2005/6 New Year Rally - Swanwick (2 reports)

First report and photos courtesy of the Collins family
This was a bit of a first for us, as we had never been away over New Year before and certainly not with the caravan, so as we pulled in to Swanwick school to be greeted by the ever smiling Louch family was the first of many happenings over the weekend that make us wonder why we had not been away for new year before (we have been caravanning since 1996). The marshal team was headed by Steve & Sue Louch ably assisted by Tony & Heather Greening, As many will know, Janet & Miron Sakal who were also part of the marshalling team had to withdraw due to a family bereavement, but Steve was quick to point out that although Janet & Miron were not in attendance they had put in an awful lot of background preparation prior to the event.

Immediately as we arrived we were shown to our pitch at the rear of the school overlooking the playing field, and given a neatly wrapped present by Jodie, with 37 vans expected pitching was to become more of a challenge than usual for Tony & Steve as the previously used tennis courts were not available this year, non the less, everyone was accommodated without any major problem (well thats how it looked!).

On Thursday evening we gathered in the school hall for cheese & wine and a general get together. Friday was a free day to explore the local area, which for us was the MacartherGlen outlet village, which was close by. On arrival in the hall on new years eve for the American supper (which was a fantastic effort by whole rally) each family found on their table, a bottle of ‘bubbly’ which was a very thoughtful touch. The evening entertainment was Keith Phipps proving beyond all doubt that he is indeed ‘Bonkers’ with party games and dancing until the wee small hours (unconfirmed rumour has it that a small amount of alcoholic beverage was consumed during the evening although the committee have yet to make any comment…)

Saturday morning… Brunch of bacon & sausage baps were served at 11.30 am which most managed to attend, just… A quiet afternoon in the caravan was the forerunner to an evening of live entertainment provided by the duo ‘NEO’ who played a wide variety of music to keep us all entertained.

Sunday, Tea, Coffee and flag at 11.00am where everyone showed their appreciation of the efforts that the marshal team had gone to (including the Sakal’s) to make it a most enjoyable weekend, with a presentation of a gift from the assembled ralliers to the marshals made by John Brailsford.

As we said our thanks and goodbyes to Steve & Sue & Tony & Heather, Sue asked us if we would attend another New Year rally? Just let us know when you are marshalling another one…. was my reply.

Immediately following flag we got away on a ‘flyer’ as we were due to collect our friend's son who will be staying with us for the next few weeks as he broke his leg 3 days before his mum and her boyfriend were due to fly to New Zealand to get married, but that as they say is another story…

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Second report and photos courtesy of John Brailsford
"Thanks to Daryl & Joyce for their excellent report and pictures of a really good rally. I've just added a few more pics to complement theirs.
If anyone is thinking of doing an SOC New Year Rally, but is a bit unsure, you have a recommendation from someone after their first one and Val and I can still recommend bringing in the New Year the SOC way after 21 of them!

Many thanks to the Marshals.

John

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