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Rally Reports

Ragley Hall

National Rally

Report

The journey of your

Cheque

Closing date for next edition:

1st September

Chairman’s message

It’s been a busy few months for us. We have visited different centres on their mid-week

rallies, we have been to the Lake District three times, organised five centre rallies and

attended different Cheshire rallies, which have all been great fun.

The National rally, held at Ragley Hall (see a full report elsewhere in the newsletter) was

enjoyable catching up with friends from our previous centres. Meeting the Australian

ralliers that Rob and Jacqui Groom brought over from Oz was very interesting; they were

amazed at the size of the National, a big muster, that’s what they call them over there, is 300

outfits max, when the more experienced ralliers informed them that this a small national,

they used to be twice the size, their jaws hit the floor!

The following weekends at Betley and then at Ollerton ‘we’ showed the Australians how to

rally properly; and they were all completely blown away with how ‘we’ do it over here in

England. They were particularly impressed with how friendly ‘we’ all are and what our

Rally Officers put on.

This theme of visitors being impressed with Cheshire rallies has been very evident in the

last couple of months by the number of thank you e-mails I have received; this makes me

so proud to be your Chairman. Well done to all of the rally officers and ralliers for making

our visitors so welcome.

Cheshire rallies book up quick and many fill to capacity, which is great to see, and

definitely the envy of the other 68 Centre Chairmen. In fact, at a recent rally, I was

accosted by two centre Chairmen who demanded to know what the secret is. As you can

imagine, I felt very proud and happily spent a great deal of time telling them about how

great our Rally Officers are, which, in my opinion is the key to our success.

Andrea and I look forward to meeting you out on the rally field, hopefully on the Junior’s

rally.

P.S. The honeymoon phase is still alive and well, 18 months into my Chairmanship, thank

you all for being so kind.

50th Celebration Rally

As you may of heard, the government have given us a ‘little’ problem with their short notice

Bank Holiday date change. The committee have decided that, as we are so far into the

planning stage and having made sizable deposits for the venue, marquee and both

Saturday and Sunday live acts, we should continue on with the original plan to hold the

Cheshire Centre 50th Celebration Rally on 1 – 4 May 2020. Having spoken to many of you,

you also agree with that decision.

We have finally agreed a sponsorship deal with Glossop Caravans, which is really great

news for the rally, you, the guests and Glossop. The rally is really beginning to take shape

now, but if you do have any ideas, please just let any of the committee know. To see what

has been organised so far have a look on the Web Site Celebration Pages.

Hopefully you will have all now heard about the Celebration Rally raffle? Each time you

attend a Cheshire Centre rally between 1 May 2019 and 26 April 2020 you will earn one

free entry into the 50th Celebration Rally raffle. Just get the form signed by the rally

chairman or committee member and get your completed form sent to Tom Dale before the

26 April to increase your chances of winning one of two £500 or one of 10 £50 cash prizes.

There will also be a free ticket in each 'goody bag' when you attend the 50th Celebration

rally.

Oh, and don’t forget, keep the 1 – 4 May 2020 free, it would be great to see you all there.

STOP PRESS!

"The Cheshire Celebration rally will go ahead as planned during 1 – 4 May 2020. Although the May Day Bank Holiday has been moved to Friday the 8th May 2020 to commemorate VE Day, it would be inappropriate for us, as a centre, to celebrate our success when a far more important event is taking place during the Bank Holiday."

Editor’s Spot

Hi Everyone

W elcome to the Summer edition for the Cheshire Centre Chronicle

Since the last newsletter the National at Ragley Hall has taken place.

We may have had just over 50 Cheshire Centre outfits attending but everyone seemed to

have enjoyed themselves and the weather was mostly kind.

We had the same team of block marshals for the WCR as last year.

Martyn and Nicola Shaw were the Lead Block Marshalls. Glenis, myself with Mark and

Michelle from Shropshire centre were also Block Marshalls.

Well done to all who represented Cheshire Centre in any of the activities.

This summer we are attending the Lake Garda and are looking forward to it very much.

Hopefully with Jimmy back on his feet.

Where ever you go for your holidays I hope the sun shines on you and you have a great

time.

Why not share your experiences with other ralliers in the next newsletter.

Plans for Next year’s celebration rally are well under way.

You will being seeing the Celebration logo more and more between now and then.

Did you realise the 50 logo incorporates the ‘50’ for 50 years of the Cheshire Centre with

the Greek symbol for infinity ∞ (Looking to the future)

Until the Autumn edition, from Glenis and myself, safe tow and hope to see you soon on the

rally field, and most of all have fun, after all that’s what it’s all about

Barry

Barry Chesterson

Editor newsletter@cheshirecentre.co.uk

"ARE YOU A CRAFTY RALLIER

OR

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ONE"

C alling all crafty people male and female who would be interested in attend a Crafting

Rally Workshop for sometime around October 2020.

Come and share your Crafting skills with others, or learn some new ones too, and have a fun

afternoon with like minded people.

Examples; Card making, Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing and Flower arranging.

Also Cookery, Simple Electrical skills, or Fly tying for the Fishermen, and of course any

other ideas are welcome too.

Please register your interest advising what skills you would be interested in learning. Also

what skills you would be willing to pass on to others, so we can home in on what to present at

this Workshop.

We are looking at potential venues with a Hall so this will be done inside in the warm of

course.

Please e-mail Irene Gale on: irene@mgprojectengineering.com to register your interest in

attending such a Workshop in Crafting and what skills you have or would like to learn.

500 Multi Rally Plaque Presentations

500 Jane & Dave Dale this was presented at Chelford Village Hall (13.1)

500 Angie & Chris Haig

200 Multi Rally Plaque Presentations

200 Eileen & Paul Bedworth

Mayday Rally - Sycamore Farm

M y husband and I are members of the Buckinghamshire Centre and have children

and grandchildren who live in Cheshire, hence the reason for attending the May

Day Rally at Sycamore Farm.

