The following Rallies have vacancies for Rally Marshals, if you are interested in running one or more of these Rallies, please contact Julie Jones, Hon. Rally Secretary.

February 13th to 15th - New Lodge Social Club, Gorseinon, Swansea.
March 20th to 22nd - Bank Farm, Horton.
April 9th to 14th - Pontkemys Farm, Abergavenny - Easter Away Rally.
May 1st to 4th - Hampton House Farm, Warwick - May Day Away Rally.
August 21st to 27th - Pre-National Rally at Pembrey Country Park.
October 2nd to 4th - Rosedale, Llanrhidian - AGM Rally.
October 9th to 11th - Pencoed Comprehensive School, Pencoed, Bridgend.
November 27th to 29th - New Lodge Social Club, Gorseinon, Swansea.

Why not treat your partner to a WWCC Annual Dinner Dance ticket! Only a few tickets and rooms left. Hurry before they all go!!

Please click here for more information and contact details.

Also, a big thank you to everyone who has supported the Centre's Social Events this past year. Happy holidays, see you out and about next season in 2009.

John & Karen Crockett

This was an evening to outline the needs and requirements for the Welsh National Caravan Rally 2009 at Pembrey Country Park, which the West Wales Centre is hosting.
There was a great response, with around 100 Members in attendance. A free Chilli or Curry was on the menu at Dunvant R.F.C., at the Centre's cost, as a 'thank you' for attending.
Ronnie John, WWCC Centre Chairman, showed a brief slide presentation to all gathered explaining the organisational structure and the way we will be running the event. Team Leaders then set themselves up ready to take names to form the various teams.
A great response was forthcoming. The Chairman went on to say that "those present would form the 'core' of Members that would make the event a success".
For those of you who could not make the evening there will be a second chance. The Pembrey Easter Rally will run a similar event (no food this time sorry!). It will give another opportunity for Members to volunteer their help. 
Plans are running well, although we are about 2 months behind, due to the deferred AGM.
If you would like more information, please call or e-mail the Chairman who will be happy to accept your services.
The Chairman said "There is great enthusiasm in the Centre. We have the potential to put together another memorable National Rally for all those who attend".

A total of 47 Carvery excellent meals were served to those who attended this end of season social.

There was a small 'blip' prior to the evening, originally scheduled for Saturday night. Unfortunately at very late notice we were told we could only have the room on Friday! After some frantic telephone calls by John Crockett our Social Secretary, all who were going to attend were informed of the change.

The Rally also had problems with the original Marshal dropping out last minute (very inconsiderate). Fortunately, new Committee Member Joanne Stroud and Family volunteered to Marshal the Rally - thanks Joanne.

The entertainer for the evening, provided by Ken Strellie, the Park owner, was Tom Dooley. He was a little 'blue', but had most people laughing. He was preceded by our own Main Committee Raffle, my thanks to Committee Members who each contributed a bottle. Thanks also to the ticket sellers and organisers, who made the raffle such a success. 

Thanks once again to John Crockett, whose next big event will be our Annual Dinner & Dance in February. I am sure many Members will attend to support this excellent occasion in the New Year.

Ronnie John
WWCC Chairman

This year's Christmas Party will be held at 3Cs Social Club, Blessed Sacriment Church, Alexandra Road, Gorseinon SA4 4NX. The hall is actually downstairs under the church and, for the adults, has a bar, lounge and snooker/pool area. There is parking at the rear of the building, and you can also access the building by foot off Park Road.

Please send your Christmas Party booking slips* off to any of the Ladies Sub-Committee - as soon as possible. (*See last page of online version of the Rally Handbook, please click here.)

Santa is looking forward to seeing you there!!

Ladies Sub-Committee

Featuring Phil Doyle - Fabulous International Singer & Comedian

Special room booking rates have been organised for the Friday & Saturday,
for only £75.00* per night for double room, full cooked breakfast and use 
of the leisure spa for both nights.
(*Hotel room bookings can be made over 4 payments by arrangement.)

Rooms are going fast!!! - to avoid disappointment, please contact: 
John Crockett
WWCC Social Secretary
Tel: (01639) 870393   Mob: 07773 818007
e-mail: j.crockett@swancoll.ac.uk

To see some more photos of the event, please click here.

Some of our kind, regular Rallygoers agreed to be sited on the wettest patches - our thanks to them, you know who you are!
 
