Disneyland Paris Weekend
- Jan 21st-23rd 2000
(Photos are at the bottom
just to ensure that innocent people don't come across them by mistake while
surfing the Net)
Once upon a time in a country far, far away there lived a man known to everybody as "Uncle Walt". Uncle Walt drew some pictures and soon his fame spread around the world - even to France.
One day someone said "Hey! Let's build a park, full of rides and popcorn, and people dressed up as cartoon characters". This they duly did, and everything at "Disneyland Paris" - as they called it - was fine and dandy until, one dark and stormy night, the big bad wind appeared. It huffed and it puffed, and it huffed and it puffed, until it had blown "Davy Crockett's Ranch" right down.
"Oh no!" said the Disney executives, "Wealden Brass and Battle Town Band are coming to stay, whatever shall we do?"
"I know" piped up one bright spark - whose name was Jean-Pierre or something - "let's upgrade them to the posh hotel instead!"
And so it came to pass that the two bands found themselves
in the aforementioned posh hotel one Friday in January 2000.
All stocked up from an earlier trip to the hypermarket, the players settled
into their/each other's hotel rooms for an evening of laughter and "light"
refreshment.
Saturday dawned rather earlier than strictly necessary, and after breakfast the two bands went "behind the scenes" to rehearse, for that very afternoon they were due to parade down the famous Disney "Main Street" playing a selection of marches for the delight and delectation of the bedraggled tourists therein. However, upon arrival they found - sacre bleu! - there was to be no rehearsal, as there had been "un grand mix-up".
Undeterred by this news, and by a morning spent trying to reconcile the opposing forces of hangover and rollercoaster, the two bands later reassembled, ready to march. It seemed as if the weather was going to spoil the plans, but suddenly - oh rapture! - the heavens mysteriously closed up.
"Allez, march!" came the order, and so off they marched over tram-line and cobblestone, entertaining the damp crowds to the strains of Sussex By The Sea. No sooner had they reached shelter once more than the heavens reopened. "Phew!" said the bands and returned to the park to enjoy the rides again.
The next evening the two bands arrived back home - via the Eiffel Tower - tired but happy, and both vowing to do it again some time, if possible. "Thank you" they said to Disney, Venture Abroad and SCABA.
"No, thank you" said Disney, "we enjoyed it very much, in fact please come and play again next year".
"We shall" said the bands, "and we very much hope that next time other bands might come as well."
THE END
DAMO'S PHOTO CASEBOOK (these people need help)
|
(left) Oh, the joys of a long coach journey and a packet
of rice paper... |
|
(left)This is what happens if you get married... |
 (above) The evening started off in a reasonably civilised manner, but rapidly went downhill after this photo was taken! |
(below) Olau sits down to do her knitting;
 |
 (above) Oh dear.. |
Off with her head! The Evil Queen meets, erm...one
of the Disney Characters (right). (above) Heads had to be measured, to ensure compliance with Disney's strict rules on people taking part in their parades. |
 |
 (above & below left) Nearly managed to march in line and in step. For those of you watching in black and white, Battle Town members are the ones with gold braiding on their uniforms. Sorry about the Sousaphone by the way. |
 |
 I don't know...doesn't everyone sometimes get one of those moments where, really, nothing other than a waltz will do? No? |
(below) No comment. (right/far right); They say that only the pure in heart can pull the sword from the stone... |
 |
 |
|
(above) This was supposed to be a gentle ride, but it's always wise to pick your companions carefully on these things. As it is in life (oooh, how wise)... |
(below) Yes, it rained. A lot. But is that enough of an excuse for this?
|
 (above) Our resident Bag-Lady comparing Parisian bin contents with traditional Sussex litter. |
|
Bye Kids!
|
 |
See you next year!
|