This is an attractive and excellent site with excellent facilities. We were told when we

arrived we had electricity, unfortunately we didn’t have the cable with us, however, as

always, the Rally Officers soon fixed this so its many thanks to the gentleman who loaned us a

lead and kept our lights glowing!

The children were fully occupied and thoroughly enjoyed the games, races etc. Then there

was the Maypole, “a tremendous feat of engineering”.

Maypole Dancing – what great team efforts -congratulations to all, particularly the amazing

winners “The Greatest Showman Team”.

The evenings were occupied by activities in the marquee which delighted our grand-

daughter who danced the night away.

Many thanks to the Rally Officers, Co-Rally Officers and support team for a really super

weekend.

Evesham Early Start and Evesham Follow on

T he rally team from Evesham early start and Evesham follow on would like to thank

everyone for supporting both rallies and making them a great success.

Also a huge thank you for the lovely gifts and cards presented at flag they were much

appreciated.

Angela & Kev, Eileen & Paul, Paula & Rob

BHURTPOR INN RALLY

I would just like to thank everyone at the Bhurtpore Inn Rally for their best wishes, cards,

presents and company over the weekend of the 22nd to 24th March to celebrate my 60th

Birthday. Also thank you to Paul for making a cake and Andy Gibbs for decorating the cake.

Sandra Bowler

A big thank to Caron & Gary North for donating £10 to the Childrens fund while

attending the Evesham rally

W e would like to say a huge thank you to all of our rally

friends who sponsored us to swim a width in fancy dress in a

special Peppa Pig themed Water Babies lesson. We swam in a Pirate

fancy dress and a Princess fancy dress - The theme of the 2019

Splashathon!

All the money we raised will go to the fantastic charity Tommy’s - "a

charity dedicated to preventing miscarriage, stillbirth and premature

birth." - (Water Babies.) "Every pound raised, will help to save babies’

lives!" - (Tommy's.org) So thank you so much for your generous donations!

We are very proud to say we have raised £147.00 so far, and we couldn’t have done that without

you! Thank you!

Love Harry and Mia Shaw xxx

Why is a 99 Ice Cream called a 99?

In the days of the monarchy in Italy the King had an elite guard consisting of 99 soldiers.

Subsequently anything really special or first class was known as ‘’99’’

AUSTRAILIAN VISIT IN PICTURES

Watch out for a full report from the Australian roving reporters in the next Cheshire Centre

Chronical.

In the meantime here are some photos!

500th Rally Plaque Presentation 6th May 2019

I t is a privilege to have the opportunity to present a multi rally plaque to one of our

centre’s rallying families. It was my honour on behalf of the centre to do just that at this

year’s Mayday Maypole And Music At Sycamore Farm, over the weekend of the 3rd to the 6th

May where I presented a 500th rally plaque to this family. Their story starts over 44 years

ago with their respective parents, way before they knew each other.

The lady of the family began rallying when her parents decided to swap the trailer tent

for a caravan and they joined the Caravan Club and the Cheshire Centre. It meant they could

go out most weekends of the year even in bad weather, including Christmas and New Year,

something they couldn’t do with a trailer tent. Her first rally was unlike the campsites

previously visited as ralliers made you feel welcome, it was great fun to join in the games

and dancing on the field although her Dad wasn’t too impressed at first with the dancing

part!! They were hooked! And couldn’t wait to go away again.

A routine soon began, with her sister they got the water barrel filled up and helped

there mum unpack the car before going off to play. She soon got into the swing of rallying,

rushing home from school on a Friday and spending weekends in the middle of nowhere,

making lots of friends whilst playing in a field or climbing trees or swimming in canals,

playing rounder’s, netball and football and running in the children’s sports.

The male also started rally at a similar time and was a little bit less disciplined than his

future wife, with numerous trips to A&E from the rally field during adventures on barn roofs,

tree tops, canals and other less than safe areas.

As time went on they would convince their parents to book the sporty rallies so they

could compete in the official children’s sports and get points for the end of year trophy, they

remember trying out for the National team’s as well. Even had to go midweek to a High

School in Warrington to attend extra warm ups.

As the years passed they both joined the junior section and she became part of the

junior committee, then on to become secretary. In those days there were 2 junior rallies a

year, they had their own disco equipment and bought records to keep the socials going and

up to date. They ran trips and organised sports for all ages just like the juniors do today.

Lots of socials were on the field, dancing around the cow pats and sheep dung but they

didn’t care, they were on a rally with their mates. The rally socials would always finish the

night in a circle with rally officers in the centre, everyone singing along to Auld-Lang-Syne

and God Save the Queen…it was the tradition, which still happens to this day on some

rallies.

At the age of 18 they started going out together “it was official they were a couple”

following many years of being good friends. Both parents still rallied and the families were

well suited together. They were engaged at the age of 19 and then married in 1990 aged 21.

At this point they had to stop rallying, due to a house purchase and then a new baby.

The first family caravan was bought in 1993 when they eldest daughter was 16 months

old. It was a little 11ft Abbey York – with glass windows, a foot pump for getting water out of

the tap. Their first rally as a family in their own rite was with the Cheshire Centre. Who else

of course!! But it wasn’t a rally in Cheshire, it was at Windy Harbour in Glossop, which

ironically was very close to home.

As time went on their youngest daughter arrived and it was time to get a bigger

caravan as rallying really did become their second home. Weekends at home – a bit like my

own, always seemed to have household chores attached and rallying was pure fun and a

chance for a relaxing time to spend together as a family! Unlike being at home they never

had to bother about babysitters because if they were out at a social event their young family

were always welcome.

Having rallying in their blood, they loved being able to get away at weekends

knowing their daughters could play out safely in fresh air all day long.

As their daughters got older, it was a bit like history repeating itself as this couple

found themselves booking on rallies that their daughters wanted to go on. Both daughters

have grown up on the rally field and have both served on the junior committee as Junior

chairs. Both girls have been part of the sports like there mum and dad and the whole family

have been heavily involved in the national teams representing Cheshire in many of the

sporting activities. In fact on a number of occasions actually running events for the Caravan

and Motorhome Club along with myself.

