When we noticed this years National was just up the road at Eastnor Castle, Sue booked up. As the weeks passed we got quite excited about it – we had tickets booked for "Abba Forever" and "Killer Queen" and decided we would approach the Rally using “Shiela’s Rule”. Sheila is Sue’s Aunt and she’s always full of stories of interesting people she’s met. Simply stated, Shiela’s rule is, if someone is within earshot, you talk to them.
We were at Betws-y-Coed, taking Mum for a week for the first time in North Wales, despite living her whole life in the South, when the text came through cancelling the National. We were disappointed Sue even shed a tear, but we really felt for the people who’d put so much into organising an event, now, having to spend their energy unravelling it as cleanly as possible,
“Never mind”, I said “when we get home we’ll find something else, after all the days off work have been booked”.
Back home Sue discovered that the follow-on rally at Cirencester had been extended and we were in! There obviously wasn’t as much planned as at the national, especially the extended days, but hey, it’s a rally and there was a street party to look forward to!
Friday and a relatively short 60 miles to the site. First we drove south to Greencrest to pick up the caravan. Disaster, our number plate had fallen off. Ever practical Jon, whipped out the elephant tape and stuck it back on for us, bless!
Off for the rally! On arriving and giving our names the rally official (Who we later learned was Graham Bevan) shouted "ohh you’re that pair of newbies from Avon - don't want to be with them, they're rubbish you'll have a much better time with us Gloucestershire's... and the tone of playful banter was set. Steve Kalus took us to our pitch and pointed out a mile and a quarter along the Broad Ride an uninterrupted avenue that finishes with Cirencester church in the distance.
We were at Betws-y-Coed, taking Mum for a week for the first time in North Wales, despite living her whole life in the South, when the text came through cancelling the National. We were disappointed Sue even shed a tear, but we really felt for the people who’d put so much into organising an event, now, having to spend their energy unravelling it as cleanly as possible,
“Never mind”, I said “when we get home we’ll find something else, after all the days off work have been booked”.
Back home Sue discovered that the follow-on rally at Cirencester had been extended and we were in! There obviously wasn’t as much planned as at the national, especially the extended days, but hey, it’s a rally and there was a street party to look forward to!
Friday and a relatively short 60 miles to the site. First we drove south to Greencrest to pick up the caravan. Disaster, our number plate had fallen off. Ever practical Jon, whipped out the elephant tape and stuck it back on for us, bless!
Off for the rally! On arriving and giving our names the rally official (Who we later learned was Graham Bevan) shouted "ohh you’re that pair of newbies from Avon - don't want to be with them, they're rubbish you'll have a much better time with us Gloucestershire's... and the tone of playful banter was set. Steve Kalus took us to our pitch and pointed out a mile and a quarter along the Broad Ride an uninterrupted avenue that finishes with Cirencester church in the distance.
After pitching up we had a stroll into Cirencester. We were followed part of the way by a Jay, always a welcome sight. The gates to the park lock at 5pm and while you can get in from the A419 its a "LONG" walk round. We had enough time to stroll through town and stop for a pint, just to get to know the place. Having a slow pint and people watching comes easily to us but remember, we're "Drinkers with a caravan problem", never, ever the other way round!
Getting back to the gate at 4:30 we bumped into our pitch neighbours walking Lucy their soft golden lab, is there any other sort? Darren's greeting was followed with "we don't have enough time to pop into town before the gates close, you know by the time I get back I think this'll be furthest I've ever walked without a beer at the end”... we left them at the gate muttering "Amateurs" under our breath...
Getting back to the gate at 4:30 we bumped into our pitch neighbours walking Lucy their soft golden lab, is there any other sort? Darren's greeting was followed with "we don't have enough time to pop into town before the gates close, you know by the time I get back I think this'll be furthest I've ever walked without a beer at the end”... we left them at the gate muttering "Amateurs" under our breath...
