Suffolk Centre

Going Cuckoo in Germany
2016-06-03 08:00 - 2016-06-10 17:00 UTC | Suffolk
German Holiday Rally….
Pictures courtesy of members of our Facebook Group
Our lady chairman with her favourite tipple……cheers!

Caribbean Night

The Village Fete Rally, Bredfield
2016-06-03 08:00 - 2016-06-06 17:00 | Suffolk
We return to Bredfield for the first time sine 2008…
What a great weekend to return to Bredfield. Thanks to the Bredfield Village Hall Committee, Village Shop and organisers of the Bredfield Church Fete for a fab weekend.
Trev & Sue Smith (main marshal)
Thank you for a lovely rally! Did anyone else find the lovely new meadow walk down the road?
(Yes we did , :0) we thought those flowers were really pretty too. Sue Smith)
Tim Punchard
Thanks for making us welcome.
Elaine Townsend (First rallier)
Great Weekend, thanks to marshals.
Jan Hale
Had a fantastic weekend at Bredfield thanks to all the marshals for your hard work xx
Julie Bloomfield

Hike & Bike
2016-05-27 08:00 - 2016-05-30 17:00 | Alton Water, Church Road, Tattingstone, Suffolk, IP9 2PD, United Kingdom
Another visit to Alton Water, a lovely setting…
.Absolutely brilliant weekend in the most tranquil of settings. The trees around the rally field were truly amazing as was the pathway of blossom around the waters edge (see Kim’s photo). Thanks to all concerned in making the rally happen.
Bill & Pam Mitchell
Superb weekend, many thanks Kim and all! Family Watson loved it it we even got the 4 & 6 year old to bike all the way round Alton Water with only one mishap of the 4 year old having an argument with a stinging nettle patch!
Chris Watson
Thanks Berrys and Mattocks for organising another great Hike and Bike at Tattingstone. Lake views, gorgeous spring trees, water sports and sun. What else do you need?
Rachel Gowers
Thank you to Nigel, Kim,Denis and Val for a lovely weekend at Alton Water. Xx
Julie Wardley

Lady Chairman's Rally 2016
2016-05-27 08:00 - 2016-05-30 17:00 | Rede Hall Farm Park, Rede, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 4UG, United Kingdom
A lovely venue for our Lady Chairman’s rally….
Congratulations to Janice Kent and David for receiving their 250 Rally Plaque at Rede Hall 2016
Centre members
Lovely weekend at Rede Hall. A tad chilly but didn’t stop us all enjoying quoits, afternoon tea and cheese and wine. Sun shone for flagpole and the raffle. Thanks to the marshals.
Kim Berry

Double Dutch Rally, Netherlands
2016-05-20 08:00 - 2016-05-27 17:00 | Suffolk
A Double Dutch Holiday…
We have a full Holland rally complement! Everyone has arrived safely and we welcomed them on with refreshments and a goody bag. We’re serving up a continental breakfast this morning and the sun is shining
Last night we served up hot chocolate, waffles with a variety of toppings, marshmallows and smarties to our junior crew…. . Fortunately all just before the rain and thunder storm!
Had a lovely evening celebrating Mark and Rachel’s wedding anniversary in Holland. Thank you for the pimms and nibbles! The sun has failed to show up today but our ralliers are still out and about enjoying all that Holland has to offer.
Kim Berry

Pictures courtesy of Nigel & Kim Berry

May Day Holiday Rally, Belton
2016-05-06 08:00 - 2016-05-10 17:00 | Suffolk
Another May Day Holiday…
Thanks to all our friends at Rose Farm Touring Park for a another lovely week. The first Friday was like winter and the weather got better as the week went on. We hope to see you there again next year.
Trevor Smith, Rally Marshal
We have had a lovely time with you x
Carole Drennan
It’s sunny here today but quiet now that everyone has left. We are staying at Rose Farm for a few extra days. We have had a lovely time again, thanks to all the marshals and park staff for all they have done.
Jan Goddard
Caught on camera – Men putting the world to right but “Last of the Summer Wine” seems to come to mind but who is who ?
May Day Rally at Belton. Fab time had by all thanks to the team. Fab rally !
Helen Proctor

