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“I received the DVD wrap today and it looks brilliant so if we could push ahead with the replication that would be super.”  SL

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“You really are super stars

Van on its way.

Please pass on thanks to the production team.”  JC

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“Your usual extraordinarily incredible service”  DM

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“Looks great, thanks for the quick turnaround.  Have a great weekend.” TM

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“Hey got the CDs today thanks very much.

Thanks for everything. Will be using you again in future ”  RI

Cookham Dean Gravity Grand Prix

The modest crew of the not-so-modest Manila Thrilla felt the warm glow of achievement as they were presented with the coveted award of “Spirit of the Event” at this year’s Cookham Dean Gravity Grand Prix.

The road to glory was far from smooth. Despite many late nights of tinkering the bus was certainly looking good and ready for action. That was until she suffered some ‘slight technical hitches’ on her big day. The brakes failed during the first run and the roof blow off en route to the race! The team persevered in the face of adversity, completed the course and were singled out for the spirit that they embodied. Well done guys. You did us proud!

It was a great day out with many people lining the streets to cheer the karts as they hurtled downhill.  You can see pictures of the other fantastic entrants here.

A big thank you to all those who came along and especially to Paul, David, Elizabeth, Mark and everyone else involved who helped to make this such an entertaining day. Just goes to show what sheer belief, determination and team work can achieve!

We’d also like to say a large gravity-powered thank you to those who gave generously and helped raise over £300 for the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.

Here’s the official results…

Cookham Dean Gravity Grand Prix – Results 2011

Spirit of the Event
This top prize is awarded by the organisers to the team, which in their opinion best reflects the fun and sporting nature of the event.
Winner – Alpha Beatz aka Manilla Thrilla

Best Technical Design and Appearance
1st – Slipper One, Team Leader Guy Wootten
2nd – 3 Wheelin’ aka Copper Head, Team Leader Selwyn Harris
3rd – Craufurd Cut Throats, Team Leader Tim Waggett

Best Novelty Cart
1st – Bathroom Acccessories, Team Leader Peter Bowden
2nd – Dougalxxx, Team Leader Peter Hunter
3rd – L’Escargot, Team Leader Mike Power

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“And who says loyalty is a thing of the past! It’s great having a supplier I can rely on to be honest!

New order attached.

Thank-you for your help (as always!)”  SC

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“I received the CD packages in fantastic time and we are very impressed with [the] product.  Thank your team for all their hard work and the same to you to. We will use you again next year and make recommendations where fitting.”  RM

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“Woohoo! Thanks so much Emily and David for getting it out so quick. You’ve been really great to work with and I’ll definitely be using Alpha again!”  AH

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“I just wanted to thank you for getting this job done so quickly.”  RA

Wacky Races

Anyone who has looked at our Facebook page recently may have noticed some photos of a curious contraption that’s been taking shape in our warehouse over last few weeks. That contraption is a bus (a Filipino-style Jeepney bus no less) and it will be our entry into this year’s Cookham Dean Gravity Grand Prix.

The picturesque Berkshire village will be closing off its main road and allowing all manner of wannabe Penelope Pitstops, Anthill Mobs and Dick Dastardlys to hurtle downhill through it at varying degrees of speed, control and inelegance. The racecourse is 700m long with a drop of 32m and karts are expected to reach between 30 to 40mph.

The building of the bus has been nothing short of a labour of love. Paul, our warehouse manager has spent many hours after work filling the air with various bashing, clanging and banging noises (punctuated with the occasional cuss-word) to build the frame and bodywork. It has been a group effort though and our artwork team have also been channeling their excess creativity into decorating it with crazy paintwork, music, trinkets and other assorted tat.

Last weekend ‘The Manila Thrilla’, as she has been christened was checked over by the judges ahead of the race. She also met the competition, including an Angry Birds birdbox, a pirate ship, a snail and a souped-up wheelie bin. If you’ve ever wondered which of those would be fastest in a race, now is your chance to find out. The brave/foolhardy onboard crew will be the Artwork Team pairing of David Yeung at the wheel and Elizabeth Gilson in the passenger seat.

The event is run to raise money for the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance and you can visit our donations page at www.justgiving.com/alpha-beatz.

The race takes place next Sunday, 11th September. The time trials commence at 1.30pm from the junction of Church Road and Spring Lane to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Cookham Dean.

All spectators/cheerleaders would be warmly welcomed. It promises to be a great day, so if you’re available, pack a picnic, bring the kids, bring your friends and join in the madness!

A few highlights from last year’s race