The Grendon Rally, Warks - through the eyes of a new young member!

11 - 13th March 2005

Hello, my name is Owen Verdon. Most of you won’t know me yet as I attended my first rally at Grendon last weekend.  Mummy and Daddy told me we were going on a Swift rally and that rallying was great fun.  As I was only 36 HOURS old I had to believe them and thought I would give it a try. At least  I would get to meet the marshals, my grandparents Keith & Diane Phipps and their friends David and Linda Hill.

On Friday night everyone gathered round the awnings for a coffee and a chat…that seemed fine. But I was worried about the next bit which was termed as “whetting the baby’s head”. I was quite relieved that the adults celebrated my arrival by DRINKING the champagne and NOT pouring it over my head! I wonder if they do this for all new ralliers.

We had a relaxing day on Saturday and then early evening we went to the local pub owned by former long standing members Pete and Angie Southwick for a social evening. Some of the ralliers had a meal from the Chinese Restaurant within the pub but Daddy only gave me a bottle of milk. Maybe when I’m older I could try Chinese food and maybe some brown milk like Daddy had.

On Sunday morning we all gathered round for Flag. I was a little bit disappointed that my sister Ellie beat me at the under 5’s competition, especially as I got my Dad to help, but I’m sure my turn will come.

I enjoyed my first rally although next time I’ll try to stay awake a bit more.

Thanks to the marshals for a lovely rally and thanks to Val Brailsford for putting my thoughts into words.

Owen Verdon

Photos © & courtesy of John Brailsford

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