Xmas Party - Crudwell, Wilts. 

7-9th Dec 2007

We arrived on Friday afternoon, unfortunately due to all the rain before the rally the field was slightly wet. By 5 o’clock all non 4 x 4’s were not allowed on the field. As the field got more churned up the more cars and 4 x 4’s were getting stuck, in the end it became unusable. So... the marshals jumped into action, spoke to the local farmer and arranged to use their farm as a car park so the car park of the village hall could become the new rally field!

After all this action, tea and coffee commenced, old friends caught up and new friendships formed.
Saturday morning and people ventured out and about, many going to the outlet village in Swindon to finish off their Christmas shopping. As Tony had returned to work in the morning, I used the time to write my Christmas cards and finally sort our honeymoon photo’s out, a very productive morning.

4.00pm Saturday and people began making their way to Westonbirt Arboretum. Although I stayed at the site to set the hall up, Tony and many others said it was a fantastic display. (For those that don’t know, they have a walk amongst the trees using lights to create a fabulous effect).

On arrival back to the caravans, everyone was greeted by a warm glass of mulled wine, to start the festivities. Father Christmas managed to take time out of his busy schedule to visit the children on the rally. As the sound of Santa’s sleigh faded into the night, flag began, where we bid farewell to a couple that will be missed by all, Chris and Barry Eames.

We also celebrated Sharon and Jeanette’s birthdays, with a fantastic cake made by Lyn Phillips for Jeanette’s 50th birthday! To follow this we had 3 chocolate fountains on the go which many people got stuck into. It is amazing how all dignity is removed by chocolate! We then finished the night off by dancing the night away!

Sunday morning came far too quickly as usual, so we wished everyone a happy Christmas and set off home.

Another fantastic rally by a wonderful team, Mike and Jeanette Cartwright and Paul and Lyn Phillips!

Now, I know I am their daughter and you think I have to say that, but ask anyone that went to the rally, they had a lot of issues to overcome on the rally and they all handled them very well, at the end of the rally everyone left saying what a fantastic weekend, and it really was, honestly!!

Laura Cartwright

Pics © & courtesy Laura Cartwright

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