Suffolk Centre

Rede Hall
2018-05-18 12:00 - 2018-05-21 12:00 UTC | Rede Hall Farm Park, Rede, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 4UG, United Kingdom
This is a lovely venue with an enthusiastic owner Nigel Oakley who is quite a character, this was a special weekend and our marshals Janice & David and Janice & Brian invited us to a Royal Wedding Party and the FA Cup Final pie & a pint, the wedding was shown on a large screen TV in the event shelters, ably set up by John, David and Mark, we all dressed the part for this royal wedding, some of these rallier’s really do scrub up so well, there must be some large wardrobes in caravans, there was a lot of smart people about, along with some humorous ones as well, the wedding was followed by a cream tea party, where we toasted the happy couple, very well received, then later in the afternoon the FA was watched on the same screen.
All the caravans & motorhomes were decorated for the royal occasion, making it difficult to be able to judge the best, there was also a quoits competition held over the weekend, with a family affair in the final, with Mark & Debra Terry up against there daughter Natashia ‘assisted’ by the Chairman, however we were narrowly beaten, well done Mark & Debra.
We were shown around the farm and introduced to some of the horses, we were hoping that a Suffolk Punch mare in foal was going to produce during our stay, but she kept hanging on, hope all was well and we have another addition to this endangered breed; thanks to the marshals for all the hard work and thought that went into the weekend, with over £250 going to the centre charity, thanks to all who contributed.
Garry Pyett

The Forest Rally
2018-05-11 12:00 - 2018-05-18 12:00 | CHELMER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL,, Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsforsd, Essex, CM1 7ER, United Kingdom
A week away in the lovely site at Rendlesham, was made even better by the Marshals ordering up such great weather.
Roy Lee celebrated his 85th birthday on the 4th May and Janet Dobson presented Roy with a Birthday Cake (see photo). It was also Dennis & Pat Winters 60th Wedding Anniversary as well as Dennis’ Birthday. So lots to celebrate.
Janet & Karen laid on a great feast as can be seen, which was enjoyed by all the members.

Chill at the Mill Rally
2018-05-04 12:00 - 2018-05-07 12:00 | Kersey Mill, Kersey, Suffolk, IP7 6DP, United Kingdom
Following our successful visit to Kersey Mill last year (see page 4 of Volume 2 Issue 11—September 2017 Newsletter), we were once again invited back to see the progress made on restoring Kersey Mill. A tour of the Mill was arranged on Saturday and most of the Members from the 41 Units attended. Considerable progress has been made and our Chairman was able to present over £800 to Steve & Allison de Lara-Bell as a donation of the Site Fees. There were several Birthday & Wedding Anniversaries to celebrate, together with 4 1st Ralliers.

Top Of The Pops Rally
2018-04-27 12:00 - 2018-04-29 12:00 | Essex
A huge thanks to everyone who came along to the first Top of the Pops rally on 27-29 April at Sutton. After tea and coffee on Friday evening we had a music themed quiz from the 50’s up to the 00’s, well done to the winning team, hope you liked the sweets. After a relaxing day on Saturday (a little rain), we opened the hall for a good old fashioned disco with DJ Gary. The amazing array of costumes was sensational and well done to the 3 children and Ash who all managed to walk away with a prize. Although the weather could have been kinder, it didn’t put a dampener on the weekend- the feedback the marshals received was very positive. Thanks to all who helped tidy up Saturday night, much appreciated.
Sarah, Andy, Neil and Gaynor.

Henham Steam Rally
2017-09-15 08:00 - 2017-09-18 17:00 | Henham Park, NR34 8AQ, United Kingdom
Back to Henham !!
Plenty of steam but not much hot air at Henham this year.
Pictures courtesy of David Kent

Oktoberfest 2017
2017-09-15 08:00 - 2017-09-17 17:00 | Thetford, Little Lodge Farm, Brandon, IP27 0TX
A weekend of Oktoberfest…
Another fantastic Oktoberfest rally. Huge well done to the marshals, Nigel, Kim, Lynne and Barry. The Colchester band were marvellous and everybody was up dancing, swaying and thoroughly enjoying the festivities. Can’t wait till next year now.
Andy and Sarah Pedder.

