The Beale Park Boat Show is supported by The Pontoon & Dock Company which assist with the provision of several floating pontoons at a substantially reduced rate.

The company is the distributor for some of the world’s largest marine equipment manufacturers and has been a supporter of the Show in recent years.

Gillie Jackson, Show Organiser, says “We are extremely grateful to The Pontoon & Dock Company for supplying such vital equipment and supporting the Show in recent years. The company’s kind generosity will help the Show to continue its growth and unite both the local and boating communities.”

The Beale Park Boat Show is one of the South’s leading boat shows offering something for everyone with boats of all shapes and sizes - old and new – “FREE” boat trips, displays on the lake, demonstrations, classic cars, crafts, live music, food court and family entertainment  –  making it an entertaining day out, set against the stunning backdrop of the River Thames.