1999

2000

The Capital Event 

24TH TO THE 26TH APRIL 1998

The departure and Arrival. It was time again for clubs all over UK to get together for the National Event - LONDON WEEKEND 98 FAIRGROUND- There was almost a full coach, from Langly Mill, Nottingham Rd (our group), Nuthall and Grangewood (near Bramcote Hills). 5 Leaders and 5 members from the Youth Fellowship went, and one member from BIG F, (YF - were, Jamie, Colin, Jessica, Kirsty and from BF - Andrew Wilkinson, with Leaders Ian, Kelly, Helen, David, Paul and Jody). Many of the members were invited but withdrew to reasons. Though plenty went and we left for London on Friday 24th around 6:00pm, arriving at the Mission, White Chapel in London around 10:45pm, this year we were asleep at around 12:30, as we didn't have to wait for another group. When we arrived we were welcomed by the leaders and owners with a late supper of Hotdogs and drinks etc,. At around 12:30 we slept till morning, well 7:00 we were up and getting ourselves ready to join the 6,000 people throughout UK in London.

Note about this News report, due to only being able to attend some events, some reports (and info, thoughts) have been given, by request, by other groups.

General report by Nottingham Road.
The theme for the London Weekend this year was Stand Up, and Burma. This was done with many events around London such as The Royal Albert hall, Westminster Central Hall, Battersea Park and The Forum. Unfortunately this was to be the last London Weekend Event so there was an air of sadness as well as fun. The event is being totally changed. See Breakout Link 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. The coach along with others dropped us of at the drop off point (the embankment). Clubs then split and headed to their destination, some towards the Parks, Piccadilly Circus, plain sightseeing, or events. Most of the members on our coach went with their own groups.
Our group (Notts. Road) headed towards our first event, which was at Westminster Hall (Central Methodist Hall), we headed there passing BIG Ben. When arriving we looked around the stalls (inside the hall), which had video's, pictures, cards and other things for sale, and information sheets related to certain topics and areas of MAYC (i.e. Burma,). After the look around and before the event, which was at least 3 hours away, we set of towards Piccadilly Circus. This also included passing Downing Street and the change of guards. Also Trafalgar Square were we fed the pigeons, with pigeons landing on all our heads and arms, (with Jamie and Colin keeping well away from them).
There were hundreds of pigeons all being fed by many children and adults. Our group soon joined in with Ian, and Kirsty both getting food, most of us had a pigeon or two but both Ian, Kirsty and Andrew had most settling on them all had fun and pictures were taken. After the pictures and pigeons we set of again towards Piccadilly Circus. When we arrived we (most) looked around SEGA WORLD (which was free entry) looking at all the games and even having a go on them, also we looked around the shops.
It was then a decision on where we were to go next, but this wasto be decided over lunch in McDonalds, after talks, chips, burgers, chicken McNuggets and drinks we then set off towards the next event (Westminster Hall). On the way we went past Buckingham Palace via the Queens Park and St James Park. Just to mention when we first started out at about 9:00 it was drizzling and a downpour by the time we got to the embankment. Though it did slow down as we reached the hall. On the way to Piccadilly till we headed towards Hyde Park it was no rain all the way, sun, clouds and warm. On the way a crowd had gathered to see a hungry Pelican. It was basically big and searching for food as it pointer its beak towards the food stall and bins, it also queued up and poked its beak around the bin and counter of a stall, some people even got as close as they could get, Kirsty was one. Before going in we had a rest and some had a drink or bag of crisp.

West Minister Hall Event and Burma
The event was Stand Up to BURMA, and included quiz type shows, and special guests. They chose a number of contestants to participate in the quiz and a number of rounds took place including Generation Game, General Knowledge rounds and others, the winners of each rounds met for the final. Dancing was also done. In-between each round the hosts mostly talked about the World Action Campaign, BURMA, which all clubs having been taking part in. They mostly told us more info, updates and included special guests.
After the event we all met outside and then headed for Hyde Park where some of the members, Andrew, Ian, Kirsty and Jessica wanted to go rowing before going onwards to the Royal Albert Hall - 7:30 show -. Unfortunately the rain caught us up and a downpour came, it lasted about 20 min, and have a guess, the boats were not open. The rest of the night was dry and warm. It was a warm slow walk with a lot of talking and laughter, with the odd to feeling tired from the walks. When arriving we had a drink and a bite to eat to pass the time on at the MAYC Café. We then went in the Royal Albert Hall for - The Show

