Fireworks Rally
Framlingham Castle

November 2006
 

Framlingham Fireworks Rally

Just when we thought the caravan season was coming to a close and all the excitement was over, we had the Halloween Rally followed swiftly by the Fiery Fireworks Rally and we still have the Christmas rallies to look forward to !

We arrived early on Friday, when the sun was shining and the field was pegged out ready for a record number of ralliers to arrive.

Dave, Tracy, John and Christine were all wrapped up warm and within a few minutes we were sited and the kettle was on. Just after we arrived a steady flow of vans soon filled the field and the marshals just had a few late arrivals to site in the dark.

We decided to save our visit to the Castle Inn public house until Saturday lunchtime, so most of Friday was taken up with relaxing, shopping and chatting with friends. This was the first time we had to put the heater on full and huddle up to keep warm. We decided to have a hot chocolate drink rather than a "hot toddy"...  it was a no alcohol weekend for us this week. The frost outside was crisp and the full moon was perfect for the Guy Fawkes weekend.
 

On Saturday we went for a short walk to the Framlingham market and browsed around, taking in the unique atmosphere of the town. The quaint narrow streets and old buildings are so pretty and now that the trees are mostly bare, the buildings can be more easily seen.

Lunch in the pub was well deserved and oh well...  I broke the no alcohol rule and swiftly downed a pint of Adnams... who could resist !!??

The four of us ordered food and we were joined by a half dozen or more ralliers, all seeking a warm retreat and a good Saturday lunch. Only one of us was hungry enough to have a desert while the other three sat watching... and dribbling.

Picture courtesy of Susan Smith

Speaking of dribbling....  I have a feeling that the webmaster may have been caught having a "Power Nap" in his van. Rumour has it, he was caught on camera snoring and dribbling, but of course this was strongly denied. How on earth could he miss this wonderful sunshine ?
 

Nina is cleaning the windows   -   Picture courtesy of Trevor Smith

The afternoon was just as sunny as before, so walking was a favourite pass-time. Some of us walked round the castle (lazy ones stayed behind). Some of the children joined Den with a game of rounder's at the bottom of the field and Bethany was practicing her bowling skills. As I watched the children (including Den) playing their game, I started to notice the evening sun behind the trees. A slow walk around the rally field was needed to capture a few pictures.
 

Sunset on Castle Meadow  -  Picture courtesy of Trevor Smith
 

Picture courtesy of David Totman
 

Picture courtesy of David Totman
 

There were two entrants to the best dressed Guy competition this year however, when they were entered into the Framlingham Town council competition, they didn't win a prize. We think they were the best as the Mattocks and Waterson families had produced two excellent specimens.

As always, at 6.30pm the fire was lit and within a few minutes the flames were 20 feet in the air and everyone was toasted by the heat.

Laura & Sue keeping warm by the fire Picture courtesy of Trevor Smith

You can just see the two Guys on the edge of the flames in the picture. After an hour or so, it was time to start the "oooo's" and "aaarrr's" as the fireworks flashed, crashed and banged for a full 20 minutes. This display never disappoints the hundreds of visitors. There was just time for a burger and a hot drink before we all went back to our caravans for supper.

It was midnight before the lights went out but we had had a great evening at Framlingham and we hope to be back again next year.