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
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>>
Bromeswell
New Year Rally Cancelled
Due to low numbers, it is with regret that this rally has
been cancelled.
2009 Pre-National Rally
The Leicestershire Centre is running a pre-national rally for 1
night only aimed at "early birds"...
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
Day Trip to Thursford
Due to a late cancellation, four seats on the
coach with tickets to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular are
available on Sunday 7th December. Contact Mick & Eve Prentice or
email the
webmaster for details.
Congratulations
Ben and Eleanor
Ben Fitch and Eleanor Chipperfield were married
at St. Leonards Church, Lexden, Colchester on Saturday 18th
October 2008...
more>>
2009 Handbook Cover Competition
The cover competition has been won by Rosanna
Waterson and her picture of the lake at Thorpeness...
more>>
New Newsletter Online
The new Autumn version of Suffolk Lines is now available to
download...
more>>
