Cumbria Centre
Celebrating 50 years of rallying in Cumbria
1960 - 2010
Caravan Club, Cumbria Centre - Webmaster, Deborah Black
This page will be added to as material is submitted, it will include Rally Reports and photographs which can be submitted electronically via this site.
Fireshow Spectacular Rally
Nov 6th-8th 2009 at Green Acres, Houghton, Carlisle
Ever been beaten in a quiz by a dog? A little embarassing you might think - I do hope he is not going to be there on our next CC event! I had 19 out of 20 correct and was feeling pretty confident when Jim was announced as the winning entry with the full 20 marks. Damn it! How did he get the last one we asked? “The dog did that one” he admitted .The leggy black pup looked a little a little sheepish at this point. As this was only our second CC rally ever, I was not sure of the protocol here- or the quiz rules either but I was sure this must be within club rules as the rallies are so well run.
Our thanks to Nancy and Nigel, Margaret and Ray for ensuring things went smoothly at the site. Good hardstanding pitches, very clean and well kept, with lovely open outlook .It was nice to see a variety of families and couples there, all in good humour. We were also much impressed by George’s rum butter on rich tea biscuits.
Anyway I can report that our trip to Carlisle Fireshow was a great success despite the mud underfoot (I felt sorry for people with pushchairs, and for those who had forgotten wellies). It stayed dry for the entire evening and we enjoyed flames and wonderful fireworks accompanied by dramatic music. The large crowd almost filled Bitts Park but they were well behaved and appreciative. We would definitely go again.
Oh and by the way, I didn’t win the bingo either!
Heather Fishwick
Westmorland County Show & Torchlight Rally
Low Park Wood, Kendal
September 8th to 13th 2009.
After a day of wall to wall rain on Tuesday, we met with Joan & Stan Leece, for a warm & sunny run through the Lakes on Wednesday morning to join the rally, having been confused by the Rally Programme showing that the rally started at 2pm on Wednesday 8th. We decided that it must be a misprint, and that the rally would start on Wednesday 9th, as the Westmorland Show was on Thursday.
We stopped on the lay-by alongside the dual carriageway, North of Kendal, had our lunch whilst waiting for the clock to move on, before heading for the site for 2pm.
On arrival, the old saying of “never assume anything” proved to be true, as the rally had started the day before, i.e Tuesday 8th. (was this a gunpowder plot? – see below) However, the journey was much more pleasant in the sunshine than it would have been in Tuesday’s rain. We were greeted by Raymond Smith, who was holding the fort on his own as his fellow rally officers were not to arrive until later in the week, being away from home on Club business.
Low Park Wood, previously the Sedgwick Gunpowder Site, is a lovely site cut into the forest, surrounding the ruined buildings of the Gunpowder Factory, which is often very wet, with the roadways and pathways looking more like rivers. This rally period, however, was warm and sunny throughout, and the site was very dry and pleasant.
After many outdoor events had been cancelled this year, due to inclement weather, Westmorland County Show, on Thursday, was blessed with a lovely warm, sunny day, the field was quite dry and firm, and only a few pairs of fashionable. Multicolored wellies were to be seen. We wore our walking shoes, and trainers, as our wellies are drab green, and not pretty.
The organizers must have been very happy with the attendance, and the trade stands seemed to be very busy, especially the ice-cream and drinks stands. The only downside to an excellent day out was the heavy traffic between the site and the show, which is barely a mile as the crow flies, but which took over an hour by car. We even encountered many idiots driving the wrong way down the slip-road from the dual carriageway trying to avoid the congestion.
At Thursday evening Flag, the rally officers provided a welcome tea/coffee to enable the members of the 17 attending outfits, to meet and chat on a still warm evening, although as darkness fell, the temperature quickly dropped.
Friday dawned on another lovely day, which involved a hard morning of lazing in the sunshine, drinking coffee, and gossiping before heading into Kendal for the Torchlight Parade, in the early evening.
As usual this was quite a spectacle, and very pleasant with the warm evening not requiring coats to be worn, and the parade lasting for about 2 hours, with almost 200 entries of illuminated floats, bands, dancers, walking entertainers, vintage cars, tractors and steam engines.
Saturday was again fine and sunny involving more lazing. The afternoon brought a walk through the lanes from the site to the excellent Low Sizergh Barn farmshop and tearoom, and back, in time for tea.
Flag was held on another sunny morning, on Sunday, when Deborah wished a Happy Birthday to Alan Rooke for that day, and to hubby, Malcolm Black for Monday.
