Poem about the 2002 World Trial

It started back in 2001, the month it was October

When some bright spark had a big idea and
I wondered 'was he sober'?
The work it started with Wyn, Charles and Sue
And in March, Ruth joined this motley crew

From obtaining funding - 'the start of things to come',
Estimated budgets were of a frightening sum.
Business Connect and WDA to boost our hoard'
Then came the Banks and the Wales Tourist board.

Meetings were held in Plas Coch and Plas yn Dre
Under the guidance of Charles, there was plenty to say.
Wyn's committee was formed to stage the trials
And we all produced data to fill in the files.

There were meetings and meetings and work galore
Spilling over Sue's table and onto the floor
Sue as she worked only had one fear,
That the phone may always stay attached to her ear.

For the support and the venue, we had Robin to thank
Then the invitations went out to every Continental and Yank.
There were the Dutch and the Swedes and all the Home Nations
And Germany and France and all their relations.

Competitors and dogs from abroad they were fifty.
With the £100 entry they had to be thrifty.
The rest came from England, Ireland Scotland and Wales.
From over the mountains and up and down dales.

Bed and Breakfasts and Farmhouses, some supplied sheep,
Somewhere to train and somewhere to sleep.
Everywhere was overflowing and Bala was full
From the Goat and the Ship and down to the Bull.

The banners were hoisted 'No Welsh?' did they hold
Then replaced by some signs, Welsh too, big and bold.
The posters were short, we did not print enough,
But the media was full of some really good stuff.

We ordered Lapel Badges, Brass plaques, and some Caps,
Plenty of signs, T Shirts and some maps.
The flag poles and flags all looked so good
And we prayed for the sunshine instead of the mud.

Six weeks to go and we were dealt a blow
Ruth asked 'was Darth Vader friend or foe?'
The Health and Safety Executive did their job
So we in turn called for Bob.

Our meetings lasted for hours and a day
Making triple the work and triple to pay.
The Police, the ambulance and don't forget Claire
We tied so hard to get her out of our hair.

Joan did her utmost to target the schools
And Alan made signs, making good use of his tools.
Guto delayed his entry into this mad, mad world
While his father worked with posts and netting unfurled

The order for tentage, it never did cease,
Chris and Paul at Florida, they had no peace.
The grandstand arrived and the field was muddy
So Allen ordered hardcore via his buddy.

The lane was too narrow because the tree was too dense
So they widened the road by shifting the fence
The Environment Agency, they levelled the ford for the week
For one way access for the traffic at peak.

Al was the site manager - a job to behold.
Pegging and planning, stall holders to be told.
It was Tuesday and water was still not connected
Then Heddwyn laid his pipes around the fence to protect it.

Al's holidays were spent here at 'Bala on Dee'
And like everyone else he did it for free
In excess of 300 helped to run the event
The stewards worked hard - all heaven sent!

The population of Bala is 3,000 or so
They were all on the pavements at almost one go
For the Wednesday parade with the dogs and the flags
After food and a welcome and goodies in bags

The medals of bronze and silver and gold
Were made down in Corris from the original mould.
Competitors each had a pewter to keep.
We thank you John, Ifor and of course Phillip.

The trophy was prepared from Ruthin oak
And all the work was done by local folk.
There was crystal ware and shepherds crooks
Which Barbara displayed on shelves for books.

In the HSBC bank were the girls and Roy
Who travelled around on Allen's new toy
There were Victor and Julie and the dogs they did vet
And Ruth who arrived in a chopper or jet.

'Elwyn's in charge' of the Rotarian parkers
Stewards on the gates dealt with people and barkers
Stewards on the roads and those on the site
Tony and Carol ensuring the Demos. were right.

The Display ring was the host for all the dogs and the ducks
With Emlyn and Hywel and Meirion and Gus
The healwork to music with Linda and Kath
Spectators were packed into the ringside path.

Stuart was there with his Agility teams
Mandy's Flyball had their dogs jumping beams.
Andrew and the vaulters performed their horsey tricks
The training of the sheepdogs were lessons of Micks

Vintage tractors and engines and threshing galore
With BBQ parties and food at the door.
Lantra did fencing and granite walls raised
Competitions in shearing, the audience amazed.

Thurday was hectic with problems to sort
Linda to the rescue, to hold the fort.
Hilary spent her days in the office checking scores
While Norman sorted triallers as they beckoned through the doors

The flowers arrived via David's horse trailer
'Where do want then?' 'Ask Sue, can you hail her?'
The programmes arrived as did the caps
Last minute deliveries and loads of mishaps

There was Shirley and Ann, Iona and Rhian Wyn
Dorothy and Olwen, Carol and Maralyn
Barbara, Linda, Hilary Jane and Lyn
And all the other ladies that came there in.

The Cultural Evening in the school was a success to note
Brythoniad, Lona and Iwan, Meibion Llewarch to dote
The hog roast was good if you got any at all
And dancing with Erwyd at his beck and call

The dinner on Saturday was the final fling
With Mary Lloyd Davies doing her thing
There was roast lamb and veg and foods that I like
But Mary's voice was so strong - no need for a mic.

Some wisdom on timing came right to the fore
As Jaran's run ended before he could score
A decision was made, there was a standard to keep
And the team's competition almost left on the heap.

Sunday arrived with a hymn and a blessing
And the final competition until the end kept us guessing
Jim and Sid were holding on to their place
When Aled and Bob took on the chase.

It was Aled and Bob who won the World Trial
And Jim and Sid came second in style
Aled and Bob were awarded a medal of gold
While Sue was presented with a gift to behold .