Rally Reports

March 2015

Your hosts for Gosforth Park were George and Ann Collis who were celebrating their 50th Golden wedding Anniversary. There were 28 vans including 2 Yorkshire and one Spanish although rumour abounds that they are transferring back to us.

On the Friday night it was a meet and greet with music and a quiz which had us all scratching our heads. On Saturday some ventured into Newcastle while others visited the local garden centre. We hda a super evening celebrating George and Ann’s wedding anniversary with a quiz and Bingo followed by an excellent buffet. The evening ended with music including the anniversary waltz.

January 2015

At the Durham rally hosts John and Tess Bruce put on some welcoming mince pies and mulled wine enjoyed by 14 vans including 4 Yorkshire and 1 Lancashire. Both nights members enjoyed the hospitality of the local pub. Saturday many enjoyed the Christmas festival in the cathedral area of Durham including the carol services.

The hosts for the New Year rally at Redcar racecourse were Kim and Allan McKelvie and Anne and Roger Allen. The Monday afternoon was a meet and greet with home-made soup provided by Kim. That evening we had a map quiz and a game of Bingo.

There was a total of 43 vans on site with 1 NWM&NW, I Lancashire, I Scottish, 1 Spanish, 1 Yorkshire and 38 Northern Counties. Unfortunately Jacqui had to visit the hospital and ended up back home – hope you are soon back on your feet.

After a day exploring Redcar we were entertained that evening by a duo called Agenda who were excellent. In the interval we played bar room brawl to the amusement of our entertainers who wondered what they had come to.

Wednesday was a busy day for some organising the buffet for the evening. In the evening the posh frocks came out to see in the New Year. We were entertained by Ken’s disco including quizzes. We saw in the New Year with a toast supplied by the group.

On New Years’ day several members enjoyed a viewing of Mamma Mia with several joining in singing and dancing. In the evening Mark entertained us with some different quizzes including a memory one not the best for those suffering with a hangover. It was also a chance to watch some of the photos from what had proved an excellent rally as well as throughout the year. Friday dawned bright and it was time to pack up, say our fond farewells and head home.

Please note that there has been a change of dates for the Easter rally which will now be a four day rally ending on the Easter Monday rather than the Tuesday.

October 2014

There was a good turn out for our AGM with 42 vans all Northern Counties with a day visitor from Spain. On the Friday evening we had a natter with a game of Bingo.

As regards the AGM Mark Lang was elected as our new Chairman with Allan moving into the position of Vice Chairman. Kim was re-elected as Secretary and Margaret as Treasurer with Walter Meikle as Assistant. John Ternent took on the role of Safety Officer leaving myself as News Writer. We were pleased to persuade Anne Allen to continue her role as Rally Officer with a new assistant Mandy Jones. Sheila Cottrell returned to the committee as Assistant Secretary. Thanks to Joan James and Jean Thomson for their time on committee and to Jean for agreeing to take on a non-committee role of flower and card coordinator. Neil Huggon took on the role of webmaster and Gordon Burnip agreed to act as Accounts Examiner. Last but by no means least the group were pleased to acknowledge the work done by Harry Cuthbert during the history of the group and appointed him as Hon. Vice President. We will get you a badge of office – honest.

During the evening we were entertained by Darryl Todd who sang a varied variety of songs. During the interval we enjoyed a faith supper. Sunday coffee gave Allan the chance to update everyone on the new appointments and to announce that we had made £100 for the Bobby Robson Foundation using the unclaimed prize from the Macmillan draw at Bents Park.

Well what can one say about the Tractor rally after a lovely day on Saturday Sunday brought the wind. This made it difficult or those taking money on the gate Just a couple of cases where we had to chase the odd notes down the road.

A total of 24 vans attended all Northern Counties. Friday and Saturday night saw several of us enjoying the entertainment in the Beer tent. Thanks to all those who marshalled.

Shona and Jim Hudson and Linda and Peter Ridges did a smashing job booking in 35 vans. There were 7 Yorkshire, 4 NWM&NW, 1 Nene Valley, 1 Severn Valley, 3 East Midlands, 3 Lancashire and 15 Northern Counties.

