Event Services & Plant

22/08/2024

For the record: neither I, nor EventHireGsy provided the sound system at the North Show.🤷‍♂️

18/08/2024

Congratulations to the Lions Club of Guernsey - what a fabulous, fun, family-orientated day (and free admission!). Well done with this year's Donkey Derby. So pleased to have provided the PA caravan, which is free of charge [except deliv/collection] to Charities and Not-for-profit organisations. You can have the best entertainment going but if the public cannot hear or understand what is going on, it will be a waste of time! It also help to have a good commentator - such as the one and only John Randall. Brilliant job.

06/08/2024

Another terrific event - The Vintage Agricultural Show. Very well done to all the organisers and volunteers. So pleased to be able to provide the public address system once again, and grateful for the kind comments of how clear and audible the commentary was. It should be, after doing P.A. for nearly 50 years one hopes I know what I’m doing!!
Don’t forget the PA caravans are available either free or at very low rates for Charities and Not-For-Profit organisations. Tel. 243334

25/06/2024

The Viaer Marchi. Monday 1st July. Looking forward to yet another great local evening. I'm not a pro photographer, but there are 3 new pics from the very early days when it took place in the Museum Courtyard (and there are more pics from previous years further down on Event Services & Plant pages).

13/06/2024

I can't remember how long Event Services have donated the public address system to the Guernsey Air Display to allow the viewing public to hear the commentary, so it was great to help EventHireGsy continue the tradition today. A Superb Display, a great fund raiser for RAF charities, and made even more rewarding when several members of the crowd stopped at the caravan to say "thank you" for broadcasting the commentary so clearly. The PA mobiles are available at concessionary rates to any charity or not-for-profit event. Contact Shaun at Event Hire Gsy. tel 243334 for details.

11/03/2024

Lovely weather for it. A reminder that not only is the Town Public Address system available for major events along the seafront, but the Mobile Caravan PA systems are still available and come at a heavily discounted rate for Charities and Not-For-Profit organisations. Contact Event Hire 243334 for details and bookings.

Out and about today testing the seafront audio cables and removing the last of the Christmas lights, lovely day for it.

09/08/2023

02/08/2023

Amidst all my archives, I found a copy of the 'Radical Island Press' of Feb 1984 with a feature on Guernsey Lighting Hire Services. The scary things is that it was in my boxes of reel-to reel tapes of several bands from the early 80's venues and Cellar Club dates, plus a number of shows like Godspell, The Hound of the Baskervilles, a Ralph McTell concert - I'll save delving more in to that box for a dark night and a good whisky!!

28/06/2023

Coming up this Monday, 3rd July – the Viaer Marchi. Although I have been involved in this event since 1976 (mainly assisting “the Two Malcoms” who originally did the lighting and sound), I became sole contractor in 1980, and my diary records that day as being one of the wettest days of that year. However, the sun came out in the late afternoon and the evening went well. I've been involved as main contractor ever since. Even allowing for the pandemic break, that’s over 40 VM’s I’ve done. Such is the event that I have never charged for my personal work over the years; a small contribution to the NT. Apart from moving from the Museum Courtyard to the small arena then to the ‘Show’ arena, nothing much has changed. A winning formula at the start and continues to be. Please support the National Trust of Guernsey this Monday; always a great evening to wander, meet and greet, natter, buy bric-a-brac, be entertained, and just ENJOY.

20/06/2023

It was a pleasure meeting up with Dave, Jackie and an ex-Subaru representative mate at a recent EDABL Seafront Sunday, and it reminded me of how much enjoyment their Mont Saint Car Launches were. Always something different, always challenging to spotlight the cars and create a ‘reveal feature’, always loud music and always far too much smoke hiding the cars, but always such a sociable occasion. Thanks. It was a pleasure working with you. (Although I admit I am a rubbish photographer of those events).
I couldn’t mention Dave without reference to his utterly professional performances commentating on the Power Boat Races over the years. He did his homework, knew the boats, the crews, and delivered a consummately informative and entertaining commentary. It was for him I designed a commentator’s headset – the dual earphones could hear what his fellow commentator was saying, enabling ‘conversation’ between them whilst simultaneously hearing from Race Control via radio link to know just what was going on. All this was long before ‘in-ear monitoring’ the media uses now. Most of us have two ears, but to be able to separate what each ear hears, understands, and still carry on commentating is a special talent. Mind you, I’ve known several women who say I have selective hearing!

