Swindon Preview Rally, Lydiard Park September 2006

We arrived on site the pretty way as only we know how! This was through no fault of the marshals, it was all to do with the popularity of the site with the kite-flyers. Lydiard is a favourite haunt of those people who fly huge kites, some of which were pulling buggies along with the “pilot” on them. The pilots had parked their cars across the signs and the entrance to the site – hence we had a 10 mile detour looking for somewhere to turn around!

When we eventually and finally arrived we were greeted with the welcome cuppa in the party tent. Friday evening was then spent nattering and putting the world to rights – the politicians don’t need a party conference, they only need come to an SOC rally to find out what they should and shouldn’t be doing!

Swindon caravans kindly sponsored breakfast on Saturday morning to the tune of bacon rolls and Bucks fizz. Most people then “returned the favour” by visiting the dealer and increasing their profits in the accessory shop, with one member being tempted to buy a new caravan to go with their accessories! There were many visits to the outlet centre and also to “STEAM” – Swindon being the ancestral home of the Great Western Railway.

Saturday evening we were treated again by Swindon caravans who supplied the chicken for the BBQ and also a selection of puddings and cheese and biscuits. Flag took place after the meal and was followed by a very special presentation ceremony. Ron Ward gave an excellent speech covering the caravanning antics of our President and his good lady- John and Val Rowe. It was their 300th rally so there was plenty to tell!!

We were sorry to hear of the departure from the club of Richard, Olivia, Frasier and Dominic Thomas, but we were happy to wish them good luck in their new caravan by drinking the wine that they kindly brought to say cheerio. We were also treated to more alcoholic refreshment courtesy of Ray and Val House who celebrated their 39th (I think through an alcoholic haze!) wedding anniversary.

The weather was brilliant on Sunday so there was a general reluctance to leave what had been an excellent rally – thanks to our marshals (to Mike and Jeanette Cartwright and to John and Val Rowe), to many of our friends and also to Swindon Caravans for their generous support.

Paul Phillips

Photos © & courtesy Martin Roberts

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