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The 1500th Celebration Rally


The Suffolk Centre's 1500th Celebration Rally

July 2006
 


The sun has just set at the end of a most enjoyable weekend in celebration of the Suffolk Centre's 1500th rally.

I arrived "alone" at the rally but departed having made many new friends during the weekend - seasoned ralliers and less seasoned ones, like myself.  I've already booked another two rallies as I've now definitely got the "rally bug"!

I particularly enjoyed the performance by the Caravan Club Concert Band - they were terrific.

Thanks again to everyone involved for all their hard work, in what was, at times, unbearably hot temperatures, and for making it such an enjoyable and memorable weekend.

I look forward to the 40th Anniversary celebrations next year.

Janet Mills
Lowestoft

 

The weather had been hot and sunny for about three weeks before the 1500th Rally and the Suffolk Centre Committee were hoping for the summer to continue for the events planned over the four days in July. The team had been planning this event for almost a year and many decisions had been made regarding the dates, venue, entertainment and all the other arrangements.
 


Fair Exchange - Picture courtesy of Trevor Smith

The rally slips had been coming in steadily and Janet had been checking numbers. It was now time to order the rally plaques, peg out the rally field and draw a plan of where everything was to be. The rally signs were placed in the road, the stage and dance floor were erected, the lights installed and at last, the caravans and motorhomes started to file onto the field. there were 129 in total and it was quite a task to site them all and I believe Tony & Alan shrunk by an inch over the weekend with all the walking.

The optional first day, Thursday included a quiz night with Dave and Tracy our quizmasters. There was a number of teams all playing their joker at the right time and a few questions that caught us out too. How heavy is the average human brain ??!!  Well maybe it depends who you are thinking of..... haha
 

The evening was long, warm and relaxing. It eventually got dark and the caravanners moved back to their vans to the sound of The Caravan Club Band practicing on the rally field. There was just time for a couple of cool beers and it was time for bed.

The second day was just as hot, with more ralliers arriving during the day. By afternoon, the gentle sounds of the "Tea Dance" music could be heard. The dance was well attended despite the baking sun and high temperatures in the barn.


Robo the Clown - Picture courtesy of Den Mattocks
 


The children enjoy the entertainment - Picture courtesy of Trevor Smith


After an enjoyable barbeque, we got ready for the evening entertainment by Fair Exchange. This duet delivered a wide range of songs and soon the dancing started again. The barn became dark and the atmosphere relaxed as the evening matured. It was a very enjoyable evening indeed.On Saturday there was a very full programme of events. In the morning, a chance to wander around the shops, owl and horse sanctuaries or play a round of golf. A clothes stall had set up and the Sports Officers had erected the volleyball net and five-a-side football posts. There was a lot of competition out there and all age groups enjoyed the opportunity to burn off some energy.

After lunch, Robo the Clown arrived and performed twice for the juniors. Everyone was watching him as he made fun and magic for nearly two hours. Mums and Dads had the choice of enjoying the show, or sneaking off for a little afternoon nap while the youngsters were entertained.
 


The Caravan Club Band - Picture courtesy of Trevor Smith


At 3pm The Caravan Club Band started their concert. What an excellent concert led by Julie. There was a good range of songs, some of which we had heard during practice. The sound was superb and it was difficult to believe that the group had travelled form all over the country, some as far as Liverpool and even Cumbria, to entertain us. Our thanks go to all the musicians for an excellent concert and celebrating our 1500th rally with us.

Another barbeque was due and we all feasted on steak, lamb chops and the best bangers we could find. Washed down with some cool beer, the evening was kicked off by Steve Harley's "Come up and see me make me smile" sung by Mister Buss. They soon got us up on the dance floor once again and the celebrations were in full swing.
 


Mister Buss - Picture courtesy of Trevor Smith
 

After an hour or so, a "Suffolk Old Boy" took the mike and started his little "rant". he moaned and groaned about the new age travellers and immediately we realised that he was the evening cabaret. What a laugh we all had. Gary and Dave were picked from the crowd and tall stories were told about them both.


Suffolk Old Boy - Picture courtesy of Steve Garrard

The roar of laughter was followed by loud cheers as the Suffolk Old boy left the stage and it was time for the grand draw.

Many prizes had been donated and one lucky rallier was drawn to receive there rally fee back in full. We cheered (and a few cheeky groans) when Barry and Lynn were picked from the box. Well done, the drinks are on you Barry !

Over £500 was raised for our nominated charities.


Flagpole with Grenville Chamberlain - Picture courtesy of Steve Garrard


A Sunday morning walk was followed by flagpole. Our Chairman David Totman and wife Tracy were delighted to welcome our special guests, Grenville Chamberlain, The Caravan Club Vice Chairman with his wife Liz. Grenville addressed the audience and congratulated the Suffolk Centre for achieving 1500 rallies. This had indeed been a tremendous celebration.
 

Bethany was able to present Liz a bunch of flowers as  thanks for supporting our celebration rally. After some more chat and many goodbyes, the ralliers began to drift back to their vans and all the packing up was started.

It took most of the afternoon to clear the marquees and remove all the equipment. Soon the rally field began to clear and the 1500th Rally drew to a close. 


Special thanks must go to John and his team for use of such an excellent venue, The Mid Suffolk Showground, Stonham Barns. Also, thanks to marshals Karen & Tony, Janet & Alan for ensuring we were all shown to our pitch in the searing heat.

There was a large team of helpers and without them, the rally would not have been the success it was. Well done everyone, you know who you are.


Picture courtesy of Denis Mattocks

 

 

 
 
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