As the girls have grown up and have started working they don’t get to come away as

often anymore, so a number of years ago, they downsized the car and caravan, the caravan

was less messy, the toilet lasted a weekend, oh the bliss. But along comes grandson number

1 and the caravan just isn’t big enough anymore and its back up to a twin axle and Land

Rover. In fact rumours are a foot that when grandchild number 2 arrives there’s a roof box

and additional trailer planned.

Over the years this family have run rallies big and small and various holiday rallies, by

the end of this year they will have run over 100 rallies. They received their 100th and 200th

multi rally plaques at the Buglawton Mayday rally, the 300th was at Monkey Tree holiday

rally and their 400th here at Sycamore farm.

The male has served in the past on the senior committee and did over 16 years serving

the centre, initially as sports officer, in 2010 as vice chairman and then in 2014 as Chairman.

Following in his father’s footsteps as he had also been centre chairman a number of years

previously. After retiring from committee life, they have had a bit more time to enjoy their

weekends and rallying along with grandson number 1.

Before I presented their 500th rally plaque, there were some stories that needed to be

told. I wrote earlier that Mayday use to be at Buglawton, in fact this venue was where I first

met the family over a volleyball net, practicing for that year’s National. But this story is

about Land Rovers which he has a love of. Those who know the Buglawton venue and the

rally run by the Dales and Beaties will know that when it’s wet, the field is very wet in fact it

can get very muddy. It’s one of these muddy times that the families front wheel drive tow

car is trying to reverse the caravan on to its peg, driver’s window down, driver listening

hard to the instructions being given, the front wheels start spinning, up comes the mud,

cream leather interior, well you can imagine the rest! Once they got home on the Monday

the first thing on the shopping list was a land rover and so his love of the vehicle began.

On another bank holiday weekend at Fenney Bentley, they turned up in the company

car after deciding to leave the Land rover at home, only to find that the venue is muddy and

they had to be towed on to the field with a Land rover exactly the same as the one left at

home. To add insult to injury during another reversing moment the caravan ended up being

put into a hedge which has barbed wire in it, which rips open the back of the van resulting

in many hours with the gaffer tape (every caravaners friend) making the van water tight

again.

Despite the painful stories there are many good memories, a couple revolve around

beach parties in Cornwall, running games for the holiday ralliers. The male of the family

bowling a ball which knocks the wind out of their youngest daughter, Kev Patterson weaving

his way back to the start line and narrowly missing a huge hole after spinning on the spot

around a pole in the sand, Kayt Clarke sliding down a sand dune holding a football getting

completely covered in sand.

But one off our most memorable rallies was the year the National got cancelled and

there was a Non-National rally at Weston Park in 2012. The rally was organised jointly by this

couple and the then chairlady of the Leicester centre, plus a little bit of help from the then

sports officer (me). In a matter of 3 weeks, over 300 vans arrived for a fantastic weekend of

sports, games and socials. One sunny afternoon we had a tea party to celebrate the Queens

Jubilee. A lot of wine was consumed and you could see my good lady wife with the female of

the family playing a replica Olympic torch like an air guitar stood on top of a fence!

Probably the best picture you can imagine, is when the male after far too many shots at a

junior rally of all places, ends up pole dancing in the marquee at the end of the socials, which

is why Mr Chris Haig never drinks shots anymore.

My final comments revolves around how I find myself here today. It was whilst

attending a rally run by this couple back in 2010 at Grin Low that I was caught off guard!

After a few drinks and an impromptu late night curry and a few more drinks (why do rally

stories always involve alcohol), the male of this couple twisted my arm up my back and

persuaded me to hand in my nomination to stand on committee at that years AGM” – so, if for

any reason they don’t like my words about them, and anyone is to blame for me standing

here it is their own fault!

But, seriously we have grown to become friends with this couple, we have run rallies

together and our children have become good friends, in fact our daughter is now god

mother to their grandson

It gave me great pleasure to present on behave of the Cheshire Centre Chairman this

500th Multi Rally plaque to Chris and Angela Haig.

1. 'The First Day of Summer' is an annual public holiday celebrated in which European

country in April?

2. Can you give the first line of Grease's 'Summer Nights' lyrics? (Try not singing !!)

3. Which feast day falls on July 15 every year?

4. Who was credited with saving 77 lives during seven summers working as a lifeguard at

Lowell Park, Illinois, starting in 1926?

5. Which singer was known as the 'Queen of Disco'?

6. Who met and fell in love with Marge Bouvier in a 1974 summer camp?

7. The “dog days of summer” are named after the Dog Star; what is the better known

name of this star?

8. What term is often given to a period of dry hot weather that occurs in the autumn?

9. What was the first name of Clegg in the sitcom Last of the Summer Wine?

10. The summer solstice occurs in the Southern Hemisphere during which month?

11. 'In the Summertime' was a debut single and big hit for which British rock band?

12. Name the fictional seaside town is the Australian sitcom Home and Away?

13. One Summer, a 1983 British TV drama by Willy Russell, gave which English actor his first

break as sixteen-year-old Billy Rizley?

14. Castel Gandolfo is famous for being whose summer residence?

15. London have hosted the Summer Olympic Games three times, can you name the years?

16. What is the Italian word for Summer?

17. The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of palaces, gardens and lakes in which world

city?

18. In the famous nursery rhyme what did the Queen of Hearts make 'all on a summer's

day'?

19. What are the summer signs of the Zodiac? (three answers needed)

20. British Summer Time begins and ends on the last Sundays of which months?

The Centre Golf Society

T he Centre Golf Society had our 3rd outing of the year on Saturday 15/6, we had to

have a change of venue due to Aldersey Golf Club being closed due to the rain.

Not to leave us disappointed our Secretary Robin Byrne managed to find a course that was

open Ellesmere Port Golf Club. A big thank you to Robin for finding the venue and to the

golf club who really looked after us on the day.

