Autumn 2005 Rally Reports - Part 3

Clanfield  
15th to 21st July 2005

On arriving at this idyllic site set in young willow trees, our Rally Marshals Len and Hazel asked us if we would like to park our caravan next to the river, yes please we said as it had views over open countryside.

We were joined by twenty one other units. Friday night cheese and biscuits welcomed us with a good chin-wag with friends. Saturday Hazel and Len put on a free air display with many military aeroplanes flying over on their way to a display.

We had a nice walk along the Thames down stream to the next lock on Monday, and back to the local pub for a nice meal. One day Geoff Jones and friends hired rowing boats and paddled part of the site until he went in the river for a swim! Our lady Rally Marshal went to the rescue and found much mud and weeds on her way out – no comment!

Many games were played in the evenings including trying to burst the plastic wine bag, jumping on it and falling over by our President: his wife said she was a lady of the knight and would rub his bruises. Well done Hazel and Len.

Ower Romsey   21st to 31st July 2005

A total of 18 vans which included 4 motor homes were welcomed to this popular site by Holly and Jim and their assistants Len and Hazel. The weather was changeable but we were able to get out and about visiting places in the surrounding areas, on the second Saturday we enjoyed being at a place called Cosholt from where we were able to watch the 1st day of Cowes week, never seen so many boats, we also watched several energetic windsurfers, when we got back to the site we were surprised to hear that they had some heavy downpours but we had nothing.

Thank goodness Robin had loaned us a marquee, because when we decided to BBQ it rained, and the marquee plus 2 gazebos came in handy for the social evening when we had some competitions and a few games of card bingo. Jean and Brian had their 23rd anniversary and Sylvia and Des had their 48th, both couples were presented with a bottle of wine and a card that had been signed by all the other ralliers.

All too soon the rally was over and we had to up legs and make our way to Wareham. A big thank you to mine hosts Holly and Jim and their Assistants Len and Hazel.

Stoke Bruerne  
22nd to 24th July 2005


This rally was held at a very pleasant site close to the Grand Union Canal. There was plenty to do and see without having to travel by car, everything was within easy walking distance. What more could you ask for a relaxing weekend?

Thirteen lucky units certainly enjoyed it! We were joined for the first time on an Elddis Rally by Steve Johnson, we all hope he enjoyed himself. On Saturday the weather was lovely, all of us doing our own thing in this pleasant area. The evening was rounded off by a communal barbecue and get together with an excellent apple pie and cream provided by our hosts.

Sunday was fine until flag when Gregg and Margaret, together with their hard working helpers Richard and Davina were presented with the official token of thanks from the club plus all of the ralliers. Also, a ‘100th Rally’ plaque was presented to Sarah Pharis – well done Sarah!

Thanks for an excellent weekend. Gregg said that this was the first rally he had ever run, you’d never have guessed it, it was well run, well chosen and all in all a very enjoyable weekend. If you’ve never been to this area, do try it, you won’t be disappointed, or better still, come next year if Gregg agrees to run it again – I hope he does!

It was nice to see some familiar faces, that of June Fowler and Margaret Gillance. June had come over every day to help Tom. Derek Pedder did the honours on Sunday morning. It was the afternoon before most weekenders left as the sun was still shining and the Rally finished on Tuesday. Thanks to everyone involved.

Nuneaton  
29th to 31st July 2005

Set in the heart of the North Warwickshire countryside, we were met on arrival by our hosts, Charles & Pauline Bayliss. The site has a Garden Centre adjacent and also a number of quaint shops including antiques, interior design, manicurist, clothes, souvenirs and a restaurant / cafe. There is also a small animal’s park for the children and they were able to feed the animals themselves.

One member even availed himself of the fishing facilities also on site. There happened to be a craft fair on the Saturday and many ralliers ventured through the goods on offer, some even bought something! Jackson’s Caravan Accessory Store was but 3 miles away and many ralliers took the opportunity to take a look around.

The weather was mostly sunshine with showers mixed in, but nothing to stop you eating as we did, at a communal BBQ on the Saturday - despite the large black clouds looming overhead.

Birthdays were celebrated by Vic Cookson and Petra Lickley, and all too soon the workers left for home with a few of us remaining until the Tuesday when the rally closed.

Assistants over the 5 days were John & Margaret Vernon. With super country views and walks, together with good friendship, we thank you all for a lovely week end.