It is always a delight to go to a new site and this one was a smasher. The period before had been wet – very wet, and Mandy had been visiting the site to revise the area to be used, and check her plans and arrangements would work. Mandy welcomed us, the 6 lucky outfits, and told us despite the bucolic setting, there was a big Free Port shopping area less than 10 minutes by car available to us, the farm had a café and we would be in the café on Saturday night. And there was a quiz – all animal related. But the most important thing was Mandy had organised the sun to be there. The site feels to be deep in the country but is really tucked away behind a nice little village with shops and pubs only 10 minutes walk away. The Farm is – well the only word for it is quaint. They have a large paddock with pet goats, ponies, sheep, hens, guinea fowl and a fair sized pond with ducks and geese that know they own the area, and they do not move for cars. Oh and a barmy peacock who was at war with his reflection in one of the Farmer’s cars. There was a farm shop selling jams, farm produced meats, home made cakes and vegetables, plus big bags of horse and other pet foods.

Saturday saw us sitting out trying to do the quiz then giving up and going to spend money – it’s easier. As we gather for the evening Mandy’s surreal happening was played out – a big white rabbit came running through the garden with Sue Lord our host chasing after – Alice in Wonderland immediately came to mind. Still it put us in the mood to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Sunday morning bright and early and Mandy was busy baking scones for flag, I don’t know how she has the time, but really it is because her whole family is there sharing the jobs. It is a shame that there is only one little piece of plastic with which to say thank you, which Clive did, on our behalf.

Mandy, you, Drew, Tiffany and Nathaniel did us proud, and with such a nice quirky site we are looking forward to your next rally there.

LAZY SUMMER DAYS BY THE RIVER.

Fourteen caravans and one motorhome arrived at Lickhill Manor to a damp field - but we all had electricity. The weather over the ten days varied from two days when we couldn’t get out of the van for rain, and eight days of mixed, but one or two of them were really hot, which helped to dry the field.

This rally was held on a commercial site - hence the electric- but unfortunately it did have some draw backs, due to the number of other rallies being held there. Plus individual campers/vans scattered on the very large field, which was fairly full on both weekends. Our Rally Marshals and their Assistants looked after us all and put on a good event with barbecues on each Saturday. There were a number of Birthday’s during the rally, but the best was Ben McElroy’s on Sunday 8th, when we all had some special birthday cake and iced buns made by Hayley. Geoff ‘The clown’ visited us and entertained in his well known manner- the kids loved it.

On Tuesday the 10th, we all made our way to the "Brinton Arms" for a bar meal, which coincided with Susan Jones’ Birthday. The Jones’ & the Parkinson’s had gone a little earlier and we all followed about 10 minutes later in convoy. On entering the dining room we burst into song with ‘Happy Birthday to You’. On the opposite side of the river, a Steam Rally was being held which started on Friday 13th with a pop group tuning up early evening and playing until midnight.

On Saturday the Steam Rally seemed to start proper and a few members walked round (approx 4 miles). There was plenty of noise on Saturday, but it finished with a Firework Display.

To our Rally Marshal and his helpers: A BIG THANKYOU!

1st Time ralliers Ray & Jan Woolgar, Sophie & Josh

What a top rally field Steve and Petra have found for us behind the Bubble Car Museum at Cranwell. The grass was super flat and Bowling Green short. The on site museum dedicated to the bubble cars of my late dads era was full to bursting with immaculately restored cars including some owned by the rich and famous.

On Saturday evening there was a 70's theme with some fantastic clobber being worn by the members (see photo-right).

It had been Stewart Sellers' 40th Birthday earlier in the week so with the large stash of booze he provided a good time was had by all!!! When we went to tidy up the gazebo on Sunday morning, we were surprised to find everything had already been tidied up and all the empties bagged up and in the recycling bins. So, a very BIG thank you to the 3 Lads from the north!

Thanks were given to Steve and Petra at flag for running yet another brilliant rally and the workers returned home, including Petra and Jordan. I have it on good authority that poor Steve was kept from getting lonely on Sunday evening with a visit from the northern boys and a beer sampling evening!!

Photo left - Paul & Janic McArdle Receiving a plaque for 100 rallies.

Photo right - Jim & Pauline Bell New Ralliers at Cranwell.

Gerry and Betty Morris have found a lovely venue at Orchard Farm. We were very impressed with the flat, beautifully mown grass. We quickly took advantage of the electric points and handy water tap. Eventually we discovered that the Elsan disposal point was the best we’d ever used.

Twelve outfits arrived on Thursday to be greeted by Betty with a nice cup of tea. Brian Smith had provided a marquee attached to the Rally Marshal’s awning and each evening we all managed to squeeze in for social chat, dubious jokes, drinks & games. We also had a BBQ night and a fish and chip supper.

There are plenty of places to visit, Southsea, Portsmouth and Chichester and pretty villages around Chichester Harbour, in fact a perfect holiday centre.

On Tuesday flag was held, because one or two ralliers were obliged to leave early. Jim and Holly Barnicott left early to set up the field for the follow on rally at Ower Romsey and Brian and Jean also left the next day to go on a cruise to celebrate their Silver Wedding. However, on Tuesday evening we all gathered in the marquee so that Brian could present Gerry and Betty with their well earned plaque and our thanks.

Please book this venue again next year. It was excellent.

Ascot at Belvoir castle. Twelve horseboxes arrived at Belvoir Castle for the 2007 ‘Racing Event’. As the boxes were opened, Nags, Stallions, Fillies and Colts emerged. The site is overlooking the Vale of Belvoir, a view not to be missed.

On Saturday people set off to visit local places. On Saturday evening we assembled for a summer tea supplied by our hosts, Steve and Petra, of scones and jam followed by strawberries and cream. I’m informed that Master Chef Steve cooked the scones, they were recommended by all; Come to think of it I can’t remember having six-sided scones before! After tea the Ascot fashion parade commenced, Ladies, Gents and Young people dressed in their finery. Winner for the Girls was Charlotte, for the boys, Dominic, for the Ladies the lovely Janice McArdle. Following the parade Steve paraded the horses for an evening of racing and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. One of the junior jockeys fell at the third fence but remounted and won, well done Charlotte! The evening was really enjoyable finishing with nature giving a wonderful show across the vale, of lightning and thunder which was watched by quite a few. Steve thanked Stewart for the use of the horse racing equipment and everyone who dressed for the occasion.

Steve Borg thanked Steve and Petra for running such a great rally. George then presented Steve and Petra with their ‘One Hundredth Rally Plaque’ and Jordan with a cup.

From the rest of the ralliers - Thank you for a great rally!