winter 2012 edition 77

NewsNews andand

ViewsViews Winter 2012Winter 2012 Edition 77Edition 77

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In this Edition

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Gerard Turley,

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Closing Date - copy and adverts

31 March 2013

First an apology to Auditor

Mike Segon for dropping his

name from the Audit Report

last edition. I hope not too

many errors slip through this

time, my proof reading team

of the Lomax’s and Chris do

try to keep me in hand, and

many thanks to them, but I can still beat them!!

Thank you to all those who have contributed,

especially the Rally Correspondents who keep us

in touch with all those rallies. Many have been

good enough to trim their efforts when I have

pointed out that the intended limit for a 5 day

rally is 300 words and one photo, which should fit

in a half page. Some of the rallies have been so

busy, the limits have proved quite a challenge!!

Lots of Christmas Greetings this year—I wonder

if it is the cost of postage!! We have a report and

request for help from our new Archivist; and that

dog has been at it again!! A new Member to

Member section for advice; the occasional joke;

also some thoughts for Rally Marshals on those

increasing number of Motorhomes.

Oh and the Rally Programme for 2013!!

We have a couple of new advertisers this time.

Those who have seen Christine and I whizzing

around can find the secret in the advert for

electric bikes on page 19. Len Boudier has a club

member who runs an on-line accessory shop see

page 45; he may join ICFR later. Thanks also to

Premier and Coast for their continuing support.

I am delighted to have been told about six Paul

Harris Fellowships for this edition;

congratulations to you all. In contrast, birthdays

and anniversaries are rather sparse—funny

because I have one of each every year!!

Thanks to all those who have written to the

editor for this edition. Many interesting letters for

you to read. One is on the subject of News and

Views going electronic. All you need to do to

ensure you continue to receive this paper copy is

tick, stamp and post the return part of the

address sheet included with this edition. There

will be other opportunities but it would help if

you tick, stamp and post now. It was agreed at

the AGM in Newark that eventually News and

Views will only be available in paper if you have

requested one.

Gerard Turley, ICFR Editor

Views expressed in the articles in News and

Views are those of the contributors and not

necessarily those of ICFR or of the Editor.

When following any advice or instructions

given in News and Views you should apply

common sense and not attempt any action

which could put you or others in danger.

From the Editor 1

President’s Report 2

Secretary’s Report 3

Vice President’s Report 4

Christmas Greetings 5

International Liaison Report 7

IT Secretary’s Report 7

Blast from the Past - the Archivist’s Report 8

Tails of the Dog 10

Rally Reports 2012 11

AGM, Notice, Agenda and Minutes 22

AGM 2013 Rally Booking Form 24

Rally Reports 2011/12 continued 28

Member to Member 36

Motor Caravans - some considerations for

Rally Marshals 38

Rally Programme 2013 39

Letters to the Editor 41

Congratulations 43

Paul Harris Fellowships 43

Why is ACCEO so important 45

Diana’s Cookery Page 46

Adverts

Coast Insurance 9

Volt Electric Bikes 19

AGM 2013, Chester Racecourse 26

Premier Motorhomes 27

Leisureshop Direct 45

From the Editor


Page 2 News and Views Winter 2012 Return to Contents Page

Well doesn’t time go quickly when you are

having fun! This is my last report to you as

your President the two years having flown by.

Firstly I must thank everyone in the

Fellowship for the good wishes and support

given to Paula and myself. All the Officers and

members of the Executive Committee who

have supported me over my tenure in office,

for the hard work and dedication to enable

this Fellowship to move forward and keep

abreast with changes not only in technology,

legislation, R.I. policy and more. You would all

be amazed at the amount of emails and paper

work this Fellowship of ours produces in any

one year.

Thanks also to all the Rally Marshals for

without them none of us would be needed

(the Exec Committee that is) and of course to

everybody who took up the places on their

rallies. From the reports I have been getting

all the rallies have been enjoyed both at home

and overseas. A special note of commiseration

must go to Sheila and Alan King who had to

cancel their East Devon Delights Rally owing

to a surplus of water.