Chill at the Mill
2017-09-08 08:00 - 2017-09-10 17:00 | Kersey Mill, Kersey, Suffolk, IP7 6DP, United Kingdom
A wonderful new venue !!
What a fantastic venue! Thank you Connie, Gary and Simon for organising such a relaxing weekend. The Mill Project is amazing. Looking forward to next year
Bill & Pam Mitchell
Pictures courtesy of Bill Mitchell and David Kent

Tangham Rally
2017-09-08 08:00 - 2017-09-10 17:00 | CHELMER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL,, Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsforsd, Essex, CM1 7ER, United Kingdom
Enjoyment in spades…
Another very pleasant visit to Tangham, the second trip this year. Again the marshals put on a lovely weekend for us and we are never disappointed with our visit to this site and the surrounding area.
It was lovely to catch up with old friends and new and reflect on the wonderful season we had this year. Two significant milestones were reached for our members this weekend. The traditional Caravan Club and Suffolk Centre flags were raised in their honour, congratulations to you all.
David Kent.

Apple Pie and Cider Rally
2017-08-25 08:00 - 2017-08-28 17:00 | Homestead Lake Park, Weeley, Clacton on Sea, Essex, CO16 9JN
A change from cheese and wine…
Thanks to Nigel, Kim, Barry & Lynne for this excellent rally at a superb and popular venue .
David Kent
Thank you to everyone who came to our Apple Pie and Cider rally at Weeley. We’re glad the weather held out for most of the time over the last 5 days. Thanks to those who helped in any way over the including putting the party tents up and looking after the site when we had to go out shopping. Apologies from Neil and Nigel for the rendition of “I’ve got a brand new combine harvester” after quite possibly too much cider on Saturday night!
Kim Berry
Thank you for a wonderful weekend, the perfect end to the summer holidays. The Wurzels couldn’t have done any better.
Heather Goddard
Thanks to all the Marshals for a wonderful apple pie and cider and bacon butties to soak up the cider for breakfast, and to all fiends we met on sat night.
Oddy Crane

Pictures courtesy of David Kent & Nigel Berry

Watching Summer Sunsets, Hadleigh
2017-08-25 08:00 - 2017-08-28 17:00 | Essex
Hot sunny bank holiday in August ? Whatever next !!??
Thanks to everyone who came to Hadleigh this year. It was a little special for me and my family as it coincides with what would have been Brian Garrod’s 80th birthday. As some of you will know, Brian was a loyal member of the Centre for 30 years and this was his rally at Hadleigh.
A fine and sunny weekend was had by all and the sunsets didn’t let us down in the end.
Very best wishes and we will be back next year with a choice of Chilli or Vegetable Soup in our Pop Up Shelter.
Enjoy the pictures and video !
Trev & the gang
Pictures / video courtesy of Trevor Smith

Elvis Was In The Building, Clopton Corner
2017-08-11 08:00 - 2017-08-13 17:00 | Essex
Elvis was in the building…
We knew that it was the 40th anniversary since the death of “The King” Elvis Presley and with this in mind a celebration rally was entered into the programme.
We had a full rally, spilling onto the car park and with immeasurable fortune, the Wednesday flooding subsided to allow us to get on and off the field without any incidents.
We take our hat off to Ken and Linda Levett for nearly two hours of dance lessons on Saturday afternoon. I was exhausted just watching. Thank you for making the day complete.
Our Elvis tribute Andy Ottley was not only a brilliant act but a genuinely nice guy, performing all the popular Elvis songs and taking requests for our favourites all evening. We even had some party music during the break and time to pick the best dressed Elvis. Ken did it again with his bright blue jacket !
We are always grateful to John & Nina for helping us to keep this rally in the programme again this year. Thanks also to Della and the team at Clopton for allowing us to rally again this year.
Trev & the gang
Pictures courtesy of Trevor Smith & Bill Mitchell

