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Telford Rally, Kevindale, Broome, near Craven Arms, Shropshire
On returning from National rally the first job was to retorque the cylinder head on the camper now it had had chance to settle down. After doing this and resetting the valve clearances the engine sounded sweet and seemed to pull much better sop Marion agree to drive the camper to Craven Arms. This allowed me to drive the Rebel van. It is always more convenient to take a second car if we are camping for a week and need to go out and about. It saves dismantling the bed in the camper on a daily basis.
We arrived at Kevindale on the Tuesday to see disappointingly few units. Thankfully Wilfred, Snowy and a few others had travelled over from National but many of the regulars were missing and turnout was significantly down on previous years.
Nothing was planned until Friday so it gave us time to relax and pop and see Marion's parent’s who live nearby. Though the Rebel was running well the dynamo was not charging well and a few jumpstarts were necessary. The marquee, or at least the two large gazebos which we use are stored at Marion’s parents' and we popped over on Wednesday to fetch them as Paul had asked they be put up into time for the screening of some football match or other. I think some relative unknowns called Manchester United were playing some Spanish club (can you tell I don’t follow football???)
Phil, Karren and the kids arrived later in the week and Paul and Celia returned to join Paul, Marie, the kids, Marion and myself and our guests from other branches. By this time we had erected the first “marquee” and were starting on the second. With fewer “helpers” the gazebos seemed to go up much quicker than in previous years.
Most people frequented the local pub, the Engine and Tender in the evenings, however a few remained to watch the football, however Marion and I opted for a DVD in the camper. As in previous years we had a quiz to complete over the week along with a scavenger hunt. Thanks to my mom for compiling these.
On Friday we had a baked potatoes supper planned and everyone including a few new arrivals sat down for our communal meal after which followed a couple of games of bingo and a quiz hosted by Phil Cornish.
Saturday was the main day of the rally and hostess; Ruth Lewins formally opened the rally at about 1:30pm. The weather was scorching once again which encourage numerous day visitors. The Rowley family arrived including Michael in his new Kitten, also from Birmingham branch we had Mark, Sue Cropper with Cameron in their Robin Mk3, Dave Poole in his Scimitar SE5, Steve White in his Kitten, Daniel Rodd also in a Kitten and from our own branch Pete and Dee in their Rialto (we won’t mention gearlever here ;-)) and in a rialto, Mark Barker. Unfortunate Ely, Geoff having come straight from work was in the Transit not his Reliant. No matter it was great to see some Telford rally first timers whatever mode of transport.
Despite the lower attendance the display of Reliants was still good with an impressive varied line-up from Wilfried’s 1950’s Regent which he kindly allow those interested to have a test drive in, to Mark and Sue’s Robin Mk3. This year for the first time we had a peoples choice award for favourite Reliant of the Rally. Everyone had a voting slip – nothing technical just a favourite.
There were numerous games – horseshoes, Frisbee’s etc and new this year Snowy’s sparkplug change competition and a raffle. Marion also ran the cork stabbing competition and I the wheel change. Competition was fierce. Despite the Rebel wheels being considerably bulkier than those of the Kitten the year before some impressive times were turned in.
At prize giving the winner of the Reliant of the day was Snowy’s Regal 21E saloon, however by only two votes over Michael’s Kitten and Dave’s SE5 who tied for second place. The new trophy was gratefully received by Snowy to add to the tally he’s won at National. Geoff won the gent’s wheel change with a staggering 1 minute five seconds. Sue Cropper and Cameron won the ladies’ and children’s events respectively.
Saturday night’s evening commences with a communal American Supper after which a couple of games of bingo then the highlight of the evening – well it was or some and not so for others!!!
Miss Telford 2009. Those who thought they might be lucky enough to see our lovely Telford branch ladies Marion, Karren, Marie and Dee strut their stuff, bikini clad were in for a big disappointment. Instead we had Pete, Snowy, John Marsh, Dan Stone and myself in drag!
A pile of lipstick, blusher, eyeshaddow etc was tipped onto the floor and the kids under the artistic supervision of Caroline had a free for all. With youngsters from about 3 years old upward you can imagine the quality of the makeovers. I even had lipstick on my kneecaps! Following our cosmetic treatment we were hustled into a back room where Celia dressed us in rather not so stylish female clothing and rather gaudy jewellery. Once dressed we paraded onto the catwalk and had to answer the typical “Miss World” type questions which had the audience in stitches.
Everyone had a great time however some are due their comeuppances at next year’s rally – you know who you are!!!
After a late night drinking and chatting Sunday coffee morning was upon us and time to pay our fees and say our farewells to a our friends before setting off for home. Marion and I finally getting back at 7pm after returning the gazebos to Marion’s parents and stopping for a welcome bite to eat.
Regards
Kerry Croxton
Telford
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