Saturday and the sun was shining (yes sun!), a relaxing day at the Gnoll, some ralliers strolled to Neath Fair and the pubs, I believe for some refreshments!  A mellow night listening to the Cascades in the background.
 
Sunday and again we were graced with the big yellow thing in the sky!  Flag went without a hitch, I think, and the Sports Sub-Committee held a Raffle to raise funds.  Thanks to all who contributed with prizes and bought tickets. 
 
A great time was had by all and a rare treat of a dry weekend, weather-wise anyway!
 
Thanks to our Assistants Don, Karen, Richard, Louise, Josh and Leigh.
 
Hope to see you all out again soon. Thanks for your support.

Adrian, Jan, Luke and Keenan

Friday evening, when everyone arrived, was warm and balmy. This was followed by a "sunny" yes, you read it right, "sunny" Saturday!!! Everybody was invited to attend the Rugby Club in the afternoon for an impromptu game of Boules. The Club has a purpose-built Boules area and it was a chance to play it as they do in France. Many teams took part and many cold drinks were consumed. The winners of the afternoon were Jan & Ronnie John (Jan carrying Ron as usual).
Then back to the vans for a communal BBQ - do you remember these? When everybody brings their BBQ in the sun to a central point?? You're right, we haven't had much chance this year with our glorious (not) weather!

Sunday was also a clear and bright day. A car boot sale set itself up quietly in an adjacent field and presented an ideal chance for us all to do a little antique hunting - however, unfortunately there were no Clarice Cliff or Poole Pottery bargains to be found.

All in all, this was a great venue that we need to use again.

Dave & Gill Lewis

To see the Sports Competition Results, please click here.

Our special Trophy - the 'Maggs Jones Trophy' - is presented annually to the player deemed to have given a special input and to have played in a truly sportsmanlike way. The trophy this year was won by Debbie Davies. She had again given a terrific personal performance in the Ladies Netball competition.
All nearly done - I then reminded all in attendance that it was our turn to organise the Welsh National Rally 2009 which is to be held in Pembrey Country Park. Everyone was asked to come along to a 'Noggin & Natter', being held later this year at Dunvant Rugby Club, and offer their support for next year's event.

Once again, a big THANK YOU to everyone who attended the Rally and contributed to our success in winning the Inter-Centre Runners-Up Trophy.

Ronnie John
WWCC Chairman

Tug-of-War Contest - Ferryside

You will see a few new recruits, namely Jordon Summers and Ceri Lewis (top photo) who were competing in their first Tug-of-War competition. The team entered as ‘The Caravanners’, won the contest and were awarded a Cup. This was the inaugural contest which is hoped will become an annual event. ‘The Caravanners’ have been challenged to return next year and the locals claim they will be better trained and will look to secure the Cup at the re-match.

Regrettably the new recruits were not old enough to compete at this year's Welsh National Rally, but possibly if they continue training they may feature at our Welsh National next year in Pembrey.

Diane & Nia Lewis

Hope to see you all out again soon!
 
Adrian, Jan, Luke and Keenan

Again the weather had an affect on the number of outfits enjoying the Rally. We had started the weekend with 32 caravans booked in but by Friday evening that number had halved to just 16 actually attending the Rally.

A fabulous welcome was given to us by the Club Steward, Roy and his wife Tracey and a good Friday evening socialising in the Clubhouse was enjoyed by all who ventured out in the rain (some Rallygoers not leaving until the early hours!).

Saturday morning saw a little bit of the big yellow thing in the sky (i.e. the sun, for those of us who can’t remember what the sun looks like), but in the afternoon the rain returned with a vengeance. However, we enjoyed a great afternoon in the Clubhouse where the Darts Competition was taking place, with both children and adults taking part. The winning partnership was Don Trussler and Dina. Runners- up Dean Otten and Leigh Davies. Highest scores:  Adults - Don Trussler 140, Children - Liam 118 and Luke Whittle was the only one to score a Bullseye! Well done to you all.

The Owners Improvement Competition also took place during the weekend and the winners were Don and Karen Trussler – a good weekend in the Trussler camp!

Saturday evening the Clubhouse decided to bring a bit of summer sunshine into the weekend by holding an Hawaiian Fancy Dress evening with many of the Ralliers entering into the spirit (or Guinness – Dean!) of things.

Due to the weather, Roy very kindly allowed Sunday's Flag to take place in the Clubhouse and wouldn’t you just believe it - that was when the sun decided to make an appearance!! Never mind, it meant that the boys were able to put in a quick game of football before another successful Rally at Carway came to a close.

