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
New Rally Handbook
The 2012 Rally Handbook is now being posted to Suffolk Centre
Members. If you have not received yours by mid January, please
check your SCCC registration with our Club Membership Services
online or phone The Caravan
Club head office on 01342 318813.
Hooks &
Hotdogs Rally Cancelled
It is with regret that the Rattlesden Rally on 06-08 July has
been cancelled. Ickworth
House Dinner & Tour 2012
Derek Pannell has organised a unique event for 2012...
more>>
2012
Christmas Celebration Rally
This rally has a change of dates. The rally will now be held at
Hallowtree on 14-16 Dec 2012... more>>
Need
Rally Slips ?
Print your own rally slips...
more>>
Other News
Follow Us in
2012
on FACEBOOK search for "Suffolk Centre Caravan Club" and
TWITTER "@suffolkcentre"
Winter
Newsletter
The winter edition of Suffolk Lines is now available to
download...more>>
Please let Trevor have items for the next Suffolk Lines
Newsletter due to be ready for the Natter and Chatter.
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.