Lady Chairman's Rally
2017-08-04 08:00 - 2017-08-06 17:00 | Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 0TF, United Kingdom
A sensational rally at Newmarket….
This year the Newmarket Rally was chosen by our Lady Chairman as her venue for the “Chairman’s Rally” and what a treat we had in store. It is always special when our Centre Chairman sets out to provide a little extra for it’s members on their chosen weekend. This year was no exception with Janice and David working very hard with the team to entertain and feed us over a delightful weekend at the Rowley Mile Racecourse.
It’s easy to say what a good rally we have had, but often more of a challenge to explain why. This year, the field was just as nice as usual, the turnout was as good as before (more than 70 units), the food met everyone’s expectation and the Saturday afternoon thunderstorm did nothing to spoil the event, it just provided us a little time to have an afternoon nap… or natter in my case.
Many thanks to the extended team of Marshals, volunteers and helpers, too many to name, from cooking the food, erecting the event shelters, moving and loaning equipment, and best of all donating a vast array of prizes however large or small and then buying raffle tickets to win them back !
Janice has advised me that more than £700 was banked and will be passed to the Chairman’s nominated Charity, East Anglian Air Ambulance, Thank you !
Congratulations go to our long serving marshals and friends John and Nina Taylor who celebrated their 500th Rally in style and received the Suffolk Punch Award from our Lady Chairman at flagpole.
Our members thank you so much Janice and David
Janice has now served us as our very first Lady Chairman for three years (how time flies!) and the Centre has maintained a good number of events in our programme during this time. Feedback proves that everyone can remember a good few highlights during Janice’s time as Lady Chairman with close support from David. For me, it has been a great pleasure to serve as Vice Chair, supporting Janice and David. Our Committee had the odd crisis and numerous challenges along the way but the team have been brilliant and hopefully the members have been able to enjoy the last three years with us.
It just remains for me to say thank you to Janice and David for making my job as Vice Chair an easy one. Your hard work over the past three years has not waivered and you leave a healthy Centre to a fresh pair of hands into 2018. We hope you enjoy a good rest and look forward to seeing you out on the rally field soon.
Trevor Smith – Centre Vice Chairman

Harnessing History at Hollesley
2017-07-07 08:00 - 2017-07-09 17:00 | Essex
Suffolk Punch Trust at Hollesley
The Hollesley Rally at the Suffolk Punch Trust was back in the programme after a few years absence. This time new Marshals to our Centre, Garry and Connie Pyett were well supported by a long term Centre member Simon Crane.
The rally was arranged for four nights camping and as it turned out the four very hot summer days were accompanied by a gentle coastal breeze, which was very welcome at times. We joined the rally on the Friday morning. A warm welcome with a nice cupper and a natter helped us plan our weekend.
We were thrilled that the £10 per night included entry to the Trust which offered amazing value. We went into the Trust to view the museum of many different items associated with farming in Suffolk over the years. Fascinating objects and items to view. A big barn contained many of the old carts and farming tools used in association with the Suffolk Punch horses. A very nice café was handy for a drink and snack at lunch time. There were a range of small animals which the children all enjoyed. We remembered our youth whilst looking at the rabbits, guinea pigs, bantams and ducks.
We would like to thank the Marshals and the management and staff from the Suffolk Punch Trust for making this a memorable weekend. We really didn’t want to leave on Sunday but as we always say, ‘All good things come to an end.’ The marshals did a fabulous job and we hope that the rally will feature in the 2018 programme, as it was clearly popular and everyone seemed to have a relaxing time.
Trevor & Sue Smith; Joe & Sheila Holmes

Almost Mid-Summer Clare Priory
2017-06-16 08:00 - 2017-06-18 17:00 | Clare Priory, Ashen Road, Clare, Suffolk, Co10 8NX, United Kingdom
A Lovely Summer Break…
The weather was lovely this weekend, making the rally even more enjoyable. Many thanks to the Marshals and Father David for our tour. We look forward to our return next year….