29/05/2023

Any business is only as good as its staff, and here are a few pictures of my lot in the 1990’s. It was hard work, always busy but always time to relax and have fun – and despite the pressures and long hours we DID have fun. It was very important to me to give the guys year-round employment rather than just a seasonal job. As such during the quieter months we did a lot of in-house work; building picket fences, flooring, electrical kit, trailers, renovating items, etc. and Training was undertaken including First Aid and [as shown here] Fire Safety, so every member of staff could be a certified Site Fire Marshal. In fact, most of my lot should have been certified! Thank you, guys. Great memories.

23/05/2023

Despite retiring, my fleet of MOBILE PUBLIC ADDRESS units are still available for Events and there is a heavily discounted rate for Charities and not-for-profit organisations. They are currently being re-furbished with new livery/signwriting and as usual include a powerful PA system, radio mics, CD/Media player facilities and interior furniture. If your event needs good sound – call 711717. Feel free to share this post to any organisation that would appreciate it.

13/05/2023

Amazingly, despite being continuously involved with Liberation Day Celebrations since 1979, I have very few pictures – mainly because I was always too busy providing the Event Services to take pictures. However, 1985 was a BIG one. I created a communications system that covered P.A. at the L’Ancresse Beach Landings, radio linked to the Vale Castle, Bulwer Avenue and finally to Town, with loudspeakers running all the way from the Salerie, along Glategny Esplanade, Weighbridge, North Esplanade, Crown Pier, The Quay, Albert Pier and on to the Slaughter House, plus Market Square. People anywhere in Town heard live commentary of all the events elsewhere and the Cavalcade as it happened. Miles of cabling and multiple amplification systems – and it all worked. The Cavalcade that day was one of the best ever (in my opinion). Looking back it is amazing how many people were involved and volunteered to make the event what it was. It seems today the people want the events put on for them to spectate, but not really be involved or contribute.

27/04/2023

Slightly overdue post this week; so much else going on you must wonder how I found time to run Event Services. Here’s a few pictures of Marquees taken over various years, but all intended to show the standard of our work. I was always enthusiastic and meticulous in this business - only delivering the best for my clients. Well-constructed units of quality material; crisp straight linings; clean furniture and excellent flooring; careful attention to the little finishing touches. Second-best was never an option. Also, a couple of pictures of the Lion’s Club Golf-Ball Drop – a great charity fundraiser and a reminder that this coming Saturday (29th April) Sark hosts its inaugural OPEN GOLF COMPETITION. It promises to be an enjoyable day of semi-serious sport, with a distinct Sark twist. Please come and join us if you can.

16/04/2023

1984, 1987 and 2016 features this time; the First ISLAND GAMES Opening Ceremony at Beau Sejour in 1987. How different will this year’s be in just a few weeks time?
Talking of different, a couple of then and now pictures prompted by the sad demise of Rabey’s Garage. In 1984 I installed the power supply to VALE CASTLE as more and more events were taking place there. A massive undertaking then, using over 160m of bloney heavy SWA cable routed and buried up the hill, around the Military Cemetery, and trying to find ground we could dig into, rather than tough Guernsey granite. The event on this occasion was the “Arts Castle”. Most interesting is the scenic views looking over Rabey’s Yard and beyond. So much has changed. The power supply is still there and used by events such as the Vale Earth Fair and Social functions, and the 2016 EPIC Challenge (pictured). Before the cable was installed, in the early 80’s we used to run two very long extension leads down to Rabey’s to power a much smaller Earth Fair and other events, and I well remember when the lights came on the DJ’s record players would slow down due to the drop in voltage over the length of cables.

07/04/2023

07/04/2023

The Guernsey Powerboat Association has been one of my oldest customers – I first provided them PA at the end of the 70’s covering races in Havelet, The North Beach (now the car park!) and off the North Pier Head – with loudspeakers for spectators all along the now sealed off upper walk in the Freight area. Thousands would turn out to watch the spectacular racing. Then, thanks to an enthusiastic team, headed up by Ridout, Corsey, Doddy, Micky, and many others too numerous to mention, along came the National Powerboat Championships based at the Castle Emplacement, and then The World Championships moved to the North Beach area. Here are some pictures of the early days, 1985-87. The dedication and professionalism of the Guernsey Team produced a lot of amazing technical innovations; set World standards of racing, safety, and scrutineering; brought the Island immense publicity around the globe; provided locals with top-class entertainment and the thousands of people attending and competing spent a small fortune in the Island at the time. A lot more pictures of the 90’s hey-days to come.

