We arrived mid afternoon on a chilly Friday, but were quickly shown to our pitch by Chris Jones and settled in for the weekend. A well drained field adjacent to the Boars Head pub, with the delights of Shropshire and Cheshire all at hand.

Friday evening we were all offered tea and coffee and grateful thanks went to Janet’s father for the fruit cake which was devoured with delight (and grateful seconds).

Saturday came and many ventured off to the local garden centres or indeed to Nantwich or Market Drayton, some even heading over to Wrexham! The evening social was a meal in the said local hostelry and was followed by a quiz, to which interlopers were spotted, and of course you guessed it – they won! How unfortunate they were not there to collect a prize the next day, which was seized upon by Pussy and Paris in their absence. The Rally quiz involved identification of abbreviations such as MRSA! Etc etc and was nobly won by Bob and Jen Sandy.

Sunday came all too quickly and flag was held and Chris and Janet were thanked by Steve Lickley for the Rally and to everyone for their support at this time of year. The writer will be venturing northwards again soon to make further enquiries re Pussy and Paris.

When we arrived at Pinewood we were greeted by our host, Derek Pedder. For many this was the first Rally of the year, and a great chance to catch up with people we had not seen over the winter. Throughout the weekend people visited many places. Whitby, Scarborough and Filey were all close by, each with their own attractions. Derek had mentioned places to shop, and I think this was appreciated by all.

On Saturday evening we met in the local Scout hut, with Derek arranging a ferry service to take people to the hall if they did not wish to drive. The usual fine spread of food was on hand, and I'm sure I speak for all when I say we were all well fed.

The traditional Easter Bonnet parade took place, and what a colourful and skilful display they made.

All too soon it was Monday and time for flag, where thanks were given to Derek, Freda and their many helpers for what had been an enjoyable Easter. After flag, most chose to leave due to the near constant rain and mist over the week-end. Due to the slope of the field, extra help was required by many, and this help was supplied by Land Rover Discovery and Defender.

Thanks again must go to Derek and Freda who throughout the Rally had a happy and cheery smile at all times, despite the weather condition.

The new venue was approached through a housing estate that totally belied its country setting. Marshals Vic & Barbara Oakley’s warm greeting offset the early Easter date. It was to be an action packed weekend climaxing with the Pea Shooter Championship. There was to be tea coffee and hot cross buns virtually every day.

Vic had inveigled Ken and Joy to be Assistant Marshals and was adding an extra section to the two awnings to ensure all the Ralliers from the 10 outfits could be accommodated undercover for the evening activities.

On Thursday evening Vic welcomed us to the Rally and passed out coffee tea and home baked cake from Holly & Jim Barnicott, who were celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary on the Rally. And yes we stayed and talked and talked.

Friday evening get-together started with tea coffee and hot cross buns, then a fairly innocuous game of card bingo led to allegations of fixing and there being a LUCKY pack. So Vic tried a quiz with the questions delivered from a CD, as usual there were vociferous allegations of wrong answers (Pluto the smallest planet?). Who’d be a Rally Marshal? At the end of Friday Jim and Janet James were leading the quiz and had the highest number of wins at card bingo.

Saturday evening started with a Fish and Chip supper, then card bingo - another table grabbed the lucky pack and for a while it seemed to work but Jim’s determination to win chocolate eggs came back to the fore. Part two of the CD quiz led to hilarity when an electric supply failure caused the CD to loose its position and Vic struggled to realign, only for another supply cut to force him to start yet again.

Sunday saw Vicar Mike Jones getting up and leaving before 7am for an early morning service, he admitted the Bacon Butties being issued to all worshippers was an incentive - sadly even that wasn’t enough to bring about conversions and the rest of the Ralliers stayed snug in their beds. At 11am the Lady Ralliers were let loose by Vic & Barbara to find hidden Easter eggs. Much misdirection was given by the male Ralliers.

Sunday afternoon saw the grand opening of “Joy & Babs’ Olde Tea Shoppe” with a delicious array of sarnies and home made cakes and buns; this was to celebrate Joy’s Birthday. This was a prelude to the Pea Shooter Championship. Now a serious competitive streak manifested itself. Earlier there had been rumours of secret training sessions, knobbling judges, hi-tech equipment, and various other dirty deeds – and all this within the Elddis Club famed far and wide for its friendly gentility. Helpful advice was proffered – Blow, don’t suck! Put the pea in the mouth end! And many more ribald comments that can’t be repeated in polite company. At the end of a bitter fought contest it was local lad and part time vicar Mike Jones who triumphed, in the Ladies section Sue Jones kept it in the family.

Flag on Monday saw Marshal Vic thanking all for coming, then presenting Mike and Sue with winners Scrolls of Honour and extracting promises they would organize next years championship. Mike joked the choir would not go to sleep at any more of his services. Vic then apologized to Mr. Redhead (site owner) for the expected crop of peas. Being a busy boy he then presented Joy with a Birthday Card, Holly & Jim with an Anniversary card and Doreen & Clive with a Hundredth Rally Card plus the Quiz prize, their cheating had improved for part two so they pipped Janet & Jim to first place. Then Jim James presented Vic & Barb with their Marshal Plaque, Joy & Ken with their Assistants Plaque. Then Ken presented Doreen & Clive with a new style Hundredth Rally Plaque – very stylish. Finally Barb presented Vic with a bruise for forgetting to thank her.

It was a great Rally and really enjoyed by all.