The REOFFENDERS

We'd been booked to play a private party for Andy Parsons (who has seen us in more venues and in the most random places than anyone else I can think of) to celebrate his leaving the Navy.

We arrived there mid afternoon to setup and to pitch tents. First entertainment of the day was watching Rob and Debi scratching their heads over how to put up the tent that they'd borrowed, but we did all help out rather than let them struggle with it.

After a sit in the sun with a beer and some BBQ food, I watched the start of The Darlington's set and then went to get changed into stagewear. The time just seemed to vanish!

We had a few new songs for tonight so I deliberately didn't indulge in the barrels of beer that Andy and Helen had got in. Not till I get the words right!

Most of the audience hadn't seen us before and didn't seem entirely sure what to make of us at first, but they soon got into the spirit of things and the party really got going!

Andy's son, Joe guest starred on guitar for Dammit which was very cool, and then got up again to play Green Day's Time of Your Life with Helen singing specially rewritten lyrics.

We'd also be learning a song specifically for this gig - The Village People, In the Navy! There were lots of navy types leaping around excitedly, which I assume doesn't normally happen to cheesy songs as a rule. Indesit and Hoover both really like the song and think it might get another airing. Rob's threatening to cut his fingers off on stage if we do. Watch this space!

Twas a late night to bed for us. After we finished, we caught up on the beer a bit. We all drifted to bed between the hours of 3 and 5am which normally would be fine(ish) but if you've ever slept in a tent, you'll know that they can turn into ovens at 8am. We packed away (slowly) and then headed to a roadside cafe for breakfast before parting ways.

Thanks to Helen, Andy and Joe for making us part of the party. We had an absolute ball! If you want to see more photos, head on over to the photo album on Facebook. Oh and become a fan while you're there ;-)