For some pictures, see this page!
If being asked where to get 12 tickets for next year's rally, within a week of the end of this year's is anything to go by, I reckon that somewhere along the way we must have got it right. I could also mention that before I got home on Sunday 24th we already had a favourable comment on the website from a satisfied rally-goer. It would appear that the organising involved in such a venture was worth it.
In fact this year everything was in place months ahead of schedule so I suppose that a spanner being thrown in the works was on the cards, and of course it happened. Two weeks before the event we get a phone call from one of the bands to say, "I'm not letting you down but we won't be playing". Dunno about you but that to me smacks just a tad of a HUGE LET DOWN. Thankfully the band in question had not been advertised by name (just as well as it turned out) but where do you find a replacement at such short notice? Luckily Gaz and Jax knew of a possibility and within 48hrs contact was made. After a swift chat to find out what they did "The Booze Brothers" were booked.
Friday saw a handful of us on site to erect the marquee, mark out various areas, and get the control tent up from where the Head of Security - Gwen Burnett - could keep a tight reign on things. The food wagons arrived and were directed to station; this year the decision had been made to give rally-goers a choice of food and to this end Chinese and regular fare were laid on which proved to be a raging success - a note had been made of last year's short-comings in this department and Gary bin Lineham came up trumps with the catering.
Dave Black and crew were soon on site setting up disco gear in the rugby club and by midday-ish our Ian (Pocock) got the music started in the marquee, the plan being to have sounds going from somewhere all the time the rally was running. Chris Biggs supplied and set up the tannoy for announcements so any messages could be passed on to the assembled masses, thankfully a system that could be understood.
It was really good to see TOMCC members from Europe arriving this year, notably Erik from Denmark (now that's a ride), Bill and Ines of France, the French couple having recently recovered from an accident during the T-Days rally. Members from the UK, whom we have met during our years of attending other branch rallies, were booking in along with local clubs, so the party was on.
Friday evening kicked off with the "Booze Brothers" playing on the patio, the sun was still shining, the beer had started to flow and they really set the mood for a good weekend. In fact they went down so well that it was difficult to get people to move inside. The evening disco played through the hour or so needed to set up the second band of the night and before long "Tumblin' Dice" took the stage. Their mix of rock numbers coupled with the antics of Nick, the band's front man - well known to Bexley members - once again did us proud 'til the early hours. All too soon they had finished and then on to the Rock disco which played until there was no one left to play to. I think thanks should be extended to the bar staff who kept serving until it was obvious that even the biggest sponges were satisfied on both nights. I haven't got a clue what time it was when all went quiet, but for me Friday went all too quickly. The early part of Saturday passed me by, as I didn't get my head down 'til 5:30 - 6:00 a.m., so it was 11ish before I surfaced. A quick shower, the music in the marquee started, a beer was ordered and swallowed, and then I woke up.
The run-out was organised by Barry and Janneane and left pretty much on time with a good attendance. The first objective was the establishment of Carl Rosner, Triumph dealer at Sanderstead, Surrey. There, a tasty array of snacks and drinks was laid on by the management and everyone had time to browse their stock of Hinckleys new and second-hand, plus a few classics of the Triumph and Norton variety (probably not for sale!) at the back of the shop. From there it was on to Biggin Hill for a photo-opportunity in front of the Hurricane and Spitfire on display at the gates, before returning via the A20. I am told (by people who went on it including our European members) that it was a pleasure to participate in and extremely well organised. Hats off to you both.
Silly Games were organised by Tank, being timed to begin as the run-out returned and they certainly were a laugh, made even more so as this year Maggs had been talked into doing the announcing (probably the reason I found myself spinning around the field on the end of a stick in a very undignified manner). I reckon that she has now got the job for life.
With the evening calling and the weather looking dubious the decision was made to move the early band indoors. Luckily we had a lot of Blue Shirts on site to help with the equipment. The disco was in full swing as we helped set up the "Playgirls" who got into their set a few minutes later than intended - their rocky numbers had people up and dancing and once again in no time at all it was time to change bands. With the help of many Blue Shirts we had one band packed up and the "Skyrockers" set up quickly, the interval filled once again by the Rock disco. Between bands the raffle was called, and awards given. This year we had a Television Personality in the shape of Eric Richard (also known as "Sgt Bob Cryer" of "The Bill") to judge the bikes and present the awards. Best Meriden went to Roy Shilling, Best Hinckley to Paul from Birmingham & Wolves, Best In Show went to a 1915 Triumph which had seen service during WW1 owned by Colin (Bexley branch member). Long distance male was awarded to Erik from Denmark (who else) and long distance female to Wendy from the Isle of Wight. Finally and perhaps most importantly, Julie Salliss was presented with the "Richard Cottrell" award for her sterling work on behalf of the club this year.
"The Skyrockers" then kicked in to finish the evening with their lively rock and roll and rockabilly numbers - of particular note, or at least he took my vote, the lead guitarist who looked and leapt about like Jasper Carrot on acid.
Again to end the evening Dave Black and crew took over with the disco which played 'til there was only a couple of people left either staggering aimlessly (I believe it was supposed to be dancing) or collapsed.
Sunday it rained - and by the time we got our tent and stuff packed up it really rained, but then I suppose with the weather we had enjoyed over the weekend it was hardly a big deal.
I would like to extend my thanks to all the people who contributed to making the rally a success, no matter what you were responsible for, it doesn't really matter whether it was Bog Patrol, manning the gate, clearing up afterwards or just assisting generally, as a team effort - we've got a Pretty Good Team. And thanks to all who that turned up and took part - without you the effort would not have been worth it.
All in all it looks good for next year!