Over the weekend many took advantage of the discounted entry to the museum where many enjoyed some of the more recent exhibits including the fish and chip shop and the bakers. Others caught the bus into Chester-le-Street and Stanley.

Friday and Saturday night saw several of the members adjourning to the local hostelry where on Saturday night Peter had us puzzling over some picture quizzes. Sunday saw Mark doing his maiden speech as Chairman and Mandy was able to inform members of the future rallies.

September 2014

Thanks to John Ternent for hosting the rally at Alnwick with help from Jim Lackenby who parked up some 33 vans including visitors from Scotland, Anglia and Lancashire. Friday evening several members took advantage of the curry and a pint offer in the clubhouse. Saturday several members went for a walk on local paths many of which unfortunately were overgrown but not to be defeated our intrepid explorer Dot fought her way through. Saturday evening saw everyone puzzling over John’s quiz. Sunday evening we were welcomed to join the local leek club who had their display of leeks and onions – there were some whoopers. We were able to join in with their buffet supper and participated in their raffle although unsuccessfully.

Only 17 vans attended the rally at Rothbury including our visitor from Anglia who were continuing to enjoy their visit to the Northumbria coast. On Saturday most members went into Rothbury while others went further exploring the local area. On the evening we had a daft quiz followed by a game of Play Your Cards Right. it is so long since we had this we had to struggle to remember the rules. Still it proved a good laugh. Thanks to host Anne and Roger

August 2014

Herrington Country Park proved to be a lovely location for a rally with 17 vans all Northern Counties attending. Thanks to hosts Alan and Alyson Pickersgill who had spent time in preparing a treasure trail round the park. The café proved a popular finishing point. Good use was made of the local hostelry for the evening and Sunday lunch.

The rally at Sedgefield agricultural show was fully booked with 30 vans one from Spain, despite a lack of chocolate biscuits, one Scottish and the rest Northern Counties. Members enjoyed the visit to the show although the threatened bad weather saw many leaving early on Sunday. Thanks to host Dave and Jean Thompson.

Members were welcomed to Yarm by hosts Jim and Shona Hudson. 23 vans attended including one Spanish. Friday saw us all in the Tyne tunnel enjoying a quiz. On Saturday several visited the coffee at the local prison – different but at £2 for a bacon buttie and a hot drink well worth it. The shops in Yarm took a hit on the Saturday and the local pub was well attended in the evening.

There is an additional rally in November, 14th -16th sees a return to Blucher Social Club. The arrangements for the Christmas meal have been confirmed at Sedgefield Racecourse where we will be on hard standing with the use of our usual room for the Friday night and Sunday morning. The Saturday evening will be in the posh bit. Bookings for this and the New Year rally will open at the AGM. Talking about which there is still time for anyone to put their name on the committee list.

It was quite a surprise to get 110 vans at the holiday rally at South Shields we must be doing something right. We had 25 Yorkshire, 8 Scottish, 5 East Midlands, 1 Anglia, 1 Lancashire. I West Country 4 NWM&NW and the rest Northern Counties. Good use was made of the bus passes to go into South Shields, Sunderland and Durham while others took the bikes out along the many cycle tracks. On Monday we had a guided walk to Souter Lighthouse by the National Trust warden. Saturday night we had the traditional pie and peas with trifle followed by some quizzes. The weekend quizzes were won by visitors from East Midlands while the kids quiz was won by Josh. Sunday the kids enjoyed a treasure hunt followed by games in the afternoon. The quoits game was won by Northern Counties. Thanks to the committee and all their helpers for a terrific weekend.

July 2014

Grasmere, a lovely venue in the Lakes, attracted 39 vans including 5 visitors from Yorkshire, Lancashire and NWM&NW and new members Mr and Mrs Potts After a wet Friday the sun shone for the rest of the weekend tempting some members to take to the local hills. Unfortunately the rain on Friday meant some streams became raging torrents of water. One intrepid explorer took off her boots to cross one such stream only to lose her balance and watch her boots floating down the stream. Two gallant knights came to her rescue managing to retrieve the boots but the socks have probably now reached the sea! Saturday night we celebrated Dot and Henry’s Golden Wedding Anniversary when Dot was presented with flowers from the group – perhaps a pair of socks would have been more appropriate. Thanks to hosts Dave and Jean Thompson and Janice and Gordon Burnip.

