So April 15th we set off for our first UKFM nationals at Pontins Camber sands. First impressions were good considering it was pouring it down and had been for the whole 3 hour road trip down there but apart from that it didn't look bad at all.
It was bright and colourful the guys on the gate were friendly, polite and helpful. they had obviously been out there a while though as they were drenched. We found it hard to park as a troupe it was just a free for all but again once we were parked that was us done for the weekend.
The chalets now before going we had read some reviews online for this particular Pontins resort and to be honest they were pretty bad so I was expecting the worst I took anti bac wipes and hand gel plenty of loo roll (always have one on me for comps) I was well prepared for the worst but I was pleasantly surprised the chalets them selves were lovely they weren't perfect but for what we needed them and for pontins I feel they were good. they were clean they were spacious and there were no noticeable health and safety risks. The chalets accommodated up to 7 but there was only four of us in our chalet. There was plenty of bedding that was clean most chalets had what looked to be brand new bedding as it was in packaging. It had a little kitchen that was useable and a bathroom which again was clean and usable. We did however notice there was a list of things that pontins provide in the chalet and there was quite a bit missing, however it didn't bother us as we were prepared and had made sure we had everything. The only thing I could fault was the curtains were very dated and none of them matched at all and the ovens needed a deep deep clean as every time you opened one it set the fire alarms off. As to which was hilarious to the little girls as everyone on pizza night was setting them off. But the fire alarms did work and that's the main thing!
The main halls, arcade and restaurant were ok they were not anything spectacular or anything but they served their purpose they were big and mostly clean. I feel that they didn't seem to have any staff what so ever at one point the bins in the main hall were over flowing and there was rubbish all over the floor I think a few of us parents had bin bags with us so we took it upon our selves to tidy up as the girls didn't want to be wading though rubbish to get in and out of the hall. The toilets in there were erm well I think I have seen cleaner petrol station toilets again no body seemed to be monitoring them and there was never any toilet roll in the (pet hate its ok as had some in my bag). The arcade was a very good size and was always busy we personally didn't go in there but walked though it. There was a few machines in the back that were obviously out of order or broken but were just left. In the arcade was a small little shop which is handy but very expensive so avoid it if you can. The restaurant however it wasn't very big but the staff were polite, friendly and helpful it was clean and ample room to sit although it did seem a little dark in there. The food it self was good and very well priced not like everything else on campus which seemed overly priced. There was also a pizza take away and a fish and chip shop but we didn't see these open. Oh and a pub the queen Victoria.
Security was something I was impressed with really considering how many of us there was with the UKFM. There was some one at the bottom of the stairs at all times checking that everyone had UKFM wrist bands. (all comps were upstairs you had to be with the UKFM and have a wristband to get up there). There was a couple of lost children and personal belongings but all were found safe and returned which to me made me feel very safe.
Over all I found that pontins wasn't actually that bad to be fair. Whilst we were there competing there was people there actually on holiday I believe it is through the £9.50 holidays. The campus also isn't far from the beach either. So if you were doing the £9.50 holidays and this place popped up it really isn't that bad (especially for £9.50).
I hope that this doesn't put people off and that my honest open opinion helped!!
Oh and the troupe came home with 35 awards!! Two of these were very big ones we got one colour guard and miss deputy UKFM they also got 1st in their outdoor group which is amazing as every girl competed together for this one. The whole weekend was amazing it was a real emotional rollercoaster the UKFM suffered a huge loss in a very special lady which affected everyone. The whole UKFM came together and supported each other when her troupe performed the whole room stood still and when they won awards at the end the room lifted to their feet and just applauded them it was so lovely to see so many people pull together and show their love and support for one another you really wouldn't find that any where else.
This weekend showed me as a parent that I made the right decision to send A to majorettes because she has so much confidence and she works so hard to go out there and do her best. Watching her perform is just amazing she practiced long and hard for this and you could really tell. Although she didn't come home with a trophy of her own she didn't mind at all she didn't cry or whinge or complain (I noticed some of the girls where hysterical because they didn't win) A was just happy to be there and loved the atmosphere and being with everyone she made a friend in one of the other troupes too. Seeing her so happy for everyone else and not crying because she didn't win made me so proud as it means I have done a good job as a parent sometimes you don't always get that feeling or you don't always see that your doing a good job. Parent wins are the best ones!
Mum of HY20 x