Thanks to all for participating and special thanks to Don, Karen, Rachael, Louise and Richard for helping organize the Darts Competition.

Gary Glew
Sports Chairman & the Sports Sub-Committee

For more photos, please click here.

For more photos, please click here.

The Youth Rally this year was held within the grounds of Oakwood Park. On Friday evening the vans arrived and members of the Youth Sub-Committee welcomed Ralliers and attended to Rally fees. Help was provided from adults to actually site the vans.

Later in the night all the Youth met up and made plans for the rides they would visit the next day.

Everyone was very excited, they were up early and the Youth Group was the first to enter the Park on Saturday morning.

Popular rides were Bounce, Speed and the Megafobia Rollercoaster. The more adventurous were hoisted high in the air on Vertigo, after pulling the rip cord hurtled to the ground in a freefall – the ultimate skydiver extreme flight experience! In the afternoon the Hydro Ride opened and those brave enough to climb aboard were taken 100ft up into the air and then sped back down at 88mph into a splash pool where everyone got soaked. There was also plenty to do for the more faint hearted and everyone, including many parents and younger children, thoroughly enjoyed their day out.

In the evening, the Youth arranged a get together in their Gazebo, all the Youth on the Rally were invited to bring along some food and an informal party was held.

The Oakwood Park staff agreed that the Youth could use the onsite football pitch and most of the boys joined in on Saturday evening. On Sunday after Flag the boys played more football, whilst the girls sat around on the sidelines chatting and catching up on their suntans.

The weather over the weekend was glorious, ideal for sunbathing, BBQs, a game of boules or just relaxing.

The Youth Sub-Committee organised Flag on Sunday morning and it was well attended. The Youth held their Raffle which was well supported by the Rallygoers. It was an excellent venue, the Staff at the Park were very accommodating and it proved to be a very successful weekend.

Nia Lewis

There were 15 vans in total attending this annual Chairman's Rally, including one from the Avon Centre (for Avon read Skewen!). 

Saturday was another gloriously sunny day and after breakfast most of my fellow Ralliers ventured into Laugharne to look around the castle and explore the bay area, visit Dylan Thomas' boathouse or just amble around the shops relaxing. Rugby enthusiasts, like myself, ended up in the local Rugby Club to watch South Africa turn over Wales in the first Test Match, much to everybody's dismay. After the game, we enjoyed a late fish and chip lunch outside the pub.

Later, back on site, everyone attending the Rally gathered around Ronnie & Jan's caravan for a Cheese & Wine evening - an invitation courtesy of Ronnie our Chairman. Following the 'do' I organised a general knowledge quiz for everyone who were, by now, braving the much cooler air as the sun had dropped behind the trees. Of course there were the usual moans and groans from the Saga Louts - aka Noel, Brian and Dave - about how hard the questions were! However, everyone who took part seemed to enjoy the quiz and friendly banter between the Teams.

The night sky during the whole weekend was extremely clear, providing excellent satellite spotting conditions. In fact Ronnie and myself witnessed a couple of satellites passing directly overhead on our way back from a (very) late 'mothing' excursion - or was it the drink affecting our eyesight? I can't be sure.

Once more the sun greeted us on Sunday morning, and everyone was up and about quite early to make the most of the good weather. During Flag there was an excellent turnout for the Centre's Photographic Competition. The winner. with a great Black and White composition, was Jen Watts (photo to follow soon). The theme was 'Rural Still Life' which is the same theme chosen for this year's Welsh National. So, all you budding photographers, get clicking and submit your entries when you attend the National in Gwent this August Bank Holiday.

There was just enough time after my barbequed lunch to fit in a few games of Boules. It was a 'challenge' match, men versus women, outside the Bevans' van. I won't mention the final result, to save embarrassment from the women's side!

This was our third year at this excellent venue and hopefully we can visit it again.

Finally, I would like to personally thank Ronnie & Jan and their Assistants, Dave and Gill Lewis for a fantastic weekend, everyone on the Rally was extremely great company. It was yet another successful WWCC Rally.

Steve McAllister

Monday morning came and the decision was quickly made to take down the Marquees because of the horrendous winds.

Mid-week was quiet as the Marquees were still down and there weren't many Members left on site. Those who stayed enjoyed the local area and ventured for walks down the beach or visited the site Clubhouse and Swimming Pool.

