Thursday 30 November 2017

RCCGB Mega-GLOW-Mania Weekend 2017

Date: Friday 11 August 2017 to Sunday 13 August 2017
Venues: Folly Farm, Oakwood Theme Park, Heatherton World of Activities
Who Went: Me and a large number of other RCCGB members, including Andy and Christine Hine, Alan Hunt, Ann Morgan, Bradpeet, Charlie and Emily Turner, Death, Herman Coaster, Mark and Margo Lewis, Mandy, Ryan Hackett, Stevie Bee.

DISCLAIMER: The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of everyone who attended. It's a small sample of attendees; mainly those I spoke to and/or rode with at Folly Farm and/or Oakwood. I sincerely apologise to anyone else who was at Folly Farm, Oakwood and/or Heatherton and I've not listed. Not everyone (whether or not listed above) attended all three Parks.

Introduction
The Club's annual visit to rural Pembrokeshire, primarily to visit Oakwood Theme Park. Just like in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Oakwood visit was on Saturday when the Park was open to the public until 22:00, thereby enabling the Club to end the day with its traditional dark ERS on Megafobia. Add-ons to Oakwood were Folly Farm near Begelly on Friday (including exclusive use of the Vintage Funfair and a cooked meal after closing time), and Heatherton World of Activities on Sunday. Just like last year, I attended Folly Farm and Oakwood, but for various reasons gave Heatherton a miss.

To make the rest of this report easier to read, I've split it into sections. Click the applicable link below to jump to the section you want to read:

Thursday 10 August 2017
Day 1 - Friday 11 August 2017
Day 2 - Saturday 12 August 2017
Day 3 - Sunday 13 August 2017
Outro

Enjoy my report at your leisure.

Thursday 10 August 2017

Getting to Kilgetty
For me the weekend began with a train journey from Bath Spa to Kilgetty. I caught the 13:36 train from Bath Spa to Cardiff Central. Since that was delayed, I only just made it to Cardiff Central in time for the connecting 14:47 train to Swansea. Thankfully I got to Swansea with plenty of time to spare for the 16:00 Swansea to Pembroke Dock train. Although I could have gone all the way to Kilgetty on that train, I left that train at Carmarthen at 16:46 so I could get myself an evening meal in the town centre.

Around 17:20 I went to Harvester for dinner. For main course I enjoyed Peri-Peri Chicken Burger and fries. A fill-it-myself salad bowl was also included. To round off my meal, I had Sundae Best for dessert. The ice cream was out of this world, real dairy ice cream. Served with Belgian chocolate sauce it was a sweet treat to round off my meal. Back at the station I completed my journey on the 19:05 train to Kilgetty. Having finally got to Kilgetty at 19:47, I checked into to the hotel in Begelly where I had pre-booked for three nights. After checking in I relaxed in my room the rest of the evening.

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Day 1 - Friday 11 August 2017

Friday First Thing
When I got up at 07:30 it was raining outside. Although a dry interval was expected mid-morning, further light rain was anticipated during the afternoon. Meanwhile around 08:50 I had breakfast, consisting of cereal, a glass of orange juice, a full cooked breakfast, four triangles of toast and a carafe of coffee. That certainly filled me up for the morning!

Daytime
Since I was staying in Begelly for the second year running, I walked from my hotel to Folly Farm. Thankfully the rain had stopped by the time I left around 10:15. Folly Farm was already open and the public were being admitted when I arrived just before 10:30. The RCCGB was officially due to enter as a group at 11:00, but by showing my trip letter, badge and RCCGB membership card I was allowed in straightaway. The receptionist said I was the first RCCGB member booked on this trip to be admitted to Folly Farm.

Being as it was dry at the time, I headed straight for the zoo, starting with the meerkats, Bactrian camels, Kifaru Reserve rhino enclosure (which opened in 2016) and other nearby animals. My first sighting of other RCCGB members was Ann Morgan, Stevie Bee and several others near the giant tortoise enclosure around noon. I stopped and spoke to them for a few minutes. Around 12:15 I had a much-needed Americano at Carousel Woods Burger Bar. Having finished my coffee it was still dry outside, so I saw the rest of the zoo, starting with the giraffe enclosure. The giraffes were being fed when I got there. Thereafter I saw the penguins (including the underwater view), lion enclosure, dwarf mongoose and emus.

By 14:00 light rain began falling, so I went to Carousel Café for a light snack. There I had tuna and salad filled deli bread, plus an Americano. Afterwards I went into the Follywood section across the road, where I saw various breeds of pig in Percy's Piggery, followed by the donkey enclosure. I also had one go on the land train ride, which followed a track past various animals. Unfortunately the carriages are open sided, so the wind caused a rather cold draught through them. Back in the main part of the Park, I saw various farm animals, including sheep, goats, chickens and ponies in The Jolly Barn. I also drew a chicken on the large chalk board on which visitors are welcome to draw farm animals there. Just before 16:00 I went to Cwtch Coffee for a much-needed cappuccino. Around 16:30 I enjoyed playing on all parts of Carousel Woods indoor play structure until just before closing time of 17:30, including the 4-lane Bumper Slide, tube slides and multi-level towers. A fun way to round off normal opening time. My only inconvenience was having to leave my rucksack and trainers unattended by one of the play structure access points, and having to check on them from time to time. There really ought to be lockers nearby for you to put luggage in.

Exclusive Fair Session
Folly Farm officially closed at 17:30. For us the best was yet to follow: our Exclusive Fair Session (EFS) in the Vintage Funfair. During this part of the day I wore my RCCGB Fun Night T-shirt, fluorescent pink sports shorts and fluorescent pink football socks. Someone said my socks would be just the thing to wear during the dark ERS on Megafobia Saturday evening. The Club began riding around 17:40. Together the Club rode 1937 Coronation Speedway, 1950s Caterpillar Ride, Jets and Rock n' Roll Waltzer once each. The next ride was the Ghost Train; some members including me rode it twice. The last ride before dinner was the 1938 Dodgem Track; I only had one go on it but some members had two goes.

At 18:20 it was time for dinner in the Funfair Restaurant. Members had fish and chips, sausage and chips or pasta Bolognese (specified when booking this trip); I had fish and chips. Nev also gave a speech. After dinner we had more rides, starting with one go on the Chair-o-Plane. The next ride was 1936 Lakin Swirl; a few members including me were lucky enough to have two goes on it. This was followed by one go on Folly Farm's Famous Gallopers. After that the Club rode 1950s Cyclone Twist; some including me managed to have two goes on it. The EFS ended with the Brooklyn Cakewalk. Some members had multiple goes on Brooklyn Cakewalk; I had seven goes on it, which was more than I expected.

Alphabetic Summary Table of EFS Rides

Ride
Total
Brooklyn Cakewalk
7
1950s Caterpillar Ride
1
Chair-o-Plane
1
1937 Coronation Speedway
1
1950s Cyclone Twist
2
1938 Dodgem Track
1
Folly Farm's Famous Gallopers
1
Ghost Train
2
Jets
1
1936 Lakin Swirl
2
Rock n' Roll Waltzer
1
TOTAL
20

Rest of Friday
When the EFS ended, the day was over and we all had to return to the car park. The sky was still overcast when everyone left the funfair building, but thankfully it was dry. Mark and Margo kindly gave me a lift back to my hotel. Having arrived there at 19:58 I relaxed in my room the rest of the evening.