Pictures courtesy of Trevor Smith & Helen Proctor

Easter Keeps in Country
2016-03-25 08:00 - 2016-03-28 17:00 | Debenham Sports & Leisure Centre, Gracechurch Street, Debenham, Suffolk, IP14 6BL, United Kingdom
A Feast of Easter Country…
Message by email from Mr Roy Eason a member of the East Kent Centre.
Six of us in three caravans came to to your country rally at Debenham at Easter and we would like to thank your marshals for lovely rally. All six of would like thank John and Marion Petchey, George and Kath. I would like to say sorry to poor Marion for winding her up all weekend but she knows I love her.
It was a very wet field on Monday, so special thanks John and George for towing us all off the field, …also thanks to the other John who was running around the field hooking up the tow cars.
Best wishes from friends of Suffolk Centre
Roy Eason, David Eason, Rex and Ann Goodban and Terry Mulligan.
Thanks to marshals at Debenham for their Easter rally. Fantastic effort by them in awful conditions in helping those off that needed it. Now off to seaside at Felixstowe to chill and get ready for next weekend.
Janet & Alan Dobson
We left at 10.30. The field was not quite so bad then. Grateful thanks to John for towing us off. Thanks to all the marshals for a lovely weekend.
Jan Goddard

Easter Rally, Sutton
2016-03-25 08:00 - 2016-03-28 17:00 | Suffolk
An Eggstremely Great Easter…
Thank you to everyone you attended the Easter Eggtravaganza at Sutton and to Chris. Amy and Lily. Also Lesley Stammers for helping set up and Rachel for showing how to make Easter baskets and Peggy Lee for proving you are never too old to be facepaints. Here are some of my favourite highlights and thanks to the children for being given so well behaved all weekend, see pictures below….
Diane Preston
Thank you all for a great rally xx
Julie Bloomfield
Fab rally, loved it all.
Michaela Knowles
Great weekend. Thanks Diane, John, Megan. Lauren, Chris, Amy and Lilly
Mark Gowers
Thank you all for a super rally. The first thing we noticed was how much the children had grown and how well they all played together. They were all so well behaved.
This was our first rally of 2016 and what fun we had. I had a face painting by Megan and Roy sent a picture by email to all the family. The craft morning was very busy making Easter baskets and the Dads joined in as well. The Beatle game was great and I managed to get 117 points and won a lovely chocolate chicken Easter egg.
The disco was a great evening and I believe there was a quiz later but I went to bed at 9pm but did manage a little dance with Janice. I would like to thank everyone for looking after us so well. I even had Mark & John as escorts on my way home on two nights. Sunday night was a windy one but we managed to get off site early on Monday.
Lots of love Peg Lee

Mother's Day Rally, Dunwich
2016-03-04 08:00 - 2016-03-07 17:00 | Suffolk
A Weekend of Relaxing for all Mothers…
Back from a lovely weekend in Dunwich with a big thank you to all the marshals.
Lovely weather laid on (really enjoyed the walk in the hail storm). Food in the restaurant was amazing – so much served up at really reasonable prices. Couple of minutes from site and on the cliff top at Dunwich with a much needed tea or coffee in the tea rooms.
Great rally – thank you.
Janet Dobson

Oktoberfest Rally, Hallowtree
2015-10-09 08:00 - 2015-10-11 17:00 | Suffolk
A weekend of Um-Par…
Just returned from a brilliant weekend at Hallowtree and the Oktoberfest Rally. Glorious weather and fantastic entertainment. Saturday evening saw a plethora of ralliers dressed up in their Lederhosen and various other outfits. The Colchester Band has us all swaying and singing all night, they were really enthusiastic and played magnificently.
The Sausage supper was very tasty and the drinks were certainly flowing!!! A huge well done to the marshals, Kim, Nigel, Jan and Paul…..your hard work clearly paid off. Can’t wait till next year (don’t know what to wear yet though!)
Sarah, Andy and Rachel Pedder.

