September or was it June/July all over again? The weather was marvellous, well it was when we arrived on the Wednesday prior to the rally, though I understand from Norman and Marge Oversby who had been there since the Sunday, that it had been windy and they had a storm on Tuesday evening. We must have timed it right! Going early gave us a couple of days to look around York again and to visit the ‘seaside’ at Whitby.

 
On the Thursday we went into York with the Park n’ Ride, I’ll say it again, why can’t every town have one? A wonderful system! We paid our homage to the steam engine at the National Railway Museum and then went for a walk around the Shambles and the Minister. I was disappointed to find that the Minister now makes a charge for admission, the Railway Museum was free! Needless to say we didn’t get to see the inside of the Minister on this occasion.
Friday saw us at the ‘seaside’, Whitby the object of the visit was to buy some raw Whitby Jet; our son needs some for a project. It’s now like gold, none anywhere unless you want it made up into jewellery. Never mind we did the seaside things, had fish and chips for lunch, and followed by an ice cream, sitting on a bench overlooking the harbour. Then we walked up the ‘steps’ to Whitby Abbey and St Mary’s Church which was full of interest, helpful volunteers, only a donation needed, and seems to have a longer history than York Minster.
When we got back to the site it was a different world from the one we had left that morning, when they were only six units. The site was now full and would have been overflowing had it not been for some late cancellations. There were 32 units in all with 4 ‘first timers’. Another ‘first timer’ was two and a half year old Thomas Smith who was rallying with his grandparents. It was also good to see Keith, Sue and Bryony Jackson back with us following Sue’s recent period of illness. It turned out to be the second largest rally of the year.
A meeting of the Committee took up a couple of hours on Saturday morning, what with that, a visit to Asda, and giving Tom and Jenny a hand with their new awning the day was almost gone, but no, the best was yet to come. 

 
Steve and Claire Swain, who were Stewarding the weekend, had decided to tie the knot back in the summer and Steve wanted to surprise Claire with a Barbeque which would involve everyone at the rally. Claire knew nothing about this but the other 74 participants did, that took a bit of planning. She was whisked off to Asda at the appropriate time, only to return to a ‘full blown’ barbeque, all under control, all she had to do was enjoy herself. Her expression (see photo) says it all! They are receiving a card from many of their Club friends and a ‘little left over’ from the ‘whip round’, which had already paid for the cooked part of the barbeque and the wedding party plaques the ‘little left over’ was £300. Well done to all concerned; donors, planners, schemers and providers of extra food, there was so much that the raffle benefited immensely next morning. Another successful evening enhanced by the site’s excellent facilities, a double stainless steel electric barbeque, with three, or was it four, overworked cooks. Also a very big thank you to Anne Evans, that’s Colin’s wife and Kath Matlock for the celebration cakes. (I forgot that bit at the Rally Meeting. Sorry!)
Once again an excellent weekend together. Thanks must go to Chas White for organising the site, Steven and Claire Swain for their first ‘Stewarding’ job, Senya White and Sue Smith for their ‘scheming, Viv Rathbone, Bryan and Bubble Smith for the cooking, Anne Evans and Kath Matlock for the cakes and everyone else for the donations of food. 
We must try that again!

Ray Tims.