25/03/2023

As has been said, Event Services never turned down a challenge, and here’s a few things from 1997 and 1998. The Trades Fair was held in Nov ’97 at Beau Sejour, and the central Atrium (remember it before the refurbishment?) was converted for the main official opening and entertainment area. The Atrium sloped away some 14m down from the front, so we designed and constructed a level stage, on stilts made of ‘Trilite’ scaffold. Not only did it work well but it supported a grand piano and choir without problems. The only snag was I didn’t tell the poor BBC reporter / compere that I had rigged pyrotechnics to go off when Pudsy Bear pronounced the event open. She was surprised!
Then in 1998 Le Riche's Stores celebrated their Centenary with a free party in Saumarez Park. I created one of the largest outdoor stages seen in Guernsey then – 15m x 12m, and provided the VIP tent, toilets and power. A great day out, featuring amongst others, Leo Sayer and headlining the ‘Wombles’. The management of Le Riche reputedly turned down the option of a new young solo singer from a boy band that had recently split up – some guy called Robbie Williams! My mother had her first job at Etors which was part of Le Riche from 1934 until 1939 and the staff picture is included. In the same folder was pictures of the tiered seating I supplied to Beau Sejour. We had put up similar seating for the 50th Liberation Celebrations in 1995 (pictures to come soon). The kit was a real “big-boys Meccano set”
Interesting and challenging days.

19/03/2023

Just a few pics this week of my time in Court and Prison (the right side of the proceedings!) and some political work. Since 1983 I am proud to have been contracted by the States, Royal and Magistrates’ Court’ and Greffe to maintain the audio and logging systems, and later digitise the entire proceedings including links with the Prison, CCTV systems for vulnerable witnesses and totally digital recording and storage. It was one of the most interesting contracts I held, up until 2016. My first contact in 1983 was with valve-driven 1960’s technology audio equipment and lumbering old open-reel tape machines. A constant programme of upgrading culminated just after the Millennium with complete digitalisation of the systems in the re-furbished Court Building; adding video witnessing and ensuring the entire system was safe, simple, reliable and most of all, secure. Obstacles like providing secure facilities for the hard-of-hearing (as a normal loop system was able to be compromised) and ensuring recordings were incorruptibly time-stamped were major considerations. There were 4 (yes FOUR) independent back-up methods so no audio/visual evidence could be lost. The very nature of the work means I have few photos to publish of the jobs undertaken.
I’m very grateful for the faith and trust the Courts placed in both my work and my confidentiality throughout a long period of major changes.
Over the years I have also provided audio and facilities to virtually every Political Hustings meeting; in all the Parishes, and the great “Hustings Road Show” ably chaired by the inimitable and sadly, late, Roger Perrot. There is a copy of a Press report from 1994 featuring my work at Hustings Meetings.
Both jobs were very much - "I was never seen, but THEY were always heard."

11/03/2023

An event much nearer home now: Bank Holiday Monday, 29th May 2000, Nigel Kennedy did a performance from the Seigneurie Grounds as part of the BBC Music Live series of Concerts from around the UK that day. As accredited BBC contractors, we shipped over 20 tons of generators, lighting, cables, staging, tents and toilets to Sark and rigged my Bandstand with a high ceiling to accommodate all the lighting. The event was broadcast world-wide and thrilled the local audience who were able to be so close to such a star performer. He played not only for the broadcast but did extra numbers to the delight of the audience. Nigel was obviously relaxed and loved Sark so much he called his son Sark Yves Amadeus. Rumour has it he was so relaxed he was found sleeping in a hedgerow late after celebrating the show!

06/03/2023

A few memories of 1986. The Half Marathon which ended at Bulwer Avenue and thousands of supporters lined the finishing stage. It was the year I acquired an articulated unit to convert as a Major Event PA caravan, and renovated it in my newly built (unfinished) store and workshop at Braye Road. Also, that year we were involved with the North Regatta Autocross in St. Sampson’s Harbour and heavily involved in the North Show – providing PA systems, power and lighting and as agents for Peeks of Bournemouth brought in the Fun Fair and Side-Shows / Stands. A busy, successful time. The rest of the world was not having so great a time experiencing many disasters – Chernobyl, The Space Shuttle tragedy, Mad Cow disease, and “The Phantom of the Opera” opening in London. Oh well, can’t win ‘em all. Eh? Mind you, petrol was around £1.60 a GALLON but Bank of England interest rate was 11%

