the 'podpadders' | |
podpads past | |
podpads present | |
podpads future |
A professional woodworker and an amateur filmmaker, Roland lives near Bath with his partner and a veritable family of pets and rescued wildlife. It was Roland who had the original 'podpad' idea, when he unexpectedly announced in the pub one evening in June '04 ~ "This year, I am going to build a house from wood (at Glastonbury Festival)".
Less than 12 hours later, the 'podpadders' were on the phone to one another, agreeing what a great idea it was, and so the 'podpad' was hatched.
A project manager, living in Bath with his partner and 3 daughters has worked on many exhibitions and events both in the UK and mainland Europe. Robbie has always seen and believed in the potential of the 'podpad' and is keen to see the idea come to fruition and further develop to beyond the UK.
Back in 2004 there were three. The original 'podpadders - Roland, Robbie and Tim - had regularly attended festivals in the past, usually in a working or performing capacity. Prior to the launch of the 'podpad' at Glasto'05, the team had been working together, backstage at the Bandstand at the heart of the Glastonbury Marketplace, setting up the sound desk, lock-up, changing rooms and other useful areas backstage.
Already a 3D designer, Tim developed Roland's idea and, created the first sketches of the wooden house and gave it the 'deck of cards' theme. Tim went on to design and create the working drawings for the successful 2005 production model and later added the iconic sunflower solar panels in 2006. He resigned from Podpads in 2007 and continues to run his successful 3D exhibition design company - Leyshon Limited.
Back to topTHE 'PODPAD' has landed...
Well, to be more honest ~ The 'podpad....s' have landed...
You see, it was a Sunday afternoon in June 2004, somewhere in a farmer's field not far from Glastonbury, Somerset in England, where they were first sighted.
The area, known as the Vale of Avalon, was a magical place and was not unused to strange sightings, however this one was a tad different, the reason for which will become clear soon.
They seemed to come from nowhere and yet.... there was life in those 'pods'...
Those 'pods', (there were 6 of them) that quickly became known as 'Glastopods', were soon to be talked about more than even Sir Paul McCartney who, less than a week later, appeared only 150 metres away in front of 50,000 fans, seemingly unaware of their existence.
However, the local residents were very aware of their existence as they became the talk of the neighbourhood and, far from the all too common NIMBYism which permeates through British society today, it became clear that the locals actually liked having the 'Glastopods' and the 'podders' in their Back Yard. In fact, many asked if they could take a 'Glastopod' home with them (presumably to put in their back yard)... tho' not the 'podders'. Even more people asked if the 'podders' would be coming back next year and, if they were, could they bring some more 'Glastopods' with them for them to live in.
You see, that particular week in that farmer's field in Glastonbury, Somerset in England was the week of the Glastonbury Festival, a week well known for its out of body experiences and visions beyond the usual limits and expectations. They came from far afield (and beyond) for the music, cabaret, circus and all round good vibes, yet the 'Glastopods' remained on site but out of sight, tucked away backstage, behind the Bandstand in F Market.
Now, the following Monday, the site emptied, as tens of thousands made their weary way home, but what happened then to the 'Glastopods' and the resident 'podders'?
Well, that really is where the story begins... You see that Monday night under the cover of darkness all six 'pods' disappeared almost as mysteriously as they had landed a week earlier.
The 3 leading 'podders' came outside and looked around them. It was all clear... and so they set to their task in hand. In no time at all, they had broken down the 'pods', had flatpacked them and had loaded them onto a trailer and were off on their way.
Where to? I hear you ask...
To a remote barn, 15 miles away, near Bath is the reply.... (and that is probably too much information already).
Back to topSo, what came next?
Well, the 3 leading 'podpadders' decided to listen to their Glasto neighbours and work towards satisfying those demands for more 'Glastopods' next year... However, there has been interest from other areas and accordingly the 'Glastopod' has given way to the newly named ~ 'podpad'. There have been other changes too...
Having landed in 2004, the 'PODPAD' truly took off in 2005....
and, has already proved far more popular than anybody could have imagined.
A successful return to the Glastonbury Festival in 2005 saw a 'podvillage' of 27 accommodation units being set up in the Hospitality Guest area behind the Pyramid Stage. These were advertised within the industry via emails to possibly interested parties on the Monday and within 24 hours all 'podpads' had been fully booked and customers being turned away.
With the likes of Coldplay, Radio1 and the NME management opting for the alternative luxury accommodation on offer and Michael Eavis allowing a 'podterrace' of 5 units for guests on his front lawn, the 3 'podders' were in for a busy few weeks.
Improvements to the design were made for ease of construction on site and for increased comfort inside. Production was underway and soon lorries were being loaded again for that trip to Avalon.
That week, setting up the 'podcamp' in the hottest conditions of the year, nobody anticipated the early Friday morning alarm call, which came in the form of the most severe thunderstorm and flash floods in living memory.
With the Pyramid Stage, Dance Tent and Farmhouse being struck by lightning, the residents in their new 'podpads' remained snug, smug and totally dry. This earned the 'podpads' the award of "Best Tent" in the NME's competition for 'Best Tent/Worst Tent' competition.
The intention was always to bring the Festival Spirit to the Backstage area where corporate symbols and Winnebagos were beginning to dominate the scene. It was also never intended to be a financial rip-off and the 'podpads' went out at less than £200 for the basic unit for 2 people for up to 4 nights.
The result was 32 very happy customers and 3 very happy 'podpadders'.
Immediately following Glastonbury, the 'podpads' made an appearance at a "Save the Rainforests" weekend party near Bath.
Before the end of this summer there were 3 more Festivals to be visited.
A small camp of 'podpads' went North for the LEEDS leg of the Leeds/Reading weekend before meeting up with the rest of the stock and, their first trip overseas to Eire and the fabulous ELECTRIC PICNIC in Stradbally. All 32 'podpads' were let out in the Boutique Camping Area with its superior PoshWash facilities and tipi neighbours.
The finale of the summer was another overseas adventure to the Isle of Wight and BESTIVAL with its crazy Fancy Dress Party and unique Festival atmosphere. Again all 32 'podpads' were prebooked by some great guests including RADIO1 prizewinners and some very famous personnel.
Wearily, on the Tuesday back up the A36 to that cold drafty barn outside Bath for the 'podpads' and, that warm bubbly bath in Bath for the 'podders'.
Back to topAgain, to repeat my earlier question - "So, what came next?"
Well, having had such a great 2005, things could only get better (or could they? That was a great summer...).
'podpads' are now established on the Festival scene and want to develop their presence with improved product and camp environment upgrades. We have already introduced better lighting and 12v power to the units, solar powered of course.
For details of availability, prices and bookings, go to our BOOK NOW page.
Remember, we will do all the work, you simply need to turn up, live in the ready set-up 'podpad' accommodation and leave when you have completed your business.
The future possibilities remain endless. A range of different sizes and themes/board games/villages are all on the drawing board.
We want to design innovative and crazy themes as well as practical and functional temporary housing which takes the strain out of camping at realistic prices.
If you have any ideas for themes/designs, we would love to hear from you. Where possible we will try and cater for individual needs and wishes. Corporate themed weekends are all presently on the drawing-board.
We can cater for private parties, themed weddings and corporate functions if required.
Remember we want to hear from you, so watch this space and keep in touch, because....
Very soon now....A 'podpad' could be landing, Right where you're standing....
Back to topor resting.