Dagenham Town Show, GB2DTS

The Dagenham Town Show is an unforgettable event with entertainment and attractions for all the family. This traditional event has been running since 1952, and is part of the borough's history and identity. It features a host of entertainment for all the family including the craft and trade village, funfair, rides, competitions and exhibitions from the Council and voluntary sector. The numerous arenas host a range of family entertainment including slapstick fun and games. Not forgetting the Carnival Parade that concludes the arena entertainment on the Saturday. The show boasts concert stages featuring named artists, up and coming acts, tribute bands and local performers.

Our marquee was part of the show, and offered the public a chance to see all aspects of Amateur Radio in operation. The club was involved with the show for 33 years, up until recently, where it pulled out due to financial constraints.

The image below is of the tent that housed our stand, with our antennas surrounding it:

Over such a long time, the club has accumulated a large number of stories, told by many members.  Some of them are recounted here.

It was always customary for a number of club members to camp down in the marquee over-night. The main reason was for security; to keep an eye on the radio equipment. It was also an opportunity to work some DX without the general public being around. In order to keep the momentum going several gallons of Mick Toms homemade ale were consumed, and over the years some "entertainment" was provided for those that wanted a rest from playing radio.On one such occasion, before the days of video, one member brought along a cine projector and some adult films. Not having a screen he decided it would be a good idea to use the wall of the marquee. Well, it was not long before he discovered that there was a bigger audience OUTSIDE than inside!!!!! but even worse was to come, when the lights went up it was discovered that the film had not wound onto the take up spool and was in fact all over the ground. This kind of thing does not happen these days!

This comes courtesy of Nick Dowsett (G8PUY):  It was the 1980 Dagenham Town Show, and the Club was very well connected with the Show organisers. During the traditional Sunday morning drinks that the Club hosted for the organisers, I was told that they were looking for jockies for one of the afternoon's main arena events, a camel race. It was suggested that, given my slim, jockey-like build, I should offer my services. Never one to pass-up such interesting offers, I volunteered.

The event involved four camels racing across the arena, the jockies sitting atop the single hump. Having selected my camel (they were all equally attractive, with sweet smelling breath), I climbed aboard and I lurched upwards as the camel got to stand. Now, when I volunteered, I had never been on a camel before, so I had no real idea how far off of the ground you end up being. Believe me, when you are up there, it's a long way down. Given that I didn't actually have any control over my trusty steed, I was very surprised that it actually stood there at the start-line waiting for the off. And then it really was off! The flag came down to signal the start and we flew away, with me desperately hanging on for grim life, as my saddle swung from side to side. Much to my surprise I was leading for about 90% of the distance, but then my steed decided that enough was enough and started to slow down, allowing me to be overtaken by another rider. So, I came in second, and was able to live to tell the tale. Unfortunately, we didn't have the good sense to kit me out with a portable rig so that I could use the suffix, Camel Mobile, on my call sign.

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