Notts Road Methodist Church had a weekend of fun in London

The theme for the London Weekend this year was Voices, Choices. This was done with many events around London such as The Royal Albert hall, Westminster Central Hall, Trafalgar Square and The Forum.

Saturday morning was mainly free as Clubs set of on there own sightseeing, tours or activities around London, yet making there way towards their first event after dinner. The coach along with others dropped us of at the drop off point. Clubs then split and headed to there destination, some towards the Parks, Piccadilly Circus, plain sightseeing, or events. Two of ours went with Nuthall. Langly Mill, rest of Nott's Road and Hucknall went with their own groups.

Our group (Notts. Road) headed towards our event. Yet the long way, we set of towards Piccadilly Circus, yet distracted on the way by many things. First was finding the way, even buying a map, well what do we expect David (leader) was leading. We managed to find Trafalgar Square and Nelsons Column, were met up with Langly Mill who were covered with pigeons, some of ours joined in while we took photo's and leaders asked the way (asked the other leader not the Pigeon that is), 20 min. later we then set off towards Buckingham Palace via St James Park and waited along with 100's others to see the change of the Guards. We then strolled through The Queens Park through to Piccadilly Circus and Planet Hollywood area. After a break and walk around the shops, it was then time to head towards the Event, so it was back to Hyde Park via the tube where 4 of us went rowing before going onwards to the Royal Albert Hall at about 2:30. This all included lunch and shopping plus fun and games.

On the way to where ever, it was impossible to forget that your one of 6,000 members of MAYC, as every street and corner was met by Green and Yellow plus Oggy. Even the tourists and People were seeing colours. Not forgetting the Blue colours as the FA cup took place on the same weekend.

Most events were set at two times so clubs can see at least two events One event was called Scream, which was held at the Westminster Central Hall, (unfortunately our group did not see this but to give you an idea of what happened, here's what the programme said). Scream is basically what it says, with the theme voices and choices. In 1995, they asked us

The show finished around 5:30 and after the groups met up outside and talks and laughter we headed for the coach and the next event which was the 'Hot House' at The Forum (7:00pm), where three bands played for us, with dancing, singing, fun, laughter, drinks and heat. The bands were Alias - most improved band of 96 - Cross Rhythms, WHY MAYC associate artists and Cruiser - A young MAYC - based rock band from Horrow, all playing chart music and other songs that are heard trough the MAYC - Note theses bands are popular to the Methodist circuit.

On the way we passed through center of London, including Tower of London, and other plus some great buildings. Everyone was in excitement as we headed for the forum, unaware that we only just knew the way. The place was alive with a stage well lit and everyone was up and dancing, It was also dark and hot with illuminus tubes in the air as everyone danced, sang and had fun. Drinks were selling fast as the heat got to most people. Some leaders stayed outside in the seating area and bar were it was slightly cool, the windows was the best bet to cool down if you can get to it.

After the band we headed for the coach and set of back to base (white Chapel Mission), for

a well earned supper (jacket potatoes and soup), The tables lined up in the middle of the room and all 3 groups mixed up around the table for cards, talks of what they did and saw, listening to music or just relaxing, yet Oldham and Hucknall still remained to sit on there own table in there own groups. With sleeping bags on the edge, it seemed a warm welcome, it was 11:15 and after more laughs, talks, and cards we all turn in tired and excited.

Everyone was up and packed by 7:30 the next day, as we would not be returning to the Mission we had to pack, load the coach and set off before 8:30. We all got aboard the coach and headed for the Royal Albert Hall, followed by another 2 thousand. For the Voices and Choices WORSHIP (we are Methodist remember) which consisted of Drama, singing and lots of fun and laughter, not forgetting the serious part of the weekend - IGNORANCE, HATRED, VIOLENCE, RACISM, FEAR, JUSTICE, PEACE, TOLERANCE AND KINDNESS - Choices and Voices. Finishing at 11:30 we headed for the park which was opposite the hall

- Remember the imagine mentioned early, well imagine 6,000, yellow and green members there (outside). on the park we had 2 hours free time before the march and Peace Party, on the park we had our lunch and played games, football and Frisbee, plus laughter and fun.

At two o'clock the coach took us to Westminster Hall were we marched on a 20 minute walk to Trafalgar Square where all 6,000 members met for the peace party, with songs, shouting, talking, fun, laughter and party poppers, also a chance to exchange address with other clubs/members, meet new and old friends (if not already done so) before the sad good bye's to friends and London as we headed for home.