Just traditional fun... or
an excuse for the men to wear kilts ?
This rally
was destined to be different as the lads would be
wearing kilts and the girls would be in her
element taking the mick out of us.
Friday
night the hall was open for tea and coffee,
it was a great chance to catch up with the
gossip from friends that we hadn’t seen for
a while. Christmas and New Year had passed
but the winter weather had not, it seems.
Snow flurries were in the air and the frost
was thick on the cars that had arrived
earlier in the day.
Saturday
morning several groups of walkers made a
slow stroll across the fields and down the
long and meandering pathway to the beach.
The sun was bright and the sky seemed so big
but the wind had a very sharp bite and
mittens and scarves were necessary. When
down in the valley near the water, what a change in
temperature ! Once out of the wind it
was really warm.
Saturday evening came round
really quickly and it was time to get
dressed up in our kilts. We had to be in the
hall early as there was a 2 course meal and
a disco laid on, flagpole was going to be
held between the meal and disco.
The haggis
was piped in, in true Scottish style with
Paul confidently miming to the music.
Paul Davies "the
piper"
Picture courtesy Trevor Smith
Colin addresses the haggis
- Picture courtesy T Smith
The
ceremony was in full flow, quite serious at
the start... And then in came Colin with the
haggis followed by the piper. A roar of
appreciation came from the crowd and howling
laughter as we all clapped and cheered the
two fine looking fellows in their Scottish
attire. But I was a little worried about
Paul's sporran !!
The marshals
had worked tirelessly during the day
to provide us with this feast. A small glass
of whisky was provided as a toast to the
haggis and before we knew it, table by table
we were collecting our dinner.
Maggie, Christine, June, Colin, John and
Paul were all busy in the kitchens (yes it
took 2 kitchens to prepare all the food).
They had eighty or so meals to prepare.
Many of us had
never tried haggis before and were pleasantly
surprised how tasty it was.
After the mandatory flagpole and the singing
of "happy birthday" to one of our fellow
ralliers, the fun really started and the
drink started to flow. The disco was great
and the atmosphere was so friendly and
happy. Everyone seemed to be entering into
the "spirit" one way or another. Poor Jan
had to go back to the van feeling poorly.
Her heavy cold had got the better of her.
Rally Marshals Christine &
John and Maggie & Colin -
Picture courtesy of Trevor Smith
I think some of us might have enjoyed
ourselves a little too much and by the end
of the night we were completely danced out.
Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, many
of us went for another walk to clear our
heads. Again it was a beautiful day and the
air was fresh and chilly. Oh but too soon,
it was time to pack up and head off
home.
One little tip from Steve:
Don’t stand by the heater in your caravan when you’re wearing a kilt,
as heat rises very quickly!!!!!
Men in Kilts !! -
Picture courtesy of Susan Smith
The Scottish Dancers, Steve,
Joe and John
Picture courtesy of Mel Garrard
Many thanks to the marshals for putting on
such a superb rally and our friends for
making it so enjoyable.
The
Burns Night Party Animals !
Wonderful walks
and a great weekend...
What a wonderful time was had by all who
attended this rally. The weather was
bright, dry and cold, ideal for walks
in the surrounding areas. We walked down
to the beach, where it was warm and the
water sparkled in the sunlight, we all
thoroughly enjoyed it.
The evening meal was really enjoyed,
as was the disco, which wasn't too loud,
we could dance or natter to our hearts
content. several of us dressed the part,
some comical, some properly attired. We
took our grandson who is twelve, he was
made a fuss of, and loved every minute
of the evening.
Unfortunately on returning to our van,
the battery had given up the ghost, and
we prepared for bed by candlelight. All
in all it was a super rally. Many thanks
to all the marshals.
Beryl, Brian & Alex Garrod.
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.