Well what a Rally! Friday started off seeing all the teacher's cars still parked in the car park, as it was an inset day! This didn't faze our Ralliegoers who attended. Everyone helped out by unhitching vans and man handling twin axles in between cars, getting torn to shreds by thorns. Everyone arrived and settled down to an evening of socialising in the gym.
Saturday morning was very cold, we even had hail stones, the winds were extremely forceful, but it calmed down and cleared up very quickly. The women went out shopping for the Rally, the men and children decorated the hall ready for a Reggae Caribbean evening which was to be held in the gym. Jay made a lovely cocktail bar which stayed and was redecorated through out the week. Flag was held, it was short and sweet, everyone had a quick catch up before the evening's entertainment which was held after a Chinese Auction, followed by John. Jay also made puffin stocks which were highly amusing, puffin easy, puffin hard work! Lots of people joined in with the party games - we all had a fun filled evening, there were some highlights I have to mention i.e. Melaine Jenkins and her coconut lump, Tracy and her red Baywatch bather, you entertained us all evening!
Sunday it was American supper evening, with lots of choice of different foods, followed by Karaoke. There are a few talented singers out there, it would be brilliant if it was a competition at the National as we would win hands down! Sunday afternoon saw a training session for everyone who felt they could join in with the grueling session, men and children did circuits around the gym, then they went and had a tow training session, followed by a warming down basketball/rugby game! Don't worry boys revenge is sweet. The children then joined in for a football training session, some of the children are so talented. Thanks to the Sports Sub-Committee for arranging it and I'm still suffering.
Monday we sold hot dogs that evening to cover the cost of hiring the gyms, it was an amazing success with us selling all of them, thank you to everyone who bought them. This was shortly followed by Play Your Cards Right, which went down a treat.
On Tuesday it was supposed to be Children's Bingo, but the machine was broken, so we had games with all the children instead, There are some brilliant dancers, namely Jay Flattley - the children had myself, Jo and Kay in stitches for ages. The men went out to Tenby as we entertained the children for the evening.
We as Marshals well nearly relaxed a bit except for Jay who made curry for the Curry Evening, which I must have to say was nicer than the Chinese, everyone really enjoyed the curry as it soon went quickly. Thank you Jay.
Thursday the men stayed on site and made hot chocolate and read bedtime stories to the children, as 15 of us women hit Tenby dressed in our 80's costumes, we were all chauffeured down by partners and friends and arrived home after a lovely evening at 1am.
on Friday the gym was redecorated for the evening's entertainment which was the 80's Disco evening hosted by John, the evening was an amazing success, there were amazing costumes out there and there was a lot off effort made by all which was impressive.
Saturday the last evening of the Rally, another busy day for us all, as we hit the hall early for the last day and night's events. We had the Children's Party, where they had party games and scary things to do! Followed by Flag, where all the children showed off their scary costumes as they walked around the room in front of our judges Dave and Gill from the South Glamorgan Centre. We also had some birthday kisses - Mike Mace! Straight into the Halloween Party for everyone, it was the adults turn to do what the children had done. There was a separate competition held and that was best decorated Halloween caravan, which was won by Sarah, Lyn and Steffan Jones. The entries where amazing. What a lovely way to finish off our Rally.
Sunday saw people coming up to help with the cleaning of the halls and toilets, packing everything away that was used for the week. The Rally finished at 3pm and we all went home.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge 'Thank You' to everyone who helped, bring stuff to the Rally, siting of caravans, supervising the children, cleaning and helping out, entertaining, decorating painting, etc., it was very much appreciated. But I have to mention an even bigger 'Thank You' to my Assistants for all the hard work leading up to the Rally and during it, as it has become a bigger Rally every year, as they worked very hard during the nine days and the team work and commitment showed that.
Last but not least, 'Thank You' to everyone who attended, as without you there wouldn't be a Rally, and to my family.
Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!
Joanne, Dean and the boys

Our first Committee Meeting took place on Tuesday 4th October 2011 and the priority was the preparation of the Rally Handbook for 2012. N.B. Anyone who is running a Rally in 2012 is asked to contact either myself or Jay Allen as soon as possible with any additional information that you wish to add to the Notes section for the Rally you are hosting.

Last, but not least, do not forget that the Children's Christmas Party takes place on December 3rd at 3Cs Catholic Club in Gorseinon, with a very special visit from Father Christmas himself!