The theme for the London Weekend this year was Stand Up, and Burma. This was done with many events around London such as The Royal Albert hall, Westminster Central Hall, Battersea Park and The Forum. Unfortunately this was to be the last London Weekend Event so there was an air of sadness as well as fun. The event is being totally changed. See Breakout Link 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. The coach along with others dropped us of at the drop off point (the embankment). Clubs then split and headed to their destination, some towards the Parks, Piccadilly Circus, plain sightseeing, or events. Most of the members on our coach went with their own groups.
Our group (Notts. Road) head towards our first event, which was at Westminster Hall (Central Methodist Hall), we headed there passing BIG Ben. When arriving we looked around the stalls (inside the hall), which had video's, pictures, cards and other things for sale, and information sheets related to certain topics and areas of MAYC (i.e. Burma,). After the look around and before the event, which was at least 3 hours away, we set of towards Piccadilly Circus. This also included passing Downing Street and the change of guards. Also Trafalgar Square were we fed the pigeons, with pigeons landing on all our heads and arms, (with Jamie and Colin keeping well away from them).
There were hundreds of pigeons all being fed by many children and adults. Our group soon joined in with Ian, and Kirsty both getting food, most of us had a pigeon or two but both Ian, Kirsty and Andrew had most settling on them all had fun and pictures were taken. After the pictures and pigeons we set of again towards Piccadilly Circus. When we arrived we (most) looked around SEGA WORLD (which was free entry) looking at all the games and even having a go on them, also we looked around the shops.
It was then a decision on where we were to go next, but this was to be decided over lunch in McDonalds, after talks, chips, burgers, chicken McNuggets and drinks we then set off towards the next event (Westminster Hall). On the way we went past Buckingham Palace via the Queens Park and St James Park. Just to mention when we first started out at about 9:00 it was drizzling and a downpour by the time we got to the embankment. Though it did slow down as we reached the hall. On the way to Piccadilly till we headed towards Hyde Park it was no rain all the way, sun, clouds and warm. On the way a crowd had gathered to see a hungry Pelican. It was basically big and searching for food as it pointer its beak towards the food stall and bins, it also queued up and poked its beak around the bin and counter of a stall, some people even got as close as they could get, Kirsty was one. Before going in we had a rest and some had a drink or bag of crisp.

West Minister Hall Event and Burma
The event was Stand Up to BURMA, and included quiz type shows, and special guests. They chose a number of contestants to participate in the quiz and a number of rounds took place including Generation Game, General Knowledge rounds and others, the winners of each rounds met for the final. Dancing was also done. In-between each round the hosts mostly talked about the World Action Campaign, BURMA, which all clubs having been taking part in. They mostly told us more info, updates and included special guests.
After the event we all met outside and then headed for Hyde Park where some of the members, Andrew, Ian, Kirsty and Jessica wanted to go rowing before going onwards to the Royal Albert Hall - 7:30 show -. Unfortunately the rain caught us up and a downpour came, it lasted about 20 min, and have a guess, the boats were not open. The rest of the night was dry and warm. It was a warm slow walk with a lot of talking and laughter, with the odd to feeling tired from the walks. When arriving we had a drink and a bite to eat to pass the time on at the MAYC Café. We then went in the Royal Albert Hall for - The Show

Royal Albert Hall - The Show -
The other event we did attend was The Show, which was at the Royal Albert Hall at 7:30pm.
Imagine this, - our start time was 7:30 and over a thousand members made there way towards the hall, most of them in the MAYC colours of Green and Yellow, with a small space for Busses and pedestrians you could say we invaded the street. -.
The show was very good with songs, laughter, Shouting and drama, the main story theme was based on Burma and freedom of speech and rights. Before the show there was the finals of the 5-a-side football competition, next year it will be played in the NEC. Also a song by Robbie Williams. Plus many others.
Before the show started around 2,000 members made themselves heard and to let Albert Hall know that they were there. One of the rules, no throwing and Mexican waves have usually been obeyed, but as this was the last time for the LW it was wild and all doing the Mexican wave and paper throwing. Shouting the Oggy song and singing.
Most of the show was done with small sketches that fell around the main part of the story/drama. This was kind of like a court, with the defendant, accuse and judge both making statements and the unfair judge making the final decision. The prisoners that attended the court grew after each sketch. Some scenes were played quite well, with some that were not quite clear. The final sketch was big and good. The Judge created some laughs as she entered as it was a huge costume and supported by two people inside it and two supporting the arms. The figure was supposed to resemble old and bad, as the neck and face was in between an ostrich and pelican. At the end there was a kind of final celebration with music, singing and dancing, this had nearly all the MAYC members standing and singing, plus dancing. The show involved members from all over UK
The show finished around 9:45pm and after the groups met up outside and talks and laughter we headed for the coach and set of back to base (white Chapel Mission), for a well earned supper, Which was jacket potatoes, baked beans and tuna and Mayo + drinks. Andrew and Ian set there tongs on Chicken Chow Main?, Which they both finished it in the morning (a cold Chicken Chow Main), also more laughs, talks, and football (TV) before all turning in.

