Last weekend we headed off the the Drayton Manor Press Day. As Tara touched on in her own post about the event, I now have a daughter who thinks that all theme parks are free, and all you have to do to avoid the queues at the entrance and get a free buffet lunch, is to wear a press pass around your neck and smile nicely at the friendly PR people.
We took my sister and her boyfriend along to the event as well so that they would think I was fabulous for getting them a free ticket could enjoy a day in the park too, and because they don't live too far from Tamworth. The pair of them hinted that they were going to try and gain free VIP access to several music festivals by flashing their newly acquired press passes, until I pointed out that the Thomas the Tank Engine logo which might actually blow their cover.
The event was held to celebrate the park's Diamond Jubilee. How times have changed since the park was first opened to the public in April 1950.
To commemorate its 60th anniversary year, Drayton Manor is launching a special Memories Campaign and inviting the public to email their photographs, videos and associated captions, along with stories and memories of Drayton Manor from yesteryear. These will then be shared publicly, via the special anniversary website, www.draytonmanor60th.co.uk
We all had a fabulous day. I particularly enjoyed the log flume, although the fact that I would not get on the ride until I had purchased a head-to-toe waterproof mac seemed a clear sign that my wild and reckless days are now over.
IJ loved Thomas Land (where she seemed to think the train called Rosie was hilarious), the singing Fat Controller, the zoo, the indoor soft play, and the picnic area.
More than anything else, she enjoyed spending time with Tara and Jo's children. They had such a wonderful time together that we ended up leaving the park after it's official closing time, and they were all keen to do more.
As we left IJ spotted that the theme park is building a hotel. She looked at the building work then at her press pass, and I know what she was thinking because I was thinking it too.
We could get very used to this!
