Ashbourne cancelled!

**andyr** · 9th July 12, 11:32 AM

Unfortunately the Ashbourne gathering is cancelled this year due to severe flooding. Unlucky, as it was also cancelled in 2009 for the same reason.

From the website:-

"The committee of the Ashbourne Highland Gathering regret to announce that the 2012 Highland Gathering has had to be cancelled.
This is due to waterlogging of the recreation ground and standing water on the car parking areas coupled with the fact that the weather forecast predicts rain every day for the week leading up to the event.

This is not a decision which was made lightly but the source of the problem can be seen from the following photographs which were taken last Friday in and around the Highland Gathering site and car parks."

http://www.ashbournegathering.com/images/Page.html

I'm thinking of coming down to Harpenden now, with the lovely Mrs R.

**English Bloke** · 9th July 12, 01:27 PM

I appreciate it's flooding that has caused the cancellation but it did seem a bit odd that the only two highland events in Englandshire had chosen to compete against each other in terms of date. Surely there would be more people attending both if they had them on different days, not to mention availability of competing athletes and bands... I'd certainly go to both if my work calendar allowed.

Just a thought for next years planning.

**andyr** · 9th July 12, 01:39 PM

I also thought it was strange that the same date was chosen. I would have certainly attended both! With regards to them being the only two highland events in England, there is also the very tiny Corby Highland Gathering to consider. Myself and Mrs R went to it yesterday to see my father competing. It's mostly a pipe band competition (grades 3 and 4) and highland dancing.

http://www.corbyhighlandgathering.co.uk/

**freddie** · 9th July 12, 01:56 PM

Yes, this is really sad news, like many I was so looking forward to it. Has anybody got any news about the Harpenden Highland Games, as I'll go to that (fingers crossed!!!). I've just tried their web site but it seems to be off line.

**andyr** · 9th July 12, 02:00 PM

Hi freddie, I've just checked http://www.harpenden-lions.co.uk/highland-gathering.php and it appears to be working. Some details from the site are:-

Sunday 15th July 2012
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Rothamsted Park
Harpenden AL5 2HU

Pipes and drums including

piping competition
Highland dancing

Highland games

42 Highland Regiment 1815

- Re-enactment Society
Arena Events
Climbing wall
Funfair
Crafters' Village

St. Albans City Band

Charity and Trade Stalls
Classic cars and motorbikes
Food and licensed bars
Fun run

£3.00 in advance by credit card online - available nearer the date.£6.00 at the gate.Children under 16 are FREE when accompanied by an adult.Programmes will be available from late June 2012 from local shops and other outlets in Harpenden, St. Albans and Luton area.

**English Bloke** · 9th July 12, 02:03 PM

Website is working OK Freddie. It's next Sunday (15Jul), 10 while 5. 3 quid in advance, 6 quid on the gate.

Website link is here: http://www.harpenden-lions.co.uk/highland-gathering.php

**freddie** · 9th July 12, 02:18 PM

Thanks John, I'll try the website again. At least you didn't say it was cancalled.

**Grizzly** · 9th July 12, 02:19 PM

Hopefully those who were going to the Ashbourne games will now make the journey to Harpenden. Could be quite a meet up. I believe that the obligatory group photo will be 2.00pm at Chas's tent.

Its a shame that Ashbourne has been cancelled but agree that its bad planning to hold both events on the same day.