Bartley Reds Isle Of Wight Tour 2011 Blog Bartley Reds Isle Of Wight Tour 2011 BlogCLICK HERE FOR PICTURE GALLERY (No need to log in - click on picture on left to access. To view slide show click on 1st picture and click box in the right back corner)
Friday 27th May 2011
13.00
The preparation for this year's tour is in its final stages as all the equipment is being moved to the van for tomorrow mornings ferry from Lymington. Everyone is doing their own thing in the morning and we will be all meeting on the Island for lunch.
With 3 teams playing games this year we certainly won't be short of football. Games for the Reds under 8's and under 9's, with some of our u14's helping out the Crusaders team that have joined us on the tour. The Crusaders team have 2 games arranged which I am sure will gain the support of the Reds.
Saturday 28th May 2011
With most of the group arriving by various different routes, we all gathered at Salterns to put up the gazebos and banners ready for the welcome drink on the evening. We were greeted by the staff who had managed to get all our accommodation ready for us before 11. 1st class service for the Reds. Then it was off to lunch. One group headed for the Wetherspoons in Ryde and the one group went to the Ponda Rosa before we all invaded Tesco Extra in Ryde to load up with food a drink for the week.
We gathered on the evening for the welcome drink - with the gazebos winning the fight against the wind - Scott set the rules for the kids where to play. Most then headed for the Wishing Well to watch the Champions League Final on the one large screen available. Not the right result for the English side but a good game and great to be able to chat and have a really enjoyable evening to start the week.
ISLAND FACT: 140,000 is the estimated number of residents on the Island
Sunday 29th May 2011
The smell of bacon cooking wafting about the camp as we woke helped raise the excitement for the first of our games on this year’s tour. With the weather holding out for us, we all met up in the car park ready to depart for
The convoy of cars with their Bartley Reds St George Cross flags waving in the wind followed in a procession towards
Ant Moore and Matt Tehan have the makings of an excellent team as their performances this season have shown and this was to be a strong challenge against a good
We moved on just ¼ of a mile up the road for the first Crusaders game. With 4 Bartley Reds players making up the eleven it was difficult for the players to get into their stride. The home side
Disaster awaited us on our return as the wind had attacked the gazebos and left them the worst for wear. After a quick clean up of the wreckage we went back to our rooms to get ready for Sunday lunch.
The evening was spent as free time, The Wishing Well had a children’s entertainer on which kept the kids amused for over an hour. This was followed by live performers to keep the adults happy. Another group went to Sandown pier for some fun at the amusement arcade. We had our second ‘disaster’ of the day when on the ‘Hamster Balls’ Anthony’s began to deflate and fill with water. A wet trip home and a well earned sleep.
Let’s hope the weather holds out again tomorrow
ISLAND FACT: The Romans occupied the
Monday 30th May 2011
We woke up to dull sky’s but thankfully no rain and another early start to Lake County Middle School for the next round of games verses Brading. The under 8’s were first up and once again showed what a good side they are. Some good movement from the Reds led to the first goal and a great finish from Josh. With the Reds leading 1-0 at half time Brading came out strong and grabbed an equaliser but Liam restored the lead with a cheeky back heal that went in off the post. 2-1
Then two Adult games followed with both ending 1-0. The first game was settled by a scorcher from “perfectly struck” Simon. The second more physical game was settled with a cracker from the younger James Collins.
The U9’s then took the field and were soon in the lead with a great goal from Sam. Brading equalised before Alex hammered home the second for the Reds. Sam then got his second with a cross shot for the Bartley to lead 3-1 at half time. Brading pulled one back in the second half but the Reds held on for a 3-2 victory.
Off to Morrison’s to get in the provisions for the BBQ and back to the camp to get ready for the afternoon. As the rain threatened some went into Ryde and went to the end of the pier to look at the Aircraft Carrier US George Bush docked in
BBQ evening went in full swing and the clouds cleared and we had a fabulous night, with some 140 Burgers 70 sausages and 30 chicken pieces along with plenty of drinks to wash it down. Simon made his own BBQ Sauce that was a major success. Plenty of tales told and jokes shared we all had a great time.