Pictures courtesy of David Kent

The Shotley Rose Pub Rally
2017-06-09 08:00 - 2017-06-11 17:00 | Essex
A boozy weekend but they are not all like that…
We arrived in good time to set out the field and have dinner in The Rose Inn, Shotley before the crowd arrived. The beers and the food served were excellent again this year and we received a very warm welcome from Sarah and her staff which must mean that we behaved ourselves last year !
The field seemed even better than before and when Nick and I marked it out, we had to go back and adjust the lines that were slightly… shall we say “wonky !” No reason given 🙂
We would like to thank Sarah and her team for putting on a lovely Mini Beer Festival and timing it to coincide with our rally. The entertainment was excellent and the choice of beers and ciders were truly wonderful. Can’t say I liked them all but I did find several of them I went back to… regularly 🙂
Hope to see you all again in 2018.
Trev & the Three Amigos.

Pictures courtesy of Trevor Smith

Village Fete Rally Bredfield
2017-06-03 08:00 - 2017-06-04 17:00 | Essex
The Bredfield Rally, a lovely weekend break…
A lovely sunny weekend at Bredfield again this year.

Pictures courtesy of Trevor Smith

A Meare Weekend in Thorpeness
2017-05-26 08:00 - 2017-05-29 17:00 | Essex
A new venue at Thorpeness…..
The Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend saw a new rally venue for the Suffolk Centre. For many years the club have (and still do) use the cliff top at Thorpeness but this year we also held a rally on the Ogilvie Pavilion and Sports Ground. It was a lovely well maintained site with beautiful views of the House in the Clouds and only about 200m from the Dolphin Public House.
The weather was glorious and saw many ralliers wandering around picturesque Thorpeness or nipping up the road to Aldeburgh for a great supper of fish and chips. The rally began with tea & coffee Friday with a spot of quoits, a quiz about Thorpeness written by Graham Noye and then, crafts and volleyball for all ages (refereed by Mrs Peggy Lee) and Bingo and a communal BBQ.
We have booked the venue for next year too and anticipate a rally fee similar to this year (around £32 for the 3 nights).
Diane Preston.

Tangham Rally 2017
2017-05-26 08:00 - 2017-05-28 17:00 | CHELMER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL,, Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsforsd, Essex, CM1 7ER, United Kingdom
The Marshals held a cake / tea and coffee stall on the Saturday of this rally to raise funds for Marie Curie Nurses. Many items were donated by Morrisons in Felixstowe and with the welcome addition of a delicious selection of home made cakes by some of the ralliers.
The Marshals send their thanks to all those that attended and took part and are delighted to say, following rounding up with a few pennies, they raised a total of £162.
Janet, Alan, Karen & Tony.

Rede Hall Farm Rally
2017-05-12 08:00 - 2017-05-14 17:00 | Rede Hall Farm Park, Rede, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 4UG, United Kingdom
A very relaxing and enjoyable rally in the heart of Suffolk. Nigel Oakley (the owner) brought a wonderful Suffolk Punch horse to the rally field and gave an informative talk about the breed to the ralliers.
A game of quoits was arranged in the “bottom field” where Sharon & Richard Cross showed their professionalism at the game, by sweeping all before them 🙂
On Saturday a Cream Tea was served and on Sunday evening a wonderful selection of home made cakes were presented to the members, who all enjoyed the feast. The extra day (Monday) was appreciated by all that could accommodate it into their schedule.
It was also noticed that Brian and Janice seemed to have a chimnet growing out of the top of their van !

The National, Sandringham Estate May 2017
2017-05-05 08:00 - 2017-05-07 17:00 | Essex
A very special National held in our region…
Once in a while we have the very exciting news that The National is to be held in the Anglia Region. This year was such a time and a hundred or so Suffolk Centre members were booked onto the event and looking forward to the biggest rally in our programme this year.
Here are a few highlights to remind you of the weekend…

Thanks to all from the Centre who supported this event…

Peewit Rally 2017
2017-04-21 08:00 - 2017-04-23 17:00 | Peewit Caravan Park, WALTON AVENUE, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 2BH, United Kingdom
The Marshals are delighted to report that the fundraising event for Guide Dogs for the Blind received donations totalling £155 from those attending this rally. All the tea, coffee, cakes etc were donated by Morrisons Supermarket in Felixstowe, plus they were also given a couple of prizes to raffle off. Many thanks to all those who attended and took part.
Janet, Alan, Karen & Tony.