The competition involving solving clues to Foods named after Famous People was won by our visitors from Wiltshire, Geoff and Sheila Shepherd, who correctly answered all 18 questioned. It was interesting to hear that some members (including yours truly) decided that the soft drink invented by Charles Alderton in Texas was Dr Pepper, and not Mr Coca Cola, as they thought.
A very enjoyable rally, and our thanks go all the attending members for the chat, and to Deborah and Malcolm Black, and Margaret and Raymond Smith for the organisation
Liz & Ken Robinson.
Chairman’s Last Stand Rally
Welton Village Hall
October 2nd - 4th 2009
First of all we would like to say a large thank you to Deborah and Malcolm for the excellent work in their terms of office, also thank you to their family for the understanding support required by them.
After a relaxing journey up to Welton, we arrived on time and were duly greeted with the normal friendly aplomb by our rally marshals, quickly showing us to our pitch and the location of water and elsan facilities.
Friday evening and opening flag, drinks, biscuits, introductions and a welcome to our venue, Welton Village Hall. It was our first visit to the hall and we would like to say thank you to the people of Welton for a lovely clean and warm venue.
Saturday morning was free and easy to do whatever; shopping, relaxing or the quiz. In the afternoon it was into the hall to view the crafts and hobbies of some of our fellow ralliers. We found a varied array of both on display and enjoyed talking to the exhibitors on their works. A big thank you to all those
taking part.
Saturday evening and the social. What can we say! The legendary ‘Sinc Soup’ (choice of 3), tray bake pie, peas & gravy followed by a sweet plus tea or coffee, all for £2.50 each. Some restaurants want to take note!
The Social was the last fundraising event for the chairman’s charities and a grand total of £3,000 was raised over the year, with both nominated charities receiving £1,500 each.
After the social finished and people retired for the evening the weather changed slightly with the wind and rain both picking up somewhat briskly and a turbulent night was had by most, fortunately without any damage occurring, unlike the marina at Maryport where the gates were ripped off and numerous vessels were damaged or sunk.
Sunday morning and blue skies - typical English weather. People began packing up ready for departure after the AGM. The meeting was held in the hall and after normal formalities and voting the newly
appointed chairman was elected to office. Congratulations to George.
Once again, many thanks to Deborah and Malcolm for the excellent work carried out by them both over their terms of office.
Finally a safe journey home and thank you to all fellow ralliers for another enjoyable weekend.
Joan & Neville Perkins
Meathop Fell Caravan Club Site Rally
21st - 23rd January 2010
The warmest welcome we have ever had on a rally. We rolled up on a dark and foggy light to be greeted by Andrew, Sheila & Raymond. Our pitch was waiting and within 5 minutes we were guided in and someone went for the shower block keys for us. If we’d waited I'm sure the water and legs would have been done ha-ha. Unfortunately we had to miss the warming cup of soup round the flag at 7.30 (the twins were asleep long before then).
Saturday morning was a free & easy day but a group of intrepid walkers took to the hills finding sustenance at a local hostelry on the way. (Quelle surprise!)
Sunday, bright and early at 10.30 found us ‘round the flag’ for coffee and being tempted by an extremely delicious selection of biscuits and cakes. Sheila had arranged for a strange yellow disc to appear in the sky for a short while …
The twins were really appreciative on winning a box of Ferro Rocher and even more appreciative when a kind gentlemen donated his prize of a tube of chocolate mini eggs to them too!
We would like to thank everyone who showed us such kindness and made us feel so welcome and an extra thanks to Andrew for all his nautical advice. This could be our last message as we take to the water in Coniston, at Easter, on our first voyage in our first yacht.
Ian & Julie Garner, Tyson & Gohan.
Winter Warmer Rally
Ravenglass C&CC Site, 4th - 7th February 2010
Approximately twenty units descended on Ravenglass over the 4th and 5th February 2010 for a relaxing weekend.
Friday evening opening flag was a welcoming helping of lentil soup provided by Nancy/Nigel and Sue/Peter - with seconds for anyone who could manage it - a nice change from the usual tea or coffee.
Saturday mornings leisurely 3 1/2 hour walk again kindly arranged by Nigel was poorly supported - only 8 participants- despite the beautiful sunny morning.
Unfortunately due to the fire over Christmas/New Year the Ratty Arms was still unable to provide Bar Meals. However thanks to Craig (Site Manager) a Bar Meal was negotiated with the Pennington Arms Hotel in the Village which 41 people attended.
Nancy organised the compulsory quizes - again showing the limited intelligence of the group - although the quiz person could not remember the answer to one question - so what chance did we have ?
Sunday saw the end of the Rally although several of us stayed on until Monday - another beautiful sunny morning walk on the beach with the dog.