ISLAND FACT: 4 miles is the shortest distance to the mainland. The
Tuesday 31st May 2011
After the fun of the BBQ we all woke just a little later than normal. Scott did the rounds to arrange who was going to go on the Blackgang Chine/ Robin Hill trips on Wednesday and Thursday while everyone had a leisurely morning, the group had most of the day free with under 9’s not kicking off till 5.30 verses Shanklin. So some headed to Shanklin itself during the day for an afternoon on the beach and taking in the sun that was now starting to appear. Some of the group visited Osbourne House which was the holiday home of Queen Victoria, Ice skating was also a popular choice while the Isle Of Wight Steam Railway provided entertainment for another group.
Eventually we all met up at Shanklin FC for our final games of the tour. The U9’s once again came out of the traps quickly and took the lead, but Shanklin pulled it back with an excellent shot into the near post. The Reds kept battling and regained the lead through an own goal. 2-1 at half time but Shanklin came back and gave their all getting their just rewards with an equaliser that crept in past James who tried but couldn’t quite get a hand to it. The game ended 2-2 and a much deserved round of applause for an excellent game.
It was parent’s time again and the ladies were disappointed that there was no muscle man in a tight white t-shirt to look at like last year. Instead they had to put up with mainly the Bartley Boys whose shirts were bulging for different reasons (note the food and beer the night before). Another entertaining game ending 0-0 with chances from both teams going begging,
With the Reds finishing the tour undefeated the Crusaders team took on Shanklin in another 11 a side, With 5 of the lads not normally playing for Cru it is hard for the lads to get to know each other and at half time being 3-0 down heads could easily dropped. It was totally the opposite and although stupid as it sounds Crusaders finally scored to make it 5-1 with about 10 minutes left, but they had created the most and made their keeper work overtime to stop other chances.
So after the games, most went off to eat and then back to the Wishing Well for a pint (or two).
A quick mention for all the injuries so far on the tour we have had a broken finger (which Dr Matt Tehan tried to fix with a fish fork as a splint), grazed elbows, cut knees, grazed arms and a couple of bright red foreheads from the sun. The parents really will have to start looking after themselves better from now on.
ISLAND FACT: 2.6 Million people visit the IOW every year with 160.000 from overseas
Wednesday 1st June 2011
It may not be the healthiest of places to eat but thank goodness for McDonalds and their Wi-Fi cause we now have pictures on the blog. Phone signals on the camp drop in and out and it has been difficult to upload photos.
Anyway back to the tour. With all the football over it was time to enjoy the island and we all got up bright an early to meet in the car park at 9.15 to take the convoy to Blackgang Chine. Andy and Chris had gone early to Tesco to get all the requirements for tonight’s BBQ so the day was free. We arrived at Blackgang at around 10.15 and had excellent weather to see the beautiful scenery and stunning views across the ocean. Fun was had on the Water Slide and the rollercoaster and we walked around the park with picnic’s taking place all around the park.
We all moved on to Ventnor to spend the afternoon on the beach and enjoy an ice cream or to two.
Back to the camp for another enjoyable evening with Andy once again showing what an excellent chef he is. Some moved on to the Wishing Well for the weekly pub quiz. We are still waiting to hear the outcome…..
Fun ended at 10.00 as we were given a curfew by the camp. Off to bed for some well earned sleep.