Monday saw many of the members moving onto Keswick to be welcomed by hosts John and Sheila Cottrell ably assisted by Jim and Shona Hudson. The 39 vans included visitors from Yorkshire, East Midlands, NWM&NW and Spain. A short walk from the site took people into Keswick or further afield with their bus passes while the evening were spent chatting and doing quizzes.

Hosts Kevin and Gill Price welcomed 40 vans to the lovely setting of Stanhope’s Unthank Park including 4 visitors. Saturday the sunshine enticed many to walk into Stanhope or visit the Open air swimming pool. The B-B-Q’s were out and then the evening saw us in the room for Bingo and a music quiz. Sunday was another lovely day and many took the chance to stay over on the Sunday night.

Glutens for punishment Kevin and Gill also hosted the next rally at Tynedale Rugby Club. 30 vans including a visitor from Yorkshire and Spain enjoyed the sunshine. No doubt the retail therapy in Corbridge helped with some spending the evenings in the Tyne Tunnel while others visited the local hostelries.

17 vans including visitors from Spain, Yorkshire, East Midlands and NWM&NW attended the rally at Lizard Farm for the Sunderland Air Show. Hosts Margaret and myself were pleased to welcome new members Maggie and Alan Hoskins and Mr and Mrs Reynolds. Hope to see you again soon. Unfortunately due to weather conditions there was no flying on Friday evening and the firework display was heard rather than seen. Saturday dawned clear and bright and there was a full programme of flying including the Red Arrows who finished the display. On Sunday the Red Arrows opened the display which was enjoyed by those on site while others ventured into Seaburn to visit all the ground displays.

June 2014

A total of 26 vans turned up for our first visit to Durham Rugby Club for some years with 3 visitors from Yorkshire, I from East Midlands and I from Scotland. Thanks to Lesley Keegans for hosting the rally which saw many members taking advantage of the short walk into Durham to explore the city.

27 vans enjoyed a fine weekend at Hawes Auction Mart including visitors from Anglia, Yorkshire, Sussex and Lancashire. Hosts Roger and Anne Allen organised a supper so everyone could help Bob Boast celebrate his 84th birthday. Bob made his own cake which everyone enjoyed so much there was none left for those of us who were still on our travels in Ireland.

The sun shone at Beadnell where 29 vans enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Northumberland coast many walking up to Seahouses and even as far as Bamburgh Castle. Hosts Lilian and Alan Corbett welcomed visitors from Essex and Scotland and new members Mr and Mrs Cole. Good use was made of the Tyne tunnel with some interesting quizzes although on Saturday night some diehards fans visited the local hostelry to watch the England match.

The following weekend at Seaburn we needed two Tyne tunnels to house the occupants of 47 vans including some 11 visitors from East Midlands, South & West Wales, Essex Yorkshire and Spanish. Hosts Mark, Sue, Aaron and Owen were ably assisted by our Pam and Dave who brought with them a hint of Spain with a Spanish ‘Meet and Greet’ on the Friday night. Saturday night Mark and Sue did a games of scategories which produced some interesting answers just as well there were no kids present! Sunday was a rather quieter evening but nevertheless enjoyable.

The third of our coastal venues this month saw 32 vans at Whitley Bay Rugby Club hosted by Margaret and myself. We had visitors from Yorkshire and Essex and we were well entertained by the local scouts who held a fun day on the adjoining pitch, the kids enjoyed the climbing wall and archery while the bigger kids stuck to the tombola’s and other stalls. 3 of our members won prizes on their raffle. Others visited the shops in nearby Whitley Bay and Tynemouth. On Saturday the rugby club organised a B-B-Q for us followed by a games and quiz evening followed by dancing. Thanks to Mark for his help with this. Sunday we were able to watch the sportsmen of tomorrow with the junior rugby training taking place while we had our coffee morning. Sunday evening saw us back in the clubhouse for a quiz and a natter.