I have to tell you what Paula and I have been

up to since the AGM at Newark. France was

our first outing where we joined Lazy Days in

France, on our return we had the pleasure of

visiting The Rother Valley Rally to present

David and Ann Cooper with a First Time Rally

Marshals Plaque. Then hitched up again to

what has become our annual visit to the

Family Rally, then up to Ashbourne, return

home for a fortnight then Ludlow, Wolverley

then the AF on the

R o y a l W e l s h

Showground at Builth

Wells a new venue to

most of us but one I

am sure we will return

to. To keep up the

momentum straight up

to Dolgellau in North

Wales. Then on returning home some ten

days to turn round before going to Stonham

Barns. At the end of the month (we are still

only in October) we went to our District

Conference in Lille France (by Eurostar) then

our own Rally at Ashford Kent. Thursford next,

to see the Christmas Show and that only

leaves Bath where I will hand over the crown

to Peter. In all I think we will have spent over

one hundred nights away in the van on rallies,

every one with fond memories.

We have endeavoured to send a card to every

Rally Marshal if we were unable to attend their

rally, to wish them well and hope all had an

enjoyable time. Again we have sent a card to

the families on your behalf when receiving

“Sad News”.

May I round off by wishing Peter and the team

well for the next two years. I know we will be

in safe hands.

Lastly can I thank Paula, for her wise words

and typing skills and the multitude of other

things that I have needed her input in over

these past two years.

Don Howard, ICFR President

President’s Report

The Robert and Muriel Sutcliffe Silver Salver Presentation

At the Builth Wells Autumn Fellowship, President Don announced that the Sutcliffe Silver Salver this year, would

go to Eric and Barbara Sawford of District 1220, for their continued work with the Ashbourne Rally and support for

ICFR in general.

They have been RMs for Ashbourne for 17 years and are still actively involved with this always fully supported

event. Whilst a green field site, what they arrange always

makes it a very memorable rally. Well done.

Eric & Barbara had been unable to be at Builth Wells therefore Secretary Derrick Sanders and Programme Secretary Tim Hadrill visited them at their home where they had great pleasure in presenting

the Salver on behalf of President Don. Eric and Barbara were both very surprised and

delighted to be honoured with this award. Derrick Sanders.



Nomination and Election of Officers for 2013

All Officers (except IPP) require to be elected annually under the Constitution Rule 10 and the Secretary had received completed nomination forms for these Officers by the deadline of 31st October 2011.

No elections were necessary and the following were elected at the AGM 2012 for 2013

Officers 2013 President Peter Skerratt Vice President Gerard Turley Immediate Past President Don Howard Secretary Derrick Sanders Treasurer David Cooper Programme Secretary Tim Hadrill Membership Secretary Gwyn Weallans International Liaison John Lomax Editor Gerard Turley

Trustees for 2013 The following nominated Trustees were also declared (under Constitution 7c i.) to the AGM. President Peter Skerratt, Secretary Derrick Sanders, Treasurer David Cooper and Programme Secretary Tim Hadrill.

Officers

All Officers (except IPP) require to be elected annually under the Constitution Rule 10.

Nominations for 2014 Nominations for Officers have been received as required by 31st October 2012 for election or appointment at the 2013 AGM, for office beginning on 1st January 2014: President Peter Skerratt Vice President Gerard Turley Secretary Derrick Sanders Treasurer Paul Quinlan Programme Secretary Terry Cooke Membership Secretary Gwyn Weallans International Liaison Bob Wright Editor John Hackney

Executive Committee

Election of Executive Committee Members for 2013 As reported in 2011 winter edition of News & Views, nominations for the Executive Committee 2013 – 2015 were received before 31 October 2011, for Philip Cary D1200, John Hackney D1100 and Brian Key D1090. As three nominations were required they were elected at the 2012 AGM.

Executive Committee for 2013 will be: Keven Roberts, Peter Jennings, John Allen, Ted Walmsley, Philip Cary, John Hackney and Brian Key. There will be two vacancies on the committee with the Executive Committee deciding not to co-opt anyone for 2013 at its meeting at the Autumn Fellowship, Builth Wells.

Co-opted appointments to the Executive Committee Under Constitution Rule 12 (d) the Executive Committee again co-opted David Shaw as IT Secretary and Maureen Morrison as Equipment & Sales representative for 2013.

Nominations for 2014 The following nominations have been received before 31st October 2012, for election or appointment at the 2013 AGM to serve from 2014 to 2016. Geoff Fewings D1090, Richard Swainston, D1090, John Stone D1090 and Eric Matkins D1250.