On behalf of the Committee and myself, a great big 'Thank You' to you all for your support throughout 2011, and may I be the first to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Andrea Glew
WWCC Chairperson

Our Harvest Supper Rally was once again held at Fairwood Corner Farm, and unfortunately this year the weather was not at its best, with rain, rain and more rain for a wet and muddy arrival on Friday.  However there were some sunny spells over the weekend and when you’re with good friends, it doesn’t matter. Did it spoil our enjoyment?  No, not at all! A really good weekend had by all - yet again.    

Saturday morning was busy with volunteers getting the barn ready and carrying out various tasks in preparation for the supper evening.  In a very short space of time it was transformed from a working barn to Barbara’s Kitchen and 'exclusive restaurant', with floor swept, electrical lighting installed, and even the kitchen sink and four ovens all plumbed in and up and ready for the afternoon's cooking.  This, in addition to loads of tables and chairs washed, dressed and set for dinner, Bingo, entertainment, and Disco. The end result was fantastic! Thanks to everyone who helped.

The sun came out for Saturday morning and shone on the veggie peelers who all worked extremely hard, washing and peeling potatoes, carrots, onions, and leeks. Well done all!

The Supper evening started off with Grace followed by a delicious vegetable soup and bread roll. A delicious roast beef dinner was then finished off with strawberry or chocolate gateau and cream. The meal was served up by Main Committee Members and volunteer waiters & waitresses for the evening, all were smartly dressed in their black and whites. Many thanks to them for their support and excellent service!

Later we held our “Bottle Raffle” which was very well supported, a huge thanks to everyone. All the money the Ladies Sub-Committee collects is spent directly on the children/grandchildren of the Centre Members, for various activities throughout the year. 

It was eyes down for Bingo next and then on to the evening’s entertainment, which was supplied by Peachy.  It was great, we all danced and sang the night away!  The evening was rounded off with a Disco, which kept us dancing until the wee small hours.  

Yet another successful Harvest Supper!

Main Committee

Ladies Sub-Committee

(L – R) Jackie Thomas, June Wilson, Marilyn Jones, Barbara Small (Chairperson), 
Amanda Finn and Diane Lewis

Sports Sub-Committee

(L – R) Mark Davies, Jo Allan, Joanne Israel (Chairperson), Lyn Jones
and Mark Ashcroft

Youth Sub-Committee

(L – R) Evie Forrester, Zoe Bennett, James Allan (Chairman), Leigh Davies, 
Luke Israel, Ffion Burridge and Caitlin Ashcroft

(Left) Bernadette from the Different Strokes Rehabilitation Group
and Sue Hill on behalf of the Renal Unit.
Both received cheques for £1,250

and some Centre Competition Winners for 2011 . . .

and Members attending this year's A.G.M. at Felindre . . .

Point Scoring Events:

Bannerette – Rachael Hughes - Winner  2

Concourse de Elegance – Mair & Peter Thomas - Winners  2

Decorated Vehicle – West Wales - Winners  2

Netball: 9 – 12 – Runners-up  1
              13 -16 – Winners       2
              17 – 19 - Winners      2
           Ladies – Winners        2

Football: 13 – 16 Runners-up  1
             Mens – Runners-up  1

Tug-of-War: Middleweight - Winners      2
                  Catchweight - Runners-up  1

Total: 18 points

Non point Scoring Events:

Sweet White Wine: June Wilson - Winner
                          Nessa Liscombe - Runner-up

Photography: Gill Lewis - Winner
                        Sarah Jones Runner-up

Darts: West Wales A - Winners

Volleyball: West Wales - Runners-up

Junior Bannerette: Emily Pooley - Runner-up

Over 35s Football: West Wales - Winners

Fancy Dress: Boys Landan Mace - Winner
                  Groups John/Hughes/Coombe Family - Winner 

Andrea Glew
WWCC Chairperson

Well done to you all, I was very impressed with the younger ones as they worked hard. The Sports Sub-Committee also held a Raffle this weekend, so thank you to everyone who has bought tickets and supported the Sports Sub-Committee throughout this year. 

There is a special thank you that has to be said for scoring all day and entertaining us all - that was for Spike! Also, thank you to Lyn and Ash for all their hard work.