We were back in plenty of time for the opening night “meet and greet” led by Graham. Tea and Coffee were put on with biscuits. A chance to have a chat with others - this is what we expected of a rally. Graham welcomed us all - went though the housekeeping, gave details of facilities and things that were happening and warned that it might get a bit noisey as the local "Royal Collegue of Agriculture" were having their summer ball tonight, over the road and it was scheduled to last until 6am!
Not one’s to make work for ourselves; we did what we do best, and read the local guide in the Rally handout to decide what to do on Saturday, we always figure on using knowledge of people who've been there before. It suggested Tetbury and Bibury were worth a visit so that’s what we did. Tetbury is a pretty village with a history going back 1300 years, well worth a visit but with far too many antique shops!
Not one’s to make work for ourselves; we did what we do best, and read the local guide in the Rally handout to decide what to do on Saturday, we always figure on using knowledge of people who've been there before. It suggested Tetbury and Bibury were worth a visit so that’s what we did. Tetbury is a pretty village with a history going back 1300 years, well worth a visit but with far too many antique shops!
Stopping at the butchers to pick up some pork pies and coleslaw, we couldn't resist having a hot dog from the guy outside who was cooking up a batch in a huge frying pan that was at least 4 foot in diameter - delicious! Unfortunately our leisurely stroll made us easy prey to the guy selling places to the woolsack race due to take place on Monday. He got as far as convincing me to take an entry form and directions to the race venue. Gumstool Hill. We wandered along and were particularly taken by the Chipping Steps. Should we come back on Monday, mmm.
Back in the car we headed for Bibury. We had noticed brown signs to the "Canal Tunnel and Inn" near our site which we decided was close enough to have, "Sunday Roast" Potential. Following the signs - which seemed to go on forever, finishing at what can only be described as a dirt track. An interesting sight, awaited!
A Person who we took as the manager rushed out to welcome us, and tell us its "not always like this - most days we have Normal people here, but the ball finished at 6am and they arranged to come here for breakfast and the after party". Party people I suspect, a bit subdued, were sitting around many still talking some focused in the middle distance and one or two lying on the grass. Inside, more people lying over each other on the couches, but happily they kept the back room free for "Normal People" and we passed the test. We had a very pleasant pint of real ale, checked out the menu and the plates being delivered around us, commented on how attentive the staff were and decided this indeed was definately "Sunday Roast" territory.
On to Bibury, the photos don't do this charming village justice. Such a pretty place. We found a parking place and explored.
On to Bibury, the photos don't do this charming village justice. Such a pretty place. We found a parking place and explored.
We went in the opposite direction to the disembarking coach-load, and spied one of our favourite signs, “National Trust”. It took us though a track and on to the weavers' cottages, also known as Arlington row, to be met by the coachload who'd got to the same point following the road.
Then up around the church - stopped to buy some cards at the local store and post office and marvel at the trout you could clearly see in the river running though the village. Trout fishing suddenly made sense, if you stopped still and watched 2,3,4 trout a minute would break water to catch a large insect floating on the surface. It was so regular I started tracking the insects along to the fish and captured a photo! Ok not Simon King but I was proud!
We travelled back via Cirencester to have another look around and had a pleasant evening over a glass of wine or two, sitting outside the 'van until it got too dark.
Sunday morning and we'd been promised Bacon Rolls and Tea/Coffee for breakfast by the Rally Officers - bring your own cups and plates.
Sunday, a lazy morning become a lazy stroll out of the estate though the village of Coates and onto the Tunnel Inn. Less debauchery in evidence as promised, much to my disappointment. The roast was billed as Rare Beef, perfect for Sue, but eyeing up someone else’s dinner, I went for a monumental Gammon steak. Fab food, Fab Beer, apparently fab wine for Sue. And again very attentive behind the bar. After the main, unable to squeeze in a desert we finished the drinks outside, very pleased enjoying the sunshine as the forecast had been dreadful.