Suffolk Punch Trust, Hollesley
2015-07-24 08:00 - 2015-07-28 17:00 | Suffolk
Suffolk Punch Rally
We have just returned from the Suffolk Punch Trust Rally at Hollesley. We would like to personally Thank Tim, Viv, Katherine & David who main marshalled the venue & Janice & David Kent for chairing the Rally. We were all treated to Tea / Coffee on Thursday & cream tea on Friday with homemade scones, Hedgerow Jam topped with fresh cream. Although the weather took a sharp turn for the worse with a huge downpour as the fun began, we all snuggled up into two awnings & had some good fun exchanging stories about other funny caravanning experiences. Thankfully the field drained really well with the sandy soil so no one had any problems get on & off the field which slopes very slightly.
This is without a doubt a fantastic find for the centre & its members. With views across rolling fields & breath taking scenery across pure unspoiled open countryside, what more could you ask for ? We recommend anyone who has never been before to try it next year ! The very reasonable rally fee included admission into the Trust centre throughout your stay where you can purchase a meal or simply have a nice freshly ground coffee. There was also a tractor trip around the Stud where a tour guide explained the important work they carry out to preserve the Suffolk Punch Horses. There was also the opportunity to get involved with some work required on the land for those who wanted to join in although I have to say the only brave ones willing in torrential rain was Viv & Tim so well done to them as they were soaked through to their skin on their return ! It was also lovely to see children attend with parents & Grandparents. It was nice seeing them flying kites & laughing out loudly playing volleyball etc.
Thank you to everyone who attended despite the weather trying to spoil our 4 night stay & of course Tim & his lovely family.
Darren, Renee, Amy & Reece Fitch.
Photo’s courtesy of Darren Fitch

Candy Coloured Lighthouse Rally, Happisburgh
2015-07-17 08:00 - 2015-07-19 17:00 | Suffolk
Another excellent new venue to the Suffolk Centre. Manor Caravan Park at Happisburgh may have suffered from the coastal erosion in recent years but the natural beauty of the area remains in tact. We were thrilled by the fantastic views and walks along the north Norfolk Coast.
Summer can’t get much better than this. Also lovely to once again catch up with more friends old and new, a treat indeed !
Many thanks to the rally marshals Alan & Sue, Paul & Carole.
Trev, Sue and the gang

Hadleigh on the Hill Rally
2015-07-10 08:00 - 2015-07-12 17:00 | Suffolk
A nice little find…
We attended the Hadleigh On The Hill Rally “Very Late” ( so Thanks to the marshals for excepting us at short notice) for the the first time, thoroughly enjoying really good company as a family & the fantastic breath taking views of pure unspoiled open countryside all thanks to Trevor, Susan Smith ,Joe, Sheila Holmes and not forgetting Carole & Nick Harbottle as well as Sue’s Dear mum Beryl quietly beavering away behind the scenes ! They all worked so hard to feed us all with a truly lovely “Best” Sausages & Salad meal. We all gathered around the well organised lit up banqueting area provided with nice gentle atmospheric music playing in the background & had a good laugh / Food amongst lovely friends & like minded ralliers into the late evening. Another “Must Try” rally for people who have never tried or attended before, like us.
Our sincere thanks again to everyone who made it a memorable rally for us as a family – it’s very much appreciated.
Darren, Renee & Reece Fitch
Wonderful weather…
We love Hill Farm, Hadleigh for the views and the warm sunny weather really helps. Many thanks to Rob for allowing us to use his field and the Centre members for supporting this event again this year. Thanks also to the late bookings which helped with numbers and certainly added to the atmosphere on 23 vans on site. Everyone was so friendly and even the dogs seemed to enjoy the walk round the perimeter of the site. Finally, congratulations to Peggy & Roy for receiving their 50th rally plaque. We are seeking dates for 2016 at Hadleigh on the Hill and feel sure it will be as popular next year.
Trev & Sue Smith
Pictures courtesy Trevor Smith

