Stratford Summer Rally

GSOC RALLY STRATFORD - UPON - AVON

When the Club members voted at the AGM to return to Stratford for another summer rally, we had doubts because when you try to repeat a successful exercise - it can sometimes not come up to expectations.

We needn't have worried - it was a huge success!! Even the weather behaved itself (most of the time).

Members started to arrive from midday Friday and the weather was overcast but dry. Old friends met and new friends were made. Just a few mentions of members present -

Colin Lofts and his nephew Stewart all the way from Australia. They are on a tour of the UK and wanted to meet other Club members.

Masanori Tanabe from Japan - he has been in the UK studying English and is soon to return home, he was there with his friend Hiro Maeda

Other members came from Manchester, Lincolnshire, the South Coast and all points in between - not forgetting our regular attendee, John Goodwin all the way from Norfolk.

Friday evenings BBQ went down extremely well - prepared by Ron May, Dave Holmyard and other helpers and the onions were a huge success - prepared by Betty Geeves and cooked to perfection by Mick Volante.

Saturday morning was an early start and a full English in the racecourse café set everyone up for the day.

Bill Shackleford had prepared one of his well researched run outs. He briefed everyone on the route and gave out direction sheets. So at around 10ish we set off for a 60 mile blast around the A roads of the area. As usual, we caused a bit of a stir leaving the racecourse and Bill lead us through the tricky bits out onto the main roads. He then took some members on a slower back roads jaunt, while the majority carried on out towards Moreton in Marsh. A tea stop held in the town centre brought many admiring looks and lots of "I used to have one of those" comments.

From Moreton we headed out round Broadway and Evesham and then by way of a very good dual carriageway (chance to see what they could do!) past Bidford and eventually back to the Racecourse at Stratford.

Everyone arrived back safe and sound to meet up with members who had come for the day.

Bob Light, Jon Luke and Alan Hermiston had brought along their racing machinery which had loads of admirers. All the Goldies on display were examined, compared, checked and photographed.

"Uncle" Jim Reynolds from the Classic Bike Guide was kept busy talking to members and finding stories for his next articles for the magazine.

Before we knew it, the time had arrived to get ready for the evening dinner and dance. The caterers had done a very professional job setting up the room with a red and gold theme with table linen provided by Ron May's employer's Stalbridge Laundry.

The bar did a roaring trade before we sat down to dinner. Ron welcomed all the members and guests and outlined the Club's progress and future plans.

After a wonderful (and very filling) meal, the Brian Stanley Award for Services to the GSOC was presented. Following an introduction by Ron May, Jim Reynolds presented the award to Mike Cardus who has been the organiser of the Manchester section for many, many years - a very worthy recipient.

Raffle tickets had been sold all weekend and there was a good selection of prizes - Anne and Karin made sure the draw went smoothly. Masanori also donated 10 neckerchiefs he had designed with a Goldie motif - these may well become collectors items in the future.

The XL roadshow (Dave & Chrissy) entertained us all evening with a great selection of music from old rock 'n' roll to heavy metal - with some Status Quo for the youngest Simpson who kept his reputation for the most energetic dancer!!

Eventually, the music slowed down and members and guests said their goodnights and found their way back to their tents, vans or bed and breakfast accomodation.

Sunday morning: the weather started wet, so it was decided to wind down and let people get an earlier start for home. Typical of English weather, it started to dry up later in the morning!!

The overall feeling from members present:-

A GREAT WEEKEND - IF YOU DIDN'T COME, YOU MISSED A TREAT.