Well what a wonderful rally yet again by the Payne team of Marshals.

The next job was to transform the transit pickup that Paul Fitch had obtained for us into something that was Caribbean or was it Hawaiian. The floor was fitted with two tarpaulins one was blue to represent the sea the other green as grass. Palm trees were grown and blown, waves were cut and painted. Deck chairs were on the grass and a hammock was erected and was soon occupied by a smooth looking chap or was it a chap-ess. Leaning against the backdrop was this hunkie looking beach bum looking cool as ever.
 

All Pictures courtesy of Denis Mattocks

During the transformation which lasted from Friday night to noon Saturday we had a downpour which made the palm trees sag and look sad. The bananas were very soggy but with a bit of sunshine they dried out to look quite authentic. Numerous pictures were taken, some are here and others are on the Brightlingsea town web site. CLICK HERE
 

Saturday saw Paul take to the helm and guide our entry to the gathering point where we all gathered  dressed to look the part. Judging took place and we were thrilled to be awarded first place in our class. Then the Judges returned to us and informed us that we had won the best in show award. A large trophy was presented to us all together with a silver plate and a medal. We were all absolutely thrilled. We all took part in the parade around the Towns streets collecting  pennies in buckets for the Carnivals charity.
 

Sunday saw the annual crabbing competition take place but we hadn’t realised that all the crabs had gone on holiday All except one tiny little crab that had been left home alone. This chap did not reckon on the crabbing skills of Sally Tyler who was on him in a flash and whoosh he was in the bucket which took Sally to the winners podium to take the Crabbing Cup of 2007.

John Payne enjoyed his annual birthday with a bash and this year was special with John reaching 65 years young.   Well done John !

At flagpole Sheena McCartney took to the top table and did all the announcements etc in fine style. The sun was shining in copious amounts therefore ralliers were not in much hurry to get away and stayed to enjoy the afternoon rays. This ended a super rally with many thanks to the Marshals for their hard work.

Teetotal Tim.