Amendments to the Constitution, Rules and Regulations and Code of Conduct

In accordance with Constitution 19 (a) a written proposal has been received to amend Constitution 12 (c) – (Executive Committee) to add “Any member of the Executive Committee who fails to attend two (2) meetings during their three (3) year term will be deemed to have resigned from the committee.” thus amending Constitution 12 (c) to read “Each committee member will be elected for a period of three (3) years, one third retiring annually but any member of the Executive Committee who fails to attend two (2) meetings

during their three (3) year term they will be deemed to have resigned from the committee.”

Report from the Executive Meeting 21st September 2012

I reported to the committee that our Public Liability Insurance with Grove Insurance had been renewed for the period 1st August 2012 to 31st July 2013. Indemnity limit - £5m. Cost £451.52 – no increase.

Also the Trustees Insurance with Martin Kemp Insurance Services had been renewed from 30th September 2012 to 29th September 2013. Cost 481.48 – no increase.

Association of Caravanning and Camping Exempted Organizations

ACCEO’s AGM was held from 3rd to 8th October at Lickhill Manor. ICFR was represented by its member Alan King who is a past president of ACCEO.

ACCEO is the link organisation between Defra, Natural England (a department of Defra), and other bodies concerned with the legal requirements for caravanning and camping. ICFR is a member and receives guidance and advice, particularly in relation to insurance matters and acts positively when required. For £5 individual membership can be had. This helps to support this important body. Members receive ACCEO’s magazine AM (ACCEO Matters) twice yearly. This organisation is well worth supporting, you may wish to join by visiting www.acceo.co.uk.

Natural England (NE)

Our certificates from NE, the Scottish Government & Welsh Assembly valid until November 2014.

Our Certificates are for caravanning, the only exception being Children’s Pup Tents as part the main unit.

Rotary Fellowships

The annual report of our activities has been sent to RI, including an extract of the AGM minutes. I have had confirmation that these have been received.

RI Convention 2013 Lisbon

Whilst there is no organised rally to the Lisbon Convention there are a number of members planning to travel there and they will be making their own en route and convention site arrangements. It is possible that two different sites will be used, one in Lisbon and one a few miles out on the coast. RI has asked for details of those requesting transport from their sites to the convention. This request has been passed on to all those interested. If anyone is interested in joining in with other members going to Lisbon and who hasn’t already registered their interest, please contact me and I’ll update them on current arrangements.

Derrick Sanders, ICFR Secretary, October 2012

Secretary’s Report



Vice President’s Report

Merry Christmas and a Happy New

Year for 2013, a few days early I

know, but these are wishes that

Sylvia and I truly wish you, for

without your contact during 2012

both our lives would be the poorer.

Thank you for attending the rallies

and the two main meetings. Please

try to do it again this coming year.

We had a most enjoyable time at the

Fellowship Rally in Builth Wells when

I presented my final report as Vice

President (Aah!); even so we had a

fun meeting and came away with

some new ICFR friends and the

proposed list of rallies planned for

next year. Throughout the weekend

folks were asking me ‘Are you

looking forward to being President?’,

and generally my answer was ‘no,

not really’. Now I am at home thinking about

the differences that I might apply to myself

next year and I am really struggling to see

what changes I would make. Are they to be

changes that people expect to see? Or will

they be happy if I continue in the same way as

I have done since becoming an ICFR officer

some 6 years ago, because this has to be my

plan, WYSIWYG (what you see is what you

get). I will probably have to wear my chain of

office more than I do now, but I hope you will

see me smiling, laughing, having fun and

making fun (usually of Don). Remember ICFR

is a Fellowship, no work, we are here just to

have FUN together. So come out and join us.

The AGM Rally at Chester Racecourse is all set

to welcome you and if you look further inside

N&Vs you will see that bookings are now being

taken (booking form is centre spread). Duncan

Dearden and Ted Walmsley have informed us

that everything is in place for the AGM and

there is an exciting programme

including the option for a river cruise.

This will ‘throw’ Sylvia as she

believes I don’t like cruising which of

course I did quite a bit of in my

younger days along Southend Front.