Good luck to everyone for the Welsh National Caravan Rally - see you all there. 

Joanne Israel
Sports Sub-Committee Chairperson

There were loads of fun activities for the children to take part in, both inside and outside the Marquees. These included making decorated masks, windmills, crowns, bookmarks, colouring, painting, making bracelets, fun tattoos, face painting and lots more. Outside, fun and games were held including twister, children’s tug-of-war and the best ever downhill water slide (thanks to the Sports Sub-Committee) well done all of you who had a go! 

All the children were so well behaved and all of them seemed to really enjoy all the treats. Barbara Small took sweets and pop around throughout the morning for the children, and then at the end everyone enjoyed hot dogs. 

A special 'big thanks' goes to the Youth Sub-Committee and their Members who helped make it all a great success, they joined in and helped the children with the face painting, fun and games, paintings and colouring. 

A 'big thank you' also to everyone who helped out on the treat. And to all those parents and Members who have supported the Ladies Sub-Committee throughout the year, buying raffle tickets, helping and supporting. It made the treat fun for everyone! 

Amanda Finn
Secretary, Ladies Sub-Committee

The weather was very rainy on Friday evening when everyone arrived. I have to say that I have never seen anyone look so soaked through as Diane Sambrook and Mike Small, well done both, I think you put the fish to shame! It was showery on Saturday on and off, and then glorious on Sunday. 

As usual, the Summer Tea was held at the top of the field, overlooking the estuary, and thankfully the rain held off so that everyone could sit together to enjoy their teas. Everyone gathered around Andrea Glew’s van for the Tea event and enjoyed strawberries, scones, jam and cream, served by the Ladies Sub-Committee, along with tea and coffee, and pop for the children. Friends sat around together, all enjoying their teas, and enjoying the good company. I think a good time was had by all! 

A 'big thank you' to all of you who have helped and supported Barbara Small and her Sub-Committee, in making the weekend another great success. With a special 'thank you' going out to Andrea Glew, our Ladies Sub-Committee Representative, for all your time and unfaltering support! 

Amanda Finn
Secretary, Ladies Sub-Committee

Everything was in full swing as we ended up playing a 'round robin' to see who the winners were going to be this year! Our Runners-up this year were Rose & Tom, congratulations to you both. This year's Winners are Jim & Richard, congratulations! The Winners and Runners-up were all presented with medals at Flag.

Thank you to you all for taking part, and for those who helped set and mark out the pitches, also helping with the teams, putting names in order, and to Idris (I have got your name right for a change) judging the last match!

I would personally like to thank all the Ladies Sub-Committee for a lovely Summer Tea, I personally enjoyed it, even though it was drizzly.

See you all on either the Rally Field or at our Sports Training sessions.

Joanne Israel 
Chairperson Sports Sub-Committee

On Saturday lots of people made good use of Folly Farm with the brilliant discounts that were on offer, as we paid once and could enter as many times as we wanted to over the weekend. The rain came down again, but this didn't dampen anyone's spirits as everyone enjoyed their visit and there was lots to do. We cancelled Flag due to the weather and re-arranged it for Sunday.

We had three New Rallygoers, Mr Hall & family, Kevin & Lisa Brooks and Sian & 
Brad Wood. Also we had a birthday - Chris, but something very special happened here this weekend as this weekend was made into a honeymoon for Kevin Brooks and his beautiful wife. Congratulations to you both.

Then on Sunday afternoon people ventured back over to Folly Farm, everyone made the most of the concessions that were on offer.

Thank you to our Assistants Trev, Marci, Dan, Zak and Josi for all their hard work over the weekend. Thanks also to Mark Ashcroft who helped site caravans.

We hope to see you all again soon.

Joanne, Dean, Luke, Brad and Jay Israel

Friday saw some stunning weather, caravans were sited and everything was done with a computer - amazing little set-up. People relaxed as they prepared for their Holiday Rally. We had quite a few visiting Centres this year, which is lovely to see as they take in the breathtaking views. Saturday early evening we had Flag. The Youth Sub-Committee held their Raffle which was well supported and undertaken in the Marquee. Thank you to everyone who helped set up and dismantle the Marquee! 