Program Report - HOT HOUSE
Most events were set at two times so clubs can see at least two events. One event was the HOT HOUSE, which was held at the Forum, (unfortunately our group did not see this but to give you an idea of what happened, here's what was in the program. 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 KATO - most professional and stylish of bands from Blackpool, playing Indie Pop band. WHITE NOISE - a young band from Leeds, Rock-Tastic Rocking Rock Lics. Lastly NEVER ON A MONDAY - the most pop fantastic, hardest working bands, playing indie/rock music, these are also from Blackpool. All playing chart music and other songs that are heard through the MAYC . The place was alive with a stage well lit and everyone was up and dancing, It was also dark and hot with illumines 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. The other event we did attend was The Show, which was at the Royal Albert Hall at 7:30pm.
Imagine this, - our start time was 7:30 and over a thousand members made there way towards the hall, most of them in the MAYC colours of Green and Yellow, with a small space for Busses and pedestrians you could say we invaded the street. -.
The show was very good with songs, laughter, Shouting and drama, the main story theme was based on Burma and freedom of speech and rights. Before the show there was the finals of the 5-a-side football competition, next year it will be played in the NEC. Also a song by Robbie Williams. Plus many others.
Before the show started around 2,000 members made themselves heard and to let Albert Hall know that they were there. One of the rules, no throwing and Mexican waves have usually been obeyed, but as this was the last time for the LW it was wild and all doing the Mexican wave and paper throwing. Shouting the Oggy song and singing.
Most of the show was done with small sketches that fell around the main part of the story/drama. This was kind of like a court, with the defendant, accuse and judge both making statements and the unfair judge making the final decision. The prisoners that attended the court grew after each sketch. Some scenes were played quite well, with some that were not quite clear. The final sketch was big and good. The Judge created some laughs as she entered as it was a huge costume and supported by two people inside it and two supporting the arms. The figure was supposed to resemble old and bad, as the neck and face was in between an ostrich and pelican. At the end there was a kind of final celebration with music, singing and dancing, this had nearly all the MAYC members standing and singing, plus dancing. The show involved members from all over UK
The show finished around 9:45pm and after the groups met up outside and talks and laughter we headed for the coach and set of back to base (white Chapel Mission), for a well earned supper, Which was jacket potatoes, baked beans and tuna and Mayo + drinks. Andrew and Ian set there tongs on Chicken Chow Main?, Which they both finished it in the morning (a cold Chicken Chow Main), also more laughs, talks, and football (TV) before all turning in.

Sunday
Everyone was up and packed by 8:30 the next day, as we would not be returning to the Mission we had to pack, load the coach and set off before 9:00. We all got aboard the coach and headed for the Royal Albert Hall, followed by another 2,000.

The Worship - Royal Albert Hall
The Fairground Youth Service (WORSHIP) consisted of Drama, singing, pictures and lots of fun and laughter, not forgetting the serious part of the weekend - BURMA -. Finishing at 11:45 we headed for the Battersea Park which was an hour away. Battersea Park - London Weekend Fairground - FAREWELL PARTY
As mentioned earlier, this was to be the last London Weekend, after 53 years MAYC wanted a change (see Breakout). Though it was still to be fun, games and laughter as all coaches came to Battersea and members headed towards the stage. Remember the imagine mentioned early, well imagine 6,000, yellow and green members on the park for the farewell party, with songs, shouting, talking, fun, laughter and Pom Poms, Banners were flying everywhere so others knew where they were from. 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 a sad goodbye to 50 years in London. Also a welcome to the new MAYC National Event and a possible change in colours.
There was a lot of fun and games at the park, with nearly all 4000 joining in on one game, there was singing, dancing and some talking by the association and president of MAYC Mark Wakelan. They also made a Birthday cake for ?? (in Burma) as it was her Birthday, and a photo was taken of the audience.
There was also talks on the last LW and next year - Breakout Birmingham 1999. Green and Yellow (MAYC colours) balloons were let of to say goodbye to the last 53 years of being in London. Then Purple and Orange Balloons were let off as a welcome to the new MAYC National event

Thoughts 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. Despite the weather it was still the same, but was not like last year.

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