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We
have arrived at yet another milestone...
Our 10th Anniversary |
Fair Fantastic!
What a fantastic day it was on Sunday September 14 - the
pictures say it all!
More children than ever before, more families than ever
before, guaranteeing more ‘Caring for Kids’ at the Children’s Fair than
ever before.
Amazingly, the big bonus was the weather. Heavy rain the
previous afternoon and evening, but on the day, apart from a slight drop or two
around 3 p.m., it stayed overcast. So who cares if it was rather humid - we
stayed dry all day.
The Fair layout was perfect, skillfully managed and
coordinated by Kevin Mitch, taking full advantage of the ideal site afforded by
the Diana Garden Resort & Driving Range, thanks to the generous support of
Sopin Thappajug and her Diana Group Management.
The Charity Bike Ride started the day off, leaving at 8 a.m.
to cycle the optional 50K, or 30K rides that Kim Fletcher and his team had
skillfully prepared and carefully signed with warnings at many of the
treacherous places where the roads were in disrepair. Off went Bob ‘Scar’
Taylor on his flagship Harley pursued (although we do emphasize that the Bike
Ride was not a race) by the many bikers flanked by Tourist Police and shadowed
at the rear by the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital Ambulance Unit. Extra marshals, 32
altogether, had been stationed along the routes to handout BT Insurance donated
water bottles and provide encouragement where needed to the riders, easily
recognized in their colorful blue biker shirts provided by Baltex Industries.
Then at 10 a.m. it was time to open the Fair and begin the
day’s festivities. The National Anthem was emotionally played by world
renowned Oboeist Byrnjar Hoff, then Lewis ‘Woody’ Underwood, Jesters Charity
Drive committee chairman, gave a warm and appreciative speech recognizing the
wonderful support given by so many organizations and individuals, in so many
ways, to the 2003 Jesters Charity Drive. Not least the many Thai and farang
families attending the Fair, and the huge number of children eagerly waiting for
the ribbon to be cut.
Sopin performed the ceremony and the Fair was officially
open. The impressive Aksorn School Marching Band left everyone in no doubt that
the festivities had begun and, accompanied by Graham Macdonald & Mike
Franklin, Sopin toured the 72 stalls neatly set out at the Diana Driving Range.
The program during the day was non-stop, skillfully emceed by
Neil Smith, and Jester ‘Pistol Pete’ providing the motivation for the many
Thai families present. The activity and performance highlights are too many to
cover, but special mention must be made of the football coaching clinic
conducted by Peter Withe and family; the exciting demonstration of martial arts
by the South East Asia International School of Marital Arts; performances by
many of the kids we are ‘caring for’, from the Fountain of Life and the
Redemptorist School for the Blind; singing and dancing performances from several
schools; aerobics demonstrations, and more. Prior to the drawing of the
children’s raffle, presentations of bicycles were made to five Fountain of
Life kids in memory of Chris Kays who tragically died in the Bali bombing
Tickets for the children’s raffle, sponsored by PSC,
Jesters MC and generous individuals, were eagerly sold throughout the day,
resulting in a 13% increase on the record total achieved in 2002. The 28
attractive prizes on offer were drawn at 3:30 p.m. and we publish the winners
below. The giant bear Biffo went to a very nice family and seemed very happy
about it. Samruan, representing Pattaya Trader, made the presentation.
Then followed the children’s tug-o-war for two age groups
and they turned out to be well fought contests. Pop’s Pattaya All-Stars were
all set on the main stage, provided by Jon Wilson, and saw us out for the rest
of the day with great music and vocals. The sound, thanks to Rick Bryant, was
excellent so the crowds sat around on the dry grass, enjoyed the Heineken still
being dispensed from the ever-busy beer tent and, as the light began to fade
realized it was time to go and for the fair to ‘wrap’.
Kevin Mitch was left with the unenviable task of clearing the
site as it was, after all, a driving range and Monday is another day to be ready
and open for business.
Everyone played their part, the Diana Group, the organizers,
the stall holders, the performers and not least the fairgoers. So, the
indications are there that this successful event can build to be even bigger and
better still next year, given the unlimited scope that the Diana Garden Resort
and Driving Range offers.
We certainly hope so, and look forward to the Jesters
Children’s Fair 2004
Lewis
Underwood, Graham Macdonald, Sopin Thappajug and Mike Franklin perform the
official duties at the start of the 5th Children’s Fair.
The
impressive Aksorn School Marching Band left everyone in no doubt that the
festivities had begun.
This 4 year
old cutie was just one of the five recipients of the Chris Kays Memorial award.