Saturday night we saw a lot of superheroes in the Marquee, Spiderman and Ninja Turtles, thank you for making the effort, which was followed by a night of games, including who could reach the cereal box and pick it up with their teeth! We do have some flexible people in the Centre and other Centres! The Sports Sub-Committee then sold hot dogs which proved to be very popular as they sold out in no time! Thank you all for buying them, and Diane Lewis for helping us out.

Sunday we had a Bingo and Live Act with the very entertaining Lenny, everyone really enjoyed it, as she catered for everyone.

On Monday Swansea were in the Premiere League Final playing against Reading! Everyone gathered around and mucked in to help set up the projector, screen and the Youth Sub-Committee's gazebo, so that people could watch the game in the Marquee, with all the support that Swansea had in the Marquee that afternoon they had to win. WE ARE PREMIERE LEAGUE! As everyone had chanted throughout the day, Alison you do need to go to the toilet more often!!!! A thoroughly momentus day, finishing my husband off as he couldn't keep up with the pace and went to bed at 7pm. Some were lucky enough to go to Wembley and when they came back shared their experiences with us which sounded awesome, then some of us 'mothed' South Wales Centre vans, they were very hospitable. Big thanks to John and Lyn for the equipment for this memorable day.

We held Bingo through the week and Music in the evening, so much for our night off though. Wednesday we had a special treat from Swian, who is the world champion Irish dancer, and boy did she put on a show for us, she was amazing. Thank you Swian for your hard work and your demonstration.

Thursday night was story time with Aunty Rachael, hot chocolate and cookies for everyone, the children were so engrossed - they loved it. This was supposed to have followed with an evening of songs by Rod Stewart, but I really couldn't listen to his music all night, so we put some Queen on, which had us all rocking.

On Friday the sun decided to show itself and we had some stunning weather, people took to the beaches, surfing and relaxing, as Gary and Dean took off at 8am for their sponsored run and cycle which was 26 miles in total. This was one of the hardest things that Dean and Gary had ever had to do, but with a lot of support from Leighton and Stewart they did it, raising quite a lot of funds for our Charity Rally. They had a warm welcome from our Rally Members at the gate. Thank you all for supporting them as the monies will now go the our Charity Funds. WELL DONE BOYS! On the Friday night everyone livened up again as it was Horse Racing Evening - what a night! Hot salsa, forfeits and lots of fun was had by all. thanks to Lyn, Sarah, John and Karen for organising that evening and to Carl for making the horses which everyone wanted to keep!

Saturday came all the children were excited as it was Children's Treat, there were activities everywhere for children to do, from making masks, badges, hats, painting, tattoos, face paints, children's tug-of-war and water slide - some adults are worse than the children, not naming myself! We all had a wicked time. Children were then given hot dogs, drinks and sweets. The sun was still glorious as Netball and Tug-of-war was held, we had an amazing turn out, everyone got tired very easily due to the heat and called it a day, as we got ready for the evening as we held Flag. The Marquee was opened up, the Sports Sub-Committee held their Raffle and the evening's entertainment was a Blues Brothers evening and Fancy Dress. Everyone looked very impressive so we had some Blues Brothers music and some hula hooping competitions, there did seem to be a few dodgy ones out there, Dean O.

Sunday came as people gathered around to help with the dismantling with the Marquee, Sports Training was held and people were leaving heading home after a long eventful week with the West Wales Centre things slowly came to an end and the rally closed at 5pm.

I would like to make say some 'Thank yous', first is to everyone who came to the Rally, people who helped erect the Marquees and dismantle them, also for everyone who helped with bringing the trailer and other equipment, those who helped with bingo, games and music centre every night, as this was a big task in itself. Chesty & Alyson for feeding me and cooking a nice chicken, Jayne and Martin Bevan who did the Away Raffle for us in Lickhill. To everyone who bought Raffle Tickets for the Sports Sub-Committee, also hot dogs and those who donated to us. Our sponsors who have been generous to help us with our equipment, Ash who helped get the sponsors. 

Last but not least, to my husband and my boys for all their help and to my Sports Sub-Committee!

See you all at training or on the rally field.

Joanne Israel
Chairperson Sports Sub-Committee

Therefore, the Committee and I would like to draw to your attention the following:

- Rallies commence at 5pm on Fridays (unless stated otherwise in the Handbook or on the website in Rally Updates) Members should NOT arrive before this time. If you wish to arrive earlier you MUST contact the Marshal for their permission to arrive early.