Friday Summary
Altogether a worthwhile appetiser to Mega-GLOW-Mania at Oakwood. I particularly enjoyed playing on Carousel Woods indoor play structure for nearly an hour late afternoon. Best of all was the EFS after 17:30: a few vintage rides, a meal, and more vintage rides ending with the Brooklyn Cakewalk. Wearing my self-designed black RCCGB Fun Night T-shirt, fluorescent pink shorts and fluorescent pink football socks just for that part of the day added to the fun of the EFS. Basically the visit to Folly Farm can be summed up as a leisurely day around the farm, zoo and other attractions, culminating in a spin on the vintage rides early evening, as a warm-up to Oakwood the day after. The biggest let-down was the weather; it's a pity the sky was overcast all day and it was a bit chilly for August. Fortunately it stayed dry until around 14:00, thereby giving me enough time to see most of the zoo during that dry spell. Many thanks to Andy Hine for arranging this trip, including EFS, to Folly Farm; I hope it continues as part of Mega-GLOW-Mania next year and beyond. Thanks also to the ride staff for operating the rides and caterers for providing the meal after closing time, and to Mark and Margo for giving me a lift back to my hotel in the evening.

Folly Farm's special mention of the RCCGB is available here

More about Friday at Folly Farm available here

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Day 2 - Saturday 12 August 2017

Saturday First Thing
Having awoke at 06:30, I had an early breakfast at 07:45. It consisted of a choice of cereal, a glass of orange juice, a full cooked breakfast, four triangles of toast and a carafe of coffee. At 08:48 Mark and Margo arrived to give me a lift to Oakwood.

Welcome to Oakwood
Mark, Margo and I arrived at Oakwood at 08:56, and everyone was still waiting outside the Park entrance. Almost straightaway some members noticed I was wearing an old sweatshirt. I had deliberately put that on as, due to its condition (slightly stained anyway) it wouldn't matter too much if some UV powder got on it during the dark ERS, as I anticipated was almost inevitable. At 09:00 the Club entered the Park for the morning ERS.

Morning ERS
The day began with a one hour ERS on Oakwood's famous wooden coaster Megafobia. During this hour I enjoyed eight goes; I sat next to Death, Stevie Bee, Christine Hine and Alan Hunt once each and Mandy twice.

Free Time
When the ERS ended, members dispersed around the Park. Due to the front field having been planted with crops for an event later in the year, and no suitable alternative open space for ball games, it was not possible for the Club to have a baseball match early afternoon unlike previous years. Therefore once the morning ERS ended, there were no further communal activities planned as part of the trip itinerary until the dark ERS on Megafobia after closing time.

I began normal opening time by riding Spooky 3D once with Mark and Margo. Quite frankly I was disappointed with this dark ride; I didn't find it particularly scary and the 3D effect wasn't that brilliant. Next I enjoyed two goes on the new-for-2017 coaster Flight of the Giant Peach (which is part of the new themed area Dahland). Although a fun ride, each go was over too quickly for my liking. Afterwards I went on the toboggan run Bobsleigh, but due to its lengthy queue I limited myself to one go. At this point I went to The Little Darlings Café in Neverland for a much-needed coffee. Having finished my coffee, I had a few rides in Neverland, starting with two goes on Tink's Flying School. By turning the rudder the left or right at the correct time, I took advantage of the breeze, which added to the fun; however I knew when to turn the rudder the opposite way to avoid twisting the plane excessively. Next I rode Neverland Chase once followed by Crocodile Coaster twice. Disappointingly when I rode Oakwood Aerodrome, the planes went around in a circle without going up or down, thereby resulting in a dull ride; hence I only rode them once. After that I left Neverland to ride Tea Cups once, followed by the beyond vertical drop coaster Speed twice and Treetops coaster once.

By now the time was 14:10 and I felt like a light snack, so I went to The Little Darlings' Café in Neverland for a cheese and ham Panini and a cup of coffee. After lunch I put my rucksack in storage at the Box Office as I wanted to ride some water rides next, but didn't want to take my rucksack on wet rides. Drenched was closed at the time, and didn't look as though it would be opening during the next hour or so. The first water ride I went on was Snake River Falls. Unfortunately only its two open-top slides were open; the tube slides Cobra and Python were closed. Anyway I put on my all-in-one splashsuit and rode the left and right open-top slides (as seen facing their entrances from the top) in sequence twice over. Next I headed for Waterfall, I enjoyed sliding its left and right slides (as seen facing their entrances from the top) in sequence three times over. Most times I managed to sail across the landing pool without keeling over, and thus continue some distance across the run-out. Even when I wobbled on landing, I managed to avoid falling into the water, unlike one of my goes last year. After that I went into Neverland to ride Skull Rock log flume twice. Having left Skull Rock, I met Ann Morgan near Tink's Flying School. She noticed I was wearing my all-in-one splashsuit, since as I wasn't intending to ride any more water rides for the time being, I took it off without further ado. Next I enjoyed two goes on Tink's Flying School.

At this point I briefly returned to the Box Office to put my splashsuit back in my rucksack before having another much-needed coffee at The Little Darlings Café. Having finished my coffee, I headed across to Dahland to enjoy two goes on Flight of the Giant Peach, followed by one go on The Ladybirdoline (trampolines). Jumping on one of the trampolines for just over 90 seconds was great fun. Next I had one go on the Tea Cups; riding them this time of day was just the same as when I rode them early afternoon. Afterwards I approached the Clown Coaster located in Circus Land. Officially adults can only ride it when accompanying children, but the attendant let me have one go on it when he saw my trip badge and RCCGB membership card. Although mild, riding it once meant I was now able to say I'd ridden all six coasters in one day. Having left Circus Land, I went into Neverland again, this time to ride Crocodile Coaster twice followed by Tink's Flying School once.

After collecting my rucksack from the Box Office for the final time, I headed for the Boating Lake. Along the way I saw Charlie Turner for the first time since the morning ERS, and spoke to him briefly. When I got to the boarding point for the Boating Lake, I wondered if I would be allowed to ride one of the pedaloes alone. Thankfully single riders are allowed on these pedalo boats, but understandably I found pedalling around the lake alone this time was harder than when I rode with another RCCGB member the last two years. On the way around I managed to steer well clear of the weed near Megafobia. Having disembarked I enjoyed riding Treetops coaster once followed by Speed twice. After I left Speed, the time was around 20:00. As I walked past the landing area of Waterfall shortly afterwards, I saw Nev and Stevie Bee. Feeling concerned about the possibility of UV powder being thrown around, I enquired at the Megafobia shop what time the UV powder was to go on sale. It was already on sale, but visitors were not supposed to throw it until after 21:00. I admitted that I was actually hoping to get as far away from it as possible. Next I enjoyed four goes on the drop slide Moon Landing. Around 20:20 I went to Woody's Burger Bar for a large Double Burger Meal, I consumed it in the indoor seating area.

The ColourFest UV powder paint party was billed to run from 21:00 to 21:45 as part of the After Dark event. Visitors could buy UV powder packs from the Megafobia shop to throw around under the ultra violet lighting in the designated area in front of the stage. This time I deliberately took an old grey T-shirt and an old sweatshirt with me, so I got changed into them shortly after leaving Woody's Burger Bar. Even so, for several reasons I didn't want UV powder thrown at me, so I went into Neverland. Thankfully I didn't see anyone throwing UV powder around there. Tink's Flying School was still operating, so I enjoyed one more go on it. Riding Tink's Flying School in the civil twilight seemed slightly different compared to during the day. That was my last ride of the day during normal opening time. Having left Tink's Flying School, there was still enough time for me to enjoy a cup of coffee at The Little Darlings Café before it closed at 21:30. During the final ten minutes of opening the firework display, set to music, took place. This time I watched it from a point on the hill behind Moon Landing.

