NATIONAL 2007

After many months of deliberations, Dave, Simon and Jane from the Hampshire Area organising committee, finalised their plans and were ready for the off.

Things got underway on the Friday, with the initial set up of road signs and banners and the gathering of all the necessary equipment that is required for a Classic Car event. Although hampered to some extent by the indement weather, good progress was made until the arrival of the marquee, which unfortunately didn't have all its component parts, and Dave's friend Tim had to return on the Saturday morning with a replacement.

A small barbecue was provided by the committee in the evening, which was really enjoyed by some early members who were staying over the whole weekend. There were 5 caravans, 1 Sun Tor and 2 tents.

Saturday, and more preparations were being made for the Sunday rally. Tim came with replacement marquee and after fun and games, it was duly erected. All the caravans and campers had a relatively good night and were very pleased with the facilities provided by our hosts at the Royal Oak, Fritham.

Sue, who had arrived on Friday with Steve from Devon, really was at home in the country when she found a mouse in her sleeping bag - a toy of course. Steve's revenge for a faceful of trifle at last year’s barbecue!

Weather was cloudy with showers most of the day, however come the evening 6.30 to 8.45 it was dry at least, although rather cool during the latter part of the barbeque. Talking of which, this was really good and enjoyed by all. Many thanks to all of those good people who had worked so hard to provide us with such a good spread. Thanks must also go to those persons who so generously contributed food and drink etc for our benefit. There were 50 people, including children, who attended.

On the Sunday, we had a few showers, and for the rest of the day, we were blessed with fine weather.

Eventually 43 vehicles and 2 motorcycles arrived, with 38 members and 5 visitors. Judging was made by members themselves, and caused many a headache trying to decide on their choice. Doug Hammond was asked to decide the winner of the Truecott/Bates Shield and came up with a novel decision - a model Austin A9 Westminster owned by Martin Keeping. I hope Martin will find time to enlighten us further on the history of this model, in a future club newsletter.

The full list of class winners is as follows:

1st prize - Steve Bates with his Morris 8

2nd prize - Terry Durham with his Wolseley 1885

3rd prize - Alan & Lynn Hammerton with their Mark 2 Ford Zephyr

Visitors prize was won by Richard Owen with his Wolseley 1500

Kiddies Competition - painting horseshoes:

1st prize - Claire Langrish

2nd prize - Jessica Langrish

Furthest travelled was Terry Harris in his Morris Suntour.

Full marks to the committee for including a children's competition, which provided a good interest for our younger people. The guess the number of spark plugs produced another interest and provided the club with well needed revenue. The winner of this event was Alan Smith with number 125. He is lucky enough to be small in height, so was able to count them easily.

Another nice touch from the committee was the wording on the judgement form, "not the best bat" your favourite vehicle, very politically correct in keeping with modern trends. Well done!

The raffle rounded off proceedings with a number of good and useful items as prizes. Again, many thanks to all of those kind and generous people who donated prizes. Details of monies received from this event and the Tombola run by Freda Keeping, will no doubt be published in the accounts at the forthcoming A.G.M.

And so ended a super weekend, so as not to miss anyone out, many thanks to all those kind people who worked so long and hard to make the 2007 National Rally such a great success, in such a wonderful location. To all the members and non members, to whom we hope will soon become members, a big thank you for your attendance, particularly those who travelled from Staffordshire, Kent, London and Devon.

Finally, the collection made on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Fund contributed by members, visitors and customers of the Royal Oak, raised £103.

We were packed up and on our way home by approx. 5.45pm. Again our thanks to you all for leaving the field so litter free.