By the second weekend there were 65 vans on site. The weather had improved and the Marquees were re-erected on Friday ready for the Children's Treat on Saturday. There was a great turn-out of the under 5s for the hard working Ladies Sub-Committee and their helpers to amuse. Even the 'Junior' Tug-of-War was enjoyed with bucket-loads loads of enthusiasm from everyone who took part in the event. There were a lot of potential 'Mini-Tuggers' both male and female! In the evening there was Bingo again followed by our act who was Ian Stroud - a fabulous guitar player/vocalist and one-time member of the pop group "Mud". The evening started off slowly, but the crowd soon arrived to thoroughly enjoy the evening. 

Finally, I would like to thank Dave & Gill Lewis for Marshalling the Rally and all Committee Members who supported the event. I also extend thanks to the Members for continually helping with dismantling the Marquees in appalling conditions and re-erecting them several times over!

Ronnie & Jan John

A good time was had by all, although there was an 'incident' whereby one of our past Chairmen, Mr. Bryan Harris, was shown dance moves in his caravan which resulted in him being 'attacked' and his trousers torn by a female member of the West Wales Centre!! 

There were 25 caravans on site from various other Centres, 16 from the West Wales Centre, there was also one New Rallygoer.

Gareth & Julie Jones

What a fantastic new venue - 32 vans on site - all from the West Wales Centre!

Not much happened on Friday, everyone just soaking up the breathtaking views over the Gower and Tenby coastline, although a bit windy it was warm about 18 degrees.

Then Saturday came and at one point the Rally Field looked like WOODSTOCK with people coming down in brightly coloured hippy clothes and that was just the start. After a bit of bingo (all in fancy dress) the fun began with nothing but 60s music all night. Most of the night the dance floor was full. It was indeed a 'Groovy time man'!! Prizes were given for the best dressed adult and best dressed child.

Sunday was much the same, but this time it was for the kids with Alison Summers help we had statues and musical chairs followed with FETCH ME, a game which had all the kids getting items and bringing them back to us. There was some cheating going on (Mrs Glew!) bringing in items of clothing - TUT! TUT! Every time they came back, the kids were given sweets. Towards the end we were throwing the sweets on the dance floor for them to collect. I have never seen the kids so happy which, of course, was the aim for this weekend.

Big thanks to Gary & Karen for their help doing the bingo. Massive thanks to Simon, Alison, Lois and Jordan for helping with everything. Also to Judith, Amber, Megan and Amy who without their help the Rally wouldn’t have been the success it was.

Neil Barson

With 14 vans in total, we had a reasonably good weather weekend at Fairwood Corner Farm. Saturday afternoon was fine and some Members attending even caught the sun! The Chairman and Vice- Chairman missed the sun as they attended the first 'Welsh Division' meeting in Pembrey. Flag was on Saturday evening at 6.00p.m. 

During the weekend we were able to watch some parachutists dropping over the airport. There was also some air acrobatics by a stunt plane and some brightly coloured planes doing some formation flying. 

Everybody managed to get off site under their own steam and hopefully had a safe tow home.

Thanks to everyone who attended.

Ronnie & Jan John

It was great to be back at such a popular venue for the children we had 29 vans in total all from The West Wales Centre and in excess of 60 children on the Rally with 26 of them being 0–5s.

All Members made good use of Folly Farm, especially with the concessions kindly given to us by Chris and the Management Team.

The Youth Sub-Committee held their Raffle which was well supported by Members and also held a Tuck Shop at Flag.

The weather was variable, but did not stop the enjoyment with children visiting the park on Saturday and having snowball fights on the Sunday morning before venturing back into the park for the rest of the day.

We had one little mishap our Social Secretary, John Crockett slipped and badly sprained his ankle, so I would like to wish him a speedy recovery.

Once again, many thanks to Trevor, Marci, Dan, Josie & Zac for assisting and to those Members who attended the Rally. It is much appreciated and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Thanks.
Mike Louise Emily                                    
Hollie & Rhys

The Easter Home Rally did not get off to the best of starts with the Marquees being blown over by very strong winds in the early hours of Friday morning. However, the show went on and the vans rolled in all day on Friday and the happy children received their Easter Eggs.

After Sunday morning Flag there was a very successful Easter Bonnet Parade. Once again, the Easter Bunny turned up to present prizes to the Competition winners. On Monday, the weather improved enough to re-erect the Marquees. After a social evening on the Monday, a well-attended Cheese & Wine Evening was organised on Wednesday. On Thursday there was Bingo and Play Your Cards Right. After Bingo on the Friday evening we were well entertained by the Super Simons Disco Show.