Sue had been studying the OS map and decided we'd explore the estate on the return leg. It added a mile or two but gave us views of the estate I suspect many people don't see - we cetainly met no-one else for over an hour and were rewarded with an end to end view of the "Broad Drive" that finished at the Church a whole 3 miles away!
As we approached the camp, we noticed the Polo match, Graham told us about, was in full swing, so we stopped off and watched a "Chukka", impressed by the speed and agility of the horses and riders. It was 2-1 to San Miguel when we left.
Monday. We’d discovered Cirencester had its Jubilee Carnival today, this and the Rally Street Party at 5pm, got me off the hook for the woolsack race at Tetbury, there wasn’t enough time.
Both Sue and I felt we hadn't had the "Rally experience" yet there had been few social activities planned as this meet had been so hastily extended, but were had high expectations of the street party tonight! We strolled back into Cirencester to enjoy their carnival, spending a pleasant few hours around the stalls, bandstand and watching the dancers.
Both Sue and I felt we hadn't had the "Rally experience" yet there had been few social activities planned as this meet had been so hastily extended, but were had high expectations of the street party tonight! We strolled back into Cirencester to enjoy their carnival, spending a pleasant few hours around the stalls, bandstand and watching the dancers.
We left to explore the Roman Amphitheatre we'd seen the brown signs for. But couldn't walk past another butcher with a 4 foot frying pan making delicious hot dogs - is this a local delicacy around here?
Getting to the Amphitheatre - we realised we'd driven past it several times without realizing!
Getting to the Amphitheatre - we realised we'd driven past it several times without realizing!
Then back through the gates at 4pm for the stroll back along the "Broad Ride" in anticipation of the street party. We were almost the last to arrive.
But between me bringing my table and returning with drinks someone had covered the table in a bright red table cloth and it had been commandeered by a couple with 3 children. With room for all, I introduced myself and sat down securing a corner of the table for each of us. Out interloper, Charlotte claimed she'd brought 2 tables but they'd been taken over and it was part of the fun!
The officers were bringing food through in servings for 4 people at a time which meant that the couple on the left had to share with us. I caught him eyeing up my bottle of Oxford Gold, feeling generous and remembering Shiela’s rule, I went back to the caravan and presented him with a bottle, a couple of minutes later there was a tap on my shoulder and my gift was reciprocated with a bottle of Spitfire. And so it went on. Any uneaten food was returned and recycled to the party gannets.
Charlotte on our right pointed out she wanted to win the union jack waste bin in the raffle, "even if there was still wine there, when she went up. It’d be so appropriate at a Jubilee party". We'd noticed that there was something called "Flag" on the agenda and we asked her what it was. We were told there'd be announcements about other events and a bit of fuss over anyone celebrating a birthday, she continued, “we'll be called up as its was our 10 wedding anniversary yesterday”. You'll be called as its your first rally!
In full swingGulp, enough time for Sue to nip back to the 'van and sort her hair out before "Flag" was called.
The officers were bringing food through in servings for 4 people at a time which meant that the couple on the left had to share with us. I caught him eyeing up my bottle of Oxford Gold, feeling generous and remembering Shiela’s rule, I went back to the caravan and presented him with a bottle, a couple of minutes later there was a tap on my shoulder and my gift was reciprocated with a bottle of Spitfire. And so it went on. Any uneaten food was returned and recycled to the party gannets.
Charlotte on our right pointed out she wanted to win the union jack waste bin in the raffle, "even if there was still wine there, when she went up. It’d be so appropriate at a Jubilee party". We'd noticed that there was something called "Flag" on the agenda and we asked her what it was. We were told there'd be announcements about other events and a bit of fuss over anyone celebrating a birthday, she continued, “we'll be called up as its was our 10 wedding anniversary yesterday”. You'll be called as its your first rally!
In full swingGulp, enough time for Sue to nip back to the 'van and sort her hair out before "Flag" was called.