Burns Supper 2017
2017-01-21 08:00 - 2017-01-23 17:00 | Thetford, Little Lodge Farm, Brandon, IP27 0TX
Our thanks go to Ron & Wendy, Martin & Liz and Julie for putting on such a wonderful weekend for the (around) 90 members who participated in the Friday & Saturday evening events. It started on Friday with a cup of tea/coffee with the Marshals, with a “dummy run” of the Scottish dancing for Saturday with the dance instructors to assist.
Saturday evening started with a drink with the Marshals and then the “Piping of the Haggis” before we all settled down to a meal of haggis, neeps and tatties with an alternative for those Sassenach’s for some reason didn’t appreciate the Bards meal.
A “roll a pound for a bottle of Whiskey” raised £50 for the Lady Chairman’s Charity. The evening was enjoyed by all who took part in the Scottish dancing, with liberal helpings of 8 year old Scotch Whiskey supplied by the Marshals.
The weekend was completed by a fine breakfast of Porridge, toast, tea and coffee the following morning. A terrific weekend that the Marshals will be repeating again in 2018.

Oktoberfest
2016-10-14 08:00 - 2016-10-16 17:00 | Essex
A weekend of Oktoberfest…
Once again the marshals for the rally produced a splendid weekend of music, beer and fun. The band were just as good as last year and the food and drinks supplied were lovely. You all worked extremely hard and the effort paid off. Congrats to Nigel, Kim, Paul and Jan roll on next year!
Andy and Sarah Pedder.

The Cliff Top Holiday Rally
2016-08-26 08:00 - 2016-08-29 17:00 | Essex
Summer Holiday Time…..
Had the most great week at the Thorpeness rally. Thanks to all the Marshalls, who did such a wonderful job. The weathers been fantastic, apart from yesterday, with the gales !
Julie Crane
A big Thank you to all the Marshalls and helpers at Thorpeness we had a fantastic time.
Thanks from Karen and Paul Bugg
Thanks again to all.. a great time away from the pub for us.. nobody enjoyed it more than one happy Fynn 🙂 Cheers !
Karen Beaumont
Could be anywhere, no it’s Thorpeness what an amazing place kids love, no phone signal just fresh air and bikes. Got to keep this going. Going to miss it.
Wayne Harrison
Pictures courtesy of Oddy Crane

Summer Saxophone at Clopton Corner
2016-08-12 08:00 - 2016-08-14 17:00 | Essex
Summer Saxophone Indeed !!!
Our sincere thanks to Trevor, Sue, Joe & Sheila for a brilliant weekend at Clopton. Knowing what these marshals put into their rallies we knew we were going to have a very good time and we did.
On Friday evening we had a carpet bowls knockout competition and guess what – we got quickly knocked out. Peggy Lee’s semi -secret tuition by Joe in the afternoon had obviously proved beneficial, as the very competitive duo of Brian Southgate and she made sure that we progressed no further than the first round. It was a great fun evening providing plenty of laughs and some quick movements as some of the bowls strayed at speed from their intended course.
Saturday evening saw us entertained by Maria Sutherland known as “Mariasax” and she was brilliant. My requests for “Lily was here” by Dave Stewart and Hazel O’connor’s “Stay Now” were played followed by lots of music and songs to dance to, rounded off a simply great evening.
Our thanks again and congratulations in running such a brill rally.
Chris & Maggie Sanderson
Pictures courtesy of Chris Sanderson, Trevor Smith & and Bill Mitchell