- Booked Rallies: Members who book Rallies and subsequently do not attend WILL be held responsible for all expenses incurred on their behalf.

22 caravans not arriving costs the Centre, and our Members, money. It equates to £55 (i.e. 22 x £2.50) in Rally Fees not received, with the Marshals more than likely having already spent money on supplies for Flag (e.g. biscuits, chocolates for children, etc.). On commercial sites we may also be liable to pay for the number of caravans advised to the Landowners.

Additionally, on fully booked Rallies with waiting lists, you could be stopping another Member taking your place if you do not let the Marshals know as well in advance as possible that you are unable to attend.

Please, please think of your fellow Members and let your Marshal know as soon as you can if you are cancelling. If you are unable to contact the Marshals, then please either call me or one of the Main Committee Members.

Thank you for your kind co-operation.

Andrea Glew
WWCC Chairperson

It gives me great pleasure to report on the Chairperson's Rally in Llansaint.
We had 17 caravans on site, 3 cancellations and 2 'no shows' - all vans were from the West Wales Centre. 

We had some First-time Ralliers - Winston & Christine Davies - who had returned to the Centre and Rallying after a break of over 25 years!

We held a small gathering in the Hall on the Friday evening with some of the Ralliers indulging in a 'take away' meal, followed by a Chocolate-themed Quiz which resulted in a tie-breaker between Lyn Jones and Lyn Thomas, who both remain convinced that there is no way you can pick up a cigarette packet from the floor without using your hands!!!!

Saturday saw the sun shining, but the sea breeze keeping the temperature down; many popped over to the Caravan Show in Carmarthen or visited the local hostelries in the village. On Saturday evening we held a Social in the Hall with Cheese, wine, pickles, etc. for all, followed by a Chinese Auction. You would not believe how much hilarity a china teapot, lantern hook and garden gnome, among other items, can cause.

Sunday morning dawned and it was decided to hold Flag in the Hall (blame it on the wind) at which I had the great honour of presenting Mike & Barbara Small with their 600th Rally Plaque. There was no rush to leave the Rally with most staying until late afternoon.

I would like to thank everyone for attending and joining in the fun, you made it a very enjoyable weekend. Thanks to Lyn Thomas for pegging out the field, Joanne & Dean Israel for Assisting, Sarah Jones and Sharon Davies (she did try) for helping with the auction, Alison Otten for cheese cutting and cleaning, Karen Crockett for sweeping up and Barbara and Jayne for my very thoughtful present (she will reside in my caravan window) and anyone else who helped in any way over the weekend your input was very much appreciated.

See you on the Rally Field soon.

Andrea Glew
WWCC Chairperson

Richard Ackland won the West Wales Centre Shield for this Competition.

Richard fitted a 80W solar panel to the roof of his caravan, feeding a regulator, which in turn feeds the battery, in order to run a 1000W inverter. This means that the caravan is self-sufficient, and does not need a generator or mains electric.

For winners of the other Centre Competitions, please click here.

8 caravans made the approx. 2 hour journey to Cirencester for the Easter Weekend, 7 West Wales Centre and 1 Dyfed Centre - a nice small number of caravans for the Marshals to deal with, made even easier by Martin & Jayne Bevan arriving on site the Sunday before the Rally and putting all the signs and pitches out before we even got there, big thank you to them both. 

The weather was absolutely gorgeous and a few days site-seeing in the area was made even better with the sunshine. A spot of fishing was undertaken by a number of Members and most people had some lovely trout cooked on the BBQ for tea, thanks to John Bennett and family. Flag was held on a lovely Sunday Morning, the Easter Bonnet Competition was won by the Bennett clan and they were having a lovely weekend until they had a parking ticket on Sunday in Cirencester (sorry John, had to mention it!) 

Lynne & John Walters also had a couple of problems !!!! Just a broken down vehicle and no battery charger in the caravan… nothing to worry about LOL… we all had a lovely time in a beautiful part of the country - well worth the visit.

Andrea & Gary Glew 

The sweep raised £32. £15 was given as prizes and the remainder (£17) was donated to the Charity Rally. After the match Brian went to the local Takeaway for a curry etc. for some Ralliers. Then at 7.30pm the Warden judged the Illuminated Caravan Competition. Thanks to the Warden for judging and to the Ralliers who worked hard and entered excellent exhibits. The winners were Lynne & Dave Davey.