Junior Crew Rally, Wissington
2015-07-03 08:00 - 2015-07-05 17:00 | Suffolk
A huge thank you to the Syrett and Mattocks crew for another awesome Junior Crew Rally at Wissington. A fun packed weekend from start to finish, with raft racing, raft jumping, popcorn, marshmallows over the fire pit…. yummy ! As usual the rally proved to be a huge success. Well done to you all.
The Pedders
Well another great event, marshals and the marshal juniors with a tea and cake meet to start they all did a grand job with games and fun .we all sat around eating popcorn and water melon .the kids also had toasted marshmallow in between chocolate biscuits… caravan clubs version of the Wagon Wheel… stayed warm and sunny throughout … met up with friends old and met some more new ones. if you have never been, it’s a great place for the young ones to meet up and have fun like we use to in the river … back in the old days.
Pete N Loz
Thank you to the marshals, great weekend had by the newbees looking forward to the next one! Bring it on!
Jack Watson
Had a fantastic time, thanks to all the Marshalls. Pimms flowed well and it was lovely to see friends and family. Always a great rally.
Julie Moody
Great weekend all, thank you for all your hard work. The kids were all brilliant and seemed to have great fun too with the soft footballs. Lovely to chill out by the river and this year I stayed out of the river as last year I ended up in the river fully clothed.
Diane Preston
Thanks for a great weekend in Wissington. Thank you to everyone involved for making it great from all the Bloomfield clan.
Julie Bloomfield
Fantastic weekend at Wissington. So fantastic to see the kids and adults enjoying all the activities. It’s what the weekends were made for! Thanks to Mandi and Daryl and Denis and Val, not forgetting Bethany, Jamie, Abi and Ben and the other members of the Junior Crew.
Kim Berry
Pictures courtesy of Pete N Loz, Julie Bloomfield

Fun on The Fens Holiday Rally, The Lawns Fleet Spalding
2015-06-22 08:00 - 2015-06-28 17:00 | Suffolk
HOW HOT CAN YOU TROT ?
Fabulous week having “Fun on the Fens” with friends old and new. We had the best weather ever (36 degrees on Wednesday), a fabulous site at The Lawns and the get-togethers were just brilliant including, coffee & cake, A hog roast and cheese and wine evening.
Big thanks to Marshals, David & Tracy Totman and Tony & Val Oughton.
Trev, Sue and the gang
Pictures courtesy of Trevor Smith

Brightlingsea Carnival Rally
2015-06-19 08:00 - 2015-06-21 17:00 | Suffolk
Congratulations …!!
The Suffolk Centre float was judged in joint first place at the carnival this year. The theme of the carnival was “Costumes around the World” so John’s pickup was transformed into the float this year with flags and plenty of colour. Thanks to John, Diane, Megan and Lauren, Chris, Amy and Lilly with all the volunteers that dressed up, for a lovely weekend.
Ed Ward
Thanks for a lovely rally this weekend
Love the Bloomfields xx
Thanks for a lovely weekend. It was our first time at Brightlingsea. What a great place everything is so close within walking distance whether you want a walk by the sea or in the countryside.
Carole & Nick Harbottle
Great weekend at the carnival. Many thanks to the marshals.
Chris Watson
Another peaceful event chilling and meeting friends old and new … THANKS TO THE MARSHALS FOR PUTTING ON THE ENTERTAINMENT … A SPECIAL THANKS TO DIANE … FOR CALL OUT MY NUMBERS FIRST ON 3 OCCASIONS… (still not splitting it with you and john ) see you all on the next event.
Pete n Loz
My family and I had a fantastic weekend at Brightlingsea Rally. We really enjoyed the carnival and crabbing competition. Well done to our son Joshua for winning trophy for biggest crab! A big thank you to all the Marshals and well done for getting a 1st place for SCCC float!
Julie Moody

Best End Wins Rally, Framlingham
2015-06-12 08:00 - 2015-06-14 17:00 | Suffolk
Fab Framlingham…
Just returned from the Best End Wins rally at Framlingham and once again the rally didn’t disappoint. Many thanks to David, Georgie, Tony and Karen for marshalling this again. The sun shone at times, rain threatened at times, but the boules competition went ahead, ably stewarded by Chris and Maggie Sanderson, with the worthy winners of Alan and Jenny Barrell. Gather from David they were a longstanding attendee of the rally so a good result for them. Understand they filled in the last slot on the trophy which was given to the Centre by Gordon Shepherd in memory of his late wife Greta. This was followed by a cream tea with tea and coffee. Rain threatened at flagpole but it didn’t turn into much with the long awaited sun making an appearance through lunchtime. A rally well worth attending.
Janet & Alan Dobson

The National, Cornbury Park Charlbury
2015-05-29 08:00 - 2015-05-31 17:00 | Suffolk
Click here to read the report from the 2015 National

