Well this was the second event at Shrivenham in ten days. It was perhaps a little different in that it was a celebratory wedding . The couple had been married 8 weeks before and so this was their chance to share their new marriage with all their friends. The venue was also slightly grand being in the Cormorant Building. The entrance hall is massive and houses flags from all over the world representing all the nations that visit the centre.
Our arrival was well in time since although we have worked there many times before we needed to establish access. Fortunately everyone on the desk is so helpful and came up with various plans to get Hog Roast Olney as close as possible to the set up area. It is slightly daunting when at the gate there are soldiers with what look like a sub-machine guns. I guess over the years I have been used to seeing this.
Once Hog Roast Olney got to the building we checked in. The desk was manned by a retired Ghurkha who was very helpful. The building itself is quite unique in that it is in the shape of the Crown. Slightly unusual and if we had not had a map it certainly would not have been obvious.
We were soon set up which gave us a chance to look around. John and his wife (newly weds) appeared and Hog Roast Olney did a quick run through in a light hearted military fashion. We checked timings and service point, which on this occasion was inside. We were supported by Compass staff (ESS) who were very accommodating, but to be fair we have met several times before. Time seemed to fly by and we were soon into service which took about ½ an hour for the 165+ guests. As happens fairly regularly people were soon up for seconds and before we knew it they were all moving upstairs for the music.
All that was left for us was a quick clean up and depart. As always a nice journey home with the roads so quiet. The tourists had all gone from Burford and Stow on the Wold. Happy days.