We left Nong Phoc frankly amazed at what we had just participated in. The Balat, Nyock, Headmen and staff at the Oberjors Office of Khok Samran had done a magnificent job. Not only of the fixtures, fittings, bunting and displays, they had everything organised fantastically. Whatever lay ahead would be good if it matched Nong Phoc. We drove east back along the road, twenty eight kilometres to the school for our first hiccup. The coach would not fit under the entrance arch way, so it was a short walk to our next event.

Once we were seated and settled we were welcomed by the headmaster Mr Therdnakorn Hongsaeng. Our M/C's translated for us again but the staff of the Obajors office went ahead for the third phase of the Celebration. Previous headmaster's were introduced and spoke of how they were happy to see this day as the soldier's were part of the history of the school. The Nyamphur of Loeng Nok Tha was also introduced. We were being given refreshments as all this was happening including some delicious juicy melon which went down a treat.

Soon we were being entertained by the school traditional dance troop performing at first to recorded music. Their performance was a delight and it was smile's all round as they entertained us. The dancers left the stage and the boy's orchestra came on to perform. The teachers must be very proud of their students prowess. After playing us a folk number, the youngest girl dancer returned to dance solo with the band. Again, I found the performance's to be of a very high standard (slideshow for more pix).

The dance troop returned to perform once more and at the end the performers left the stage to loud applause. The Nyamphur of LNT seated next to Derek Marx stood to make a speech. We were to see more of him later. To one side of the shelter was a table containing artifacts left by the soldiers. The items on show were an earthenware medicine jar, mess tins, a pair of pliers a battered old ACC kettle and a pewter jug. The old school bell in use in 1968 and is still in use now. Also on show was a British Army bedstead from the school medical room left behind in 1968.

The Nyamphur finished his speech and we gathered around for the presentation of some sports equipment, a donation from OCA. Cue more picture taking with a final group shot of all the participants. OCA had another gift for the school. We had engaged the Photographer's in Loeng Nok Tha, to digitally enhance and edit old pictures of the school when the servicemen had lived and worked there. Three large framed pictures were made. Kinnaree and Kathaleeya Jackson helped Miss Dan-i Hiso from the photographers to make the presentation.

With the light fading it was time to leave the school and the lovely people who inhabit it. We'd had another memorable event but with different emotions attributable to it. This time we'd been delghted by the musical and dancing skills of the young children. The school obviously is short of money, but that didn't seem to affect the abilities and joy of the children. Presumably the staff overcome the lack of facilities and equipment with endevour. So it was time to depart with our Biker escort, to the main event of the day at Crown Airfield.