Ron & Yvonne Stables
Welcome to New Ralliers - Wild Rose Caravan Park, Appleby
19th - 21st April 2010
On behalf of all the ralliers they would like to thank Raymond Smith for drawing my name out for to write the rally report.
We arrived at the site to be greeted by Sinc, who sent us to our pitch, to be greeted again by Alan & Daphne Rowell, who were standing in for John & Susan.
Friday Flag: We had 4 new ralliers which was very good, we greeted them into the centre and hope this would be the first of many rallies with us.
Saturday was a damp day and only 2 did the treasure hunt round Appleby (well done).
Saturday Social: We all had a nice meal followed by Sinc’s Quizzes and a sing-a-long.
Sunday flag came round all too soon for us to go home.
Our thanks must go to Alan & Daphne, Sinc & Carol for a great rally and I am sure that the new ralliers all enjoyed it.
We hope to see you all soon. Thank You.
Kath & George Dixon.
Cumbria Centre 50th Anniversary Celebration Rally - Westmorland County Showfield, May 2010
The Rally was held at the Westmorland County Showfield over the May Day Bank Holiday 2010 weekend. Approximately 110 Vans and motor homes descended on the Showfield for what we all hoped would be a first class weekend. Whilst a little more sun would have been appreciated, unlike the last time a major rally was held in Cumbria, the 2009 Northern Centres Rally at Beckfoot Park, Kirkby Lonsdale, there was hardly a drop of water in evidence, except for that drunk by attendees in alcoholic and non alcoholic form and that disposed of naturally.
Approximately half the units arrived on the Thursday and after settling in, were able to collect their ‘goody bag’ containing a plethora of local information and a Cumbria Centre Celebration Rally Teddy Bear from the marquee. An informal welcoming flag was held on the Thursday evening for members and visitors to get together and have a chat. A number of our Centre members were also in place to man stands selling raffle tickets for the Centre prize draw, a ‘name the Puppy’s Birthday’ competition, Tombola and book sales [brilliant that is my summer reading sorted!!]. ‘Our Kath’ also scurried around selling bonus balls for Saturday night’s National Lottery. The donation of prizes from members and guests for the various fund raising events was overwhelming. The first prize for the draw was an original water colour painted by Mr Aldersey Snr [Brian’s Dad]. There were also several prizes donated by Lakeland of Windermere and a very attractive photograph, taken, processed and framed by Jim Mitchell. The Centre’s grateful thanks to everyone who donated a raffle prize and to those who supported the raffle and other fund raising events.
Friday was a free day to allow members and visitors to explore Kendal and the South Lakes. Through a gate from the show field visitors have direct access onto the towpath of a loop of the Lancaster Canal. This provided a tranquil setting for a flat and easy walk, during which much birdlife was in evidence. During my early morning walks I was treated to the site of a heron silently standing on the edge of the canal waiting patiently for its breakfast to swim by within spearing distance. Not put off by my invasion of its dining area, the heron simply flew off when a got too close and started its vigil again further up the canal, only to repeat the process when I again got within a few yards. At each end of the canal side walk there was a swan’s nest with the pen [mummy swan to non bird lovers] sitting tightly on its nest, no doubt waiting patiently for the arrival of mum and dad’s new brood. I also spotted a couple of Coots’ nests on my walks and various other birds simply foraging for food. It is a pity that this is only a section of the canal, which is cut off at both ends by roads built right across the course of the canal. I wonder if sufficient local interest and funds can be raised to allow the Crooklands section to be joined to other sections of the canal?
Most of the other vans arrived on Friday afternoon and the marquee was open for a chat, coffee and Rookies Bingo on the Friday evening, as well as an opportunity to sell tickets to the latest intake of ralliers.
After a little rain overnight on Friday, Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny. The formal opening ceremony was very well attended and Chairman George Dixon welcomed everyone to the rally. The Centre was honoured to have as the ‘top table’ guests, Walter Girven a Vice Chairman of the Caravan Club and his wife Jackie, plus Mrs Christine Knipes from the Westmorland County Showfield and of course ‘our Kath’. Also in attendance were eight past chairmen of the Centre, with Pat Blacklock representing her late husband Dick. Apologies and greeting were received from the Past Chairmen or widows of Past Chairmen who were unable to attend. We were also pleased to welcome visiting Chairmen from East Yorkshire, Northumberland and Yorkshire Dales Centres, the Vice Chairmen from North Yorkshire and South Lancashire Centres, plus Mrs Jean Swallow a Past Chairmen of Northern Region of the Caravan Club. Unfortunately the Celebration Rally clashed with two other major events, the Scottish National being held just over the Border in Dumfriesshire and South Yorkshire Centre’s Silver Jubilee Rally. Given that there are a limited number of bank holidays available, this was inevitable.