Flag
First up was the “Crown Making Competition”, children in different ages groups, but every entrant ended up with sweets and a big smile. Then the fiendishly difficult anagram competition. I thought we did well with 16 out of 25 (which apparently made us anoraks - they can be a cruel bunch). The winner had 100% despite Ann's claim of "really pedantic" marking. It all smelt a bit like an internet connection to me! Then a list of thanks to various centres went on, was the whole country here!
Then the presentation to us of our little first timers plague and their 10th Anniversary as predicted.
The raffle was next, with only three prizes left, Sue's tickets were called, of course she had to take the unclaimed union jack, waste bin and present it to Charlotte. It was greeted with an invite back to their 'van for more beer. We did notice them wandering off with a couple of tables. Were they telling the truth or chancers?. Then we noticed our second table was missing, a frantic search found it under the cake!
First up was the “Crown Making Competition”, children in different ages groups, but every entrant ended up with sweets and a big smile. Then the fiendishly difficult anagram competition. I thought we did well with 16 out of 25 (which apparently made us anoraks - they can be a cruel bunch). The winner had 100% despite Ann's claim of "really pedantic" marking. It all smelt a bit like an internet connection to me! Then a list of thanks to various centres went on, was the whole country here!
Then the presentation to us of our little first timers plague and their 10th Anniversary as predicted.
The raffle was next, with only three prizes left, Sue's tickets were called, of course she had to take the unclaimed union jack, waste bin and present it to Charlotte. It was greeted with an invite back to their 'van for more beer. We did notice them wandering off with a couple of tables. Were they telling the truth or chancers?. Then we noticed our second table was missing, a frantic search found it under the cake!
Darren and Cheryll came back to ours for a coffee… When I woke up Sue had her "not impressed" face on. Apparently I hadn’t waited for our guests to leave before stripping off and getting into bed! I got away with the rudeness as apparently I have a nice bum!
Tuesday. With another poor day forecast we settled on our "wet day survival guide" ie checked out what NT had around us. We decided on the Roman Villa at Chedworth and possbily the hunting lodge at Sherbourne. On leaving the van, we noticed the porch light left on, opps a real power hungry one – would the battery last out?
Off to the fascinating villa at Chedworth, what did the Roman’s ever do for us eh! We used the free audio guide which is really well put together.
Tuesday. With another poor day forecast we settled on our "wet day survival guide" ie checked out what NT had around us. We decided on the Roman Villa at Chedworth and possbily the hunting lodge at Sherbourne. On leaving the van, we noticed the porch light left on, opps a real power hungry one – would the battery last out?
Off to the fascinating villa at Chedworth, what did the Roman’s ever do for us eh! We used the free audio guide which is really well put together.
At the lodge at Sherbourne,there’s an interesting video that needs to be watched,it brings the place alive. Stunning views from the balcony but sadly the roof terrace was closed.
Here's a tip, if you fancy starting up a business, try being a taxi driver in Cirencester. We decided on going back to the Tunnel Inn, to try out their Tuesday special, 2 Stakes plus a bottle of wine for £20. The first taxi we rang, refused to come out! The second wanted £14 each way and the third £12 each way. This is a trip of less than 3 miles! So we walked, in the rain!
When there, blindingly good beer, I never got a look in at the wine so I'm assuming that was good too. And the steaks were lovely. I'd had enough ale to get into that “I love every one in the world”, mode and decided when paying to ask to speak to the manager. Katie who'd served us on each of the three occasions we'd been in, came over looking worried, thinking I was going to complain. It was he first day as duty manager, bless, we just wanted to tell her how much we enjoyed our visits, the food and the beer. Thanks for a lovely evening!
On leaving, a car started up just behind us. Still thinking the world loved me and in a clear breach of Shiela’s rule, I ventured something else I've never done before and stuck out my thumb. The car stopped at our side and we recognised the couple who'd been sat next to us, peer out and offer us a lift! Well turns out, our rescuers Lynda and Dave do a bit of camping and have been wondering about a caravan. We didn't need another invite, they accepted the offer of a post meal coffee which turned into several, plus some beer for the non-driver. They did start getting a bit nervous as our battery finally gave up the ghost, getting, dimmer by the minute and they escaped with a thank you bottle of red just before we were pitched into darkness.
