“A great success!”  “What a wonderful atmosphere!”  “I hope they’re going to do this every year!”

These were just some of the comments of the 400 or so partygoers at the first ever BARP Crop-over Fete held on Saturday 4th August 2007 in the spacious grounds of Guardian General Insurance at Upper Collymore Rock.

The crowds started to arrive from as early as 1pm and by 2 o’clock, the queues were already forming at the food tent, where a delicious lunch of chicken and rice, or pudding and souse, were served as part of the all inclusive price of admission.  Unlimited soft drinks, beer and wine were available to all, with only ‘spirits’ attracting a nominal charge.

Tables under the three massive tents soon filled with revellers who chatted with friends, old and new, whilst the sounds of the kind of music this crowd truly appreciates and enjoys, filled the air and tempted quite a few to get up and dance.

But there was little doubt that the highlight of the evening was always going to be the arrival on stage of the Merrymen.  And as expected, they drew the crowds to the dance floor, where the atmosphere was all that it should have been in celebration of Crop-over.

As the evening sun dipped low in the sky, the finale to a great party was the much anticipated conga line, in which it seemed all wanted to participate.

Fete organiser Frank DaSilva deserves full credit for planning and bringing together this highly successful event, which he promises will be repeated next year and will be "even bigger and better.”  Few can imagine how he could improve upon his efforts, but all are agreed – it was a great party that provided exactly the kind of entertainment that they wanted.

Such a good time was had by all, that it's easy to forget that this event was also planned to raise funds for the BARP Personal Assistance Fund which helps BARP members who find themselves in dire need.