World War II A Sentimental Journey, Clopton Corner
2015-05-22 08:00 - 2015-05-24 17:00 | Suffolk
A weekend with everything 40’s …
Just a quick note to say what a great week end Cheryl and I had, never tasted spam sandwiches like it !
You could not do anything about the weather but boy did you make the effort elsewhere.
Great company, great entertainment, so thanks to you all. Keep an eye on Har-Biggles !!
Colin & Cheryl Moorcroft
Thanks to the team at Clopton, great weekend and entertainment brilliant.
Karen & Tony Reed
Thank you for the brilliant time at Clopton, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Julie Jackson
Thanks again Trev, Sue, Joe, Sheila, Nick & Carole for a great weekend among friends, with great food & entertainment.
Andy Gaffer
Great weekend Sat night just brilliant. Bring on the next one.
Jan Hale

May Day Holiday Rally Rose Farm, Belton, Great Yarmouth
2015-05-01 08:00 - 2015-05-04 17:00 | Suffolk
Another May Day Holiday…
Thanks to all our friends at Rose Farm Touring Park for a lovely week. We had all 4 seasons weather last week but still managed to enjoy ourselves out and about.
May I also offer special thanks to park owner Sue Myhra for organising and funding the lovely entertainment by saxophonist Maria Sutherland for us after Flagpole on Monday. Such a generous and welcome surprise for us all to enjoy. The ice cream van didn’t disappoint either.
Trevor Smith, Rally Marshal
Thank you for all you did we had a great week with you all.
Carole Drennan
Thanks Trevor and gang, we had a great week despite the weather.
Sharon Cross
It’s sunny here today but quiet now that everyone has left. We are staying at Rose Farm for a few extra days. We have had a lovely time again, thanks to all the marshals and park staff for all they have done.
Jan Goddard
Pictures courtesy of Trevor Smith

Bonjour Blaxhall May Day Rally
2015-05-01 08:00 - 2015-05-04 17:00 | Suffolk
Tres Bien Blaxhall
Thanks go to the fab marshals for a great long weekend at Blaxhall. Fantastic food served on Saturday evening and some light hearted games, all good fun. A crafty Sunday morning and a really good quiz night that evening. You all worked so hard, well done
Sarah, Andy, Rachel and Lyla Pedder
Pictures courtesy of Sarah Pedder and Nigel Berry

Steadings Park, Newbourne
2015-04-10 08:00 - 2015-04-12 17:00 | Suffolk
Steadings Park, a lovely weekend break…
Thanks to the Syrett family (junior and senior) for a lovely chilled out weekend at Steadings Park, Newbourne. Saturday was a lovely day we even sat in the sun for a couple of hours. Thanks for arranging the rally.
Sarah and Andy Pedder with Lyla.
Thanks to all the lovely marshals for another lovely weekend at The Steadings, for Mandi for arranging a lovely meal at the pub, and for the beautiful huge birthday cake for Daryl and I. Betsy says a big thank you as well, she so enjoyed it. All the children made her so welcome, such a lovely bunch of kids xx
Lynne & Barry Roberts.
Few pics from the weekend at Steadings. The rally field at sunset. Daryl and Lynnes birthday cake and the Fox Inn in all its spring glory. Thanks to Daryl, Mandi, Abi and Ben and Tony and Linda.
Diane & John Preston
Brilliant weekend ! Thanks to all the Marshalls. Lovely site and brilliant flagpole by the awesome Abbie !
Bill Mitchell
Picture courtesy of Mandi Syrett & Diane Preston

An Eggcelent Easter, Sutton
2015-04-03 08:00 - 2015-04-06 17:00 | Suffolk
An Eggstremely Great Easter…
I’m sure I speak for all the marshals when I say a Huge Thank You for supporting the Easter at Sutton rally this weekend. I would also like to thank Sharman Caravans for their kind donation of the Easter Eggs which the ralliers received and the vouchers.
Diane & John Preston
Great Easter rally at Sutton well done to all the marshals especially the young junior team. Thank you ALL !
Bruce Bull
Pam and myself have only recently joined the rally circuit during the last couple of years but would like to thank all the marshals that make these events possible and all the members that have made us feel so welcome.
Bill & Pam Mitchell
Three evenings with entertainment @ Sutton 2-6 April 2015. Tricks of the Trade, Tote racing and Bingo night
great fun for all …
Pete & Loz
…………………………….
Pictures courtesy of Pete & Loz