The Autumn Fellowship Rally has

been booked for a new site for ICFR

at Brean Sands where Tony Rawlins

has reserved 100 hardstanding

pitches but you will have to wait until

the AGM to hear more about it.

Like everyone I have spoken to, this

s u m m e r h a s b e e n a b i g

disappointment to us too in terms of

the weather, we even had some rain

at Aldeburgh, but in each rally we

joined in the Fellowship of the rally,

and of course the fun and the

laughter was brilliant. We have had

more personal contact with members as a

result of our large awning this year, when we

have used it in conjunction with the Rally

Marshal’s awning in order to keep the ‘party’

together. So there is no need to hide yourself

away in your van on a wet evening, come and

get wet in mine! You’ll go to bed happy for

sure! We have done a number of rallies and

there are still 5 to do before we get to the end

of the year and once again my thanks go out

to the districts and rally marshals who make

the effort to find venues and host a rally, well

done to you all.

Hopefully members will continue to join a

couple of rallies together in order to justify the

fuel cost and take advantage of the

programme which is listed a bit later on.

We wish you good times and hopefully we will

meet up with you in 2013.

Peter Skerratt, Vice President

Graham Furley - 90 years young. Many members will know Graham as an ICFR member of many years. He is still a very

active member of Stroud RC, D1100, and often attends our ICFR lunches although not

actively caravanning. Graham celebrated his 90 th birthday earlier this year and a group of

his friends decided to treat him to a flight in a dual-control Tiger Moth from Gloucester

airport. Graham had originally learnt to fly 70 years previously when he was serving in

the RAF, aged 20, at the start of his wartime service. He proudly brought along to the

occasion his original flying log, to which he was able to make one further addition!!

A Magnificent Man in a Flying Machine!! Derek Rogers



Christmas Greetings President Don and Paula Howard

wish all our friends in ICFR a Happy Christmas and good caravanning in 2013

Kit Bishop A Merry Christmas and a Happy New

Year, to all of my friends in ICFR

Len and Marilyn Boudier To all those friends we know and those we have yet

to meet a Happy Christmas and a good New Year

Pauline and Roger Brown Wish all our new friends in ICFR a Happy

Christmas and much happy caravanning in 2013

Phil and Ros Cary wish all our friends in ICFR a very happy

Christmas and prosperous New Year

Bob and Una Cantlay Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our friends in ICFR

David and Ann Cooper Merry Christmas and Happy

New Year to all friends in ICFR

Tom and Barbara Cryer wish all their friends in ICFR a Happy and Healthy Christmas and New Year

Duncan and Ivy Dearden Happy Christmas with

love and warmest wishes

Rosemary and Cliff Dorling wish our many friends in ICFR a very Merry

Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year

Malcolm and Maureen Dungworth wish you all a Happy Christmas

and a prosperous New Year

John and Dot Edwards wish all members of ICFR a wonderful Christmas

and blessed New Year. Happy rallying in 2013

David and Bridget Evans Christmas Greetings to all our friends in ICFR

Pauline Everdell Merry Christmas and a great 2013 to all my wonderful friends in ICFR

Sandra and Tony Forsyth Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to our fellow campers

Geoffrey Fry Wishing all my caravanning friends a Merry

Christmas & look forward to the future

Tom and Christine Green All best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. See you on a Rally in 2013

Jacquie Greenfield wishes all ICFR members a Happy Christmas

and New Year. See many of you in 2013

Ann a John Hackney. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i bawb yn ICFR

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all in ICFR

Jim Hancock wishes all his friends in ICFR a Merry,

Peaceful Christmas and a happy, healthy 2013

David and Winifred Hatherall wish all our friends in ICFR a Merry

Christmas and a Happy New Year

Tom and Denise Hobson Thank you for your fellowship and may you

have a blessed and peaceful Christmas

Peter and Margaret Jennings wish all their friends in ICFR a Merry

Christmas and happy caravanning in 2013



Robert and Eirian Jones Nadolig Llawen i Bawb - Happy Christmas to everyone at ICFR. Have a magical time

Paul and Sharman Kunes Wishing all ICFR members Happy Christmas and New Year. Happy Caravanning in 2013

Brian and Margaret Leverton A Happy Christmas and good wishes

for the New Year to everyone

George & Marjorie Locke wish all our friends in ICFR a Happy &

Peaceful Christmas & all good wishes for your good health and Happy Caravanning in 2013