Megafobia Dark ERS
With the public now gone, the finale was our one-hour dark ERS on Megafobia, accompanied by party music and disco lights in the station. Many members (but not me) were wearing or holding glow sticks, some had something with flashing lights and some were wearing hi-vis clothing. Being as some members were covered in UV powder after taking part in the ColourFest party, I deliberately wore my old sweatshirt (which was already slightly stained anyway) as I was now almost certain to get some of their second-hand UV powder on me whilst riding Megafobia. During the ERS, I enjoyed eight goes on Megafobia; I sat next to Emily Turner, Bradpeet and Mandy once each, and Charlie Turner twice (he even gave me a glow stick to hold part way through the session). Also as I guessed would happen, I ended up riding next to Michael once and Stevie Bee twice, both of whom were covered in UV powder after taking part in the ColourFest UV powder paint party, but I didn't mind as I had already deliberately prepared myself by wearing an old slightly stained sweatshirt. Altogether another hair-raising ERS, definitely the grand finale of the day. The ride seemed considerably faster and rougher than during the morning ERS. It's a pity I felt the need to wear an old shabby sweatshirt which I didn't really want to wear during this ERS, but being as certain members had taken part in the ColourFest UV powder paint party before riding during this ERS, I had no alternative but to wear something I wasn't too worried about getting a little paint powder on.

Cumulative Summary of My Rides (ERSs and Freetime Combined)

Ride
Total
Boating Lake
1
Bobsleigh
1
Clown Coaster
1
Crocodile Coaster
4
Flight of the Giant Peach
4
Megafobia
16
Moon Landing
4
Neverland Chase
1
Oakwood Aerodrome
1
Skull Rock
2
Snake River Falls: left open slide
2
Snake River Falls: right open slide
2
Speed
4
Spooky 3D
1
Tea Cups
2
The Ladybirdoline
1
Tink's Flying School
6
Treetops
2
Waterfall left slide
3
Waterfall right slide
3
TOTAL
61

Rest of Saturday
When the ERS ended at 23:11 Nev gave a short speech before everyone returned to the car park. I waited on the exit platform whilst Mark and Margo dismantled their disco lights. When they were ready to leave, Mark and Margo gave me a lift back to my hotel. After our final goodbyes outside the hotel car park I was back in my room around quarter to midnight, dead tired.

Saturday Summary
Altogether a coaster crazy day at Oakwood. Turnout was higher for Oakwood than for Folly Farm the previous day, presumably because the Oakwood trip was on a Saturday, whereas the Folly Farm visit was a Friday. It was great adding Flight of the Giant Peach to my coaster count, and re-riding each of the other five roller coasters, including Clown Coaster which I didn't expect to be able to go on, and several non-coaster rides (including Bobsleigh, Snake River Falls and Waterfall) again. Also it was great meeting other Club members again. The weather was better than that at Folly Farm the previous day; although the sky was largely cloudy (with glimpses of sunshine) all morning, the afternoon was generally sunnier and the best of the sunshine was in the evening through to sunset. The upshot of that was I felt warm enough going around in a T-shirt and shorts during the afternoon and much of the evening (unlike Friday). Best of all it was dry all day, and after sunset. Many thanks to Nev for organising the trip, the staff for operating Megafobia before opening and after closing, and to Mark and Margo Lewis for providing the dark ERS disco lighting and for giving me lifts to and from Oakwood.

More about Saturday at Oakwood available here

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Day 3 - Sunday 13 August 2017

Introduction
The final day of Mega-GLOW-Mania weekend 2017. Mid-morning some members met at Heatherton World of Activities to enjoy go-karting and/or other activities available there (e.g. clay pigeon shooting). Nev even arranged an EGS (exclusive go-kart session) for those interested; according to the trip invitation it was billed to run from 10.00 to 11.30. For various reasons I gave Heatherton a miss. The following outlines how I spent Sunday.

Sunday First Thing
Having awoke I got ready, packed my belongings and had breakfast around 8:30. I had the same selection as Friday and Saturday morning including a full cooked breakfast. I enjoyed it at a more relaxed pace than Saturday. During breakfast I met Nev and a few other RCCGB members. It was a pleasure to speak to them one final time this trip.

From Kilgetty to Swansea
I reached Kilgetty station around 11:15, intending to catch the 11:26 train to Carmarthen. Since Kilgetty is a request stop, I had to signal to the driver for the train to stop. Having reached Carmarthen I caught the 12:24 train to Swansea, and got there at 13:12. Once there I walked straight to Swansea LC.

Swansea LC Water Park
I walked to the LC where I went water sliding for the afternoon. I entered in the pool / slides area at 13:55. The session was intended to last two hours, but since the place wasn't busy enough for the staff to need to call wristband colours out, I ended up leaving at 16:25. Whilst I was there I enjoyed the Aqua Tube (closed narrow tube slide) sixteen times, and the Aqua Slide (wide open top slide) four times. Surprisingly I managed to have eight exciting goes on the Master Blaster roller coaster water slide, which is my highest number on that to-date for one visit to Swansea LC. However, in order to maximise my slide count, I didn't go in the fun pool or the Lazy River at all this time. Altogether a wet and wild way for me to round off Mega-GLOW-Mania weekend.

Cumulative Summary of Slides

Slide
Total
Aqua Slide
4
Aqua Tube
16
Master Blaster
8
TOTAL
28

More about Sunday afternoon at Swansea LC Water Park available here

Evening Meal
Just before 17:00 I walked to Wind Street to get myself a meal somewhere. I was hoping to go to The Bank Statement (Wetherspoon), but when I got there it was closed, and looked as though it was being renovated. Further up Wind Street, I saw The Griffin pub, so I decided to get a meal there. I enjoyed a roast beef dinner for main course followed by sticky toffee pudding with custard for dessert. To drink I had half a pint of Fosters. After all that, I still had time to round off my meal with a cup of coffee.

Journey Home
Having left The Griffin around 18:30 I walked straight to the railway station. I arrived there with time to spare for the 18:51 London Paddington train. When I reached Cardiff Central at 19:50 I tried to buy myself a coffee somewhere at the station. Unfortunately the station buffet facilities on the platforms and front concourse were closed but I managed to buy a white coffee from the self-service machine at the Spar shop in the front concourse. From Cardiff Central I continued my journey on the 20:18 train to Bath Spa. I finally reached Bath Spa at 21:36, and home soon afterwards.

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Outro

Highlights
Three nights' B&B in Begelly, including the delicious filling breakfasts.
Visiting Folly Farm and Oakwood for the sixth year running.
Land train ride at Folly Farm Friday mid-afternoon.
Playing on Carousel Woods indoor play structure Friday late afternoon.
Exclusive Fair Session on the Vintage Funfair rides plus cooked meal in the Funfair Restaurant Friday evening.
Saturday morning ERS on Megafobia before Oakwood opened to the public.
Adding Flight of the Giant Peach to my coaster count Saturday.
Riding all the other five coasters and several non-coaster rides again at Oakwood on Saturday.
Fireworks display accompanied by music at 21:50 Saturday evening.
Saturday evening dark ERS on Megafobia after closing time Saturday evening.
Meeting Nev and Christine, Ann Morgan, Charlie and Emily Turner, Herman Coaster, Mark and Margo Lewis, Ryan Hackett, Stevie Bee and other members again.
Sliding the Aqua Tube, Aqua Slide and Master Blaster at Swansea LC Sunday afternoon.
Eight goes on Master Blaster roller coaster water slide, my highest number to-date for a single visit to Swansea LC Water Park.
Early evening meals at Harvester, Carmarthen Thursday and The Griffin pub, Swansea Sunday.

Lowlights
Disappointing weather Friday - overcast all day and somewhat chilly for August.
Having to leave my rucksack and trainers unattended near Carousel Woods whilst playing on the structure Friday late afternoon due to lack of lockers
Two of the Snake River Falls slides (Cobra and Python) were closed Saturday.
Feeling the need to wear an old sweatshirt after the ColourFest UV powder paint party started.

