Cleobury Mortimer, South Shropshire, in England's most beautiful county  ( Well we would say that wouldn't we? both of us born Salopians) was the area chosen for the last rally of 2001. Chris and I had "Volunteered"? to steward this rally at Mawley

Oak, the site having been recommended to David Jones by Don

and Brenda Smith. It turned out to be an excellent choice of venue for the final rally of the year.  

We decided to travel to the rally on the Thursday so that we could be on site to greet early arrivals on the Friday morning. Our arrival was after dark on a warm evening when we suddenly remembered that the David Jones "How to put a Dandy up in the Dark" manual was still on the kitchen table at home. Fortunately a number of units were already on site and friendly faces with assorted means of lighting surrounded us and after a delicious cuppa from Anne Wilson we had no trouble erecting our Dandy. We were however a little concerned at the way in which Jimmy Wilson was waving his torch about. We half expected to see aeroplanes trying to land on the site. Many thanks to all who helped us settle in.

After the morning mist had cleared the sun came out on Friday and we had a most enjoyable day greeting our fellow members as they arrived. Quite a few people spent a very relaxing afternoon on site, actually SUNBATHING as they socialised. At the invitation of Cliff and-Chris Day the spectator sport was watching them erect their new awning for the first time. Marks? Ten out of ten to you both for your performance. Will you help us with our awning next time please? The day was rounded off with an evening get together for a natter

in the site hall.

On Saturday we visited Ludlow and were surprised how many members did likewise. In fact one wag said “Why didn’t we have the rally here?” Being the last rally of the season we had a “David  Jones Speciality  Entertainments Evening”.

How best to describe the evening to anyone who has not had the privilege(?) of attending one? Quite simply the evening begins in a very orderly fashion, gradually becomes chaotic and finally develops into mayhem . To be fair, as Kenny Everett would have said “It’s all done in the best possible taste”. 

Come Sunday morning and the final Flag Meet. Two notable events happened during the meeting. Firstly, and most unusually, for the first time since the D.C.C. was formed Sue Anderson did not win a raffle prize, but she did get a consolation toilet roll to mop up her tears.

Secondly Pete became the first titled member of the club. To explain. when the site owner came to our unit on Friday morning he handed US two keys explaining that one key was for the recreation room and the second was to the store cupboard saying "Help yourself to the toilet rolls”. As a result of this responsibility being thrust upon him and for doing such a fine job of distributing the said rolls Pete was dubbed "Master of the Rolls" by David at the Flag Meet. Has anyone any suggestions for a suitable coat of arms?

Then it was time to leave, and the fun began. The site had a slope, it had rained in the night and some cars had to be assisted to leave the site. Our thanks to all who pushed and shoved. It was appreciated by the drivers with their goodbye waves as they left the site and Pete received a special thank you from one driver who shall remain nameless. Trying to gain grip he turned his driving wheels and plastered Pete, who had just changed into his going home clothes, from head to foot in mud.

So that was it, a memorable end to another Dandy rally season

and all we can say is roll on next year. Incidentally. the "ISH", not seen at the A.G.M., hasn't gone for good. It reappeared with a vengeance at Cleobury Mortimer

Pete and Chris

Carry on Camping