Arrived on site on Friday evening, weather was good, followed shortly after by another fellow rallier. Considering this was a 5 night rally, attendance was poor! (So much for people wanting 5 night rallies!).

The Saturday evening social at the local pub was excellent as was the atmosphere, we had a wonderful time. Sunday morning no flag was done (what a disappointment). On the whole a truly relaxing rally, shame you missed it!

Approximately 14 vans turned up for the rally run by Steve, Petra and Jordan Lickley at Calverton Scout Camp. The weather was fairly kind to us considering it was early in the season.

At flag on Friday new Ralliers Richard and Kirsty (or was it Suzanne?) Jevon were introduced along with their children Ryan, Charlotte and Eleanor.

On Saturday many of the members attended the Committee meeting at nearby Oxton with their partners having to amuse themselves for the day. Those not attending the meeting had a free and easy day visiting the local area. Saturday evening saw most ralliers attending the local Brewers Fayre for what turned out to be an excellent meal. The children attending the rally had a wonderful weekend as they were free to play in the wooded area surrounding the Scout Camp. During the meal at the Brewers Fayre all the children sat together and as a member without young children attending, I was very impressed by the way they were so well behaved and considerate towards other diners.

At flag on Sunday thanks were given to Steve, Petra and Jordon on behalf of the ralliers by Steve Borg. Our ‘First Time Ralliers’ were also thanked for joining in and being such good sports by our Chairman Jim James who presented them with their plaque. We hope to see much more of the Jevon family at future rallies.

As we began to make our way home we were concerned to see our Chairman Jim and his wife Janet having difficulties – a wheel had come off their caravan due possibly to not being tightened correctly at a recent service. Hope all is now well. We had an excellent weekend and would like to thank the Lickley family for making us very welcome.

Easter has never been so warm – it was only matched by the welcome from June & Peter Pool our hosts for the holiday. I am sure there is a new game show to be created from the first of the weekends events – put up a tent and gazebo. Never have so many men wandered around aimlessly, saying things like “Have you a No 6?” and not referring to a cigarette. But it was worth it – a smashing meeting room for us all to get together in. Thursday night – tea & coffee welcome time provide us time to get together and plan the weekend. June showed off a “guess the weight” cake she had baked and as then had to endure many jokes. Jean Smith had created a knitted clown doll all kitted out for going on holiday – this was to be raffled over the weekend.

Friday and the rest of the ralliers arrived. And another evening get-together in the tent: this time we have tea and coffee and hot cross buns. Saturday and again the sun shone and people sat out and socialised, but June and Peter were hard at it again preparing for the nights extravaganza, Pie & Chips - followed by a quiz with Easter eggs as prizes.

On Sunday evening came the high spot of the weekend – the Easter bonnet competition judging, to ensure no bias, Penny our Host was called in to do the deed. All competitors paraded and Ken Wootton was adjudged the male winner – a Topper with a model caravan, there were protests from Motor Caravanner’s – they were hidden away round the back (putting the cat among the pigeons). Elisabeth Colley’s creation was the Lady’s winner with all sorts of games on her bonnet. Lawrence Borg was the junior winner with a very fetching creation. This was followed by a Caravan Drive (like a beetle drive but draw a Caravan). Great fun! We then continued with a superb cheese and biscuit spread. To round off a very full evening all this was followed by Flag! June thanked all who helped especially Brian and Jean Smith the Assistant Marshals, the tent and lighting rig are Brian’s and without them we would be outside and in the dark. The Clown doll raffle was won by Barb Oakley (it raised £28), the cake which Jim James had been teasing June about all weekend was won by – yes, you could see it coming - Jim James! Having raised £14.50 in the process June really was avenged. Smashing Rally – Great Time.