Summing Up
Altogether fun-packed long weekend away. It was great to visit Folly Farm and Oakwood for the sixth year running and thus ride many of their rides (particularly Oakwood's Megafobia) again, and also meeting several other members of the RCCGB both Friday and Saturday. It was a pity about the cloudy and chilly weather at Folly Farm on Friday, but thankfully Saturday's weather at Oakwood was generally better. My visit to Swansea LC Water Park provided a wet and wild end to an amazing weekend. Many thanks again to Nev for arranging the trips to Folly Farm and Oakwood (also Heatherton for those who went), and to Mark and Margo for providing the dark ERS disco lighting Saturday evening and for giving me lifts Friday evening and Saturday morning and evening.

Mega-GLOW-Mania weekend 2017 can be likened to a three-course meal as follows:
Starter: Folly Farm on Friday
Main course: Oakwood on Saturday
Dessert: Heatherton (or in my case Swansea LC) on Sunday

One other bit of trivia worth mentioning: I went down at least one slide of some sort Friday, Saturday and Sunday as follows:
Friday: Carousel Woods Bumper Slide and tube slides at Folly Farm.
Saturday: Moon Landing drop slide at Oakwood.
Sunday: Aqua Tube, Aqua Slide and Master Blaster water slides at Swansea LC Water Park.

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Nemesis Nick at Swansea LC Water Park August 2017

Date: Sunday 13 August 2017
Venue: Swansea LC Water Park
Who Went: Just me.

Introduction
Officially this was the final day of RCCGB Mega-GLOW-Mania weekend 2017. After the Club visited Folly Farm on Friday 11 August and Oakwood Theme Park on Saturday 12 August, some members chose to spend Sunday 13 August at Heatherton World of Activities. Although I attended Folly Farm and Oakwood the previous two days, I gave Heatherton a miss for various reasons. Whilst planning my Sunday train travel, I discovered that by leaving Kilgetty at 11:26, I could reach Swansea around 13:15, and thus enjoy a session of water sliding at Swansea LC Water Park during the rest of the afternoon before resuming my train journey home to Bath in the evening.

Welcome to Swansea LC
I finally reached the LC reception around 13:40, and managed to get in straightaway. Without further ado I proceeded to the changing rooms where I had no problem finding a tall locker big enough to contain my large holdall, rucksack and laptop bag.

Background Information
The old Swansea Leisure Centre opened in 1977 and closed in 2003. During 2007 the building was gutted out and rebuilt internally at a cost of £32 million. In March 2008, the current LC opened on the site of the old Leisure Centre, and it's completely different to what it used to be inside. I know; I went to the fun pool and slides at the old Swansea Leisure Centre during my week long Swansea holiday in June 2000. The current LC has commonly been known as LC2 (even I've called it that), since the wave logo which appears after the initials LC resembles a 2, but officially it is LC. Logically though, one could say the current LC is the second leisure centre to be housed within the same building shell. This was my seventh visit to the LC Water Park in its current form, having previously been there early September 2008, August 2012, August 2013, August 2014, August 2015 and August 2016.

Swansea LC Water Park Features
The water park boasts several features, outlined below.

Aqua Tube
A narrow twisting closed tube water slide, which lands in a catch tray. This slide is really fast.

Aqua Slide
This water slide is wider and open-top all the way down. There's a u-bend to the right just after the start, followed by a straight bit, a bend to the right, a straight bit, u-bend to the left and finally land in a catch tray. This slide gives a longer and slower ride than Aqua Tube.

Master Blaster
You need an inflatable tyre to ride this roller coaster water slide. There are several places where it goes up as well as down. If the RCCGB decided to do an organised visit here (e.g. outside the coaster season) this would be the one for the Club to have an ERS on.

The Aqua Tube, Aqua Slide and Master Blaster were made by Aqua Leisure International, but I don't know the heights of the slides.

Wave Pool
A funny shaped fun pool with wave machine. It's not on continuously, but the wave sessions are quite frequent.

Lazy River
This spurs off the Wave Pool. You swim around clockwise with the flow.

Boardrider
A surf facility which you have to wear a surf suit and helmet for. I think you have to pay extra for it; anyhow I gave this a miss.

All of the above have been there since the place opened in 2008.

Volcano Bay
This opened in summer 2010. It's a mock-up of a volcano with a slide descending from it. I didn't bother with this during my visit.

The only extra Swansea LC Water Park could do with is a space bowl. Every good water park should have one. Strangely enough, the old Swansea Leisure Centre actually had a space bowl.

My Session in the Water Park
Having changed I was issued with a wristband. I entered the pool / slides area at 13:53 for a session that was officially due to last about two hours. My wristband was blue, and when that particular colour was called, all bathers with blue wristbands including me would be asked to leave.

Once in the pool area, I took straight to the slides, starting with five goes on the Aqua Tube. Next I approached the Master Blaster tyre collection point. Since the queue for tyres was reasonably short, I waited for a tyre to have my first go on Master Blaster. Having collected a tyre a few minutes later I went up the stairs and joined another queue for its launch point. When it was my turn to slide, I sat on my tyre and set off on the Master Blaster roller coaster water slide, which runs around much of the water park, taking in uphill as well as downhill sections. This was a mega fun ride which was all over too soon. When I reached the end of the slide, the queue for tyres was still quite short, so I queued for another tyre to have a second go on Master Blaster. At the end of my second go, the tyre collection queue was considerably longer, so I had my first two goes on the Aqua Slide for this session. Next I enjoyed four more goes on the Aqua Tube followed by two more goes on the Aqua Slide.

So far I hadn't heard any wristband colours from previous intakes being called out. I pointed that out to one of the lifeguards. The lifeguard I spoke to told me the place wasn't busy enough for them to have to call colours out. I approached the Master Blaster tyre collection point again. The tyre collection queue was, once again, reasonably short so I waited for a tyre. When I had one, I climbed the stairs and waited my turn to enjoy the Master Blaster. Once I had completed this go, the tyre collection queue was still short, so I waited for another tyre to have a second go on the Master Blaster. Once I had completed that go, I enjoyed seven goes on the Aqua Tube.

The time was now around 16:00 and my wristband colour (blue) had not yet been called. In fact I still hadn't heard any other colours from previous intakes called. For now I continued sliding until if and when I heard a blue call-out. Knowing my time to leave ought to be soon, I decided to finish off with one or two more goes on the Master Blaster. Thankfully its tyre collection queue was quite short, and very soon afterwards I climbed the stairs and waited my turn to slide the Master Blaster. After I had completed this go, the tyre collection queue was still very short, so I waited to collect another tyre for a second go. This process continued and I ended up having four goes altogether on the Master Blaster, which was more than I expected. Having completed my fourth go, I checked the time again, and it was now 16:25. Although I still hadn't heard a call-out for my wristband colour (blue), I left the pool area voluntarily at this point in order to allow myself adequate time to dry myself, dress and get a meal somewhere in the city centre before resuming my train journey home at 18:51. Having dried myself, dressed and collected my luggage, I finally left the building around 16:45.

Summary of my sliding in actual order

Aqua Tube 5
Master Blaster 2
Aqua Slide 2
Aqua Tube 4
Aqua Slide 2
Master Blaster 2
Aqua Tube 7
Master Blaster 4

Cumulative summary of slides

Slide
Total
Aqua Slide
4
Aqua Tube
16
Master Blaster
8
TOTAL
28

Outro

Highlights
Sliding the Aqua Tube and Aqua Slide.
Eight goes on Master Blaster roller coaster water slide, my highest number to-date for a single visit.
Good overall slide count.