ISLAND FACT: Nearby Bonchurch became the haunt of a number of famous writers including Dickins and Turgenev, and the village almost unchanged with its village pond and pretty cottages
Thursday 2nd June 2011
Another early start and a glorious day as we met in the car park at 9.30 for today’s trip to Robin Hill. 61 of us travelled to the Adventure park & gardens. The first port of call was the Pirate Ship and the 3D cinema TIME. Then the group watched the amazing falconry display with some having their picture took with a European Eagle Owl who flew over the top of the audience brushing the tops of people’s heads. Most of the birds are rescued and it is great to watch them in action. Then off to the sports field (believe it or not the kids played football) and the Toboggan Run plus a café pit stop. The
While some returned to the camp some moved on to the coast to catch the sun. Sandown was a popular choice with temperatures hitting 21 degrees a bit of tanning was achieved by most. A group of the lads went on a pedal boat into the sea, unfortunately too scary for Lee as the others rocked the boat side to side.
On the evening the 51 of us went to the Ponda Rosa for a meal and a great evening, especially as most of the ladies drove leaving the men to have a drink. A free trifle was on offer as no one claimed it – Ann volunteered but Paul still insists that he ordered a trifle and is still waiting for it.
The U9’s group held a birthday party for Julie and hired Joe the singer who had been at the Wishing Well earlier in the week. Sing along into the night.
ISLAND FACT: The motto of the county council is 'ALL THIS BEAUTY IS OF GOD'
Friday 3rd June 2011
And we thought yesterday was a scorcher well today was even hotter. Temperatures hitting 24 degrees during the day made sure most of us came back looking like we had been to Costa del Sol for a couple of weeks. We travelled across the island to the beautiful Needles and Alum Bay. The views are truly breathtaking, and the Needles Rocks are not the only attraction but the coloured sand cliffs that overlook the bay but there is also the spectacular chairlift to the beach itself. Most of us braved the lift down. Betty Lennon (Grandmother of Anthony Collins u14's) was now being called 'Nana' by everyone and Louise Tehan both received their medals for braving the heights of the lift. 'Nana' then became 'Super Nana' when she got on board the speed boat for a trip around the Needles and the Light house. Back up to the top and we enjoyed the sweet factory, Crazy Golf, amusements and making your own souvenirs filling various shapes with the different coloured sand from the Bay.
Although everyone was totally exhausted we managed to make our way to the Wishing Well to hand out the presentations. A lot of the group had gone to the 'All you can eat Curry Night' and stopped on for a few drinks. Scott thanked everyone for coming and gave a bottle of Whiskey to both Chris (web blog) and Andy (BBQ Chef) for their work. John Harfield then handed out his awards to his Crusaders team. Three cheers followed for Scott and a more drinks and laughs were had until the landlord kicked us out!
ISLAND FACT: The Needles are named after the former fourth needle shaped pillar that collapsed in a storm in 1764. The remaining 3 rocks are not at all needle-like but the name has stuck
Saturday 4th June 2011
Another tour finished.... but just because we have to check out doesn't mean we have to go. First of all an early trip to Tesco to get Scott's thank you card and present (must think ahead next year) and while we all packed up ready to depart Natalie ran around and got as many people to sign the Thank you card as possible. We then all gathered outside of Scott's. Chris gave Scott a framed photo of the group taken at Black Gang. Chris also warned Scott that he may need a bigger wall as this one was to go with last years and there will be others as the tours continue.
We all said our goodbyes and wished each other a safe trip. We booked ourselves for next year before departing and then went in various directions, some straight to the ferries but some to Ryde and Ventnor for the last few hours of sun and shopping.
I spent my last couple of hours at the Spyglass Inn overlooking Ventnor beach, thinking about another wonderful week, meeting old friends and new. Watching some great football from the teams on the Island and our lads who we all work so hard to make this possible. We visited some beautiful places and saw some wonderful sights but most of all we took another big step forward for our club. Here is looking forward to Bartley Reds IOW 2012.
Tomorrow the blog will give you all the facts and figures of this year's tour..... but for now I think I need a holiday!!
