On Saturday 28th March over 100 keen splendid punters hustled and bustled up to Thistle Hall on Cuba St, with a simply splendid array of finery, frippery, decorated teapots and bribes for the Judges. (I will discuss the fine art of bribery in another post.) The range of ages was preschool to gold card recipients, all magnificently resplendent and from as far flung places such as Weymouth, UK. Eleven Teapot rigs were present, correct and cleared for take off.

It was indeed a splendid occasion with Colonel Hawthorn acting as master of events and myself and Julia Harris judging. We received 2 very fine bribes from Team ATC Mk1 and Team Tricerateapots. The freshly baked shortbread and chocolate was tremendously appreciated and it would be fair to say the judges could have happily coped with more……

It was great to have Capital! Steampunk NZ organize this event – my grateful and heartfelt thanks to Mrs Hudson and the Colonel. Thank you every one for your supreme efforts, the elegant turn out, splendid rigs and not least all you fine splendid people who travelled from the ends of the earth to be in attendance to support this event. The laughter, ooo’s and ahhh’s, the looks of horror and suspense on the faces of the attendees spoke more than my words can convey the delight and enjoyment of everyone present.
I just have to say that the Captain and I had so much fun and hilarity at the Wellington event I just can’t wait until Oamaru. In fact I was allegedly laughing so much at one point that may be or maybe not, I can’t really say for sure, I missed some fine booting of the rigs and not recording a few out of bounds and knock over’s. It was also entirely possible that I nearly abducted a small child to join the circus that is presumed to reside under my spacious crinoline. Huzzah Huzzah Huzzah!!!!!!!!

The results: Splendid Tea Pot Racing CubaDupa March 2015
Name -Time -Penalties -Placing /Award /comments
Tricerateapots Wellington
1.53, 0, Fastest – excellent form and bribery was appreciated
Orion – Greytown
1.56, 1, Most entertaining -Barbie on Steroids excellent twirling
Trapped – Wellington
2.30, Too many Did not complete all obstacles – a lot of ladylike booting of the rig with a very fine foot.
Stanley – Wellington
2.46, 10, First Drag Race, Jumped to his doom on the ramp however
Leviathan – Waikanae
2.50, 3, Model Round – made funny because of the size of the rig
ATC Mk1- Lower Hutt
2.54, 8, Challenge Cup and Best overall. Bribery, style, agility, costumes and team spirit these guys had it all including spillages and a rearing teapot
ETS- Dunedin
3.06, 4, The cutest and smallest teapot with impressive aerodynamics
RosyLee-Weymouth UK
3.21, Too many. First time attempt. The chintz covered teapot
had a lot of assistance from the foot.
Kraken Kruiser- Whangarei
3.45, Too many Not an exemplary round
Salty Sea Dog – Dunedin
N/C,Trouble with skiddy wheels – very embarrassing
Motor Morpheus – Dunedin
N/C, Tea Cosy of Doom Electrical connectivity issues – equally embarrassing, redeemed themselves in the drag race with a respectable second