Walter Girven formally opened the rally and in traditional birthday fashion, one of the cakes made for the occasion was cut and we all sang happy birthday. Thanks Kath and Norma for the birthday cakes they were delicious. A celebration drink and piece of cake were then consumed, getting the rally off to a flying start. A display of photographs and material from the ‘good old days of caravanning’ to date also drew a lot of interest from Centre members and visitors.
Over the weekend there was entertainment and dancing in the marquee during the day and in the evening. There were also various competitions to keep adults and youngsters amused. Before we knew it, the weekend was drawing to a close, with Walter Girven taking centre stage to ‘call time’ at the closing ceremony.
Thanks are due to a host of people for the weekend, sorry if I haven’t named names, but you all know who you are and you did a great job. After small and hastily planted acorns, the tree turned out incredibly well!!
· Chairman George, the Rally sub-committees, other committee members and their wives
for organising the event,
parking vans, manning stalls, selling tickets and bonus
balls, arranging the marquee, moving furniture, making coffee, making and serving
food, tidying up, cleaning the toilets, manning the sound system, plus lots and lots
of other actions
· Centre members who helped site vans and undertake other duties
· Christine Knipes and her colleagues from the Westmorland County Showfield for providing and helping us arrange a superb venue
· Marquee people, electricians and others who provided the facilities for the rally
· Entertainers and our own ‘in house’ comedian
· Everyone who donated, or obtained from supporters, a raffle prize
And finally………….
· Our members and visitors for supporting the event.
It is believed from the many cards and expressions of thanks, that the 50th Celebration Rally was a great success. Some of you might be around if the Centre survives for another 50 years and chooses to have a Centenary Rally. Many will not, so we hope you tell up and coming ralliers what a pleasant time you had, to encourage them to organise the Centenary rally when the time comes. However try not to let it clash with another event throughout the region!!
Thank you all for a memorable and enjoyable rally.
Sinclair Graham
Cumbria Centre Secretary
How many men does it take to hold a gate up?
Birthday cake aplenty!
All good things come to an end ...
A chance to wind-down after the Celebration Rally,
at Crookalnds from 4th to 9th May.
Castlerigg Rally
14th - 18th May 2010
Approx 33 units attended the rally at Castlerigg Farm Camping and Caravan Site over the weekend of the 14th to 18th May,2010.
Unfortunately three units failed to arrive, nor did they contact the Rally Officers to advise them accordingly. Due to their actions (or inaction) other units who may have wished to attend were unable to do so and missed a superb weekend. In future could members please let the Rally Officers know in advance if they do not intend to join the Rally.
On Saturday morning Raymond Smith led the largest number of people so far round the Lake - three options were put forward :
1. round Derwentwater with tea stops and a pub at the end
2. past the Stone circle to St.Johns in the vale with tea stop
3. by car to Rosthwaite and over into Watendleth - tearoom- then down valley to Ashness.
Needless to say -the pub option won. Thanks to Margaret, Kath and George (not in any particular order) for the two welcome refreshment breaks.
Saturday evening saw a large number of people eating at the Hayloft Cafe on site - spread over the evening - which included a quiz (just for a change) pictures 1 - 19 items in Margaret's kitchen plus 10 "feely bags" containing various items. One elderly gentleman was heard to say he hadn’t groped a bag for years.
Sunday morning flag was made all the better for the bacon butties barbecued by Raymond's fair hand as well as tea and coffee. The Rally closed at 11.00 after the prize giving and van raffle - however several units (the usual unemployable) stayed on to enjoy the sunshine until Monday lunchtime.
Ron & Yvonne Stables
VINTAGE VEHICLE RALLY
High Harrington - 1st to 5th July 2010
We arrived on Thursday to be met by Brian who sited us. We then had tea and biscuits and ‘the crack’. Those of us who had awnings got them erected before the rain came.
Friday the rest of the ralliers arrived and kept themselves busy sorting their vans. Flag at 7pm. was followed by cheese and wine. The cheese must have been strong because people were talking funny. It cannot have been the wine!!!
Saturday was the car and caravan boot sale, loads of bargains were to be had. Saturday night was pie and peas, what a great feast was had. The pie was delicious. We then had dancing girls doing their routine, very good too. A good night was had by all.
Sunday morning, my goodness, force 7 winds & heavy rain. What a night it had been, but everyone was safe and sound. Flag at 10 am. followed by competition winners. Cups of tea and coffee, biscuits and cake enjoyed by everyone.