The Paladeau
family had a great day, even though Jeff was away working. Sarah says, “Hi
Dad!”
The South
East Asia International School of Martial Arts performed a great demonstration
of self-defense skills.
Kim Fletcher
(left) takes receipt of 5,000 bottles of water from Taweep Chaimongkol (right),
sponsored by BT Insurance for the bike ride and fair.
Eric ‘Peg
Leg’ Sorenson, this year’s major fundraiser for the charity bike ride, chats
with Jester Bob ‘Scar’ Taylor before the start of the big event.
‘The
Doc’ on his new fandangle electric bike, no batteries needed next year for
sure!
“This is
not a race,” Kim (right) stresses before riders move out of the Diana Garden
Resort.
A rider
going hard at it on Beach Road; well, maybe not that hard!
...And
they’re off...
Pattaya
Mail’s Boonsiri Suansuk enjoyed a family day out, as did so many families this
year.
Sandy
Langford (center), Pattaya International Ladies Club president presents a cheque
to Sister Joan and Sister Jemjit on behalf of the club. Woody (left), chairman
of the charity drive and Diane Connelly (far right) thank the PILC for their
generous support of the Fountain of Life and three other beneficiaries.
Chanyuth
Hengtrakul hangs out at the ‘hip’ Hard Rock stall!
Jester Muffy
Kerr out selling children’s raffle tickets, striking up good bargains for a
good cause.
The Blind
School Children made magnificent music for all fairgoers during the morning of
the fair.
Blind School
children performed on stage as part of the day’s busy schedule of events.
The
‘Cowboys’ and metal steeds were in town for a whip cracking show!
Peter Withe,
Manager of Thailand’s football team was popular with many of the kids as he
and Jason ran a special coaching clinic.
A display of
internal strength from the South East Asia International School of Martial Arts.
Heave Hoooh!
The first children’s tug ‘o’ war event was so much fun that many of the
kids vowed for a rematch next year.
And a one
and a two, the FOL kids captured the heart’s of the audience with their
display of enthusiasm.
What is a
fair without clowns and balloons? Kids lined up for ages just to get an animal
shaped balloon from the very popular clowns, all thanks to Reickermann.
The sack
races were popular with kids of all ages!
The Bouncing
Castle survived the onslaught from hundreds and hundreds of kids, just!
Family Day
for many this year!
The students
from the Redemptorist School for the Blind got their first chance at riding a
horse.
Fountain of
Life kids ready to show off their talents for the audience.
DND, Intense
creativity at work!
“Everything
is A-OK” by these kids.
CHILDREN’S RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS
(Sponsored
by Pattaya Sports Club, Jesters & Donors)
1. Megashark Surf Board Ann Hanson
2. Hatari 26” Standing Fan Khun Fun
3. Genius Kids Educational Computer Bob Ramsey
4. Tool Set (150 pcs.) Middy Campbell
5. De-Luxe Edition Crossword Game Khun Ae
6. Scuba Children’s Dive Voucher Jack Levy
7. Lego Box (approx. 2000 pieces) Tim
Farrell
8. R.R.C. Patrol Boat Puan Ahern
9. R.R.C. Racing Sports Car Khun Noy
10. R.R.C. Missile Launcher Marylin Blacett
11. Lego Box (approx.2000 pieces) Khun Joy
12. Space II Dome Tent Jay & Tutu
13. Automatic Emergency Light Unit Khun Jacapan
14. Tomy ‘Thomas Tank Engine Train Set Simon Buckingham
15. Diamond Wireless Microphone & Receiver Arthur Hancock
16. Child’s Triumph Crocodile Bicycle Marylin Blacett
17. CD Stereo Boombox VCD/CD/Karaoke/MP3 Khun Macha
18. Child’s Triumph Crocodile Bicycle Rennu Grover
19. Casio Electronic Keyboard Neil Smith
20. Triumph Crocodile 27-31” Bicycle Khun Cat
21. Logitech ‘Quickcam’ Web Camera Khun Sah
22. Child’s Triumph Crocodile Bicycle Her Heinz
23. NEC MP3 Player Yolanda
24. 15”Samsung ‘Plano’ Color TV Jan Kemshaw
25. Diamond Digital DVD Player Randy Blacett
26. Canon 65 Zoom Camera Khun Ann
27. Sony Play Station II Khun Mongkon
28. BIFFO the Biker Bear Luce
(Wardrobe by Ploy Fashions)
(We apologize for any mistakes in the winner’s names due to
the time constraints in conducting the draw