Diana and John Lomax Warmest seasons greetings

to all our ICFR friends

David and Jane Mack wish all in ICFR a Happy Christmas and

good health and happiness in the New Year

Arthur and Mavis Marrow wish all ICFR friends a Happy Christmas

and all the best for the New Year

Maureen Morrison and Eric Matkins Happy Christmas to all ICFR

members and happy rallying in 2013

Robert and Eirian Restell Good wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all our friends in ICFR

Graham and Angela Roberts. Wishing all our friends in ICFR a very

happy Christmas and a healthy and more prosperous 2013 & much more rallying

Sheila & Derrick Sanders Wishing all our friends in ICFR a very Happy Christmas & a peaceful and healthy New Year

Mike and Barbara Segon Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our ICFR friends. See you in 2013

David and Jeanne Shaw Merry Christmas to everyone in

ICFR. See you in a field somewhere

Peter and Sylvia Skerratt Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas xx

Jill Storer All good wishes for Christmas & the New Year to all my friends in ICFR

Lynn and John Stone A Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year

Gerard and Christine Turley wish to all Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year

Richard and Dorothy Swainston wish all in ICFR a Happy

Christmas and a good New Year

John and Lily Walker wish all their friends in ICFR a Happy

Christmas and healthy New Year

Ted and Ann Walmsley Wishing all our friends in ICFR a Happy Christmas

and enjoyable and healthy times in 2013

John and Margaret Warrack. Wishing all our friends in ICFR a

very Happy Christmas and New Year

Gwyn and Eileen Weallans Good wishes and

happy rallying in 2013

Bob and Carole Wright Merry Christmas, Happy New

Year and see you in 2013

The Editor and his staff wish all our readers a Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year

Christmas Greetings



Since last year the web site

seems to have continued to

function well. I have had little

or no feedback from members

which I perceive as a good

sign that everything is OK. I

have not reinstated music on

the web site and no members

have contacted me to

complain about this decision.

If you have any strong

feelings about this matter I think you should

consider buying a iPod then you can listen while

you browse!

I have changed the layout of the web site for

next year with a simpler navigation bar down the

left side, and have made the format landscape

instead of portrait, this fits most screens better.

Members are making use of the facility to contact

me via the enquiries page and I hope that more

will discover this feature in future. I have had

enquiries from non-members via this page and

we may have gained a few members this way.

The Notice Board page is being used more by

members for advertising items for sale. At this

time I do not know if the inclusion of items has

resulted in any positive results. It would be

useful if members let me know if an item is sold,

otherwise I will remove the item after a couple of

months.

Now for the good news, security will not be a

problem this year because no contact details will

be included on any rally forms. Members will be

referred to the directory for addresses etc. So

you can forget the username and password for

now but keep it in a safe place. Rally organisers

please note these changes, if you include your

details on a form for the web site I will remove it.

You can of course post out a form with your

details to any member who request one. The

issue with Google chrome has not gone away and

will probably not be resolved in the near future.

Photos of rallies have not been forthcoming from

members so I have only been able to publish a

few. The software now has a new Gallery facility

that enables me to present the pictures in an

easy to view format. So send in the pictures and

I may offer a prize for the best captioned one.

I think that Gerard’s Facebook page is

complementary to the web site and although I

only visit it occasionally I think that it should be

continued.

David Shaw, IT Secretary.

Does anyone fancy attending

the 2014 International Rotary

Convention in Sydney? John

Spath, President of the RV

Fellowship of Australia has

informed us that the RV

Fellowship of North America is

giving thought to organising a

Muster travelling from Brisbane

to Sydney. He has enquired

whether any ICFR member

might consider joining the journey. Some

members have expressed interest but as yet no

other details have been received. If any more

members, wish to add their names to the list

please contact ILO. In addition Debbie Conover,

the RVF North America Editor, informs us that a

group are considering going to Sydney, either

using their motorhomes or hiring cabins.