We had good weather too.

We had 10 players including 2 guests and the winners were,

1st Steve France 29pts

2nd Steve Benson 25pts

Nearest the pin in 2 - K.Patterson

Longest drive. - K.Patterson

Winning guest - J. Prince 29pts

Thanks to everyone who turned up to play

Did you know?

1 cow gives enough milk to make 2 Gallons of ice cream per day that’s 730 Gallons

per year.

It Takes 3 Gallons of milk to make 1 Gallon of ice cream

9% of all milk in the US is used to make Ice Cream

Harry’s Holidays

Wow... how is it June already? These months are speeding by! I’m already making my Christmas list

and letting Mummy and Daddy know what I want for my birthday in November! It’ll be here before

we know it! He He! I have been on lots of rallies with my Mummy, Daddy and little Sister Mia since I

wrote all about my holidays in the last newsletter.

Way back in March, we went to Onneley Cricket Club! This was a lovely free and easy

weekend where I got to do lots of chilling out and playing with Mummy, Daddy and

Mia! On Friday night we went to flag where there was my favourite food ever – Cheese

and Crackers! Yum Yum Yum! I ate so much cheese and grapes that Mummy and Dad-

dy told me I couldn’t have anymore or there would be none left for anybody else! Well

it is my favourite and I’m a growing boy! He He! It was a big night for Mia in the

caravan this weekend, as it was her first night in the big girls cot! She has been

sleeping in her Moses basket up until now, but Daddy put the cot back into the caravan

for her to have more space now she’s getting bigger! I really like it, because now I can

see Mia and Mia can see me when we go to bed! It means I can look after her if she

gets upset as I’m a very good big brother and look after her very well! I always try

to make her smile when she’s sad!

On Saturday we went out for an Indian Meal for tea! It was yummy and I had a lovely

time with Mummy, Daddy and Mia. When we got back, there was a quiz night! It

was lots of fun, but I got very tired and started to fall asleep sat up at the table, so we

all went back to the caravan so I could go to bed

Our next rally was Fishing and Golfing at Marton. After Mia having a big weekend at Onneley moving

into her cot, this weekend was my turn! Daddy took the bed-guard off my bed as I’m a big boy now

and don’t need it anymore! On Friday night we went over to the pub for a couple of drinks with

everyone!

I enjoyed playing a few games like Giraffes in Scarves with Anna! On Saturday morning I was very

pleased that I didn’t fall out of bed in the night... that means I’m in a big boy bed now and Daddy is

going to take the bed guard out of the caravan! I’m very proud of myself! I

spent most of Saturday with Nana and Mummy, whilst Grandad went out to

play golf and Daddy went fishing! In the evening I went out for a lovely meal

at Pesto with Mummy, Daddy Mia, Nana and Grandad to celebrate Nana’s

retirement! I sat between Grandad and Daddy and ate lots of yummy Italian

food...getting practice in for my holiday to Italy in the Summer!

Our next time out in the caravan we headed up to Scotland for Easter in Jimmy’s Hame

Toon XII and the Easter Follow-On at Dalbeattie. Unfortunately I wasn’t myself this year

as I got Chicken Pox and was really poorly with them. I still had a good time, but I kept

getting tired very quickly and couldn’t walk very far as I had spots on my feet! I still

managed a trip to the beach in the lovely weather though at the RSPB reserve, and got to

make an Easter egg nest and a seed bomb! Along with collecting

shells on the beach and paddling in the sea, I forgot I was poorly for a

little bit! It was Mia’s first time on a beach and first paddle in the sea – I don’t think

she enjoyed it as much as me though – I think she found the sea a bit cold on her feet!

On Good Friday we got to eat our breakfast outside with everybody

as the sun was shining and it was lovely weather! Mia had her first

proper food too! She seemed to like potato cakes! We visited lots of different places

in Scotland – Castle Douglas, Kippford, Kircudbright, and we went to the play-park in

Dalbeattie! That was so much fun, and it was nice for Daddy too as he has lots of mem-

ories of going there when he was little when he used to visited his Nanny Margaret

and Grandad Jimmy! Now he’s got memories of going there with me and Mia!

I got to meet Postman Pat too! I went to post a letter and he was coming to

empty the post-box when I got to it, so I got to give it straight to him instead of

putting it in the post-box! It was very exciting! Obviously the most exciting part

of this holiday was that the Easter Bunny came! I may have had chicken pox

and wasn’t myself, but I still had a very exciting holiday and enjoyed myself

visiting lots of places and playing outside in the sunshine!

We got home from Scotland (to England) on the Sunday, and then headed off to Wales on the Friday,

which meant we had been in 3 countries in the space of 1 week! I thought that was

very cool! This weekend was for the May Bank Holiday and was the May Day Poppy

Parade at Gwernymynydd. Unfortunately we got to the rally quite late on the Friday

as Mia now had Chicken Pox... I’m very good at sharing! We checked everybody

was ok with us still coming to the rally, and luckily we have such good friends that

nobody minded so we could still come and enjoy ourselves! Whilst Mummy & Daddy

and Nana & Grandad were doing the dancing, I decided it would be a good idea to

go on Daddy or Grandad’s shoulders so I could join in to! It was so much fun dancing

that high up in the air! On Saturday night we had a fancy dress street party as an early

commemoration of 75 years since D-Day. I went as an evacuee and everybody

thought I looked super cute! It made Mummy feel very emotional and grateful to all

those people who gave their lives all those years ago during the Wars. The street

party was a fantastic night – we had lots of yummy food that everybody brought

along to share, and we even got to dance the Hokey Cokey! It was brilliant!

On Sunday morning we went to the church service. I was very proud of Grandad

laying the wreath of poppies and I put some prayer poppies on the cross for the

people I love. Sunday night was another fun evening of dancing... and cake!! At

the end of the social Mummy, Daddy, Mia and I did a family slow dance! It was

like one big squeezy cuddle! I was very excited on Monday morning to find out

I’d won a finger-painting book for the competition! I’m going to share it with Mia

though as she did good colouring too!

