Va Va Vroom Rally
Trimley

May 2006
 

Something for Everyone

On arrival we noticed a large marquee on the field. We were welcomed by Keith and a large box of envelopes, so we knew that this rally was going to be well supported. After setting up the van and boiling the kettle a couple of times, we couldn't help noticing Michael and Denis running back and forth. They were even helping ralliers with their awning poles between siting the vans. What service !  Future Rally Marshals note haha !

In excess of 40 vans attended with one couple, Tony and Shaz Banning were first ralliers with there two children. Nine visitors attended. Three from Norfolk, three from south Essex which included their Chairman Ian Wright with his wife and family. And three from North Essex which included The Regional Vice Chairman Mike Threadgold and his wife Joy.

The bank holiday weekend programme was packed with items to do and there really was something for everyone. Friday evening was a gentle wind down after a busy week with tea and coffee with the Marshals at 8pm. Even though it was almost May, the cold wind kept most ralliers from hanging around for too long and we headed back to the warm van for something a little stronger.
 

Three fine chefs - Pictures courtesy of Kim Berry

The next morning was bright and sunny and we were looking forward to bacon butties over at the Marshals awnings. Three very willing and able chefs were in a row. Nigel, Denis and Michael all busy grilling rashers of bacon and the smell was wonderful.

The girls were looking after the hot drinks and Michael was making the most of a hot cuppa. But the best service of all was from Elle and Bethany. They were serving the hot bacon rolls and what a wonderful job they did. As each person arrived they were ready with another hot roll and pointed to the table where the red and brown sauce was waiting.
 

Elle & Bethany - Picture courtesy of Kim Berry

The day was to be a busy one. The programme was packed full of things to do and if you had time, a quiz was also inside the welcome pack with a super 4x4 shaped rally plaque.

In the morning, and some of the afternoon, volunteers all helped with the construction of the car for the National Rally. Join the team at the Pre-National Rally at Hintlesham to help with the finishing touches in a couple of weeks.
 

The building of the car  - Picture courtesy of Trevor Smith

During the afternoon, the Junior Crew got together in the marquee and started building model cars, designing badges and entering the colouring competition. All the exhibits were on show and most impressive they were too. The visiting Chairmen were asked to judge some competitions, Ian judged the Junior Crew badge and Mike  the colouring competition.
 

Saturday evening came and it was time for some good old fashioned dancing. The Plasma Disco operated by Paul and Aaron again proved to be a great success and the fun extended well into the evening. Drinks were flowing from the club bar and even those that returned to their caravans were able to enjoy the great mix of music from their caravans, thanks to the marquee.

After a quick trip to the Felixstowe Market, Sunday lunch was served in the marquee. It was well supported and gave us chaps an excuse for a lunchtime pint. The food was very nice indeed. Then it was time for the mandatory Sunday afternoon snooze. Unless you were one of the lads that decided to have an impromptu game of volleyball. At this point some of us were hiding in tightly zipped awnings !

Whilst all this was going on, the Juniors were enjoying a "scavenger hunt" and although we looked after some of the treasure, we didn't find out who actually won. They all seemed to be chasing about in a race to see who could spell "TRIMLEY" first.
 

So to flagpole we went. Our Rally Chairman Derek Pannell and Sheena were pleased to announce competition winners and they were as follows:  Steve and Mel, accomplished quizzers won the quiz. Best Junior Crew badge design went to Jack Berry. The colouring competition and model car winners were also announced.

Derek Pannell welcomed Vince and Debbie Robbie back to the rally field after 20 years. At flagpole he hoped that they would not leave it another 20 years before they return again.

Following flagpole the Armchair Horse Racing got underway and there was lots of laughter as the little wooden horses were "reeled in". Some were just a little quicker than others, so Keith and Den our hosts for the evening were keeping a close eye on the winders. First it was the turn of some Juniors, then the grown ups. The girls seem to be better at this than the men. Particularly Rosanna, who had clearly been practicing !

Some fun bidding was had and the grand final was won by Graham Eagle who purchased the jockey Aaron who was riding a young filly who's name everyone has forgotten (probably because it was a slightly rude name ! ) Graham cashed in with a grand total of £44 and a fine winners engraved trophy.

Jack is jockey number 6 - Picture courtesy of Kim Berry

Notice from marshals:  The marshals wish to inform ralliers that the management of the Trimley Social Club apologised for the new hall not being completed on time and rather than changing the rally programme they provided the marquee for us to use. Although it was not as comfortable due to the chilly breeze all weekend, we hope it didn't spoil your fun and that you enjoyed the weekend with us.