Family Fun Day Review
Sunday 12th June
Well, what can I say? This was our second regional event within a fortnight and also the second time it rained non-stop throughout the day. Maybe we should hold winter events in future in the hope that our topsy turvy weather will be sunny then!?
Despite the weather a full quota of Mensans and their families turned up at Drayton Manor Park. The day started in the Hamilton Suite where a board welcomed our group and tea, coffee, squash and biscuits were available. Once everyone had arrived we set off into the park as a big group taking over one ride at a time. I was quite impressed some people followed not knowing what the ride entailed! We spun on the Drunken Barrels, shot targets on the Wild West Shootout, sat on the haunted swing in The Haunted, and rode the new Ben 10 rollercoaster. The group then split into two with the adrenalin junkies riding Pandemonium, a pirate ship style ride that goes all the way over, whilst others rode the neighbouring tamer Flying Dutchman boats.
It was soon time for lunch and a welcome respite from the rain. Drayton Manor have installed the new super efficient Dyson hand dryers. Unfortunately no good for drying wet hair and jeans though! After a tasty basket meal lunch accompanied with free hot drinks or squash, or something a little more alcoholic for those who wished to make a purchase from our private bar, we headed back onto the park.
Again we remained as a group heading to the Pirate Adventure suitable for all ages then Thomas Land designed especially for children. But that didn't stop us all riding their Troublesome Trucks rollercoaster! By this time the white-knuckle riders were chomping at the bit to get on the big stuff so a dozen of us headed to the Maelstrom giant gyro-swing, Shockwave stand-up rollercoaster and G-Force rollercoaster (the name says it all!) where there were hardly any queues. Because we were already wet we even went on the water rides. Others went on the smaller rides or visited the zoo, where unfortunately many of the animals were hiding from the rain, although I assume the penguins were loving the weather.
Visiting this theme park as a group worked out perfectly. Adults who don't enjoy the white-knuckle rides were able to keep children company who weren't tall enough to ride. And children whose parents are wimps (!) were able to go on the bigger rides with other adults. It was great to see so many new faces and families with children of all ages at this event. Because of the continuous rain just eight stalwarts remained for the last ride on the vintage carousel before the park closed.
Drayton Manor Park is a family owned attraction and everyone I met from car park attendants to catering staff to ride operators were friendly and helpful. I'm sure their hotel due to open this summer will be a huge success.
Thanks to everyone for braving the weather and joining us. Rain doesn't stop play where Mensa fun is concerned!
by Maxine Bates