ISLAND FACT: Many thousands of ghosts, spirits, poltergeists and apparitions are said to haunt the Isle of Wight or 'Ghost Island'- the world's most haunted island. This incredible supernatural activity may be due to powerful unseen energy or 'ley' lines running under the Island, which attracts thousands of ghost-hunters from all over the world.
Ghosts and spirits abound here in some very haunted hotspots. Ghost Island boasts everything - from phantom monks, grey ladies and poltergeists - to the shades of smugglers, soldiers, Royalty and Romans.
OK as promised here is a list of numbers from the Bartley Reds IOW 2011 Tour.
Bartley Reds TOP 20 Numbers
People
84 The total people on the 2011 tour
62 Number who travelled to Black Gang Chine
61 The total that went to Robin Hill
Places
11 Number of places visited on the
3 Teams played
Weather
3 Number of gazebos wrecked
BBQ
240 Total number of burgers eaten in 2 nights
150 Sausages consumed
390 Rolls and Buns eaten
200 Cheese slices
Drinks
6 Boxes of wine
30 Crates of beer/lager
4 Cartons of orange juice
12 Bottles of fizzy drink
Football
9 Games of football played
31 Goals scored on the tour
5 Wins for the Reds
2 Draws
7 Games undefeated for the Reds
Injuries
1 Broken bone (not one of the kids)
I hope the blog kept you up to date with what we did on tour, but it was only what I saw, so if you would like to add your own thoughts or pictures please email them to me and I will add them.enquiries@bartleyredsfc.co.uk
Thanks for reading and keep popping back to see what’s new. Looking forward to 2012
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IOW TOUR COMMENTS
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5th June 16.20 - Scott Collins Under 9s Manager / Bartley Reds Chairman
Last thing I said last year was that we would try and make the tour bigger and better this year. Well I can safely say we have done it, we had more people attending the tour, none of our teams lost and it remained dry.
We had plenty of nice comments from the teams we played and it was nice to have so many people coming up to us when we were out and about, asking, "Who are Bartley Reds?"
In a short space of time, it shows how much progress the Club has made and how proud everyone is of being a part of Bartley Reds. As it says on the teams tops " Bartley Reds, more than just a team"
It has been another great tour and I think everyone has made a lot of new friends and with a lot of interest already in next years tour, I think we will all make a lot more. So if you want to join in the fun next year, get in touch with your managers and let's set a new record for people attending. |
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6th June 18.20 - Matthew Tehan Under 8's Assistant / Club Welfare Officer
Everyone connected with the Under 8s would like to express their thanks and appreciation to all those involved in organising the tour. The behaviour of the children was impeccable and I'm delighted to say the parent's comments were positive about every aspect of the trip. I think one or two enjoyed it more than they were expecting to!
For those of us that went last year, we felt it was even better this year. As ever, the support from our parents was fantastic - they have now followed the team into Europe! Thank you to every one who cheered us on when we played - we have the best away support in the league!
There was a great atmosphere around camp and a bucket full of laughs.
I would also like to echo the Chairman's comments about being proud to be associated with the club - it's a feeling we all share. So here's to a successful 2011/12 season for all of our teams and a great IOW tour 2012.
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14th June13.27 Des and Jayne Bold - parents of Todd under 9s and Scott (Crusaders u13s)
We both just wanted to say what a brilliant time we had on the tour/holiday. A big thank you for Scott & Chris for all their hard work, along with Master Chief Andy!!! We would also like to thank all of the parents & families who went, who were all so friendly and helped make the week so special.
We would recommend this to anyone thinking of going next year, as this has been such a great experience! We have enjoyed it so much, that before we left we booked straightaway again for next year! One of the many lasting memories I have, is seeing all of the kids playing together, especially the players who belonged to the various teams that went on the tour. It was great to see them enjoying themselves so much and I am sure that it is something that they will not forget for a long time.Here's to IOW 2012, and I hope even more of
you will be joining next year!---------
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Supplied by Chris Collins for www.bartleyredsfc.co.uk
© 2011 Bartley Reds FC