| Whilst the Beermountain team are in it for the
adventure, not the honour or the glory, we have introduced a system of
awards over the years - these are in recognition of conduct beyond even
our expectations, usually in the face of a couple too many beers. The
following list summarises some of our most prestigious decorations and
their background. Team members usually only wear them on ceremonial
occasions, or when on display duties. When someone is awarded the same
decoration more than once, this is noted by the addition of a gold or
silver cluster on the ribbon. You can see this on the
team profiles page.
It should also be noted that it is possible for non
Beermountain team members to be eligible for certain awards. In 2004
Mark &Tracy (PC Pirates) were each awarded a Beer Cross for their
actions in saving our team from set up disaster...
Here is a summary
of our decorations (in order of dress):
Beer Cross (BC)
Only awarded for extreme acts of bravery (or
stupidity?- Ed) in the face of the "enemy". The ultimate Beermountain
decoration. Our leader wears one with pride, but we are not sure what
for - he doesn't like to talk about it, proud hero that he is!
Distinguished Firework Cross (DFC)
First awarded in 1996, the medal recognises those
who risk all to protect others from the regular firework disasters that
take place on the campsite. Three team members have been awarded this
decoration, all from incidents on the infamous Houx Annexe. One non team
member was also awarded this medal in 1999 for surviving a near rocket
miss in what we thought was dead ground from our launch location. He
said it reminded him of a Vietnam war movie.
Distinguished Swimming Pool Order
(DSO)
Awarded for bravery in the paddling pool. Jazzy got
one in 2000 for rescuing a drunk, and Chef got one in 2003 for jumping in a pool which Toad
was trying to fix a live mains pump in.
Campaign Stars
A team member is awarded a Star for surviving a
tour of duty on each campsite they stay at. Completion of 2 or more
stays at any one campsite entitles the team member to wear a Cluster for
the Star.
Houx Star
Houx Annexe Star
Technoparc Star
Maison Blanche Star
Distinguished Driver's Medal (DDM)
Awarded to any member of the team who has a run in
with local law enforcement whilst driving for the team. Only ever
awarded to 2 of our team - Buzz for his courage in the face of the enemy
in 2003, and Phil B (aka "Mr Plate") for (just) surviving the breathalyzer in
1994.
Purple Bottle
Awarded for any non specific beer injuries
sustained at the race. Most of the team have more than one of these.
Arch de Triomphe
A decoration for those who fought to construct our
team Arch, which comes in a thousand pieces and has to be assembled
sober in the heat of the sun. The only one awarded has gone to Doctor so
far, as it's such an undertaking we have not built one for a couple of
years.
Keeper of the Beermountain
The ceremonial decoration for the senior team
member. However, in a break with tradition, Toad handed this honour to
Jazzy in 2002 when he completed his tenth tour of duty.
Order of the BBQ
Usually given to any cook who provides cuisine to
the team which they are able to digest. A largely ceremonial title, but
much admired in the catering profession.
|
