And Now For The News

Just for starters I hope you all had a very merry Christmas and would like to start off wishing you a great 2007.

The beginning of 2007, however, has been a rather sad time for the plattler. Just after Christmas Jack Davy decided to break his leg, rendering him useless for at least 6 months. We also had to say goodbye to Ryan Smith, George Story and David Bannister.

Anyway I also have some rather exciting news. Some time in November I applied the Schuhplattler for an audition for the new TV show 'Britain's Got Talent' with Simon Cowell. Anyway to cut a long story short I got a letter yesterday saying that we have qualified for an audition this SUNDAY at 12:00 at the ICC in Birmingham.

Last night was our fantastic German Evening. With over 100 punters and not enough sausage and chips for everyone in one go the night certainly went very well. The hall looked brilliant and the sound and lighting effects were, as ever, spot on.

Big thanks go to all those who helped during the night and especially to the Spalding Oompah Band, Die Apfeltizers.

So we have just done our gig at BHS and after 5 and a bit hours of Plattler I can fairly say we are all well and truly tired out. I would like to go and have a shower now as I am very smelly and 'cream crackerd', but just need to say a big thank you to all the lads who took part today. You've definitely earned yourself a round of applause.

Just a quick note to say a big thank you to all the lads who took part in the rehearsal on Sunday. I would also like to welcome our newcomers Michael Wardell and Andrew Rennie. Well done on our first attempt at the Plattler scene.

Remember, if you want to go to the High School, Mr. Anderson can only take 16 Plattler. This will be awarded to the people who have done at least two rehearsals lately.

So after nearly 4 months of Exams and graduations the Schuhplattler website has finally been handed over to myself, Jon, and now hopefully this thing will be up and running as smoothly (dare I say better) as it was when young master Jason was in control.

As a newbie to all this internet control stuff things, from time to time, may be incorrect or inaccurate. I will take this opportunity however to apologize in advance for anything that does go wrong.

Pictures from the Holland Fen gig on Sunday will soon be uploaded and everything will be as spiffing as it was when Jason left.

I wish to say a big thank you to Ned for showing me how to get up and running and for his and Jason's contributions over the last 6 or 7 years.

Well, it’s nearly the start of the new term, which can mean only one thing, Jason and myself won’t be returning.

We’re both off to university during September, and the Open Evening at BGS was officially our last gig with the group. I’m sure I speak for Jason when I say we’ve had a great time with the numerous members of the group, and it’s been great fun being a part of the most well-known Schuhplattler Group in the UK!

We’re sorry the website hasn’t seen that much updating over the last few months, but we’ve both been busy with exams, work, and then the worry of exam results! However, we’ve got our replacements sorted on the website, and sound fronts- Jon Coupland has stepped up to fill the role of Webmaster, and Ed Martin is the new sound engineer, ably assisted by Jack Davy, and Jon.

All that’s left for us to say now is thanks to everyone we’ve entertained, worked with and what not, and the very best of luck to the group, and that we’ll see you soon!!

As mentioned below, the group took part in the Spalding flower parade this weekend and the mighty BBC was present to take pictures and a video of the fine parade, all the video's and pictures of the day can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/lincolnshire however, to make life easier, I've put the photos to do with the Platter that are linked HERE - a pic of Steve from the Band HERE - a pic of mascot, Jack and Ryan & HERE - a pic of Brad

Also, CLICK HERE to take you to the video of the floats etc, after around 40 seconds our float is on!!! Truely magnificent!!! I'm still trying to find a copy of the radio lincs interview so if anyone has it please drop me a line!

Well today was really something. After leaving Boston at the crack of dawn, well, 10am, we reached Spalding bright and early. After setting up and going through a few practices, we proceeded to go for dinner. After getting some food down our necks, myself and Jon started on a "person person give us a wave" campaign to liven up the afternoon. This went rather well and got us noticed by a fair few people, one of these being from BBC radio Lincs. So, after a brief chat, over walks an official looking person with a big green microphone, informing us that we were about to go live!! So after much panic and general running round the interview started, I'm trying to get a copy of this, if I can, it will be posted here, anyway myself, Mr A and Jon all got a slot and I think we got our message across relatively well. So next it was parade time, we departed Springfield's at around 2pm and after winding our way through the streets, seeing 100,000 people in the process, we arrived back at the main arena. However, I should say a few "guest stars" were spotted along the route, Mr and Mrs Melrose, Mrs Gregory and Mr Marsh, hiding under a baseball cap, were successfully picked out in the crowd and spoken about over the microphone. All in all, an excellent day.

After a successful rehearsal in the hall with the Spalding and District Oompah band the Sunday just gone, the group will be traveling the vast distance to Spalding this coming Saturday to take part in the Spalding flower parade. The boring bit now, meet at school please for 9.30am sharp on Sat so we will be there in plenty of time for the parades start at 2pm - we'll be back for around 6pm. This is an excellent day and believe me, whilst tiring, is thoroughly enjoyable and a great showcase for the group.

If you intend to come and watch us on Saturday, there are two options available, we will be in Springfield Gardens with our float from approximately 11am until 2pm, here you can come and see us, have a chat and, if there is enough interest we may indulge in a little impromptu performance. There are of cause refreshments available here and you can inspect all the other weird and wonderful floats as well. Please be aware thou, Car parking is very scarce and entry does cost £6 for adults and £5 for Senior Citizens

The second option is an altogether cheaper one, simply find yourself a corner of Spalding, on the parade route this is, not just any old corner, at around 2pm and sit (or stand depending on your preference) and wave like hell, hoping that we see you, you will certainly see us. This is altogether cheaper, being free, and you are guaranteed to see both the group and all the other floats but from a distance, please note also, the best places to watch go v v quickly and again, there may not actually be anywhere to park!!!

The parade leaves Springfield's at 2pm, taking the 4.5 mile route and returning at around 5pm

If anyone has any questions or anything they don't understand, drop me a line and I'll see what I can do, other than that, Check the website Saturday night for pictures!!

Just a quick note from me to remind you all of the rehearsal this Sunday (23rd April) which is at the later time of 7.30pm (Sound engineers to arrive 7.15 please) until 9.00pm.

It is essential that anyone going to the Spalding Flower Parade on Saturday 29th attend this rehearsal, as it will be with the Apfeltizers Oompah Band from Spalding. Older group members will know these guys to be great to work with, so youngsters, come along!!

Hope to see you all there.

Jason

The group completed another rehearsal on Sunday for the upcoming tour, all went off without a hitch and a great amount of 'oomph' was put in by all. The mars bars and drinks were certainly well earned!!! A new gig has been added to the calendar, see the gig list for details, and don't forget to turn up to tomorrow's meeting to discuss everything