Lowlights
Queuing time for Aqua Slide generally longer than Aqua Tube, hence fewer goes on Aqua Slide than Aqua Tube.

Summing Up
Altogether a wet and wild afternoon session at Swansea LC Water Park for me to round off Mega-GLOW-Mania weekend. In order to maximise my slide count, I didn't go in the fun pool or the Lazy River at all this time. Nonetheless it was great to slide the Aqua Tube, Aqua Slide and Master Blaster again one year on from my previous visit in August 2016. The Master Blaster roller coaster water slide is definitely the best of the three. I was amazed I managed to get eight goes on the Master Blaster (four of which were just before I left); I didn't expect to have anywhere near that many goes on it. That's my highest number of goes on the Master Blaster to-date for a single visit to Swansea LC, beating my previous record of five in 2016. My overall slide count was equal to that of my 2016 visit, even though my cumulative counts for the Aqua Slide and the Aqua Tube were slightly down on 2016.

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RCCGB Mega-GLOW-Mania 2017

Date: Saturday 12 August 2017
Venue: Oakwood Theme Park
Who Went: Me and a large number of other RCCGB members, including Andy and Christine Hine, Alan Hunt, Ann Morgan, Bradpeet, Charlie and Emily Turner, Death, Mark and Margo Lewis, Mandy, Ryan Hackett, Stevie Bee.

DISCLAIMER: The above is NOT intended to be an exhaustive list of everyone who attended. It's a small sample of attendees; mainly those I spoke to and/or rode with at Oakwood. I sincerely apologise to anyone else who was there and I've not listed.

N.B. Any use of "today" or "Saturday" in this report means Saturday 12 August 2017.

Rationale for Trip
The RCCGB's annual visit to Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire, to enjoy a one-hour ERS on the wooden rollercoaster Megafobia before opening time, a one-hour dark ERS on Megafobia with party music and disco lights after closing time, and more riding in between. This was my sixth consecutive year of attending this trip. My only concern beforehand was what to wear for the dark ERS, bearing in mind the ColourFest UV powder paint party was taking place before the dark ERS, and some members might turn up for the dark ERS covered in UV powder. The weekend before Mega-GLOW-Mania 2017 I had a rummage through the bottom of my wardrobe and found an old sweatshirt, which had a couple of stain marks towards the bottom of the front. I immediately knew it would be in my best interest to wear that old sweatshirt during the dark ERS, as it wouldn't matter if I got a little paint powder on that. In 2012 to 2016 inclusive, I took my fluorescent yellow cagoule with Skatedrive on it, but decided to leave that at home this time. As for my self-designed pink hi-vis waistcoat with "Coaster Crazy Kid on Tour!" on the back (which I had printed prior to Mega-GLOW-Mania 2014), I put that, folded up, in the bottom of my rucksack Saturday first thing, but knew it would be extremely unlikely I would want to wear it during the dark ERS.

Saturday First Thing
Having awoke at 06:30, I had an early breakfast at 07:45. It consisted of a choice of cereal (I had cornflakes), a glass of orange juice, a full cooked breakfast (1 fried egg, 1 hash brown, 1 sausage, 2 rashers of bacon, 2 grilled tomato halves, baked beans, chopped mushrooms), four triangles of toast and a carafe of coffee. At 08:48 Mark and Margo arrived to give me a lift to Oakwood. They intended to meet me earlier, but were delayed having their breakfast at their accommodation.

Oakwood Theme Park

Welcome to Oakwood
Despite the delay, Mark, Margo and I arrived at Oakwood at 08:56, and everyone was still waiting outside the Park entrance. Almost straightaway some members noticed I was wearing an old sweatshirt. I said I had deliberately put that old sweatshirt on as, due to its condition (slightly stained anyway) it wouldn't matter too much if some UV powder gets on it during the dark ERS, as I anticipated was almost inevitable. My blue Team Bath hoody, made by Surridge, which I wore to Folly Farm the previous day, was back in my hotel room, as I definitely didn't want UV powder on that. At 09:00 the Club entered the Park for the morning ERS. On the way in I noticed the front field (where the Club has played baseball early afternoon previous years) contained plants required for an event later in the year and was therefore fenced off.

Megafobia ERS
The day began with a one hour ERS on Oakwood's famous wooden coaster Megafobia, which has been operating since 1996. It was designed by Dennis McNulty and Larry Bill, and built by Custom Coasters International, Inc. According to the RCDB, Megafobia is the fastest and tallest wooden coaster in the UK. Surprisingly though with a track length of 2956 feet it's only the UK's fifth longest woodie. Unlike Blackpool's Big Dipper, Megafobia is not an out-and-back coaster as the track crosses over a few times. Also the wood is unpainted unlike the wooden coasters at Blackpool. During the ERS I enjoyed eight goes, as follows:

First go: Not only was this my first go on Megafobia during this ERS, it was also my first ride of the day. Unfortunately I have no record of where I sat on the train for this go.
Second go: Fourth row with Death.
Third go: Second-from-back row with Stevie Bee.
Fourth go: Second-from-back row with Mandy.
Fifth go: Back row with Christine Hine.
Sixth go: Seventh row alone.
Seventh go: Third row with Alan Hunt.
Eighth go: Second-from-back row with Mandy.

Altogether this was a great ERS on Megafobia; the perfect way to start the day at Oakwood. Although the sky was largely cloudy, with glimpses of sunshine, it was dry at the time.

Free Time
When the ERS ended, members dispersed around the Park. Due to the front field having been planted with crops for an event later in the year, and no suitable alternative open space for ball games, it was not possible for the Club to have a baseball match early afternoon unlike previous years. Therefore once the morning ERS ended, there were no further communal activities planned as part of the trip itinerary until the dark ERS on Megafobia after closing time.

Spooky 3D
My first ride during normal opening time was Spooky 3D. I rode it with Mark and Margo. This is an indoor dark ride with a spooky theme. Riders are issued with 3D spectacles at the start of the ride, and return them at the end of the ride. Quite frankly I was disappointed with this ride; I didn't find it particularly scary and the 3D effect wasn't that brilliant. My one go on Spooky 3D now was my only go on it all day.

Flight of the Giant Peach
A roller coaster in the new-for-2017 attraction Dahland. To access this ride, you have to walk through a giant peach, followed by Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker's House (this is walkthrough attraction in itself, and it is possible to exit the house without riding the coaster). The coaster itself (which is a Pinfari RC40) has an interesting history. According to the Roller Coaster Database, it had three incarnations at M&Ds Scotland's Theme Park. It first operated there as Cobra until 2001. M&D's operated Cobra as a traveling coaster after the 2001 season. During the 2003 and 2004 seasons it operated at M&D's Park as the Express. After disappearing again in 2005, it operated at M&D's Park as Space Coaster from 2006 to 2015. By the time of RCCGB Mega-GLOW-Mania 2016, the coaster was already standing behind hoarding at Oakwood. However, according to the RCDB, it finally began operating at Oakwood on 1 August 2017. When it was my turn to ride I got into the train, which climbed the lift hill and travelled around the twisty track back to the station. One go consists of one lap. According to the Oakwood website, it's supposed to resemble a journey from Dover to New York. I'm not sure why they say that, because to me it just seemed like a rapid journey around a twisty, undulating track, with a few bumps along the way. This was quite a fun ride, but it was all over too quickly for my liking. Having exited the ride, I had a second go. After that I decided to go on something else, but knew I'd be likely to have more goes on Flight of the Giant Peach later.

