Eleven outfits arrived at this lovely venue on Thursday to be greeted and sited by Malcolm and Alf. At 8pm there was coffee/biscuits served at the Marshals van, and we were all welcomed to the rally.

On Friday evening the ‘week-enders’ arrived, who were welcomed at Coffee, making a total of 23 outfits. The weather was very good to us with wall to wall sunshine which carried on thro’ the Saturday social. A lovely meal was provided on the field. What more could we want, good company, good weather and good food.

Sunday saw us all assemble for coffee and flag, again another fine day. Malcolm, Margaret and Paul were presented with their ‘Rally Marshals plaque’ and Alf, Joyce and Lynda with their ‘Assistants plaque’.

Monday and Tuesday were free days giving everyone a chance to explore the beauties of this area. Unfortunately the weather didn’t hold out for coffee and the close of the rally on Wednesday evening, and the event had to be held in the ‘pig pen’ as it has become known.

There were three birthdays this weekend, Tony Illingworth (who provided wine on Saturday – lovely) Tony Martin and Keith Simpson. Thanks to Malcolm, Margaret and Paul for taking over this rally at reasonably short notice, and to Alf, Joyce and Lynda for doing a very good job in assisting them.

Lovely weather as we arrived at Flamborough ready for 10 days at Sue and Peter's rally. About 40 vans attended, with some people (poor workers!!) arriving and departing over the two weekends.

Thursday and Friday evening there were get togethers to welcome us all and explain the competition, (song titles to be drawn and put in our van windows), all very good fun and it got people mixing and talking. A lovely part of the country to explore, Scarborough, Filey, Flamborough and the Yorkshire Moors are all within easy distance.

Saturday saw us gathering in the W.I. Hall for a lovely afternoon tea, followed by one of Peter's famous quizzes. Wednesday we gathered in the Village Hall for fish and chips, and Friday we enjoyed tea and coffee again with everyone and were treated to a glass of wine and celebratory cake for Bob Robinson's 60th birthday. All this eating and drinking was obviously to get us in training for the excellent meal prepared for us on Saturday evening by our Rally Marshals and helpers. We had a 'top table' situation, with a decorated hall to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Neil and Margaret Holding. Another glass of wine and a beautiful cake, (presented by Margaret Gillance who had joined us for the evening), plus a bouquet of flowers from all the ralliers will help Neil and Margaret to remember this special occasion. But perhaps they would like to forget the next bit as there then followed an unexpected surprise, a 'renewal of vows' ceremony to mark the occasion, with Margaret Short and Thelma Hey as very inappropriately attired bridesmaids, Derek Child as ring bearer and Malcolm Jagger officiating.

Sunday turned out a scorching day and at flag we all sweltered as appropriate thanks were said. Tony Illingworth presented John and Mary Empson with their ‘200th Rally Plaque’, Graham and Joan Harrison with their ‘150th Rally plaque’ and Neil and Margaret Holding with their ‘200th Rally Plaque’. He welcomed ‘New Ralliers’ Tracey, Paul and Keaton Shaw and Peter gave a birthday card to John Harrison.

The winner of the competition was Christine Rhys who must have done a lot of peering into windows, well done! Arthur Roberts thanked Sue and Peter for a wonderful rally and Assistant Marshals Graham, Joan and Diane, David and DJ, for their help and support.

We all had a great time, in a lovely part of the country and thanks to all who made this possible. Let's look forward to a big helping of the same thing next year.

At our first rally last year, we were told, “You must come to the rally at Cuckoo’s Corner, and you won’t see the kids all weekend!” Not see a pair of teenage children? Not hear the ubiquitous teenage cry of “I’m bored!” Now that’s too good to be true. Would it be worth the 450+ mile round trip? Well, we went and we didn’t see the kids: they were too busy helping Wally to feed the animals; emptying the bins; collecting the grass cuttings for the animals and having the freedom to wander this wonderful child friendly site.

Friday evening was quiet, with the kids finding their way around the site and making new friends whilst the adults sat after flag, chatting until dark. Saturday dawned, bright, sunny and hot, VERY hot! During the afternoon a water fight began, Steve was heard to repeat several times: “No, Lawrence you are NOT allowed to get wet!” To no avail, Lawrence and the other children appeared at their relevant ‘vans, absolutely soaking wet! Grinning from ear to ear - they (and a couple of adults) had had a great time!

A BBQ tea was followed by the funniest ‘serious’ games we have ever participated in - the lowest score won! Then came the campfire, as Scouters my children were in their element! And so to bed at midnight – even later for some night owls. At 7.30a.m I awoke to another day of bright sunshine and ......no kids! They were up, dressed, packed, and off playing with their new friends....”We didn’t want to wake you Mum!” Were there any negatives? Yes-just one: some adults seemed to have forgotten how to be children!

Chores were done with no fuss, we didn’t see the children for hours, and the cry “I’m bored!” was not uttered once. Was it worth driving for more than 5 hours in both directions? You bet it was!