We were only home for 4 nights this week and were back

off on our travels again! This time to Marbury Merry Days!

On Saturday we went to the Marbury Merry Days Fair.

There was lots of things to see and do! There was a

puppet show for me and Mia, a bouncy castle for me... lots

of old and classic cars for Daddy, and cake for Mummy!

Oh... and a cheese stall... Me and Mummy liked that too!

We got to taste cheese samples! Yum Yum! On Saturday

evening we all went down to the Rally Officers vans to play some games!

Mummy, Daddy and all of the adults played Smite, and I got to play bunny skittles with Wendy and

Phil! It was so much fun! Wendy kept telling me to throw the balls at Phil instead of the skittles! It

was super funny. I was very proud of Mummy too... she won the game of Smite! I definitely won my

game of Bunny Skittles... there was no other children to beat me!

Thank you to Wendy and Phil for playing skittles with me so Mummy and Daddy

could join in with the game of Smite! I was so happy at flag on Sunday – I won some

bubbles for my colouring competition, I won some more bubbles for winning the

bunny skittles, and then I got some children’s sweets too... I had to chase Andy for

them... he’s super fast but I got him in the end!

Before I knew it we were off back out for another holiday! It felt like we

were having lots of long holidays in the caravan over these past few

months!

This time we were off to The 2019 National. We got to arrive early on

the Wednesday night because we were Lead Block Marshalls. Then

Nana & Grandad and our friends joined us as Marshalls on Thursday

before everybody else started to arrive on Friday. I helped to welcome

lots of people in onto our block and was very pleased to meet the

Australian Caravanners who were pitched on our block with us. I had lots of fun over

the long weekend at The National! There was a festival, and I got to make lots of

exciting things in the Tourer Explorer tent, like a Bug Hotel, some sherbet and some

slime! Andi helped me to find lots of lovely feathers. Grandad won Petanque and Lawn

Darts with Janet, Nana won a bottle of gin, Mummy won a BBQ and Me and Mia won a

cuddly Whale... poor Daddy didn’t win anything this time though!

After the National, we moved onto the Northamptonshire and Rutland Centre Follow-

On rally with Nana & Grandad, and our friends Mark, Michelle and Charlotte.

I had lots of fun playing outside with Charlotte and 2 new friends

we made. Nana and Grandad bought me a Wubble Bubble

which was so much fun on the big field... it’s like a giant

un-poppable bubble; and I had lots of practice on my bike... still

not quite got the hang of it though! Whilst we were there we

visited a National Trust House which was a fun day out, even if it did rain! I was

really sad that we had to leave the rally early on the Friday, as we had a wedding

to go to on the Saturday! It won’t be long until we’re back out again though!

One week later and we were back out again! This time at Beech Farm. I had a lovely day on Saturday

with Grandad whilst Daddy went out fishing and Mummy, Nana and Mia went out shopping. Then we

had a very yummy afternoon tea made by the Rally Officers followed by some very funny quizzes

later on in the evening!

On Sunday I had lots of fun with Anna playing in the puddles! We were making ‘Puddle Pie’... I got

very wet and muddy!

The last rally to tell you about this time round is the one we have just

been Rally Officers for... Willaston Worm Charming! We got to arrive

on Thursday night which meant we had another longer weekend, and

I had so much fun with Anna this weekend. Mummy and Daddy bought

me a scooter as I was enjoying playing on Anna’s because I can’t quite

ride my bike yet... then a few hours after they had bought it... I mastered riding my bike!

Ha Ha! On Saturday we did the Worm Charming on the rally field, as the school moved

the dates of the fair this year! It was still lots of fun and we had ice-lollies and Children’s

Sports afterwards!

I was so proud of myself this weekend as I won twice! Firstly I won the

most worms with Nick, Anna, Daddy and Uncle Phil... we got 50! And

secondly, I won my very first Children’s Sports plaque – I came 3rd in

the 0-6 Boys race! Although I was very upset that I was winning the 0-6

Mixed race and then fell over and nearly came last! We had lots

of fun games on Saturday night and yummy hot dogs too!

As always, we’ve got lots more rallies planned over the next few

months – I look forward to telling you all about Backford Belles

Ice Cream Farm, Llandegla, Rhos-on-Sea and L’Italia 2019 in the

next newsletter! See you all soon!

Harry Shaw

Age 3 Years, 7 Months

Caravan and Motorhome Club National Rally Success

T his year’s CAMC National Rally was held at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire and,

although only 53 Cheshire Centre families ventured south, we still had success and

helped organise the rally.

As ralliers arrived they were met by Block Marshalls, Martyn and Nicola Shaw who were the

lead Marshals, ably assisted by Barry and Glenis Chesterson. This year was dry but windy,

which made siting much easier than last year.

During Friday, folks met up with old friends and were introduced to the Australian

contingent brought over by Centre members Rob and Jacqui Groom, which was most

enjoyable. Saturday the sports competitions started and although they were very limited in

comparison from past years we still did well.

In the Children's Sports Aiden Greenfield finished 1st and 2nd, Lucas Anderson 2nd, Annie

Dale 3rd in their respective races.

While Janet McMurray’s usual Boules

partner was otherwise disposed, Barry

Chesterson stepped in and helped win the

trophy; again.

In the Lawn Darts competition Pauline and

Frank Radcliffe, Janet McMurray and Barry

Chesterson finished as Runners Up, a very

credible performance as Pauline and Frank

were just walking past when Barry and Janet

were looking for team members!

In the Fun Run, Andy Gibbs finished in

second place on the wet and hilly course on

Sunday morning. Cherry Jepson, Mark and

Lucas Mottram, all of the Potts family and

Lucas Anderson also completed the run.

Andy Gibbs and Cherry Jepson were the first

Cheshire Centre runners back and won the

Centre Trophies. Cherry was really pleased

with her trophy win as her daughter also won

the trophy back in 2006!

