Montford Bridge

The excitement of the new season with the prospect of “Many Happy Returns” was tempered by the local weather forecast:-

·   Friday: Rain and snow. Highs in the low 40s, lows in the low 30s.

·   Saturday: Rain and snow. Highs in the mid 40s, lows in the low 30s.

·   Sunday: Light rain. Highs in the low 50s, lows in the mid 40s.

This was sufficient to cause 3 members to cancel but the 28 who braved the forecast showed just how wrong the forecasters can be!

Friday’s drive over to Shropshire was in spring sunshine, with the occasional light shower and odd flake of snow. The radio reported snow on the M4 and M40 and also in Scotland but nothing for Shrewsbury. We arrived, got the Dandy up in fine weather and spent the afternoon chatting with friends around the site in the warm spring weather.

Friday evening was a social chat session over a drink or cup of tea in the local hall which was warm and inviting. It was good to meet up with new members John and Frances Bratt and Colin and Ann Evans plus Charlotte. Friday night was “a bit cold”, depending on whose voice we listened to outside from the depth of the bed covers, it had been -6ºC or -2ºC. Whichever was true there had been a frost and the fire buckets had a light covering of ice on them (but at Lady Margaret Hall in April 2002 my fire bucket was solid ice!).

The day soon warmed and the sun shone to allow the spring flowers to blossom and provide a sure sign of spring. The odd light shower did not cause any problems.

The evening was again spent in the Hall, with stewards Ray and Gerry providing a Pictionary-type quiz to keep us amused. At least we could answer the questions, even if the drawing left something to be desired at times. It did allow time to get to know Thomas and Lesley Percival, new members from nearby Wrexham. The night was warmer than Friday although the problem of tripping electric boxes continued. This can probably be explained as Viv was heard to exclaim that she was “under inflated” – next time Viv please use low wattage devices!

We managed to get the Dandy packed away in the dry (not managed at any rally last year) and drove home in the sun (my lips are suffering from sunburn) – yes it was a Happy Return to what had been only my second rally when I went to Montford Bridge in April 1999. If this is a foretaste of the rest of the year 90% chance of snow will be welcome. Those of you, who missed the rally, missed a fine weekend.

Chas & Senya