Janet & Alan Giles’ 200th rally.

These photos are to prove that we don’t always wear wellies!

Below the ladies at Walford

Below the gents at Walford

The venue for this rally is excellent as we were on the playground at the school where our Rally Marshal works. At this time of year being on hard standing is a bonus as there were no muddy shoes to clean! The playground was full and the occupants of all ten vans gathered under cover to the welcome tea and coffee. Many ralliers then gathered in their caravans to socialise for the rest of the evening.

Saturday was spent as a free and easy day with some ralliers watching the Six Nations Rugby, some in their caravans, some in the pub and others visiting the local area.

As the rally was held in order to celebrate a special birthday for our Rally Marshal we were invited along with friends and family to the school hall for a bit of a knees up. And what an evening it was – lots of food, a disco and much laughter. An auction was held with wine donated from the nearby Castle and a hotel voucher from a hotel in Cornwall (often visited by our Rally Marshals). The grand sum of £200 was raised and will be shared between a children’s charity of the Rally Marshals choice and Childline (our own children’s charity for 2006). The festivities went on until well into the night, with many ralliers feeling the effects next morning.

Flag was held on Sunday when plaques were presented and thanks given. We were not allowed to leave flag until all the leftover food from the night before had been used up!

Some of our fellow ralliers had long journeys home ahead of them, with some expecting to encounter heavy snow. We hope everyone had a safe journey home and would like to thank Val and Dave for a truly super weekend.

Celebrating 50 years happily married, Jim Barnicot swept Holly round the dance floor to strains of the Everly’s “Devoted to you”. It was a treat & privilege for 18 outfit owners plus other ex-caravanner’s to be able to join them.

The party started on Friday in the hall. On the Agenda: tea, coffee & cakes and checking everyone’s rallying plans for the season.

Saturday evening was party time, hall decorated, a magnificent spread and a groaning table of drink, all ready - we awaited the happy couple. The music played and after an agonising wait they entered - but wait “Is Holly expecting? Has Jim just been gardening?” No, it’s just them having a laugh – Holly removes the cushion Jim takes off his old jacket and woolly hat and they lead the first dance to get the party into full swing.

Later in the evening as we begin flag Holly announces games, quizzes, competition name the celebrity faces, then more dancing, nibbles, and drink – Jim’s making tea & coffee thank goodness.

Sunday – Flag – bleary eyed Caravanner’s – Holly & Jim thank us for coming, bringing cards and presents, then thanking Barbara, Jean, Brian (the French booze procurer), Winnie (the cake), Robin (the music) & June & Peter who had done so much on Friday.

Emily won the junior prize. Vic and Hazel shared top spot in “No of sweets in the bottle”. Jim & Janet won name the celebrity face. But it’s really us who should be thanking them and fortunately Ken Wootton does this as he presents Jim & Holly with their plaque, and June & Peter their Assistants Plaque. Jim & Holly presented Jean & Brian with a thank you plaque. Clive presents a must have gift, - a set of fluffy dice!

Sunday we waved goodbye to some, the rest continue partying – food and drink still left. More quizzes and games. In one game if you’re an interim winner you demand hand over of a coveted prize. June wins – acquires a toy giraffe and promptly names it “Fanny”. The game continues, Jim wins, opts for the giraffe then the whole company collapses in laughter as June is heard to wail “Jim has just grabbed my---” (sorry editor that’s probably unprintable).

Monday more depart but a few remain – still partying. It was a really super weekend. Thanks again Holly & Jim.