What a nice way to start the season. Our
Chairman David Totman and Tracy had found a
new and very appealing site for our 40th
Anniversary Pre-Season Rally and Dinner.
There were 21 caravans and nearly 60 for
dinner, so it was time to catch up with
things and certainly start talking about
what we were doing 40 years ago in 1968.
Most of us were her but one person said "I
wasn't born" !!
On Friday, the early arrivals enjoyed bright
sunshine and together with the immaculate
grass, this was a very good start with
spring in the air. By 3pm though, the
wind had started to blow and some raindrops
were being blown about. Within 10 minutes
the rain was heavy and horizontal !
Derrick and Lesley were getting soaked but
were not giving up. The storm passed and
more vans started to arrive.
The evening was taken up by relaxing in our
cosy van. One group went down to the pub in
Swilland. There was a number of real ales
and apparently the cod and chips was
excellent ! Maybe we should try it
sometime.
The gale forced winds battered the caravans
on the field, with plates and glasses
rattling in the cupboards. Some ralliers
described the wind as one of the worst
nights ever spent in their van.
Saturday was more calm and there was plenty
of time to walk round the Finn Valley golf
course and get some fresh air. It wasn't
particularly cold although still somewhat
blustery. Brave golfers were dragging their
carts along and looking across to see the
rows of clean white caravans.
In the evening, it was time for the
anniversary dinner. We all made our
way to the restaurant to find immaculately
presented tables and an excellent plan so
everyone knew where to sit. Over to the bar
for a refreshing drink and the evening
started with lots of chat with some friendly
background music.
The courses were of extremely good quality
and by the time I had consumed my large
portion of apple crumble, I was soooo full.
Time for the speaker ! Our Chairman,
Dave Totman introduced guests and visitors
to us all. David was particularly thankful
to Tony, who apparently sited 25 vans and
there was only 21 on the rally ! I
asked him if he could come on my rallies as
I could do with some help !!
Following the traditional "thank-you" to the
marshals, our guest speaker Michael
Threadgold got up and said a few words. We
raised our glasses to those that could not
be with us and remembered the good times.
Mike went on to tell us about how the three
centres split and the Suffolk Centre was
born in 1968. Mike could not resist and he
ended up telling a few of the clean jokes
from his collection. Well dome Mike, but we
still don't know what happened to the
typewriter !
Sunday was Mothering Sunday, so we all left
by noon to be with our families.
Thanks to Dave, Tracy, Derek, Sheena, Tony
and Val for a lovely weekend.
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>>
