It
doesn't seem like a year since we visited
the Tattingstone White Horse but it really
is twelve months or more. We had been
looking forward to this weekend for a while
and even though February had been a very wet
month, the field was not even slightly muddy. On
arrival the sun was shining and the first
signs of spring were in the air.
It was not too long before we had old
friends waving and saying "hello!" across
the field. It took me a while to set up the
van as we had not been out for a while and
we had winterised the unit. This meant that
some of the kit was packed differently and
so my little brain had to think a bit.
The White Horse Public House
- Picture courtesy of Trevor Smith
The Rally Field - Picture
courtesy of Trevor Smith
We soon
sampled a beer or two and were not
disappointed. Sue was tempted to have a
Guiness with a little blackcurrant in the
top... slurp ! We decided to have a light
supper... it would have been a missed
opportunity ! So gammon and chips for
me and the vegetarian option for Sue. Very nice too, the perfect example of
pub food with all the atmosphere of a good
old Suffolk "watering hole". Colin was in
his element and couldn't believe his luck.
He had not attended this rally before and
appreciated the reasons why we had returned
for a second visit. It was fun to see him
looking around at the beams, floorboards and
the inviting wood burning stove.
Saturday was all about walking and wrapping
up warm. The wind had a bite to it and I was
glad of my gloves to keep may hands warm. I
had completely forgotten the size and scale
of Alton Water. It is huge ! The water
was flat and calm but it had a shimmer that
reflected the early spring budded trees and
wow... now I know why we rally
locally, our Suffolk countryside is just
wonderful.
At 7pm we went over to have dinner and our
orders were placed. There was 40 or more
meals to prepare and the team in the kitchen
offered a huge, diverse menu. This meant
that it took a while to deliver meals to
some of the tables. The food was well worth
the wait and there was still time for desert
and coffees too.
Flagpole on Sunday was followed by a nice
cup of warm chocolate in the Pub and then it
was time to start packing up. Colin has been
talking to the Landlord and "watch this
space" there may be a special rally in store
for 2008.
Many thanks to Andy, Caroline and their hard
working staff for making us so welcome. We
hope that you will have us back again next
year. Thanks also to Ron, Sheila, John and
Christine for organising this excellent
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>>