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2006 UK RALLY REPORT
This year’s rally took place at The Cotton Arms in Wrenbury, Nr Nantwich on the weekend of 27-29 July. We were blessed (mostly) with good weather, which made the weekend much more enjoyable than some of the wet and windy rallies we have had in the past. A few showers didn’t dampen our enthusiasm and it soon cleared up again. Our biggest worry was the lack of shower / toilet facilities and we did have a couple of complaints, but far more positive comments about the site whilst we were there. Again, we can only apologise for the lack of washing facilities – we didn’t choose it that way and we know it’s not what the members want, but it was a last minute booking and we only hope that the quality of everything else made up for this. The location was idyllic – a beautiful flat field in the middle of the Cheshire countryside away from any major roads – very quiet (apart from the village clock which chimed every quarter hour!). The canal next to the field gave us the opportunity for a leisurely walk beside the water and a look at some of the narrowboats moored alongside - one of which belonged to a friend of Malcolm Smart, our Regalia Secretary, who took 2 weeks off work to navigate the waterways and attend the rally! How’s that for dedication? He was awarded with “Most Unusual Mode of Travel to the 2006 Rally” a rather unique narrowboat trophy for his trouble. From the opposite side of the field there was either a 5 minute walk into the local village or in the other direction within 100 yards there was a bar / restaurant with a beer garden, and a craft / souvenir shop which also sold provisions. The Cotton Arms next to the rally field was a cosy country pub which served hearty pub meals and the service was excellent. The pub and site owner couldn’t do enough to help make our weekend run smoothly and give us the best time he could. He hopes we will be back in the future when their toilet / shower block and laundry is completed next year! We might make this site one of our regular rota sites, if the members agree with our opinion (give us your feedback). On Friday night in the function room there was a get-together, plenty to drink and a CBX quiz for the members, which caused some heated discussion as people disagreed about the answers! A jubilant David Carrol won and was presented with a Honda production Motorcycles book donated by the club. Saturday morning started bright and clear and the sun blazed down on us. The ride-out was led by John Stone, and went along the narrow twisting lanes in the Cheshire countryside and crossed over into Denbighshire, North Wales. The ultimate destination was the The Ponderosa Café / Gift Shop and viewpoint high up in the Welsh hills. Unfortunately the weather decided to take a turn for the worse and we got a thorough drenching on the way back! All ended well and we soon dried off in the sun (and those who didn’t drowned their sorrows in the pub!). Whilst most people were away on the ride-out, a few of us lounged around in the sun doing nothing, then the wind got up and we had a helluva time trying to tie down the two big marquees in the rally field. At one point the wind was so strong it threatened to take away one completely but due to the quick reflexes of our auditor Tony (who did a magnificent but terrifying hang-gliding stunt) we managed to hold onto it, even though some of the struts were twisted and broken. It remains to be seen whether it will be flight-worthy again next year! On Saturday afternoon, the AGM was attended by nearly everyone (a format we will definitely use in future instead of Sunday morning AGMs). During and after the election of officers there was lively debate, with lots of varying opinions which created a very productive and fruitful meeting. There was plenty of material for the committee to take home with them and work on! Saturday night saw us all gathering in the function room for a fantastic hot and cold buffet. The spread which greeted us was delicious and a joy to behold – every type of buffet food you could think of (even paté!) – plus curry, chilli and stew as well, not forgetting various rices and breads! This was followed by a choice of deserts that could have graced any top notch restaurant! There was more than enough to go round and no one went hungry. The group who played from around 8.30pm to 11.30pm (with a break for raffle and prize-giving) were the unbelievable No Spring Chicken, a midlands group who rocked us into the night with their superb renditions of well known songs performed by The Who, Pink Floyd and many others. Those members who managed to stay up until the end danced and boogied until finally letting the band go home, well not quite, they were camping too! Sunday morning, which was warm and still dry, saw everyone start their homeward journey with hopefully some good memories and plenty of enthusiasm for next year’s rally. Some had already left (you can arrive and leave whenever you want, not just the full weekend). We sincerely hope everyone had a good time and if you have any comments, suggestions or ideas on how we could improve our rallies (apart from better washing facilities of course – this has definitely been taken on board!), please let the Rally Committee know by using the forum board on our website, e-mailing CBX6LYNNE@AOL.COM or just plain telephoning. You’ll find our contact details at the front of the mag. At the moment, as well as the usual criteria, we are intent on finding a site with MORE B&B accommodation on site or very close by. We want lots more members to attend next year so the more facilities we can find on a site, the better we like it. We’ll keep you posted…..! Best wishes and looking forward to seeing you next year, Regards LYNNE AND THE RALLY COMMITTEE |