Silly Shirts Rally, Hallowtree
2015-03-06 08:00 - 2015-03-08 17:00 | Suffolk
We needed sunglasses !!
The weekend promised to be a bright one ! No one was disappointed when the sun shone and provided us with the warmest weekend of the year so far. How appropriate that shirtsleeves were out and I was able to wear at least three of my silliest shirts without anyone noticing !
I have known Steve since I had brown hair…. and that’s a good 40 years. We were single lads in the 70’s with everything and nothing to worry about. Our mopeds were just as shiny as our caravans are now. From then until now, Steve and Mel have been true friends, bringing much fun and laughter to our lives. Sue and I wish you both every happiness with your new home in Cornwall and hope to be able to pop in for a visit each time we are in the area.
Thanks for a lovely weekend !
Trevor Smith
Good luck & best wishes to you both in your new life in Cornwall.
Sally & Andy xx
Good luck to you guys, for your move down south. Didn’t realize you were going. Its been great to meet you with the Suffolk centre. Best of luck with everything xx
Julie Crane
Thanks to the marshals for organising a lovely weekend with fabulous views and fabulous weather!
Kim Berry
We wouldn’t of missed it and glad your last rally was a good one and the weather was kind too xx
Tina Eagle
We also would not have missed it as it was your last rally. Great weekend. Gonna miss you guys…..
Jan & Paul xx
Thank you to everyone that came and supported our Silly Shirt Rally this weekend. We booked the weather especially 🙂
Steve and I would also like to thank everyone for our cards, gifts and flowers that we received due to this being our last rally as we are moving down to Cornwall.
We have made so many wonderful friends during our time with the Centre and we shall miss you guys loads.
Once again thank you all so much xxxx
Mel & Steve
Pictures courtesy of Tina Eagle & Nigel Berry

Up The Oche, Butley
2015-02-20 08:00 - 2015-02-22 17:00 | Suffolk
A Perfect Shot !
Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to Mark, Rachel and Ambers Gowers and Michael & Karen Fisk and not forgetting Hallie too. For all their hard work for such a great weekend at Butley.
This rally was a rally for all ages. It was so pleasing to see everybody getting stuck in and enjoying this darts weekend.
Well done to the winners!!
Pleeaassee run this again next year !
Daryl, Mandi, Abi and Ben Syrett
The weekend darts competition results
SCCC Under 8’s Winner – Amber Gowers
Using a new magnetic board, funded by the Junior Crew, eight under 8’s fought bravely and fairly in some great games of 201. The final ended in a war over the number 5 between Amber and Harry Goddard with Amber striking the winning shot for the Girls.
SCCC 8 – 16’s Winner – Lauren Earl
This age group saw some really intense games. For some it was the first time they had been allowed to play on a ‘real’ board with ‘real’ darts. Ben Syrett fought Lauren all the way till the end of a 201 game. Both threw numerous darts for their final doubles and it all ended on a 3 dart shot at the Bull with Lauren being closest.
SCCC Mixed Doubles Winners – Steve Eagle & Gareth Cook
30 Adults joined in the mixed doubles with a couple of pairings being not so mixed. The final was a game of endurance, three games of 501. After winning one game each it came down to Steve & Gareth landing a double to beat our North Essex visitors Linda and Barry Cook.
SCCC Ladies Winner – Karen Fisk
The ladies of course played in style with some rather artistic throws. Abi Syrett played strongly in the final being noisily supported by the crowd but in the end our Marshall Karen won on experience.
SCCC Mens Winner – Michael Fisk
A Super well matched final which summed up the whole weekend of fun and fair play. The scoring went a bit haywire but no one minded, a fair few ‘treble digit’ banners were waved, the commentary was amusing with a Michael playing a Michael and finally our Marshall landed the last double against Michael McCartney to win the Men’s Trophy.
Well done to all.
Rachel Gowers.

