On Wednesday 22 September we travelled after two lovely weeks in Scotland to Bishop Auckland in North England in order to join the Elddis Owners Club rally. “We” are two couples, Gré & Henk Tol and Corrie & Piet van Leeuwen. On the approach to the rugby grounds we encountered many hidden bumps. They were so hidden that Henk missed the first one and crossed the bump with 30 mph, thus causing the opening of all the cupboard doors in the nicely cleaned caravan interior. Needless to say that all the contents were spreaded on the carpet. Yes, also the jam and honey jars.

On the rugby grounds Tom Stobbs welcomed us. His assistants guided us to a pitch, which was measured with painstaking punctuality and had to manoeuvre the caravan close to an inch. After having put the van in order, we went looking for the facilities. We found one water tap, one disposal for the chemical toilet and NO electricity. In the meantime many club members of British and Dutch origin had arrived. The Dutchmen were all positioned in one row.

At about 8.00 pm we all were invited to come to Tom’s caravan for welcome coffee and tea. We all gathered under a huge awning and some umbrellas because of the rain and enjoyed the warm drinks and cake. After some time we noticed that everyone had gone to their dry, warm and cosy caravans except Tom, Joy and Ken and a few rally staff members and the seven Dutch couples (the Dutch took advantage because of the free drinks) and all together we had a good time.

The next day we spend in Bishop Auckland, walked along the river next to the camping grounds and at about 8 pm we attended the quiz night in the canteen, well organized by Tom. Because of Tom’s accent most of the Dutch had some trouble understanding the questions but with help from our English friends we managed to give answers (although you had to be British to find the right answers, nevertheless it was good fun). One answer to a specific question we’ll never forget. We found out, you can pronounce the word “kiwi” in different ways. For details, pleas ask Tom. As a spontaneous reaction to the “British” quiz, the Dutch ladies put together a Dutch version, which was presented by Lida Vermeulen. The winners were those on Ken Wootton’s table and as a reward they were allowed to sing al little song. Wonderful!

Friday the Dutch team visited Beamish, which was very much appreciated. Than Saturday had come and we all lined up to go to Consett, home of the Elddis caravans. Guided by a very friendly assistant of Tom, we drove in convoy through a very scenic landscape to the factory. Divided into groups we were guided by Stuart Hicks through the production departments in the factory. We all were very impressed by the machinery, the tidiness, the well-organised work schemes and the explanation of our guide (head of the wood processing department). Side panels, dozens of cupboards, doors in all sizes, front panels, nuts and bolts; you wonder how it all can stick together, especially when you wear in mind Henk’s hidden bump last Wednesday.

After the tour we were introduced as real VIP’s to members of management. As a souvenir we all received a marvellous wooden plaque, especially engraved for the visiting members of the Dutch Elddis Owners Club and one extra for our chairman, who had to attend a rally in the Netherlands. At the end of the day we came together in the clubhouse for a supper. This was nicely served and tasted great, we thought we were dining in a 5 star restaurant (well, almost)! Then, after supper it was party night! There was a live singer, a raffle and lots of fun. All the Dutch and British had a great time with dancing, drinking and chatting.

After closing time we found the camping ground illuminated, so you had no trouble finding the way to your van. Superb! Sunday was Corrie’s (my wife) birthday. We had a small but fine birthday party next to our caravan with coffee and cake. Very special! In the afternoon chairman Ken Wootton and his Joy came to us and handed to Henk (who was also our rally captain) an easy to carry flagpole. We were very pleased with it and erected the pole immediately and put in top the biggest Dutch flag (10 square inches) we had with us. It certainly drew some attention! In the meantime a lot of people were breaking up because they had to work the oncoming week. Most of them came along to say goodbye. Very kind and heart-warming.

Monday morning had come, we lowered the flag, hummed our national anthem and gathered for the last time to drink “make yourselves scarce” coffee and left the grounds. Looking back, we had a great time in the UK and especially during the Bishop Auckland rally. Many thanks to Tom and his team for making us feel very welcome! Greetings from Piet van Leeuwen
(Translation by Hans Vermeulen)

We arrived Saturday at 2pm so cannot report on Friday night, but arrived to snow on the ground on a very nice (white) site. It was only our second Rally but we recognised a few faces. Mid afternoon all the fit (brave) ones were like Jack and Jill. We walked to the top of the hill (no pail of water!) and walked back down again!! We enjoyed good company and food at the Carnarvon Arms Saturday evening.

At flag on Sunday morning two ladies had to apologise to Steve for waking him from his beauty sleep, handing in quiz sheets at midnight was not recommended! but they were forgiven. Good quiz, good raffle, good company. Thanks to all concerned.

Eighteen vans and Two Motorhomes arrived over Thursday and Friday for Jim and Janet Longly’s annual Christmas Dinner Rally at Torksey. Lincoln Christmas Market was the object of many trips out on Friday and Saturday. With around 300 stalls located around the Castle, Lawns visitor centre, Westgate and the Cathedral it was no wonder the adverts say this is probably the largest in Europe. Shoppers have a range of quality goods, locally produced crafts, specialist foods and seasonal entertainment to keep them busy and the one-way system is definitely needed to keep the crowds moving.

There were three birthdays, Darren, Charlotte and Pauline and two wedding anniversaries, 43 years for Albert & Pauline Sanderson, and 27 years for Len & Hazel Stoneman during the Rally. At tea and coffee on Thursday evening, Len asked all the other ralliers if they had a long steady winder as his had been left at the Explorer Factory during yet another trip to sort out their problems. They said that without the steadies down, the van was bouncing up and down when the dog rolled over at night (don’t blame the dog). A trip to Torksey Caravans produced a replacement winder and the steadies were lowered and the van stopped rocking just in time for their wedding anniversary!

Saturday evening saw everyone decamp to the Hume Arms for the Christmas Dinner where we were joined by four fair weather members Arthur and Joan Roberts and David & Christine Rhys. The meal of three courses was quickly served and everyone had a choice of main meal from Traditional Turkey, Rump Steak, Salmon or a vegetarian alternative.

All too soon it was time to say our thanks to Jim and Janet for such a good evening and Arthur Roberts was asked to present Tony & Fran Illingworth with their 50th Rally Plaque. At flag on Sunday morning, Christmas cake, mince pies and a chocolate log accompanied tea and coffee. The Christmas cake was the subject of the guess the weight competition, which was won by Serena Medley. The competition raised just under £20 for the children’s charity, which included a donation from the Hume Arms. Kath & Danny Taylor with a total of 29 out of 30 won the Christmas tune quiz.

Tony Illingworth presented Jim & Janet with their well earned Marshals Plaque and Graham & Joyce Bradley their Assistant Marshals Plaque and wished everyone a Happy Christmas.

There was a surprise visit from Father Christmas who distributed presents to Charlotte and James Medley. After Flag, those who were due back at work on Monday reluctantly left for home, leaving just nine units to enjoy the remainder of the Rally.

On Monday a further four took their leave while the weather was still dry and sunny. Thanks for a wonderful Rally Jim and Janet, it is booked for next year you say, so if you missed it this year, make a note in your diary for 2005.