May 2014

There is a lot to report on this month so here goes. 47 vans attended the May Bank holiday rally at Braithwaite including 3 from Yorkshire, 2 Lancashire, and 1 from Avon. We welcomed new members John and Jennifer Hughes and Michael and Susan Peacock, and returning members Richard and Judy Bain and Jeff and Judith Davison. Thanks to the hosts Kim and Allan McKelvie ably assisted by Dave and Jean Thompson and Roger and Anne Allen who stepped in as the co-hosts Kevin and Gill were unable to attend. The bus passes took a hammering with trips into Keswick and further afield. Friday night the members enjoyed a buffet and then on Saturday evening we have a foretaste of things to come at the National with an Irish theme night with live entertainment.

25 vans attended the follow on rally at Millers Field Ambleside including 3 Yorkshire, 3 Lancashire, 2 Avon, 1 each from East Midlands, Anglia and Essex many of whom were on their way to catch the ferry to Ireland. Host Lesley Keegans organised two guided walks to Sweden Bridge and Grasmere which were enjoyed by those members who participated. Unfortunately it is the last time we will be allowed to use this venue which is a great shame.

The sunshine greeted 41 vans at Sedgefield racecourse where members were pleasantly surprised by the improvements to the room and facilities. Hosts Janice and Gordon Burnip and Dave and Jean Thompson welcomed 2 visitors from Yorkshire, one from Scotland as well as new members for Northern Counties Mr and Mrs Scott and Mr and Mrs Hadfield hope to see you both again soon. After enjoying the medieval fayre in Sedgefield on the Saturday members helped Dave Thompson celebrate his 65th birthday with a buffet washed down by Sangria. It all made for an entertaining evening with a Chinese raffle.

30 vans from Northern Countries crossed the sea to Ireland where we were warmly welcomed by the Northern Ireland Group at their pre and post rallies as well as the National. Thanks from the National Rally Committee to all who helped marshal the Silent Auction and the Floral Arts demonstration both of which went down well. Party night had to be seen to be believed, thanks to all those who participated and particularly to those who decorated the tables. Our quiz teams did well one being beaten into fourth place by a tie break question – better luck in Anglesey next year. Well done to everyone who participated in the group entry which came third and for the individual home craft entries with 3rd places for Sheila Cottrell (ragdoll), Janice Burnip (mini-album) Kim McKelvie (quilt), 2nd places for Ray Ball (watercolour and charcoal drawing) Marjorie Hingston (pop-up card), Allan McKelvie (insect from a tin can) and for Kim McKelvie (mini album) and a first for Lynn Smith with her shawl. These results all meant we came third in the home craft overall winner’s trophy. Our four legged friends did well with Holly (owner Tess Bruce) coming second in the prettiest bitch class and Ruby (owner John Ternent) second in the adolescent class. Congratulations to all.

April 2014

With the weather forecast to turn out nice there was a good attendance at Darlington Rugby Club for our Easter rally. We welcomed new members Mr and Mrs Weatherburn, hope to see you again soon and were pleased to welcome back to the fold Richard and Alison Luxford who re-joined us after a few years absence. We had 3 visitors from Yorkshire, I Lancashire and one NWM&NW. and 32 Northern Counties.

Everyone was warmly greeted by our first time hosts Richard and Margaret, Neil and Jo and Stephen and Christine who did an excellent job of keeping us entertained all weekend. Thursday evening saw us in the function room of the Club with a quiz followed by a chance to place your bets for the Darlington Derby with six volunteers jostling for position along the racetrack aiming for the winning post – I am sure there should have been a steward’s enquiry into some of the moves.

Good Friday was bright and sunny and while some ventured into Darlington others took the opportunity to enjoy the sun and catch up on the gossip. Friday evening started with a True or false quiz which you would think would be straight forward but there were some tricky questions. This was followed by a version of a Chinese raffle where the winners were the five lucky people left on the chairs at the end of the raffle and able to secure the prize hidden underneath. Cheating was rife – just how many people is one chair meant to hold!