The Old Mill Public House Saxted
2015-01-09 08:00 - 2015-01-11 17:00 | Suffolk
The Mill Blades are still turning.
Winter Rallies to Enjoy…
We would just like to thank the marshals for a brilliant rally this weekend at Saxtead Mill.
We had a lovely time out in the van so early into the New Year and the pub was very welcoming.
Although windy we had great weather and a wonderful walk around Framlingham.
Again thank you !
Mandi Syrett

New Year Celebration Rally
2014-12-30 08:00 - 2015-01-02 17:00 | Suffolk
2015 New Year’s Rally at Trinity Park in Ipswich.
To Jan and Paul and to all their supporters. We just wanted to say a great big thank you to you all for a tremendous rally over the New Year.
From the word go, there was treat after treat. We arrived to set up on the Sunday after an unintended tour of the Europark industrial area! We had a good level pitch on grass with electrics which was a bit temperamental for the first 24 hours but even that provided a topic of conversation as we met up with other caravaners.
We were a bit slow setting up – we were the ones with an awning- so we got to the hall late but it was lively with conversation as auld acquaintances were renewed. We paid our fees and received our programme.
The evening saw sleigh racing as four different “volunteers” for each race pulled Father Christmas sleighs across the floor. We all made a quick assessment of form and went to the Tote to place our bets.
On the Monday we visited a local Supermarket for breakfast and some shopping and had a restful afternoon in the caravan. The formal Dinner on the Monday was superb as we abandoned our fleeces and Crocs for Dinner Jackets and posh frocks. What a transformation. We were allocated to a table of eight and got on so well with new found friends that we stayed as a group for the remaining events.
We were so impressed with the lovely three course meal, particularly so because the marshals and helpers did it all themselves; we had (naively perhaps) assumed there would be caterers. We had also assumed that the included wine would involve a glass or perhaps two at the most but it kept flowing.
Afterwards, there was dancing to a tribute band for The Blues Brothers who we had seen before at the AGM Rally and who were very very good. There was some very lively dancing and even some on stage singing contributions from ralliers.
We had never attended a Chinese Auction before and this was held on the Tuesday afternoon and that was great fun. Fluffy toys seemed particularly desirable and were claimed and reclaimed time after time. It ended on a wonderful note when the final winner of the large fluffy tiger (a young man) gave it away to a less young lady who had so lovingly held the tiger more than once only to have it snatched away. What a true gentleman. Tuesday night saw another live band who were good although the drummer was at times perhaps a little over enthusiastic.
Wednesday afternoon saw cash bingo which kept us all very quiet as we concentrated. However, the highlight for us all was the afternoon tea in the interval. There was a wonderful variety of thinly sliced sandwiches, cakes and scones, surely a presentation to match a classy hotel. The plates were all empty on our table although one couple were still set on having their stew and dumplings evening meal.
Flagpole started the evening followed by a raffle with an impressive array of prizes. The evening disco was very lively with lots of variety. There were many varied costumes on the theme “Superheroes”. Particularly impressive was Mrs Pankhurst, Rod Stewart and the Ninja turtles from Essex. The stroke of midnight came all too soon and after the usual celebrations we partied on. We don’t recall a more enjoyable New Year.
We really appreciate how much hard work this all took and are very grateful to you all. Please can we book for next year?
Maurice and Joan
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Leap into the New Year…
Anyone attending rally’s at home or abroad marshalled by Paul, Jan and their team will have come to expect a difficult to exceed standard of excellence together with clockwork organisation and precision timing akin to tranquil ducks moving gently through water. We not privy to behind scene activity have no idea how fast those little legs below water must thrash in order to achieve such excellent results.
This year’s New Year rally was no exception and a tribute to all involved. From the power supply flashing like the best of Christmas lights to the lucrative sleigh racing and the rally team cooked and served black-tie dinner.
It was soon time to meet all those favorite, and throughout the year regularly seen peg prizes being recycled. The ‘‘surely someone will want this 20 year old analog big buttoned DVD remote controller complete with corroded batteries’’ fun afternoon, better known as the amazing Chinese Auction! Fun it was.
Next, the ‘‘some could settle their credit cards but most wouldn’t’’, afternoon of Bingo. Very good it was also, but not as good as the afternoon tea and sandwiches with no crusts!
Finally, it was time to see the New Year in as Super Hero’s. Well, perhaps from me, the less said the better, except to say that those who didn’t see the New Year in with this remarkable four day event, didn’t see the New Year in!
Ron Johnson