Bobsleigh
A toboggan run. When I got there the queue was already quite lengthy, and it took me longer than I expected to reach the boarding point. You sit on a toboggan and are carried up a lift hill to the top of a steel track. At the top you set off downhill along the steel track (set in the hillside), around a series of U-bends, under gravity. To control your speed along the way, use your brake. You must slow down as you approach the station. Thus with the lift hill, and going down the steel track, one could argue this is a coaster of a sort. Altogether this is a fun ride, but due to the queuing time I limited myself to just this one go for now. In fact this ended up being my only time of riding Bobsleigh all day as I didn't return to it later.

Coffee Break
The time was now around 11:45, and felt like a coffee, so I went to The Little Darlings Café to have a cup of coffee. Being as this café is located in Neverland, it made sense for me to go on some of the rides in Neverland after leaving this café.

Tink's Flying School
Formerly Plane Crazy, in 2013 this ride was relocated to Neverland, re-themed and renamed Tink's Flying School. Basically this is like a carousel, with planes suspended from the top. When I got on there was a noticeable breeze, so the attendant warned everyone on board that if it got really windy she would have to stop the ride. As the ride spun around the planes were forced outwards by centrifugal force. Turning the rudder in front of me left or right forced the plane to twist whilst the ride was in motion. In fact, by turning the rudder the correct way at the correct time, I could take advantage of the breeze, which added to the fun; however I knew when to turn the rudder back to avoid twisting the plane excessively. Once the ride ended I queued again to have a second go, which was just as much fun. When my second go ended, I left Tink's Flying School to go on something else.

Neverland Chase
A tractor ride in the Neverland area. I got into the tractor "Oak 4" which worked its way around the circuit and back to the station. Not a particularly exciting ride, but worth one go just to say I'd been on it. This was my only go on this ride all day.

Crocodile Coaster
This powered kiddie coaster formerly operated at Camelot Theme Park as Junior Dragon Coaster from 1992 to 2012. Since 25 May 2013 it has been operating in the Neverland section of Oakwood as Crocodile Coaster. Although this is a very mild coaster, with a minimal rise and fall, it was still worth riding anyway. I enjoyed two goes as follows:
First go: I sat in the back row. From the back I was able to see the front of the train around the bend.
Second go:I was hoping to sit in the front row, but since the front two rows were already occupied, I sat in the third row.

Oakwood Aerodrome
This Neverland ride features a set of planes on spokes. They are supposed to go up and down, around in a circle, but on this occasion they just went around in a circle without going up or down. Each plane is themed around a particular country, bearing a person's name and the applicable country name. I rode in plane number 4 Jean Claude (France). Although it wasn't particularly thrilling, it was worth riding to say I'd been on it today. My one go on this now was my only go on this all day. This was also my last ride in Neverland for the time being.

The time was now around 13:10. By now it was warm enough for me to remove my jogging bottoms and go around in just my T-shirt and shorts for the rest of the afternoon. Just before leaving Neverland, I had a few pictures taken of me sitting on the green caterpillar outside The Little Darlings Café.

Tea Cups
This is a tea cup ride just outside the enclosed circus area of Oakwood, and is therefore self-explanatory. I fancied a go, so I got on and enjoyed one go on it. The ride experience was what one would expect from a tea cup ride. For now I only had one go.

Speed
This Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter (Custom) steel coaster has been operating since 13 April 2006. Each ride car seats eight riders (two rows of four seats). I enjoyed two goes, both of which I sat in the front row. After leaving the station, the ride car ascended the vertical lift hill, and went down the first drop, which is beyond vertical to begin with and vertical the rest of the way. Next it went uphill, downhill, uphill again, around a bend on an angle and down into a vertical loop. After another climb there was a heartline roll and further twists and turns until the car returned to the station. Altogether a thrilling and fun steel coaster.

Treetops
This Zierer Tivoli – Large steel family coaster has been operating since 1989. The train leaves the station and climbs the lift hill. After the first drop, the train follows the track through twists and turns amongst the trees. In certain places the track goes close to the ground. Finally the train returns to the station. For now I limited myself to just one go, in the second-from-back row. Sitting close to the back meant it took me almost the longest to clear the station when the train was despatched, and I was able to see the front of the train around the bends as it went around. This was my final ride before lunch.

Lunch
By now the time was 14:10 and I felt like a light snack, so I went to The Little Darlings' Café in Neverland. There I had a cheese and ham Panini and a cup of coffee.

Immediately after lunch I went for a walk around part of the Park. After that I wanted to ride some of the water rides. I put my rucksack in storage at the Box Office because I didn't want to have to take it on the wet rides. However I kept my all-in-one splashsuit with me as I knew I'd want to wear it on the water rides, even though the sun was now shining. I was hoping to start with Drenched, but even though its scheduled opening time of 14:00 had already passed, it was still closed and didn't look as though it would be opening during the next hour or so. For now I aimed to ride some of the other water rides, starting with Snake River Falls.

Snake River Falls
A set of four water slides which you ride fully clothed in dinghies. The slides leave from the top of a tower. The staircase leading to the top is split into lanes, each one clearly indicated by an overhead sign at the bottom; therefore you have to decide which slide you want to queue for before you start climbing the stairs. Facing the slide entrances from the launch platform, from left to right they are as follows:

Cobra: a closed tube slide with many twists and turns on the way down. The slide is enhanced by lighting effects.
Left open slide: a straight, open top slide. It starts with a downhill slope, followed by a much shallower (albeit wavy) gradient. Finally there's a fairly steep drop before the run-out. The water is at its deepest just before reaching the run-out; depending how you land there you may get wet.
Right open slide: a straight, open top slide identical to the left open slide.
Python: a closed tube slide with many twists and turns on the way down. The slide is enhanced by lighting effects.

N.B. references to the two open slides: left and right are as viewed at the top of the tower, i.e. with your back to the top of the stairs and facing the tops of the slides.

You may get wet on these slides, which is why I put my splashsuit on to ride them. Just like most of my previous visits to Oakwood, I was hoping to ride all four slides in succession. Unfortunately on this occasion, only the two open-top slides were operating. The tube slides Cobra and Python were closed. I rode the two open-top slides twice each in the following order: left open slide, right open slide, left open slide, right open slide.

Waterfall
Two giant slides descend from the top of a tower. You launch yourself at the top on a plastic tray; for this reason some members call this the tea tray ride. The correct riding procedure is to grip the tray handles tightly and lean forwards. At the bottom of each slide you float across a shallow pool of water before hitting the run-out, which is a shallow uphill slope covered in artificial turf. Depending how you hit that shallow pool, you may get wet. For this reason I kept my splashsuit on to prevent me getting wet. I ended up having six goes as follows: left slide, right slide, left slide, right slide, left slide, right slide. N.B. references to the two slides (left and right) are as viewed at the top of the tower, i.e. with your back to the top of the stairs and facing the tops of the slides. On most of those goes I managed to sail across the landing pool without keeling over, and thus continue some distance across the run-out. Even when I wobbled a bit on landing, I managed to avoid falling into the water, unlike one of my goes last year. That said, sliding the two slides was easier without my rucksack on my back this time (that's why I put it in storage at the Box Office before going on the water rides).

Skull Rock
You will get wet (or possibly soaked) on this log flume whatever the weather. This formerly operated at Camelot Theme Park, and began operating within Neverland at Oakwood in 2013. Being as I was already wearing my splashsuit, I kept it on for this ride to prevent me getting wet. I sat in log 4. The log sailed around the canal and up the lift hill, ready for the drop and mighty splash which followed. Having disembarked I waited again for a second go, and when I was called forwards I sat in log 3.

Once I had completed my second go on Skull Rock, I saw Ann Morgan standing near Tink's Flying School. She noticed I was wearing my all-in-one splashsuit, and asked if I was feeling hot in it. I said I needed it to keep dry on the water rides, but being as I wasn't intending to ride any more water rides for the time being, I took it off without further ado.