The weather turned bad on the final Saturday and the Marquees were taken down soon after closing Flag. Needless to say, that Sunday was glorious with blue skies and sunshine! However, we cannot win them all, but we did enjoy most of it.

Thanks to everyone who braved the elements and supported this popular annual Rally at a fantastic venue.

Rally Marshals

This was the first Rally of 2008 that the new Youth Sub-Committee held a BBQ and Tuck Shop. Lots of new Members have joined this year. All thirteen members were in attendance and everyone joined in with the preparation, cooking and serving.

The first BBQ of the week was held on Easter Sunday which was a very wet and windy day. Despite the weather, the Youth Gazebo was erected and with the addition of extra tie downs remained in place throughout the BBQ.  The BBQ proved to be a huge success in spite of the bad weather with a complete sell out of Burgers and Hot Dogs.

The Tuck Shop was held daily with all Youth Members taking a turn to sell sweets.

The second BBQ was held the following Friday and once again the heavens opened and the rain fell.  The Rally Marshals kindly agreed that food could be sold from inside the  Marquee and, once again, business was brisk.

Thank you to everyone who helped support both the BBQ and Tuck Shop.

Youth Members have recently purchased new hooded tops with their names printed on the back.  See the photos below of some of the Youth wearing their new tops.

Nia Lewis
Youth Chairperson

Also, some other weblinks for you to try out:
Caravan Sitefinder
Touring & Camping
UK Motorhomes.net
Amperor Direct - Electricals on the mov

Thinking of buying a secondhand motorhome? Have a look at this video report . . .

Never mind, those who were there had a great time, and for those who didn't come to enjoy the event, it was their loss. A superb vocalist, who went down very well indeed, was booked by our Social Secretary, John Crockett. With the usual good food provided, courtesy of Giles the Hotel Manager, and his excellent staff.

Speeches were given, firstly by Grahame Payne Chairman of the Gwent Centre, he proposed a Toast - "The Caravan Club coupled with the West Wales Centre". This was responded to by our own Chairman, Ronnie John. Our Vice Chairman, Mike Checker, went on to introduce our Top Table Guests. This was responded to by Barry Jones Chairman of the North Wales Centre.

We were then entertained by our vocalist during his first set. Then on to the Raffle - with several superb prizes worth over £100. Well done to the lucky winners.

Ronnie thanked our Invited Guests for the evening who were from Ennis Caravans and Carafit. He spoke to them later and they both said "they had received a great welcome and had thoroughly enjoyed themselves".

The evening went a little flat when the singer finished his second set. From 12 until 1 we should have had some music organised by The North Gower. This, unfortunately, was not the case, so we had to talk to each other for the rest of the evening - my goodness, whatever next?

Ronnie finally thanked all the Committee present and explained to all those attending the hard work involved in setting up such an event.

Watch this space!!! A new venue is planned for 2009, but you will have to wait with baited breath. Our Social Secretary will be announcing the venue very soon. Watch out for the stampede for tickets!!

Rally Plaques
Rally Marshals should order Rally Plaques from BayPress 
using the special Order Form in their Rally Marshal Packs.
To view the Baypress Plaque Catalogue [Adobe pdf version] for motif designs, 
please click here.

***NEW***
RALLY SITE LOCATIONS
Please click here for Rally Site Postcodes (for in-car Sat-Nav Equipment) 
and Web-links to on-line Maps.

BAILEY CARAVAN MANUFACTURE VIDEO

In 2006, The Caravan Club ordered a brand new fleet of caravans from Bailey of Bristol to use on their nationwide Practical Caravanning & Caravan Manoeuvering Courses. The 38 custom-built Bailey Discovery caravans are now being used by Members and Non-members to gain practical driving experience 
and to develop outfit manoeuvering skills.

The total manufacturing process was filmed using time-lapse photography to give 
an idea of what it takes to manufacture caravans.

The video condenses approximately two and a half hours production time into 
just 2 minutes 18 seconds. Please click here to visit the site.
[Please note you require QuickTime Player version 7.0 to view the video.]

RALLY REPORTS
Rally Marshals are invited to submit a report about their Rallies. Photos and 
New Site Reviews are especially welcome.
If you have anything you think will be of interest to other WWCC Members, 
please contact the Webmaster.

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