Breakfast at Newmarket
2016-08-12 08:00 - 2016-08-14 17:00 | Essex
“The Last Breakfast” at the Rowley Mile ?
Our warmest thanks to Derek, Sheena, Tracy and David for another lovely Newmarket Rally. Sadly the last that Derek and Sheena will be marshalling, but as Derek celebrated his 75th Birthday the Monday immediately following the rally, they have decided to call time on what for very many years has been a very successful and well supported rally.
Very noticeable this year was that Derek was lacking his bike to travel around the rally field for catch up chats with the ralliers. The choice of no bike was we understand, intentional on Derek’s part, and not as in previous years when David Kent may have temporarily mislaid it for him. Whilst the bike was missing this year, Derek’s trademark pencil behind his right ear was not. Derek without a pencil – Never!
Janice chaired the rally which had in attendance four past chairmen, Derek and David of course together with David Rabjohn and Brian Southgate.
During Flagpole, Janice presented flowers to Gwen and Tony Robinson in recognition of their long time membership of the Suffolk Centre.
A 450th Rally Plaque was presented to Janet and Alan Dobson.
To celebrate their 500th rally achievement, the customary Suffolk Punch horse was presented to Jean and Malcolm Mortimer.
Our congratulations to them all.
Chris & Maggie Sanderson
Many thanks to Derek, Sheena, David and Tracy (plus numerous helpers) for a lovely weekend at Newmarket. Sad to see Derek and Sheena hang up their “marshal badges” though but wish them nothing but the best for the future.
Janet Dobson
Pictures courtesy of Chris Sanderson

Hitch Up To Wroxham
2016-08-05 08:00 - 2016-08-07 17:00 | Essex
Fun and games at Wroxham.
Thanks to Dave & Georgie , Karen and Tony . Not forgetting ROY’S.
Pictures courtesy of David Kent

Hadleigh on the Hill
2016-07-08 08:00 - 2016-07-10 17:00 | Essex
Chef Ramsey was on camp !
Thanks to everyone who came to Hadleigh on the Hill this weekend and help make the rally the fantastic success that it was.
What a site! What sunsets!
Thanks to the sausage Chiefs including ‘Gordon Ramsey’ I am sure he was there when I heard the expletive when someone burned their fingers. 🙂
All the food was brilliant and served beautifully and efficiently by all the willing helpers.
Looking forward to next year!
Bill & Pam Mitchell
Pictures courtesy of Trevor Smith

Shakespeare Rally
2016-07-01 08:00 - 2016-07-03 17:00 | Essex
Shakespeare Rally delivered in style…
A brilliantly organized rally by John Payne and Mick Prentice well run by John Taylor and Dave Hale and all their partners. Many thanks from all that attended.

Brightlingsea Carnival Rally
2016-06-24 08:00 - 2016-06-27 17:00 | Essex
Congratulations …!!
Suffolk Centre were awarded First Prize for Brightlingsea Carnival Adult Float (basically mix of adults and kids). The theme of the carnival was “Anzac Day” so John’s pickup was again transformed into the float this year with more original designs than ever.
Thanks to John, Diane, Megan and Lauren, Chris, Amy and Lilly with all the volunteers that dressed up, for a lovely weekend.
Terry Fitch
Overwhelming number of complements and congratulations from members of our Facebook Group.
Here are just a few:
Pete Procopiou Well done to all.
Darryl Otto Well done to everyone involved.
Alison Stammers Well done Diane & Team.
Karen Beaumont Congratulations, looks good, wish we were there.
Alan Dobson Well done all.
Elaine Townsend Well done, looks brilliant.
Trevor Smith Yay, well done Diane & Team.
Andy Gaffer Well done, looks great.
Anji Earl Well done it looks great.
Shirley Chenery Well done, looks great.
Steve Oliver Well done Diane and all those taking part.
Anne Rumsby Been a really great day. The marshals have worked very hard. Well done.
Jan Goddard Congratulations, looks good, hope you didn’t get wet ?
Julie Crane We all had a fab time.
Colin Hollobone Thanks to all that ran the Brightlingsea Rally.
Julie Ian & Lillie-Mai Bloomfield Thank you to all marshals on the Brightlingsea rally we had a fab weekend.
Chris Watson Lovely weekend. Thank you Chris, Pav, Maisie & Harvey
Sharon Start Thanks to the marshals for a lovely weekend at Brightlingsea. You did great, Den and I enjoyed as always.
Pictures courtesy of John Preston