Sunday morning was again fine and Flag went ahead without any showers. Dean presented a 'First Rally' plaque to Colin & Janet Simper. Colin said they had enjoyed their first Rally.

We would like to thank our excellent Assistant Marshals, Brian & Val Cosker. Hope we didn’t work them too hard. Also a big thanks to the other Ralliers who helped – especially in organising the erection and dismantling of our new awning!

A big thank you to all who attended - despite the weather.

Ann and David

Our Annual Dinner Dance, once again, proved extremely popular, here are just some of the messages we have received from Members and Guests who attended the event:

"Thanks again for a fab weekend . . ." Alyson Sian Thomas 

"Thanks for a wonderful night - a resounding success (again)." Don Trussler 

"Yet another fab Dinner Dance, we had a ball, roll on next year's, counting down the days already, thank you so much . . ." Adele Jones

"Fab night, roll on next year." John Bennett

"Was a brill night . . . cracking job again :) Thank you." Trevor Robinson 

"Fab weekend really enjoyed the 'quiet' Friday night out, followed by a brilliant Saturday. Thanks again :) " Jayne Bevan 

"Crazy weekend with fab friends . . ." John Crockett 

"Amazing night had by all . . ." Joanne Israel

Please click here to see more photos from the night.

 

[See further down this page for the New Year Rally Report.]

The planning and organising of the New Year Rally usually commences immediately the previous one finishes with both the Marshals and Assistants saying something along the lines 'we won’t be running it again next year' which inevitably means we will.

This year's Rally was beset with problems before it even commenced - here is an appraisal of some of the event leading up to and during the rally.

Menu planning, fancy dress themes, decorated table theme, games and quizzes all discussed and planned months in advance. Letters printed and sent to all the previous years’ attendees inviting them to attend.

October 2010 – Initial shopping trip undertaken which involved at least 4 fully loaded trolleys of goods, a marshmallow fight (speak to Barbara & Gary!) and a Smarties hunt, all loaded into cars then out of cars and into storage. Back breaking work.

Meat and vegetable orders made.

November 2010 – call from Felindre can we put decoration up on 21^st November means lots of trips up and down Barbara’s attic stairs more car loading and unloading. And some willing volunteers meet us up the Hall to assist with the room decorations.

December 2010 – call to say we can have the keys after the 16th December 2010, Friday the 17th - Black Friday - turns into White Friday with some of the heaviest snow seen for a long while.

19 December 2010 – more bad weather over the weekend means the roads are hazardous and we have to get the fully loaded trailer up to Felindre with all the kitchen equipment.

On top of the snow and poor conditions the village has suffered a mains water leak and the steep hill leading down to the Hall was a sheet of ice. However we are determined to get there Gary and I arrive before Mike and Barbara and the trailer advising them to be very careful down the hill with the help of Mike Lewis, Gary manages to clear a pathway through the snow for Mike and the trailer after they had spent what felt like an eternity waiting for a clear run from the top of the hill.

More bad news, I met Barbara with the news that there was no water in the hall, so we could unload and rearrange the cupboards, but would be unable to clean or wash the dishes/pans and ovens. We agreed to meet up on the Wednesday to do the cleaning and washing.

22 December 2010 – after yet more snow and freezing temperatures, Mike & Barbara decide to call at the Hall to check out the water situation – no water!

23 December 2010 – as arranged, we all go to the Hall praying for the water to be on – still no water - did as much table organizing, dance floor laying and cleaning and dishwashing as we could (with water taken there by us) another obstacle - the roads had been cleared through the village, but the cleared snow/ice had been banked right at the entrance to the field – we needed to clear this before it became solid or no caravans would be able to get onto the field.

Xmas Eve – Gary and Andy Finn spend a few hours in the morning clearing snow from the front of the Hall and the tennis courts to enable the vans to get on site. A number of ralliers did quick drive-bys to assess whether the Rally was on or not? Was the Rally on? Of course, says Gary !! (Water what water?).

Boxing Day – Gary and Andy back at the Hall trying to get water into the hall – think that the pipes are frozen outside – should we cancel?- We can’t cancel, we have bought everything, we would have to dish out goodie bags to everyone . . . NO! we will go ahead . . . we will get water from somewhere (there was a lot of snow around that we could boil . . . Ha! Ha!).