Tink's Flying School
Next I enjoyed two goes on Tink's Flying School. On both goes I turned the rudder left and right to turn the plane in flight, but I ensured I didn't over-spin the plane in either direction. Obviously I had to put my splashsuit beside me in the plane on both goes as I was no longer wearing it.

Coffee Break
At this point I briefly left Neverland and walked across to the Box Office, whereupon I put my splashsuit in my rucksack, but collected my phone and camera. Having done that, I returned to Neverland to have a much-needed coffee at The Little Darlings Café around 16:50. After I had finished my coffee, I walked across the Park from Neverland to Dahland.

Flight of the Giant Peach
Now for a few more goes on Flight of the Giant Peach. I ended up having two goes, front row followed by second-from-back row. Just like when I rode it in the morning, each journey around the track was over too soon for my liking.

The Ladybirdoline
A group of circular trampolines in Dahland. Being as the jumping surfaces are black, whereas the padded surrounds are red, the whole cluster resembles a red ladybird with black spots, hence the name. Adults can jump on them, therefore I decided to have a go on them. All the trampolines were in use when I approached them, so I had to wait a few minutes for one to become vacant. When one became available, I got on and enjoyed jumping on it, which was great fun! A notice stated that users should limit themselves to 90 seconds, so I checked my watch regularly. Even so I went slightly over 90 seconds, but I vacated my trampoline voluntarily and didn't need to be called off. This was my only go on The Ladybirdoline all day.

Tea Cups
My next ride was the Tea Cups. The ride experience was just the same as when I rode it early afternoon. Once again I limited myself to just one go on this tea cup ride; in fact this turned out to be my final go of the day on it.

Clown Coaster
This Pinfari Circus Clown steel coaster has been operating since 1997. It's the smallest of the Park's six coasters, and is located in Circus Land. Being a kiddie coaster the rises and falls are very small. Officially adults can only ride it when accompanying children. However on this occasion I showed the attendant my trip badge and RCCGB membership card, and I was allowed to have one go on it. The train climbed a slight hill and down the first drop. After two more small rises and falls it was back at the station. One ride consisted of multiple laps of the track, but I didn't count how many there were. Although a very mild ride, my one go now was definitely worth it to say I had ridden all six coasters at Oakwood during this visit. This was my only go on Clown Coaster all day.

Crocodile Coaster
Now for a few more goes on Crocodile Coaster. I ended up having two goes, as follows:
First go: I sat in the back row.
Second go:I was hoping to sit in the front row to have an unobstructed view of the track. Unfortunately the front row was already occupied, so I sat in the second row instead. This ended up being my final go of the day on Crocodile Coaster

Tink's Flying School
Being as the exit path from Crocodile Coaster led me towards Tink's Flying School, I decided to ride Tink's Flying School next. This time I limited myself to just one go on this ride.

Having left Tink's Flying School I exited Neverland and collected my rucksack from the Box Office. I could have shown my ticket to put it back in there later if I wanted to, but as it happened, I didn't return to the Box Office again the rest of the day. As I continued walking around the Park, I proceeded along the path beyond the stage that leads alongside the Boating Lake. Along that path, I saw Charlie Turner for the first time since the morning ERS, and spoke to him briefly. After that I continued along the path to the Boating Lake queuing point.

Boating Lake
Pedalos on a lake. The last two years I've ridden these with another RCCGB member, but this time I didn't bother looking for another member to ride with, and simply approached the queue alone. My only concern was whether or not they would allow single riders on the boats. Anyway after a few minutes' wait, it was my turn to ride, and the attendant said individuals are allowed to ride these boats alone. Regardless of the number of individuals in the boat, riders are allowed to go around the island once only. I pedalled around the lake, staying to the right of the island all the way around. On the way back I noticed a lot of weed close to Megafobia, so I steered well clear of the weed. Obviously pedalling around the lake alone this time was harder than when I rode with another member the last two years. Having disembarked my legs felt a bit tired after all the pedalling. There's no way I could have had two goes straight off.

Treetops
So far I had only ridden this steel coaster once, and now was a convenient moment to ride it again. Once again, I limited myself to just one go, but for some reason one go consisted of two laps this time.

Speed
Although I had already ridden this beyond vertical drop coaster early afternoon, I was determined to have at least one more go on it this late in the day. I ended up having two goes on it, back row followed by front row. Both goes were great fun.

Once I had completed my second go on Speed I the time was around 20:00. Knowing I would want to get something to eat soon after that, I headed back towards the hill in front of the stage. As I walked past the landing area of Waterfall I saw Nev and Stevie Bee. Feeling concerned about the possibility of UV powder being thrown around soon (possibly even outside the designated area), I went to the shop at Megafobia exit and enquired what time the UV powder was to go on sale. It was already on sale, but visitors were not supposed to throw it until after 21:00. I admitted that I didn't want to buy any; in fact I was hoping to get as far away from it as possible. For now my next port of call was Moon Landing.

Moon Landing
A drop slide called Skyleap until 2012. In 2013 it was renamed Moon Landing and given Moon theming, including some information about the Moon at the top of the stairs. Adults are allowed on it, so I was keen to have a few goes. Its vertical drop didn't seem as tall as Demon Drop Slide at Flambards, Buzzard's Swoop and Red Devil at Devon's Crealy or the red drop slide at Puxton Park, but it was still great fun. Furthermore unlike the aforementioned drop slides which all have flat run-outs, Skyleap's run-out has a hump at the end. If you go fast enough along the flat section you will go over the hump. I enjoyed four goes on Moon Landing.

Evening Dinner
Around 20:20 I went to Woody's Burger Bar to get something to eat. Now seemed the ideal time to go there, so I could order something, consume it and leave this area well before the ColourFest UV powder paint party began at 21:00. I ordered a large Double Burger Meal, which included large fries and a large drink; I chose Sprite. As soon as my order was ready, I ate it in the indoor seating area.

After Dark

ColourFest
The ColourFest UV powder paint party was billed to run from 21:00 to 21:45 as part of the After Dark event. Visitors could buy UV powder paint packs from the Megafobia shop to throw at others in the designated area towards the bottom of the hill in front of the stage. The coloured powder was intended to glow under the ultra violet lighting in the designated area. This time I deliberately took an old grey T-shirt and an old sweatshirt with me, so I got changed into them shortly after leaving Woody's Burger Bar. Even so, for several reasons I didn't want to take part in the UV powder fight, and I definitely didn't want other people (whether RCCGB Mega-GLOW-Mania 2017 attendees or the general public) throwing UV powder at me, so I tried to stay well clear of the designated powder throwing area. I went into Neverland. Thankfully I didn't see anyone throwing UV powder around in the parts of Neverland where I went during this part of the evening.

Tink's Flying School
When I got to Neverland, Tink's Flying School was still operating, so I decided to have one go on it. By now the sun had already set, and thus I was riding this during the civil twilight. Although ride operated, and I turned the rudder in the same manner as during the daylight, the ride experience seemed slightly different compared to during the day. This ended up being my final ride during normal opening time.

Coffee Break
Having left Tink's Flying School I went to The Little Darlings Café, hoping to have a coffee. When I got there at 21:15, there was still enough time for me to buy a cup of coffee and drink it inside the café before it closed at 21:30. I sat and enjoyed my coffee knowing there was no risk of me being hit by UV powder there. By the time I had finished my coffee, the café was officially closed and it was time for me to leave. I was the only customer in there at the time.

