Comments on: Pontin’s Blackpool is Closing soon

By: Steven Fox

Steven Fox — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:30:10 +0000

LOL Papajoe, a comedian as well. Seriously nice Trike and a great time, next year will be better.

By: Papajoe

Papajoe — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:45:14 +0000

I thought that BLP stood for…” Brilliant Lights Papajoe “…

By: Barry and Lesley

Barry and Lesley — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:42:52 +0000

Its amazing how tittle tattle gets around isn’t it! Belonging to a few goldwing groups on face book both Lesley and I have been “pinged” by different folk saying what a shame that that will be the last Blackpool Light Display. People really do think that the B.L.P. means pontins! There are numerous large hotels and other holiday parks in Blackpool that would love over 200 guest on one weekend and I am sure that competative rates for the goldwing community can be found somewhere, even if it means taking a dinner jacket with you! Less of the negative and more of the positive folk, B.L.P. means Goldwings!!

By: Stuart

Stuart — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:42:06 +0000

Hi Stevie,

I wonder if the GWOC Forum, or at least the Members Only Section, is worth visiting these days – just the same few individuals banging on in entirely predictable ways. Forums which are not well moderated can bring out the worst in people as well as the worst of people, so I don’t miss the GWOC Forum at all. We have no plans for a Federation Forum for that reason. The Steve Saunders Forum is well moderated and has a huge international following, so why replicate it for replications sake?

Bob Summers has been promoting the idea of lots of GoldWing Light Parades all around UK for several years. The success of the Scarborough Light Parade this year (over 200 bikes I’m told) shows that if someone takes the trouble to organise an event of this kind it can become popular. Lots of Wingers like an opportunity to Pose and have a social get together afterwards, so that basic formula can work almost anywhere. And Light Parades can raise useful money for charity too.

But the Blackpool Light Parade is unique in having Blackpool Illuminations as a backdrop and also having thousands of cheering holiday-makers lining the streets to watch us ride by. This a year’s Parade had its problems, especially with the Pontin’s booking system, which was a real pain, and including of course some seemingly deliberate attempts to spoil it from those who didn’t want it to succeed. The number of bikes was down on last year but we had more than enough for a very successful event and it was a conspicuously friendly atmosphere.

Blackpool is the place for a GoldWing Light Parade so the Federation will certainly be organising a BLP next year and every year for the foreseeable future. If our Affiliated Clubs (and/or GWOCGB) wish to organise other Light Parades around the Country good luck to them, the more the merrier – the Federation will willing help to publicise them and certainly won’t be trying to spoil them. It’s all about Freedom of Choice!

By: Barry and Lesley

Barry and Lesley — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:36:20 +0000

So if pontins is to close bills prize of next years free stay isnt worth a lot now.
No refunds i think.
Well done to all involved in the light parade all your hard work made for a great time even the weather couldnt stop the wingers turning up in force.
congratulations to you all

By: Stevie C-D

Stevie C-D — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:00:15 +0000

It’s quite funny to read on the gwocgb forum about this. They seem to want it reorganize in Southport or North Wales (no really it’s true) Southport would be fine but in North Wales you would have to attach a membership card to your forehead.
I will bring this up at the next North Wales meeting……

By: Crezz

Crezz — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:23:08 +0000

It never rains but pours, what other set backs are you and the team going to experience to get this sorted for next year?

I hope you do get something sorted because we enjoyed for the second time. Thanks.

By: Judy Goodman

Judy Goodman — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:39:55 +0000

Sorry to hear that bit of news, I knew it was closing sometime but not so soon. They have done us proud every year, sometimes the chalets were’nt upto scrach but after a complaint they always put it right very quickly, I have never had a bad meal there or heard of anyone who has, the food has been really nice.
Let’s hope we find somewhere as good for the future years. No doubt we will, I have confidence. Thank you Pontins for all you’ve done for us over the years.