25/02/2023

I’ve always been interested in electronics – especially musical electronics and it has been a hobby business since childhood, starting to hire sound equipment / PA around 1975 from the shed at Crossways. As PA work expanded, various sheds, garages, and even the tunnels under Delancey were rented to store the ever-expanding stock. When Crossways closed as a grocery store, my brother Martyn ran his mower business (C.A.M.S. – Crossways Agricultural and Machinery Services) from the garage, Channel Island Ceramics had the main shop and I had the side shop and upstairs for sound equipment, musical instruments etc. including Guernsey Radiophones which provided and serviced taxi and private radio systems, ably assisted by Ken Robert.
When CAMS moved out from the garages, I took them over, and then when Channel Island Ceramics moved out of the main shop, we fully refurbished the premises and expanded the Musical Alternative into that area, and Electrosound, as it was known then, expanded in the garages. It was an era of constant change and growth.
The Musical Alternative were agents for Hammond Organs, and for 3 years running we had the award for highest sales per capita in the whole of the south of England region. Not just sales though, we also offered tuition and there were so many people who took lessons with Jenny and Andy; learning to enjoy music. It was a ‘proper’ musicians’ shop – run BY musicians FOR musicians. You didn’t have to want to buy anything to come in; the kettle was always on, and you were free to try instruments and equipment, play, ‘jam’ together with others, or just chat music, with no obligation. A happy shop.

24/02/2023

Well Done!

So, we now have four trained and certified MEWP operatives meaning that we now have the flexibility (subject to availability) to be on site when our clients need us. Many thanks to Steve Hobbs of Prestige safety training Limited for making what can be quite hard study fun and informative. Contact us by email [email protected] to get a quote. *photo courtesy of Ray Lowe

18/02/2023

A date for your diary – Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd April 2023 the Guernsey Marine Traders Association will be hosting The Guernsey Boat Show on the Crown (Victoria) Pier. Here’s some I prepared earlier, namely boat shows from 2017 and 2018, plus a couple of other events on the Piers held in recent years.

12/02/2023

Some very random pics this week of a few of the hundreds of marquees done - this batch mainly from around 2000-2004, with a couple of older ones. Enjoy

07/02/2023

Not everything goes to plan – Delivering the cabins to St. Martins (featured last week) we did some tree surgery in the Grange. The offending branches were proven to be below legal height above the road, so not really our fault! Then, thanks to Michael Fish, we didn’t notice the Great Storm of 1987, and a Rollalong cabin on hire as a paint store literally rolled along – many, many times. There was hardly a can of paint left unopened inside, what a mess.
I have never underestimated the weather but sometimes even experts and professionals miss things – like the mini tornado that swept across St. Martin’s in 1999 (?). It took everyone by surprise and necessitated an emergency closure of the airport and wrecked a marquee on the Idlerock’s field on Jerbourg Headland. The tornado picked up the 35m x 9m marquee like an umbrella and threw the entire structure 150m across the fields. Fortunately, the base plates of the marquee remained pegged down – proving my ‘uplift’ calculations were good, the marquee snapped itself away from the plates in the swirling wind, leaving all the furniture where it was, and the insurers paid out. Finally, a bit of vandalism which some oiks must have thought funny, when they wheeled a Mobile PA caravan across La Mare de Carteret playing fields and deposited it in the pond. Thanks lads: I bet your Mums are right proud of you.
However, after 46 years in the event business, doing all manner of experimental, interesting and [slightly] dangerous things, I am proud that the business has NEVER had a notifiable loss or damage to life or limb. I must have done something right eh?

28/01/2023

This week’s dip into the archives with memories of the Salon Culinaire. This innovative show preceded the fashion for TV cookery shows and featured the best of the local Chefs producing the best of local food in front of a usually packed house audience. Trade suppliers made the event a showcase for their products and food and wine tastings. As main contractor we provided power (lots!) and all the infrastructure for the event, including the road banner rigged by my hi-ab crane on a ‘TriLite’ gantry we designed for the job. Then a few pictures of some large accommodation units we installed at the St. Martin’s Hotel. Staff accommodation was a major issue for them and these Rollalong units solved much of the problem. Access was incredibly tight and challenging, but we got there. We also supplied over 60 similar units into Jersey for Farmers’ and Hoteliers' seasonal worker accommodation. Busy days then.iincluding

21/01/2023

Powering in to 2023!

21/01/2023

Another mixed bag of indeterminate age; a few of the 20m wide x 35m long Marquee I purchased. It was massive in all senses. 700sq.m.; heavy frames which needed a crane and our cherry picker to assemble, and came complete with a fully floating wooden floor. All transported by my artic lorry and trailers. It was used many times for Floral Guernsey, Liberation Day venue and Exhibition centres, but was unfortunately too big an entity and too labour intensive to viably keep and was sold to the UK. Then three pictures of when the States used to promote ‘Music on the Pier’ on Summer Sundays (the forerunner of Music at Candie), and finally, whilst in the news, a picture from the 80’s of the English & Guernsey Arms Pub when they promoted Music festivals and Darts Matches – note the magnificent Sweet Chestnut to the background, which is to be sacrificed for the recently approved housing scheme there.