Saturday again saw members venturing into Darlington or further afield making use of those bus passes. After a spot of retail therapy many enjoyed a pie peas and chip supper laid on by the Club, thanks go to Joan for dealing with the bookings. This was followed by the ever popular Ian Fraser with his music and witty comments the evening passed all too quick. Poor Ian was roped in to judge our Easter bonnet parade.

Coffee morning on Sunday saw everyone enjoying hot cross buns and the usual informative chat from our Chairman who was also the lucky winner of the bonus ball. As some members were leaving on Sunday the raffle was drawn with much hilarity. Several members partook of the carvery available at the Club which was excellent. On the Sunday evening the Casino was open with each member getting £100 of funny money to gamble on the tables all expertly manned by our hosts in their evening wear. It is certainly something to be repeated in the future.

Monday was a much quieter and relaxing coffee morning with a chance to chat and discuss the group’s plans for the National which by the time you read this will be all over for another year. While only 9 vans were left for the Monday night we met in the function room for a natter bringing what had been an excellent Easter meet to a close.

March 2014

Well what a great time everyone had at Blucher Social Club, a new venue for us. We had 36 vans spread between the two car parks and surrounding area to the extent that there was little room left for the locals who seemed to think that they were being invaded. Thanks to new hosts Kevin and Gill Price who did a sterling job in parking everyone up. Rumour’s abounded as to why we were there including one that the Club was setting up a new dealership. The locals proved to be a very friendly and we were made very welcome in the Club.

We were pleased to welcome Brain and Carol Brightey who have transferred to us from Anglia, hope to see you again soon. We had visitors from Yorkshire, Spain, Surrey, Lancashire, West Country, Chiltern and NWMNW and day visitors from Lancashire and Avon. Sounds good doesn’t it – most of the visitors were Council of Management who joined us for the weekend and spent Friday and Saturday in meetings and Monday morning at Newcastle University.

On Friday night we took over the Function room in the Club with Bingo and a couple of quizzes. Thanks to John and Sheila Cottrell who organised the entertainment over the weekend. Saturday night we were in the bar where the quiz proved to be quite a challenge – I think the locals thought we were all quite mad. The jury is still out on the winners – Council of Management claimed they had won but this was challenged with doubts as to whether they had added up their score correctly and the prize was awarded elsewhere. All this over a bag of jellied sweets! Supper was provided courtesy of the wedding party who were in the Function room and we also enjoyed their ceilidh band. The happy couple were both in their seventies and their transport for the wedding was a VW Camper Van – very appropriate but I bet no one thought to put an application form under the windscreen wipers –eh!

Members took advantage of the local buses to go into Newcastle shopping or exploring the Quayside area with the Millennium Bridge, Baltic and the Sage to name but a few of the attractions. At coffee on Sunday everyone agreed it was a good venue and one that they would like to return to. The weekend quiz was won by Dave and Jean Oyston and the van draw prize went to Mark and Sue Lang. For those lucky enough to stay over on Sunday night the Club invited us to join in their entertainment but most opted for a quieter evening in the bar.

January 2014

As the last rally of the year Redcar proved as popular as always. A total of 49 vans attended including 1 from Essex, 2 from Avon and 2 from Yorkshire with 44 Northern Counties. The rally started with a meet and greet in the hall followed by an evening of Bingo.

On Sunday evening we were entertained by the group Men with Hats their variety of live music (no backing tapes) went down very well. We welcomed new members Brian and Elizabeth Dennison and hope to see you again soon. Monday night saw the members puzzling over a map quiz.

New Year’s Eve was another good night with entertainment by DJ Ken including some party games. We enjoyed a splendid buffet, thanks very much too all the ladies involved for their hard work. We welcomed in the New Year with a toast.

Unfortunately Bob Boast felt unwell and spend the last few days in the James Cook hospital only being discharged on the last day with instructions not to drive for four weeks. Luckily help was at hand and he and his van got home safely. Bob sends his thanks to all who helped and those who visited him in hospital. Thanks to our hosts Anne and Roger, Kim and Allan and all their helpers.