27 December 2010 - Start of the Rally – We arrive at the Hall first thing – still no water – lots of people have telephoned to say either they were unable to get their vans out or that they would not be able to attend for various reasons – some Ralliers who lived near by and had arrived kindly offered to fetch water, the local pub The Shepherds would supply containers of water on condition a pint was bought at the same time (big rush of volunteers to collect water, I wonder why?). We started to cook with fingers crossed that the water would be on in time to do the dishes.

4pm Hallelujah!! . . . We have water - now the Rally can really start and we can breathe a big sigh of relief . . .

It had also started to rain and thaw the snow. For those of you that do not know, Mike Small is known in Felindre to be the Rain Man as they say he always brings the rain, I am starting to believe it myself!

Throughout the early evening some of the Ralliers who had thought they could not make it, started to arrive. Some of the men called up to the pub to buy a pint to thank them for their help.

Faggots peas and mash followed by jam sponge and custard was served at 7.30pm as planned and a great evening with games, quizzes, bingo and music was enjoyed by all.

28 December 2010 – Started with a cooked breakfast provided for all between 09.30 – 13.00.

More of the missing Ralliers turned up during the day. The evening meal was the big Yorkshire pudding with all the trimmings, followed by apple crumble and custard. The fancy dress theme for the evening was 'Casualty' - there were lots of patients and doctors to be seen and even a few hospital visitors!

29 December 2010 – Curry night and tonight’s fancy dress and table decoration theme was 'Nursery Rhymes'. The table decorations were, as always, absolutely brilliant and the effort and thought that you put in never ceases to amaze us, well done to you all.  

30 December 2010 –American Supper night – again you surpassed yourselves with the amount of food provided for the buffet – The John family provided the evenings entertainment with their own version of 'Blankety Blank' – we had a host of celebrities in attendance – our very own cast of Eastenders – Dot (Ann Matthews), Pat (Gill Lewis) the Mitchell Brothers ( Martin Bevan /Andy Grenfel), Minty ( Dean Israel ), Heather (Hazel McCarthy), Kat (Beccy Coombes) and of course Peggy (Jan John) all hosted by the over-the-top Lily Savage (Ronnie John) with the lucky winner being contestant Steve McAllister – another fantastic night.

New Year's Eve - After a full days preparation – the fancy dress theme was 'The Regimental Dinner' at which a 4-course meal was served consisting of Soup and roll, Beef dinner, Gateaux, cheese and biscuits followed by mints.

Quizzes, bingo, fancy dress competition, fun and games followed by the balloons and party poppers at Midnight welcomed in the New Year 2011 – with music and dancing into the early hours with beef rolls served up to those that had staying power (at 3.30am) and the evening coming to a close at around 4.40am.

New Year's Day –  9.00am and its back into the Hall to commence 'operation clean-up' and send equipment back home – lots of journeys to and from Felindre undertaken.

A number of Ralliers departed but around 16 vans stayed the extra night with the option of soup or curry and rice available for those that wanted it. A few visited the pub for lunch and others arranged for takeaway meals.

A quiet evening’s entertainment was provided with a Steve McAllister Quiz and everyone having a relatively early night (midnight) after last night’s festivities.

02 January 2011 – Last of the equipment loaded up and after all the Ralliers have left the Hall is returned to how it was before we arrived on 19th December 2010. The keys are handed back and we eventually leave the site at approx. 3pm.

On behalf of Barbara, Mike, Gary and I we would like to pass on our very grateful thanks to all the following helpers, you know who you are:

• Hall decorators

• Snow clearers

• Van siters

• Water carriers

• Dance floor sponsors

• Painter’s and artists

• Audio/visual installers

• Vegetable preparers

• Dish Washers

• Kitchen assistance

• Cleaners

• Dart Competition organisers

• Bingo Callers

• The John Concert Party

• All the children for behaving so well

And finally, to all who attended the Rally, took part in the competitions and fancy dress (even though the weather was horrendous and against us) we say a huge THANK YOU. Without you and your participation we would have had a very quiet, peaceful (boring) Christmas and New Year – and to those that did not make it, sorry but you missed out big time!

Hope to see you all same time same place next year (probably).

Andrea Glew

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Centre News for 2009

Centre News for 2008