Janet and Barry With Their Trophy

Chairman, Andy Gibbs, Presenting Cherry

With Her Trophy

In the Fun Dog Show, Fudge entered by Louise Potts, finished fourth.

Harry and Nicola Shaw entered the Craft and Photography Competition.

Ron Heywood completed the 5 mile Scottish Ramble.

Harry and Mia won the Whale colouring competition for the Children and their Mum & Dad

won a Deluxe Cadac BBQ.

Ron and Sue Heywood again organised two successful Tea Dances for the rally, which were

very well supported.

So, as you can see, we flew the Cheshire Flag with pride, and hopefully next year we can

return with even more silver ware.

Well done everyone, one proud Centre Chairman.

1. Iceland

2. Summer loving had me a blast

3. Saint Swithins

4. Ronald Reagan

5. Donna Summer

6. Homer Simpson

7. Sirius

8. Indian Summer

9. Norman

10. December

11. Mungo Jerry

12. Summer Bay

13. David Morrisey

14. The Pope’s

15. 1908, 1948, and 2012

16. Estate

17. Beijing

18. Some tarts

19. Gemini, Cancer, and Leo

JUST FOR FUN ANSWERS

The Adventures of Kitten Holly (Aged 9 weeks)

29th April 2019:-

W ell here I am on my own, my Mother has gone home and all my brothers and sisters have gone too

so I’m left all alone except for the nice lady Elaine who feeds me and changes my litter tray. But this

evening a strange man and lady came, they put me in a plastic box (with a nice comfortable cushion) and we

all got into a strange metal box (called a car I think). It made strange noises and was very, very fast, it

frightened me. They took me to somewhere call home; they put me in a large metal cage with a litter tray,

some water and some food. It had a very soft blanket on the floor. The man and woman played with me a bit

but put me back in the cage again. I think the man is called Robin and the lady is called Patrice. They kept using a strange word I’ve not heard before, “Holly”. Eventually they used a switch that made the sun go away

and left me to sleep. They seem nice but I’m a bit afraid!

30th April 2019:-

A very long time after the sun came up Robin & Patrice came into the room (I think it’s called “the lounge”);

they gave me some fresh food and water, and let me out of the cage so I could have some fun and play with

some toys. The floor is covered with thick material, but when I try to stop my claws itching on it they shout at

me “No Holly”, I think it means I’m not allowed to do it. Patrice kept saying “where’s the mouse” which I think

is one of my toys, they’re nice toys! I still keep hearing this strange word “Holly” but don’t know what it

means. In the middle of the day Robin said we are going shopping wherever that is and put me back in the

cage. They went out of the room and everything went quiet. I had a little sleep, but when I woke up it was still

quiet, just as I think they have abandoned me I hear some noises and they come back into the room and let me out of the cage to play. It’s nice and warm here and I get food and fresh water, I think I’m going to like it!

Over the next few days I’m allowed out more often. They sit and watch moving pictures on a box and I play

until I’m tired and then will go to sleep on one of their laps….it’s nice and warm. I still keep hearing that odd

word “Holly”, I wish I knew what it meant. One day I am allowed to go out of “the lounge”. Outside there is a

long dark corridor with doors off it, and a shelf at the end that I like to hide under, also one door is open and

there are lots of lovely smells in there, I think it’s called “The kitchen”.

One morning Robin comes into the room, takes me out of the cage and carries me through one of the doors off

the dark corridor where Patrice is lying down on a table covered with material, Robin called it a bed, I like to

hide under the material. I’m a bit worried as they have a moving wall called a wardrobe, I’m not allowed

inside it , but there is another kitten in there just like me, I keep seeing it and every time I try to fight it, it does

exactly the same as me. I can’t understand why they don’t let it out so I can fight it properly.

7th May 2019

Today they put me back in the plastic box and took me in “the car” to somewhere called “The vets”. It was a

very strange place with lots of strange smells. I could smell other cats, and there were some very big animals

there, they had a ring around their neck and a piece of string attached, the humans held the other end of the

string and used it to move the animals (Robin called them “Dogs”, I don’t think that’s a very nice thing to say)

around. I wouldn’t like that at all. We seemed to sit for ages with nothing happening when suddenly a lady

came out of the room and shouted “Holly Hunter”, I wish I knew what that word meant, and I’ve not heard the

word Hunter before either. Robin and Patrice took me into a small room where I was taken out of the cage and

put on a table. The strange lady prodded, poked and squeezed me and said I was “fit and healthy”. I was then

given a “Chip” whatever that is and a needle was stuck in me for my “inoculation”, I didn’t like that as it hurt

me. Later that day I felt very tired, I’m not sure why.

10th May 2019

Well what a strange day! This time my whole cage was put into the car, along with lots of other stuff, before we

left they attached another metal box onto the back of the car, very strange; I wondered what it was. We

travelled a long way to somewhere called “Mouldsworth” for something called “a rally”. When we got there I

was left in my cage in the car whilst Robin and Patrice did things to the metal box and hung some material on

the side; that took them a long time. When Robin eventually took me out of the car he took me into the metal

box. It was quite nice, warm and comfortable, it had windows which I liked because I could see what was

happening outside, and it had one of those strange tables covered in material. At night both Robin and Patrice

lie on it under the material and sleep. I like to get under the material and lie between them it’s dark and

warm….”lovely”. I was sometimes put into the cage and put outside the tin box under the material on its side

and some people came to look at me and said I was lovely. Robin and Patrice used to disappear sometimes,

but I saw they were drinking strange coloured water along with lots of other people. I think Patrice might be a

druggie as she has what is called “Bacardi and Coke”.

We stayed for two nights, the weather was lovely and we had a nice time, then on the Sunday I was put back in

the car in my cage and they took the material off the side of the metal box, put the metal box on the car and we

“drove” (I found a new word) home. I was put back in “the lounge”. I found out the metal box is called “a

caravan” and the material on the side is called “an awning”. I’m learning every day, but still can’t work out

what “holly” means!

