Our 33rd Loony Party Conference was once again held in Blackpool, and as usual everything went swimmingly. I had been there for 10 days just to iron out any mishaps, there was just one small glitch, but soon sorted. People started arriving on the Wednesday, very enthusiastically looking forward to the shenanigans that lay ahead. Thursday saw quite a few more arrive, we had a meet and greet in Molloy’s the venue for the conference this year. The landlord and staff didn’t know quite what to expect, but we soon won them over. All day Friday more and more arriving to the extent that we were wondering if the venue would be big enough, it was, we managed.
The evening started with a ‘Rip Roaring Rock’n’Roll’ spot from ‘Joe Stummer’ very ably backed by ‘The Electric Boogie Club’. Joe comes from Chicago, South Side he always adds. Then Ray Williams took over with his band and made the night his own, as always, excellent music, everybody dancing and being Loonily happy.
As you well know the Saturday doesn’t start til 12 noon, one of the highlights of the weekend is the open top bus tour. No we don’t ride Blackpool Donkeys, we ride open top Blackpool buses. All aboard the Skylark, no all aboard the Wetherspoon Express more like. We toured some of the finest ‘spoons’ in the country. The Thomas Drummond in Fleetwood, The Jolly Tars in Cleverlys. The Wetherspoon photographer caught up with us here, so look out for your picture in the Winter issue of their magazine. The Layton Rakes in Blackpool was next, all good fun and jolly good company. The B.U.M.S did their usual Morris Dance here and a special conference policy was made. Morris Dancing to become an Olympic sport. Because of the weather and road hold ups we didn’t make The Albert and Lion or the Velvet Coaster this year on the bus, although we did visit them on foot.
After this of course it’s the turn of our ‘World Famous Cabinet Reshuffle’ I counted 72 shufflers, all quietly shuffling in and out in their own way, except Northenden Bob from Manchester, he caused a great split in the cabinet, to which we made him lay in it, and then sat on the lid.
Next on the agenda is the Leaders Speech, all gathered in the conference room, the leader gave a tremendous speech much to the crowds approval with no hiccups, coughs or spluttering.
He told of things that had gone on during the year and congratulated very profusely all those that stood in the General Election. He also told the story of the party getting their deposit back for the very first time ever. When Johnny Disco arrived on Friday he was sacked on the spot, for it was he that had caused this heinous crime. He paid his deposit to stand in the By Election at Manchester Gorton which was in April, but when the snap general was called it was cancelled and incorporated into the General. So all candidates got their deposit back, only a technicality we know, but it was the first time ever. We made him grovel, we made him say sorry, and he was immediately allowed back in with a standing ovation. Everybody left with a smile on their face. “Prepare for Government in the year 2525, if man is still alive” was the battle cry.
A quiet hour or so then it all starts again, more people arriving, some we hadn’t seen for along time, lots of newer faces, lots of people out to have a good time. We started of with a local Indie/Metal/Punk style band ‘The Drop out Wives Club’ very good, unusual, but well appreciated, had quite a few followers with them who had dressed for the occasion. Followed by the ‘Stars’ Vince Ripper and the Rodent Show—Wow and Wow again, just what a Loony Party is all about, absolutely fantastic.
The evening was rounded off with our old friend and party member Mr Badaxe, in fact Badaxe Badaxe, so good we named him twice. He always finishes his act with a present for everyone, a tin of mushy peas.
So there we are all over again for another year, like to thank Sean and all the staff at Molloys and a special thankyou to the lovely Jo Jacklin. Tony Davies for his very professional bus driving, Simon and Rhona of The New Guilderoy Hotel. Vince Cornwall for all his help. The local Blackpool Gazette for their marvellous coverage, a whole page again, Dan their photographer. Eddie Gershon of Wetherspoon for showing a keen interest. Also we were very privileged to have ‘Getty Images’ the world famous photo agency come along and spend a couple of hours with us. Watch out, for these pictures can appear in all sorts of magazines. If any of you come across any, let us all know ! !
Go Forth and Stay Loony
Howling ‘Laud’ Hope
Party Leader.