Wednesday packing up, between the showers, our puny solar panel had given enough power to wash ourselves but failed when confronted by the washing up. I went over to ask Steve to turn the generator on. His response, “but, you're going today, why d'you want to charge it now”, and he loaned me "one" of his spares.
We'd also spent some time going through the various rally guides we'd been given and had decided we were going to try and get into the balloon fiesta at Bristol in August and the AGM rally at Hillhead in November, I was relating this to another neighbour and saying how pleased I was that we could meet up with Charlotte, it would be nice to go and have someone we know there. He replied "well you get yourself down to Hillhead then, it'll be us organising that one so there'll be some one you know there too – us”! Thank you Euphine and Alan Bromell.
Beaten to the Elsan point by a man with one of those wheeled zimmer frames, I let out my frustration with "I didn't think Hells Angels were allowed on site", he replied "listen young 'un this things got two speeds, dead slow and stop!"
Graham came over to give me some light hearted abuse about me being the slowest he'd ever seen at packing up and was silenced instantly by Sue pointing out we'd have finished ages ago if certain rally officials stopped talking to me and let me get on with it! We finished at 12:30 and were awarded 10 out of 10 for being good ralliers by Darren.
When there, blindingly good beer, I never got a look in at the wine so I'm assuming that was good too. And the steaks were lovely. I'd had enough ale to get into that “I love every one in the world”, mode and decided when paying to ask to speak to the manager. Katie who'd served us on each of the three occasions we'd been in, came over looking worried, thinking I was going to complain. It was he first day as duty manager, bless, we just wanted to tell her how much we enjoyed our visits, the food and the beer. Thanks for a lovely evening!
On leaving, a car started up just behind us. Still thinking the world loved me and in a clear breach of Shiela’s rule, I ventured something else I've never done before and stuck out my thumb. The car stopped at our side and we recognised the couple who'd been sat next to us, peer out and offer us a lift! Well turns out, our rescuers Lynda and Dave do a bit of camping and have been wondering about a caravan. We didn't need another invite, they accepted the offer of a post meal coffee which turned into several, plus some beer for the non-driver. They did start getting a bit nervous as our battery finally gave up the ghost, getting, dimmer by the minute and they escaped with a thank you bottle of red just before we were pitched into darkness.
Wednesday packing up, between the showers, our puny solar panel had given enough power to wash ourselves but failed when confronted by the washing up. I went over to ask Steve to turn the generator on. His response, “but, you're going today, why d'you want to charge it now”, and he loaned me "one" of his spares.
We'd also spent some time going through the various rally guides we'd been given and had decided we were going to try and get into the balloon fiesta at Bristol in August and the AGM rally at Hillhead in November, I was relating this to another neighbour and saying how pleased I was that we could meet up with Charlotte, it would be nice to go and have someone we know there. He replied "well you get yourself down to Hillhead then, it'll be us organising that one so there'll be some one you know there too – us”! Thank you Euphine and Alan Bromell.
Beaten to the Elsan point by a man with one of those wheeled zimmer frames, I let out my frustration with "I didn't think Hells Angels were allowed on site", he replied "listen young 'un this things got two speeds, dead slow and stop!"
Graham came over to give me some light hearted abuse about me being the slowest he'd ever seen at packing up and was silenced instantly by Sue pointing out we'd have finished ages ago if certain rally officials stopped talking to me and let me get on with it! We finished at 12:30 and were awarded 10 out of 10 for being good ralliers by Darren.
So our first rally, a truly memorable experience with friends made, contact details swapped and three rally guides to pour over, looking forward to the next one. Thanks to the organisers Graham & Ann, Mike & Anne, Steve & Di and to Darren, Cheryll, Lucy, Lynda, Dave,.. and everyone who's name I didn't take, for making it so enjoyable for us.
Rally on!
Rally on!