Southern Centres 25th Anniversary Rally

On Thursday, twelve vans arrived at Walton on Thames fresh from the South Essex Chairman’s rally, where we were joined by Gina, Graham, Lynda and Ian. We had a quick rehearsal at 5pm, where we battled to sing over the bingo calling (yes folks, I let other ralliers win this weekend) and aircraft flying overhead, commercial aircraft this time, with the exception of a Chinook.

On Friday, myself and Gary, joined by Dave W, sampled the cooked breakfast provided by the East Kent Centre, and very nice it was too. Later that morning, I had the pleasure of inviting eight gentlemen into my van (I’m not sure if this is good for my reputation or not!!!!). The bass section had a practice and Brian, who gradually sneaked alongside the van and could not resist going in to give some pointers on a few notes. The main part of the day was free and easy, so we had a walk along the river path to a pub for lunch, and I believe some others did the same too as it was a beautiful sunny day after a chilly start. On the way back we stopped at the lock to watch some boats going through.

Purely by chance there was a boat called R.F.C113 Southampton. The gentleman who owned it was talking about the history of the boat which was very interesting. It sailed to Dunkirk during the war to rescue troops. It returned for the 85th anniversary, sailing to Ramsgate and then across the channel, where it reached a speed of 25 knots which was deemed reasonable considering the tide and slightly rough crossing.

Roger was asked to assist with, but ended up running a Sea Shanty session during the afternoon, which everyone who attended really enjoyed.

Saturday morning, those of us who were entering competitions were up and out to deliver them to the marquee. Jane, Trevor, Carol K, Elaine, Viv and myself all entered into the arts and crafts. Trevor took home a 1st prize and two Runner-up prizes for his artwork. I won the Victoria Sponge cake competition and was runner up for photography, so we did rather well between us. Renato and David B entered the Cribbage. David got through to the semi-final and Renato was runner-up in the final. Very well done to both. Roger also had a stall at the fete in the afternoon selling some more of his wonderful turned

wood items. After a quick sound check at 4pm, we all returned to our vans to relax before our performance at 7.15 that evening. We had a relatively small group this time, made up of 3 alto’s, 3 tenors, 6 sopranos and 7 basses, but it went really well and we all came away feeling very happy with our singing. Once again we must say a HUGE thank you to our wonderful MD Brian, and also to Roger for our music and Baz too.

Sunday started very early as we went to the car boot in the next field, it was very big, and found a couple of bargains. Lacey entered the dog show, accompanied by Lasairina and she won 2nd prize in the Best Paw Shaker category, well done Lacey. During the afternoon Bill and Jenny took part in the Boules competition, well done to you both. Later we had our singing workshop. Unfortunately not many people attended, other than our regular supporters, new members and of course us singers. But it gave us the opportunity to sing again.

Our MD checking his words!

At 6pm we had our flag where we all gathered outside Renato and Lasairina’s van. There was wine and cake a-plenty. A big thank you to Lynda for bringing along some of her lovely cakes to share with us all. We also managed to finish up my cakes too. I’m really not looking forward to my next weigh-in though. Roger, Elaine, Renato and Gina entertained us playing a few songs on their ukuleles and Brian sang a few songs too. Viv bought out some of her musical accompaniments for those who don’t play instruments which was fun. This is why we all love getting together at rallies, it really is wonderful and we are truly all blessed to be part of such a great group of people.

On Monday morning we went across for our last cooked breakfast and it did not disappoint. We all went to the closing flag at midday, it was scorching hot. We have been very lucky with the weather for the whole weekend. Then it was time for some of us to pack up and head home. For those who stayed, they had the pleasure of being entertained by our very own Prescriptions in the evening. From what I hear they were brilliant, as usual and had everyone up dancing. They did us proud, a perfect end to a great weekend.

Thank you again to everyone for another thoroughly awesome rally. Great friends and great singing. Looking forward to our next get together.

Gary & Clare