Monday, everyone done their own thing. 3 o’clock, cream teas. What a weekend for eating!!
Thanks to Brian, Pam & Pat for a good weekend. It might have rained and blew a bit but who cares?
Peter & Doreen.
ROSESHOW RALLY
Westmorland County Showfield
7th to 12th July 2010
It's always a pleasure to come to the Rose Show Rally. We have beautiful views from a perfect rally field.
Andrew & Sheila are such good rally officers, supplying us with tea and coffee and nibbles on Wednesday. On Friday night there was a welcome for everyone and tickets were ordered for the show, which is in the next field.
Beautiful roses & sweet peas in the marquee and a big variety of plant stalls and others.
Closing was on Sunday morning although we could stay till Monday.
This is a very pleasant rally, everyone should try it.
Marshall & Edna Briggs
SPRING BANK HOLIDAY RALLY
BRAITHWAITE SPORTS FIELD – 28TH MAY TO 1ST JUNE
Well 3 weeks after the event we have eventually got round to finding time to write the report for the rally so here it is better late than never!!
We arrived on Friday evening in glorious sunshine to meet you with our neighbours Richard and Margaret who had saved us a pitch in the bottom right hand corner of the field. We were closely followed by Peter, Michelle and Jip the dog who pitched up on the other side of Richard and Margaret.
As it was such a nice evening we decided to erect the gazebo between our caravan and Richard and Margaret’s motor home and dine el fresco. We enjoyed a wonderful 3 course meal thanks to Margaret which was nicely followed by wine and cheese in the hall for the welcome meeting. We spent a quiet evening partaking in a few alcoholic beverages, chatting and catching up with friends.
After a leisurely start on Saturday morning we walked into Keswick, sampled the local fish and chips closely followed by the local beer and then browsed around the market making a total purchase of 2lbs of Lancashire new potatoes. We were assured they were very good and at a bargain price otherwise we could get our money back.
Back at the caravan the weather had changed and there was a light drizzle. It had been suggested at the welcome meeting that weather permitting a group barbecue might take place on the field. This now did not look promising but we decided we were hardened caravanners and a bit of rain would not stop our barbecue from going ahead. Richard suggested that if he put out the canopy on the motor home and the gazebo was moved between this and Peter and Michelle’s caravan we could then all remain undercover and barbecue at the same time. This move was to do us a great favour during the night to come. We had a lovely barbecue accompanied with the above mentioned Lancashire new potatoes, followed by a few drinks, a bit of crack and then retired to bed.
Billy and I had a wonderful nights sleep!! Unfortunately the rest of our company did not. They were woken by the extremely strong wind and rain at I think around 3.45.am and worrying about the stability of the canopy and gazebo were scurrying about outside dismantling the camp. They didn’t get a lot of sleep after this and were somewhat blurry eyed when we eventually surfaced at about 9.00am. As a penance for not partaking and being totally oblivious to the night’s activities we were tasked to cook the breakfast.
Following bacon and sausage sandwiches a route was plotted on the ordnance survey map for a walk to exercise Jip our four legged friend. We went down the lane next to the hall, over the fields and then followed the river back to Portinscale. Walking through the village we had to pass the Farmers Arms so thought we ought to call in for some liquid refreshment. The refreshments were so good that we decided that on the way back we would go through Braithwaite village to see if the Royal Oak could meet the same standards and sample another. Back at site it was time for a chill, relaxation and another barbecue followed by yet more drink and midge bites.
Monday morning was glorious which is a change for a bank holiday, everyone was out on the field basking in the sunshine before flag at 11.00am. After flag we had brunch before slowly packing up and left the rally at about 3.00.pm.
They say life is what you make it and the weather may not have been brilliant throughout the weekend but it didn’t stop us doing anything and we all had a great time. Our thanks go to Sinc and Carol and John and Linda for organising the rally and we look forward to attending again next year.
Bill & Joyce Murray
NATIONAL CARAVAN RALLY 2010
Weston Park, Shropshire
I would like to thank everyone who came to the rally to support the centre and to those who took part in the sports and dog show. We had a very good site, very near to the shops and entertainment.
The entertainment was FIRST CLASS ... Well done the club for getting first class acts for our entertainment. It was well worth it.
A big thanks, also, to Alan and Mavis for being our Centre Liaison Officers and to Callum for being the flag person. By the way the bacon sandwiches went down very well, thank you.
Kath and I hope to see you all soon, our next big rally will be Northern Centres Rally at Carlton Towers, Selby.
Thank you all again
George Dixon