It is pretty unacceptable that there was a theft from what is supposed to be the Millennium’s “secure” press tent, it is a part of the Millennium’s contract with media partners that the press area is secure and I feel bad for Henk that his bag was taken. Personally I have not really been happy with the level of security at most of the events this year, other than Bitburg where they rolled out the red carpet with the threat of paintball being banned there. Malaga I only ever saw a member of the Millennium staff in the press tent once, in Paris every time they put any drinks out for the media partners there were trade stand staff going in and cleaning it out, this event I took one look at it, saw no staff on the door and decided to take up the goodwill offered and park my stuff on a trade stand. However, I will say that Wendy, in Lars absence, did do a good job of handling the press and making sure there were drinks available, unlike the situation at other events.
Whoever took the bag, if you are part of the paintballing community, you should feel totally ashamed of yourself. Paintball photographers work their arses off at events and this is no way for them to be repaid. However, Henk has said that any information given leading to its recovery will be dealt with in a “no questions asked” manner and I am happy to pass information on if anyone has any.
As for the venue, it was OK, it certainly wasn’t the worst, Belgium as has been cited, and in my opinion, Toulouse last year, rock hard rutted fields, surrounded by Pikey camps!
On the subject of food, I have one simple rule, never buy anything on site! Exceptions have been made, but only after others have told me a) how good it is and b) how reasonably priced it is. I never expect the food at any outside catered event to be good and well priced and would rather go without or make other arrangements than get my wallet and my belly raped.
Especially when there are far too few portaloos, as witnessed by the fact that most, if not all of them were rank, blocked and devoid of tissue by Friday morning, let alone Sunday.