16th May 2019

O hello we’re off again with the caravan. This time it was a very long journey (I slept most of the time) to a place

called “Newbury” for a “show” whatever that is. I met some people called Graham and Anita, they were nice

but I could smell their dog on their hands. I think he is called “Ben”. I’m getting braver as this time I went into

the awning, it’s nice and spacious but I’m not brave enough to go out of it yet, although Robin put a “harness and

lead” on me and took me outside, I didn’t like it outside, there were strange smells and noises, so I went straight back into the awning. I could hear lots of music somewhere close by especially in the evening, I liked it!

We stayed in Newbury for four nights and I enjoyed it. I think I’m going to like this caravanning lark!

25th May 2019

Patrice went into a room at the end of the corridor that I have not been in. I didn’t know what she was doing in

there and I wanted to know so when she came out she forgot to close the door properly so I snuck in to look, I

jumped up onto the table in there, but it wasn’t a table but a big bowl and it was full of warm soapy water which I

fell into. I managed to get out, but was very frightened and ran down the hall so fast I ran into the wall at the end.

I ran into the lounge and Robin grabbed me and wrapped me in some cloth called “a towel”. He dried me off

and then I sat and cleaned my fur, it was very fluffy. Robin said I had used one of my nine lives up. Patrice said it

was just as well it wasn’t Robin who had run the bath as if he had I would have scalded myself! I’m not going to do that again!

26th May 2019

I’m back in my cage in the car again, this time we are going to a place called “Liverpool” but we have not taken

the caravan this time! Robin said we are staying somewhere called the “Campanile” and it’s so Patrice can see

her two kittens called Kevin and Garry run in the “Liverpool Marathon”. I like running but they won’t let me do

it. I liked the “Campanile” as I had fun jumping from one bed (yes I’ve learnt a new word) to the other.

But I wasn’t allowed to sleep in these beds and had to stay at night in my cage. The “Campanile” was nice, but I

didn’t like the Jack Russell dog in the next room to us.

28th May 2019

Oh no were back at “the vets again. I got to see the nice lady Elaine again as she “works” there – whatever that

means! Again a lady came out of a room and shouted “Holly Hunter” and we went into the room, she weighed

me and “checked me over” and said I was fit and well and gave me another injection, but this one didn’t hurt,

and she gave me some treats. Robin arranged something called “insurance” but it didn’t seem to affect me! I

think I know what “Holly” means, I think it’s my name, but I’m not going to let on yet, otherwise they will expect

me to come when they call me, a cat has to have some respect and keep its owners in check!

31st May 2019

We’re back on our travels again with the caravan this time we are going to somewhere called “Siddington”.

Robin has made special arrangements so we can put the awning up for me so I can’t run out of the caravan door

and run away if I’m frightened. I didn’t like Siddington, it was very noisy as we were right by the road, I was

especially frightened by the road noise from something Robin called “motorcycles”. It was so noisy I wouldn’t

even go into the awning. But it was nice in the caravan and I think I’m going to enjoy going on “rallies”,

especially as lots of people come to see me and make a fuss of me! Robin said our next rally is the “Homebrew

2” rally, where our friends Bernard Jan and David will be, they will drink lots of strange coloured waters and we

have a theme for our “base” but I’m not allowed to let on what the theme is!

See you on a rally field somewhere soon.

Love Holly

Trials and tribulations of taking a Swift Challenger 560 to Spain this year

B ooked to go to Spain again for 3 months back in January – April, May and June –

postponed ferry till end of April due to Brexit happening whilst we would be away

and not knowing what papers (IDP, Green card, EHIC etc.) we would or wouldn’t

need. Arrived in Winchester 28th April for our sailing from Portsmouth to Santander on 30th

April. Heard via family and then the internet on 29th that our ferry the Pont Aven suffered a

fire in its engine room and was limping into Brest. Phoned Brittany Ferries yes our sailing

cancelled but we could get on the Plymouth to Santander on 5th (Pont Aven! again). Extend-

ed our stay at Winchester and then added 2 nights at Plymouth Sound (both C&MH club

sites). Found out on 1st May Pont Aven not back in service until 12th now – sailing on 5th

cancelled, and we couldn’t get on any other sailings as all full, and there was no space on

our site in Winchester to stay as it was bank holiday weekend and they were full (as were

most of the sites on the south coast). We packed up and came home, and managed to get on

the sailing from Portsmouth to Santander on 14th (Pont Aven again)l Sat at home in the

cold and wet for a fortnight when we should have been in Spain!!!!!!

3 months holiday became 2 months which has become 6 weeks thanks to Brexit and Brittany

Ferries. Thursday 9th May – text and email from Brittany Ferries – sailing now from Plymouth

not Portsmouth as apparently the Pont Aven is only running on 3 engines and cannot achieve

full speed!! Booking with C&MH club changed from Winchester to Stover Country Park.

Finally - after a pleasant 2 nights (12th and 13th) at Stover yippee we finally boarded the Pont

Aven in Plymouth and 24 hours later we landed in Santander, then down to Salamanca,

Caseres and Zahora and not finished yet.

Will we get home on the Pont Aven or will there be more trials and tribulations then!

Watch this space.........

Did you know?

It takes 50 Licks to finish a Single Scoop ice cream cone.

Brain freeze occurs when ice cream touches the roof of your mouth.

1 in 5 people share their ice cream with their pet.

Rally Officers – VAT & Plaques + VAT on other items purchased

Firstly, please note when preparing your accounts for any rally that you have

run, that you need to use only the ‘Invoice Net’ figure as identified below,

please do not include the VAT element shown on the invoice.