Firework Display
Around 21:50 it was time for the After Dark firework display. This time I watched the display from a point on the hill behind Moon Landing. I chose that point because, although the ColourFest UV powder paint party officially ended just before the fireworks began, I was concerned some individuals might still be throwing paint powder around in the designated area towards the bottom of the hill. The firework display featured fountains and rockets in a variety of colours, accompanied by music. In addition, the name OAKWOOD made up of lights, changed colour (sometimes it was one colour, sometimes it was a mixture of colours). When the display ended, an announcement was made "Thank you for visiting Oakwood Theme Park. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to see you again soon." in Welsh followed by English. After that announcement the Park was officially closed and it was time for the public to leave. However for Mega-GLOW-Mania trip attendees the best was yet to come.

Megafobia Dark ERS
As the public left, members headed for Megafobia. I walked down the path towards Megafobia, passing Moon Landing and Bobsleigh exit along the way. Everyone was waiting at the Megafobia entrance for the ERS to start. Many members (but not me) were wearing or holding glow sticks, some had something with flashing lights and some were wearing hi-vis clothing. Some members had participated in the ColourFest UV powder paint party, and were now intending to ride Megafobia with paint powder all over their hair and clothes. Since I was now almost certain to get some of their second-hand UV powder on me during the ERS, I deliberately wore my old sweatshirt (which was already slightly stained anyway). One member asked me why I wasn't glowing. I said I was unwilling to wear my pink hi-vis waistcoat due to the likelihood of getting second-hand UV powder on it. After a few minutes' wait, members were allowed to proceed up the entrance path to the entry platform. The music began at 22:07, thereby officially signalling the start of the ERS which lasted one hour. When I got to the entry platform, Mark and Margo already had their disco lights set up at one end of the exit platform. During this ERS I enjoyed eight goes on Megafobia, as follows.

First go: Second row with Emily Turner.
Second go: Front row with Bradpeet.
Third go: Back row with Mandy.
Fourth go: Unknown row with Charlie Turner. He gave me a spare glow stick. Although I didn't have a joiner to secure it around my wrist, I held it in my hand for this and my remaining goes.
Fifth go: Seventh row with Charlie Turner.
Sixth go: Unknown row with Stevie Bee. He was covered in UV powder. I guessed I'd end up sitting near or next to him during this ERS, but I didn't mind as I had already deliberately prepared myself by wearing an old slightly stained sweatshirt.
Seventh go: Unknown row with Michael (another guy who was covered in UV powder).
Eighth go: Unknown row with Stevie Bee. This was the last train of the day for members. Nev had to rewind the music to the start of "New York" for this one.

As usual, party music accompanied the one-hour dark ERS. The selection of song snippets had changed quite a bit from previous years, but anyway the final four songs, played in full, were:
Dancing Lasha Tumbai
Amarillo
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
New York

The dark ERS officially ended when last train entered station and "That's all folks" (from Warner Brothers cartoons) played on sound system at 23:11. Altogether another hair-raising ERS, definitely the grand finale of the day. The ride seemed considerably faster and rougher than during the morning ERS. Riding Megafobia in the dark was totally different to in the morning; it wasn't possible to see where we were going or the surrounding countryside, however lights in other areas of the Park could be seen. That coupled with use of glow sticks etc. on the ride, plus the party music and disco lights in the station added to the fun; no wonder this has been called "the best ERS of them all". It's a pity I felt the need to wear an old shabby sweatshirt which I didn't really want to wear during this ERS, but being as certain members had taken part in the ColourFest UV powder paint party before riding during this ERS, I had no alternative but to wear something I wasn't too worried about getting a little paint powder on. In my heart of hearts, I really wanted to wear my pink hi-vis waistcoat with "Coaster Crazy Kid on Tour!" on the back, but I didn't want second-hand paint powder on it, which is why I kept it folded up in the bottom of my rucksack throughout this ERS.

Summary of my day in order of activity

Morning ERS: Megafobia 8

After ERS
Spooky 3D 1
Flight of the Giant Peach 2
Bobsleigh 1

Coffee at The Little Darlings Café

Tink's Flying School 2
Neverland Chase 1
Crocodile Coaster 2
Oakwood Aerodrome 1
Tea Cups 1
Speed 2
Treetops 1

Lunch at The Little Darlings Café

Snake River Falls left open slide, right open slide, left open slide, right open slide
Waterfall left slide, right slide, left slide, right slide, left slide, right slide
Skull Rock 2
Tink's Flying School 2

Coffee at The Little Darlings Café

Flight of the Giant Peach 2
The Ladybirdoline 1
Tea Cups 1
Clown Coaster 1
Crocodile Coaster 2
Tink's Flying School 1
Boating Lake 1
Treetops 1
Speed 2
Moon Landing 4

Evening meal at Woody's Burger Bar

Tink's Flying School 1

Coffee at The Little Darlings Café
Firework display

Dark ERS: Megafobia 8

Cumulative Summary of My Rides (ERSs and Freetime Combined)

Ride
Total
Boating Lake
1
Bobsleigh
1
Clown Coaster
1
Crocodile Coaster
4
Flight of the Giant Peach
4
Megafobia
16
Moon Landing
4
Neverland Chase
1
Oakwood Aerodrome
1
Skull Rock
2
Snake River Falls: left open slide
2
Snake River Falls: right open slide
2
Speed
4
Spooky 3D
1
Tea Cups
2
The Ladybirdoline
1
Tink's Flying School
6
Treetops
2
Waterfall left slide
3
Waterfall right slide
3
TOTAL
61

Rest of Saturday
When the ERS ended Nev gave a short speech before everyone returned to the car park. At this point Mark and Margo dismantled their disco lights. Since they were giving me a lift back to my hotel, I asked the attendant if I could wait on the exit platform until they were ready to leave; he said I could. Whilst I waited, some members of Oakwood staff had a bonus go on Megafobia once around the track - just themselves. When Mark and Margo were ready to leave, I returned to their car with them and they gave me a lift back to my hotel. After our final goodbyes outside the hotel car park I was back in my room around quarter to midnight, dead tired.

Outro

Highlights
Morning ERS on Megafobia before Oakwood opened to the public.
Adding Flight of the Giant Peach to my coaster count.
Riding all the other five coasters and several non-coaster rides again.
Meeting Nev, Charlie and Emily, Mark and Margo, Ryan Hackett and others again.
Reasonable weather; dry all day and sunny at times.

Lowlights
Two of the Snake River Falls slides (Cobra and Python) were closed.
Feeling the need to wear an old sweatshirt after the ColourFest UV powder paint party started.

Summing Up
Altogether a coaster crazy day at Oakwood. Turnout was higher for Oakwood than for Folly Farm the previous day, presumably because the Oakwood trip was on a Saturday, whereas the Folly Farm visit was a Friday. Even so, early on someone felt turnout for Oakwood was lower than recent years. Anyway it was great adding Flight of the Giant Peach to my coaster count, and re-riding each of the other five roller coasters, including Clown Coaster which I didn't expect to be able to go on, and several non-coaster rides (including Bobsleigh, Snake River Falls and Waterfall) again. It's a pity Bounce is no longer in use. One can only hope Oakwood will replace it with a new major ride in the next few years. It was great meeting other Club members again. The weather was better than that at Folly Farm the previous day; although the sky was largely cloudy (with glimpses of sunshine) all morning, the afternoon was generally sunnier and the best of the sunshine was in the evening through to sunset. The upshot of that was I felt warm enough going around in a T-shirt and shorts during the afternoon and much of the evening (unlike Friday). Best of all it was dry all day, and after sunset. Many thanks to Nev for organising the trip, the staff for operating Megafobia before opening and after closing, and to Mark and Margo Lewis for providing the dark ERS disco lighting and for giving me lifts to and from Oakwood.

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