Peter and Susan Conway once again excelled themselves with a first class rally at Flamborough. We arrived on the fifth of April with rising optimism, driving into a bright sunlit day after setting off from home in freezing fog and expecting the same when we arrived. Peter and Susan must have had a word with the weather man as the weather stayed beautiful for the rest of the rally except for two days when we had a sea fret just to remind us we were on the east coast and not the Costa Del Sol. It was reported that Bridlington Two miles away was the hottest place in Europe on Easter Saturday and I don't think anyone there would argue with that.

What can be said about Peter and Susan's rallies that has not been said before, an excellent venue and two meals in the village hall that Gordon Ramsey would have been proud of, how they present such meals for £4.50 per head is unbelievable.

A big welcome to Mathew and Pamela Byrne who were on their first rally with us (see photo above right), I hope they enjoyed it enough to join us on other rallies.

James Medley had his seventy fifth rally; not bad for a young lad, well done James (see photo above left).

Also congratulations to John and Shirley Johnson (farmer John and his wife) and Matty and Lilly Wilkinson for achieving their fiftieth rallies (see photos).

Forty five units attended the rally which was a credit to Peter and Susan and their long time Assistant Marshal’s Graham and Joan. Thank you from all who attended.

We arrived to be met by Len and Hazel on a nice flat site. Len sited us up and then we heard a shout from across the site – it was Geoff Jones, so we knew it was going to be a fun weekend! We saw Len keeping busy as the vans arrived, getting done in time for the welcome meet. It was getting cold at coffee evening so Len and Hazel gave us the plans for a weekend that included making a boat out of A4 paper for a race on Saturday (more on that later). Saturday was dry so ralliers went for the day out but we had to be back for the boat race at 5.30. If people thought they could forget it, Geoff had other ideas! He went round with his bell collecting up all the ralliers. First it was judging time to see who had the best decorated boat then it was off to the adjoining canal led by Geoff. We got some strange looks from people in the pub. The race began with Len setting us off and Hazel timekeeping. Some of the boats made it to Hazel, but most took the Titanic route. John fished out the waterlogged ones so that no litter was left. It was great fun and well thought out. After the race we went back to the site ready for the barbecue. Len and Hazel cooked sausages and Geoff and Sue the onions. Geoff dressed in a tight fitting bikini: he had changed from his afternoon apron as it was before the kid’s watershed. Stewart had fetched the sausages from his local butcher and they went down very nicely with a can of beer. The evening carried on with people telling jokes and stories – a real Elddis evening! It got so cold that the warmth of the van called. Sunday dawned warm and sunny. Breakfast alfresco. It was flag next and Len thanked everyone for coming. It was birthday time next, Charlotte and Jim both got cards. Diane did all the formalities for the Committee. Len announced the boat race winners: Best Decorated -Brian and Judy, Fast boat (adults) - Geoff and Sue, Kid’s race – Charlotte, Special boat section – Keaton. Then it was time for the kid’s sweets. A great Rally in a nice location. Thanks Len and Hazel.

Thursday most of the caravans arrived in glorious sunshine. After the initial scurrying round setting up, getting water etc. most ralliers were able to enjoy the rest of the day sunbathing and no one seemed to want to venture any further than the rally field. 8pm saw us round the Marshals’ van enjoying tea/coffee and biscuits. All were welcomed by Peter and the ‘First Time’ ralliers, Richard and Rina Ollerton were welcomed to the club (see photo-right).

Friday dawned a dull day but as usual this does not deter and the towns of Corbridge and Hexham were the venue of the day, especially Hexham, where the well known department store of Robbs was closing down and had plenty of bargains to offer.

Once again coffee/tea and corned beef and potato slices were served at 7.30 (very yummy). The Friday night ralliers arrived making a total of 25 ‘vans and 1 motorhome. Saturday: the day started cool but the afternoon turned to sunshine. The Saturday evening social was delayed because of the Rugby game which was attended by quite few dignitaries. All ralliers assembled by 8pm but the ‘eats’ were delayed which gave us all time to have a drink and a chat. When it did arrive it was lovely with an apple crumble and custard to follow. We all set out in glorious sunshine and returned by moonlight.

Sunday was a free day with the start of the season boot sale on the Rugby field. There was certainly a good turnout by the sellers and buyers. It is nice not to have to go too far afield, especially as the wind was cold and strong.

Monday brought the ‘flag’. After the customary tea/coffee and biscuits, Richard and Rina were presented with their ‘First Rally’ plaque and officially welcomed by Vice Chairman, Len Stoneman, who also did the honours and presented Peter and Linda with their Marshal’s plaque and Allan and Collette with their Asst. Marshal’s plaque. The competition was won by Joan Harrison and Christine Rhys. There was also another new rallier by the name of Pip: she is only 12 weeks old. Can you guess what she is? Here’s a clue – CRUEL JASSK. Thanks Peter and Linda for a lovely rally and venue.