Secondly, VAT on items purchased for your rally, if there is no VAT shown on the

receipt and it is not clear that VAT has been charged, then please do not claim

VAT in your accounts. Some retailers will provide an actual VAT Invoice if you

request one (generally at Customer Service points). Please remember not all

landowners charge VAT on the hire of a field, even if they are VAT registered,

that part of the business may not be. If you order something from Ebay or

Amazon, again those items may not have VAT charged on them. Ebay items, if

VAT is applicable the VAT Invoice will be provided by the Seller. Amazon

depending on who the item is sold by you may be able to obtain a VAT Invoice

by logging into ‘Your Account’ on Amazon (there is information on the Amazon

website regarding VAT, see the link below) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/

help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201895810

By showing VAT in your accounts you are in effect claiming the VAT back and

using that money in your rally, so this is why it is important that you are sure that

VAT has been charged as if it is wrongly claimed then your accounts could then

be in deficit.

Please remember that even though a VAT number may be shown on a receipt,

not all items on that receipt may have had VAT charged on them.

Just as a reminder – If you are not sure if VAT has been charged then don’t claim

it in your accounts

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you are unsure about anything

regarding your rally accounts, it’s better to ask me the questions before

preparing the accounts rather than discovering you are in a deficit situation

once the rally has taken place.

Sandra Bowler

Cheshire Centre Treasurer

6/6/19

Australians at Betley

The photos below show the ralliers from Uk and Australia who attended the Australian visit

Betley village hall rally and a special cake made to commemorate this unique rally.

The Aussies came over as part of a 4 week 5 county tour organised by our very own Rob &

Jacqui Groom who emigrated to Australia in 2016 .

Breakfast was provided on Saturday morning followed by a formal 5 course meal on the

Saturday night with entertainment from our very own Elvis- aka Alan Campbell and Tom-

my Barron - we’ll know to Cheshire ralliers .

The guests were escorted to their dinner tables by our two young Maitre-D’s

Andrew Leslie and Alex Cook

and the ladies were presented with a white rose by Jessica Leslie .

Many of the attendees have been over to Australia on Cheshire Centre rallies and so were

keen to meet and welcome our Australian ralliers and show them what Cheshire Centre

Rally is all about .

The rally was attended by Andy Gibbs our Centre Chairman and his lovely wife Andi .

The cake photo shows Andy Gibbs along side Kathy & Les French ( representing the

Australian contingent )and Rob & Jacquie Groom Rally Officers alongside Barbara & Peter

Beeston .

Cheshire Centre ralliers mingled well with Dave Jennings even doing running repairs to the

Hired Motorhomes

Thank you To

Barbara Beeston for providing

this article.

WILLASTON WORM CHARMING

S o we’re just back and almost recovered from a very hectic and busy but so much fun

weekend with our fellow worm charmers.

As rally officers, all you hope for is that the ralliers have a good time and everything goes to

plan.

Well, from our point of view, we think the weekend went pretty well! With the school fair not

being on, we held our own worm charming on the field followed by the children’s sports. The

sun was shining, worms were playing out and the drinks were definitely flowing. Following a

half hour in the sunshine banging, tapping, wriggling and twanging their worm charming

tools everyone seemed pleased to have an ice lolly to cool down!

A couple of chill out hours to get refreshed before more games and fun in the tent...our

intention was to do a couple of games and serve some sausages. After nearly catching fire in

Trish’s oven, the sausages were served a lot later than expected and lots more games were

played. Your competitive spirit is definitely amusing!

A huge thanks to the ralliers who supported us even though the main event had been moved,

it means a lot that you would still come out and a lot of people commented that they preferred

this weekends set up?

Thanks to Tom for the marquee, to Nick for the music and lights and thanks to the wonderful

team who helped construct and dismantle the marquee.

Plus the sausage cookers and helpers, Trish and Jan. We’re so grateful!

Same time next year? (Promise to check the dates carefully with the school)

Sam, Phil, Anna and Emily Nicola, Martyn, Harry and Mia

PS:

For those of you waiting for the main news...the most worms charmed was on plot 3, well

done to; Nick and Jan Trickett-Bell, Phil, Martyn, Anna and Harry Shaw who did a very good

tag team charming 50 worms!!

And the longest worm (normally the heaviest, but we forgot scales) went to plot 10, well done

to; Cath, Rick and Mollie Johnson with Paul, Samina, Jasmine and Jake Aubert who won by

18.6mm!!

Thank you to Sue, Brian, Jean and Tom for a lovely relaxed weekend at Beech Farm recently.

The field wasn’t great when we arrived, beautiful but boggy...got on with no problems

though! Thankfully!

Saturday afternoon high tea was fabulous, loads of sandwiches, cakes and tea, plus beautiful

cups and saucers with real china teapots!! Wow!!!

The evening quizzes were great, unfortunately I headed back to bed before the last one, I’ve

been informed that we still don’t know the answer to question 8?!

The kids want to thank you for ordering the wet weather though, they really enjoyed making

puddle pies on the Sunday before going home.

Thanks to you! We will be back - if you’ll have us!

Sam, Phil, Anna and Emily xx

Beech Farm

Easter at Dalbeatie, Scotland

T hank you to Trish, Jimmy, Janet and Brian for a fabulous Easter holiday rally. We

arrived on Thursday evening to a little social for flag. Waking up Friday morning

we eat a cooked breakfast prepared by the ralliers and sat in the sunshine, thank you for

everyone’s wishes for my big birthday and a BIG happy birthday to Ian Ruscoe on his BIG

birthday too! Following breakfast we went to walk the bird walk and dip our toes in the sea,

something our littlest hadn’t done yet! In the evening was whisky tasting (or an excuse to

drink more alcohol!) for those who like the nectar!

Saturday was free and easy, so shopping and golfing for us. On Sunday we went for our

annual walk through the forest stopping for ice cream and homemade cake!

With flag on Sunday night, a meal and closing flag, it was a very busy weekend!

We were lucky enough to be able to stay for the following week, Phil left us in Scotland to go

to work so the kids and I could have a chill out, I think he got more rest than me though. With

the week free to do as we pleased, we took the opportunity to do a bit more shopping and

wandering in the local area!!

If we can do the same next year (school holidays permitting) we will be back!

Thank you all for your super hard work and for the chocolate from the Easter bunnies on

Sunday!!