Just a
few of the most frequently asked questions
to help new members enjoy the Suffolk Centre.
How do I become a member
of the Suffolk Centre ?
It's easy. When you join
the Caravan Club, you are sent an
introductory pack that includes your
membership cards and Sites Directory and
Handbook. Within the pack is a form that you
can complete to nominate which Centre you
wish to join. There is no additional fee,
you just need to complete and return the
form to the Caravan Club or telephone them
on 01342 318813 and advise that you wish to
join the Suffolk Centre. Within a few
weeks, your Suffolk Centre Rally Handbook
will arrive by post.
Am I restricted to
attending a rally in Suffolk ?
No, as a Suffolk Centre
member, you can attend any of the rallies
run by the 72 Centres in the United Kingdom.
You only have to register with one Centre
and you may join any of them irrespective of
where you live.
What is a rally ?
A rally is simply a
gathering of other like minded caravan
owners with their caravans. You can enjoy a
"natter", have a few laughs and make new
friends. The Centre is a friendly
environment and there are bound to be others
fairly new to rallying, or visitors on their
first Suffolk rally.
At some rallies, the marshal may organise a
social, such as a cheese and wine evening,
or simple games suitable for all. Indoor and
outdoor events are popular. On occasions a
rally may be arranged in tandem with a
larger local event. It could be a village
fete or Steam Rally, or just simply local to
a Zoo or Theme Park. The facilities may vary
however, your Rally Handbook will advise if
toilets, showers, washrooms and electric
hook-ups are available.
Many weekend rallies only cost about £10 to
£15 for you, your family, caravan,
administration etc for the two nights. This
offers very good value and allows you to get
the most from your caravan.
Where are rallies held
?
Click on the "Rallies
2005" button to see a list of the Suffolk
Centre rallies arranged for this season. You
will see that there is a varied programme,
some rallies will be local to you, some will
be a little further a field. There is surely
something for everyone.
We often visit Norfolk and Essex and have a
few holiday rallies that can be as far as
Cornwall, Scotland or international.
Ireland, France and Switzerland are popular.
Remember, often the most enjoyable rally can
be on your doorstep. Often by travelling 10
to 20 miles, you can discover something new
about the area where you live.
How do I book a rally
and reserve a place ?
The Suffolk Centre Rally
Handbook shows the name of the marshals, details of any events and
how to get there. Sometimes an indication of
the cost or a deposit is requested.
Some rallies become full very quickly and it
is essential that you book in advance to
reserve your pitch. It is recommended that
you telephone the marshal to see if he has
room for you. If he/she does, simply send a
rally slip by post to reserve your place.
If you do not telephone first, you will need
to send a slip to the marshal at least two
weeks before the rally. If you do not hear
from the marshal, you may assume your slip
has been accepted.
Are there any
directions to help me find a rally ?
The Rally Handbook
provides a good guide to help you find the
rally. As you get near to the rally, you
should see signs which show SCCC,
generally on a blue or black background.
Follow the signs as these will offer the
best entrance to the rally site and not
necessarily the most likely entrance.
When you arrive, always drive slowly and
stop at the marshals' caravan. You will need
to pay the rally fee and the marshal will
arrange for you to be sited. Please help by
paying in cash.
What rules do I have
to follow ?
The Suffolk Centre rules
follow guidelines laid down by the
Caravan Club and are designed to ensure that
the rallies are safe and respect our
countryside and others around us.
The most important rules are that the speed
of any vehicle must not exceed 5 mph, dogs
must be kept on a lead and ball games, kite
flying or cycling amongst the caravans is
not permitted.
The Suffolk Centre encourages members to
"Follow the Country Code". You should also
take the necessary precautions against fire.
There are a few others listed in the Rally
Handbook but most of them are just common
sense.
What
do I do when I arrive at a rally ?
When arriving at the
rally venue, the Rally Marshals will usually
be sited at the entrance. Stop by their
caravans and book in. You will then be shown
to your pitch. Follow their instructions,
normally siting your caravan with your front
right corner over the marker peg, with your
car at the side. This will enable easy
access for all vehicles.
Can I ask for help
with levelling my van and setting up ?
If you need help or
advice during the rally, please do not
hesitate in asking either the Marshals or
your fellow Ralliers. You can usually get
help, even if its just to lift a gas bottle
or fetch fresh water.
When does the "Yellow
Flag" fly ?
When the rally field is
wet and unsuitable for cars a yellow flag
will be flown under the Centre Pennant.
Under these circumstances members must not
take their cars on or off the rally field
without the permission of the Rally
Marshals.
This is to prevent excessive damage to the
landowner's property and your cooperation is
required.
At the discretion of the Rally Marshal, Blue
Badge holders may override the yellow flag.
Rally News
The 2008 and 2009 rally programme is online.
Places are being booked fast so check whether a rally has spaces or a waiting list before you
send a rally slip... more>>
Halloween Rally
The rally marshals kindly request that vans arrive after 12 noon
rather than 10am as there is so much to prepare. Thank you.
Children's Xmas Party
Don't forget to send your rally slip for the Children's
Christmas Party at Hallowtree...
more>>
Bromeswell
New Year Rally Cancelled
Due to low numbers, it is with regret that this rally has
been cancelled.
2009 Rally Programme A list of rallies for 2009
can be found online. You may now send your rally slips for 2009
rallies...
more>>
2009 National Rally
The Caravan Club are delighted to announce that the 82nd
National Rally will take place in the grounds of Prestwold
Hall, Loughborough, on the 22 - 26 May 2009...
more>>
Run out of
Rally Slips ? New rally slips now available on
line...
more>>
Other News
New 2009
Committee
Your 2009 Committee is in place...
more>>
2009 Handbook Cover Competition
The deadline for the rally handbook cover
competition has been extended. Please send your pictures to
Nigel Berry by 14th October 2008...
more>>
New Newsletter Online
The new Autumn version of Suffolk Lines is now available to
download...
more>>
Gentle Reminders
Please remember to adhere to the 5mph walking pace rule on the
rally field. Also please keep your dog on a lead, do not wash
toilets under the drinking water tap and keep noise to a minimum
after 2300hrs. Thank you.
A thank you message We would like to thank all those
who helped us at Thorpeness both at and after the fire.
Particular thanks to Andrew, Darren, Gary and Sam, Jerry and
Heather. Our most grateful thanks also to the Fire Service,
Paramedic and Ambulance crews, the staff of the Resuscitation
Unit and Kirton Ward at Heath Road Hospital, Ipswich.
We have received so many cards, phone calls and kind messages
from everyone. Once again, many thanks from Colin and Jan."
