I have just got home from
co-marshalling one of the most exciting
rallies of the year. For weeks now we have
been looking forward to our trip to Banhan
Zoo and wondering what the Zoo had in store
for us and WOW !! We were not
disappointed.
Dave and Tracey had expected 65 to 70 vans
and so we knew it was going to be a busy
weekend. On arrival, we noticed that the
field was very soft and the grass was fairly
long. In places the four or so inches of
grass was hiding a very wet and in some
places, waterlogged ground. I was nervous to
say the least. Before leaving the house on
Thursday, the weather forecast on the BBC
website had given an absolute certainty of
heavy rain and low temperatures. My nerves
were well founded.
Dave, Tracy, John, Christine, Sue and I
greeted ralliers as they arrived. Our
caravans were decorated with Christmas
lights, tinsel and holly. It was great to
see everyone smiling as they arrived,
anticipating a happy, festive rally at
Banham Zoo.
It took the best part of ten hours to pitch
over sixty vans. Some needed a little more
help than others but everyone had been
sensible and listened to our advice and with
the exception of one or two little mishaps,
no-one really got stuck. In some cases we
placed cars and motorhomes on the hardstands
but unfortunately there is never enough to
go round and ralliers with 4x4s helped us by
taking pitches that were further from the
road.
Steve Garrard has been a
friend of mine for many years and he had
warned me that his caravan was going to be
lit with a few "fairy lights and one or two
surprises". He did not disappoint !
Steve was one of the first to arrive so we
pitched him near the gate. He was keen to
get started on his lights and no sooner had
he collected water, connected gas and
hook-up and Mel was left doing all the other
chores whist Steve unravelled what seemed
like miles of cable.
Steve's Van
After Dark - Pictures courtesy of Steve
Garrard
After dark Steve was not
alone. Nearly all the vans had Christmas
Trees, lights, tinsel and so many different
decorations that we agreed that next year we
will set ralliers a challenge and award a
small prize to the best decorated caravan.
That has inspired a few more ralliers and
ideas were buzzing around the site.
On Saturday, most families went to the Zoo
and saw the animals. As usual, the Zoo was
clean and inviting. Staff were friendly and
the animals were doing their best to hide !
We were greeted by Christmas Carols being
piped around the Zoo. Santa's Train was
circulating and free rides were being taken
by all the children and adults alike. The
Zoo was decorated with lights flashing and
twinkling.
At 2pm the Suffolk Centre had
exclusive tickets to the Cinderella
Christmas Show. In the evening some ralliers
returned just to view the lights but were
pleased to see that some of the hiding
animals were out in full view of the
visitors.
The Saturday evening flagpole
was followed by a bar food, a disco and
party, with a charity draw to be proud of !
More than 50 prizes were donated by ralliers.
There was drinks, chocolates, toys, candles,
ornaments galore ! Tickets were
sold by Christine and the pounds came
rushing in. After much dancing the children
and adults were having a superb time. At
10pm the music stopped and the draw was
made. Dave announced that more than £200 had
been made for the two Chairman's charities.
When the final total was counted, it was
£214.00. Dave was keen to say a very BIG
thank you to everyone for their donations
and for buying draw tickets.
The Sunday car boot sale attracted ralliers
and for some, another final visit to the
Zoo. By lunchtime, caravans were being moved
and I was again able to help a few ralliers
move their vans before they became stuck. I
would just like to thank everyone for being
patient and taking care when moving around
the site. By 3pm everyone had left and the
site was as quiet as when we arrived.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year.
Trevor Smith
Rally News
Alternative to the
National Rally The Anglia Region
Committee have released details of two alternative Jubilee
rallies for you to enjoy. Click the links for details...
Fleet, Spalding Rally
and
Lyndon Top, Rutland Water Rally
The National Rally
Cancelled More information to be
found on The Caravan Club
web site. The 2013 National Rally will be held at Belvoir
Castle, Grantham, Lincolnshire... more>>
Spaces Available
At the forthcoming rallies:
Wenhaston 18 - 20 May
Stonham 24 - 27 May
Campsea 21 - 24 June
Brightlingsea 15 - 17 June
Haughley 28 June-01 July
Henham
Steam Online Booking
Camping and event tickets are now available online and you can
save time and money by booking in advance...
more>>
Lowestoft Air Show
Why not include a visit to the show while you enjoy the rally at
Fritton Lake
or
Campsea Ashe on 22 - 24 June. A
few spaces are still available.
Hooks &
Hotdogs Rally Cancelled
It is with regret that the Rattlesden Rally on 06-08 July has
been cancelled.
Ladies
Day Rally
This rally has a change of dates. The rally will now be held on
13 - 17 July 2012... more>>
Target
Bowls moves to Blaxhall
As the Clopton Rally was cancelled, the Target Bowls Challenge
has been moved to the Free & Easy Rally 17 - 19 August... more>>
2012
Christmas Celebration Rally
This rally has a change of dates. The rally will now be held on 14 - 16 Dec 2012... more>>
Need
Rally Slips ?
Print your own rally slips...
more>>
Other News
Newsletter
The Jubilee Edition of the Suffolk Lines Newsletter is due in
late May so please pass
your items to us asap...more>> Follow Us in
2012
on FACEBOOK search for "Suffolk Centre Caravan Club" and
TWITTER "@suffolkcentre"
Well
Behaved Pet Owners
Please remember owners must keep their dogs (and cats) on a lead
at all times on the rally field. Leads must not exceed 3m (ten
feet) in length. Dogs must be kept under control and exercised
off the rally field. Thank you.
Walking
Pace
We remind members every year but it is so easy to forget in the
excitement of the moment as you arrive on the rally field.
Please keep your speed to WALKING PACE at all times,
thank you.