Still in the Southern Hemisphere, Jo and Birgit

Pawlaczyk, who live in Melbourne, would like to

exchange a caravan and car (or motorhome) with

a fellow Rotarian who would like to holiday in

Australia. Contact [email protected]

The untimely death of Dave Ferguson in South

Africa has resulted in a lack of ICFR contact in that

country. Ralph Roseman, a member of the Rotary

Club of Lions Head, District 9350, has an address

and telephone numbers in Northampton (see the

ICFR Directory). He has said he will be prepared

to be an ICFR contact in South Africa and give

advice to any member planning a holiday there.

Newsletters from New Zealand, Australia and

North America are reproduced on the ICFR

website. The latest versions (at the time of

reporting) are:- New Zealand ICFR – Mount

Maunganui, August 2012; Australia RVF –

Overlander 61, May/June 2012; North America

RVF – Caravanner, July 2012. Anyone without

access to the website wishing to see any of these

newsletters should contact the ILO who will be

pleased to provide hard copies.

Members who toured New Zealand in past years

may well remember Graeme and Robin Matheson

(now President of ICFR NZ). They say how lovely

it was to have Geoff & Maddy Bell at one of their

rallies during the summer. They remain in contact

with Derek and Sylvia Rimmer through whom they

send their best wishes to all British visitors and

welcome them to any of their events.

David Werrett, our member in Canada has sent a

video to remind those members who toured with

him what a wonderful country it was to visit.

In Europe we now have good contact with ICFR

Netherlands through Emmie Kuijer van Velzen,

their International Liaison Officer, and a recent

contact via David Mack suggests that we may be

able to re-establish a link with ICFR France.

John Lomax, International Liaison Officer

International Liaison Report IT Secretary's Report

mailto:[email protected]



Blast from the Past - the Archivist’s Report Hello. My name is John Hackney and I am

your new Archivist.

Following on from the excellent work done

by my predecessor, Derrick Sanders, it is my

intention, with your help, to increase the

archive by filling in a few gaps and, of

course, adding new material as time goes

by.

Having physically taken over the archive at

Newark I have not had a lot of time to delve

too deeply but, hopefully, the winter months

will provide more opportunity.

My first foray into the Fellowship produced

interesting correspondence about Major

Charles Fletcher’s desire to join the Services

Divorce Department in 1946!

Secondly, and more appropriately, some

details of the trip to Nice in 1967 that was

the seed from which our wonderful

Fellowship sprouted and grew into what it is

today.

Very few of us can envisage to the difficulties

in arranging such a trip 45 years ago by snail

mail without the benefit of e-mail and very

often very poor telephone connections. How

many of us today would be able to follow

the, what seem to be now, rudimentary

maps to campsites and travelling on the

equivalent of “A” roads in France without the

benefit of motorways and Sat-Navs.

My first difficulty with the archive is the

number of photographs without details of the

people shown. For instance this photograph

shows, I believe, Charles Fletcher on the

right but does anyone have any idea who the

other three are? Charles and his wife Edna

accompanied Robert and Mildred Sutcliffe to

Nice for the 1967 RI Convention and were

also at the inaugural meeting of ICFR on

19th August 1967.

My second photograph shows Robert Sutcliffe

in the blue shirt. Any ideas about who the

others are? And when and where it was

taken? One thing hasn’t changed; we still

have our photographs taken with glasses of

wine in hand!

Answers, if any, by e-mail please. Details in

the Directory.

If anyone has anything of interest which

would be suitable for the archive and would

like to relieve their storage space please get in

touch.

John Hackney, Archivist

News and Views is going Electronic

Always available from the website or

emailed to you, but to ensure a paper copy you will

need to tick, stamp and post.



I take it you already know

Of touch and bough and cough and dough

I often stumble, what about you?

On hiccough thorough laugh and through

I write in case you wish perhaps

To learn of less familiar traps

Beware of heard a dreadful word

That looks like beard and sounds like bird

And dead; it’s said like bed and not bead

For goodness sake don’t call it deed

Watch out for meat and great and threat

(they rhyme with suite and straight and debt)

A moth is not a moth in mother,

Nor both in bother, broth in brother

And here is not a match for there

Nor dear for bear or fear for pear.

There’s dose and rose, there’s also lose

(just look them up), and goose and choose

And cork and work and card and ward

And font and front, and word and sword,

And do and go, and thwart and cart -

I fear; I’ve barely made a start,

Computer “spell checks” cannot cope,

Poor Editor, hasn’t got a hope!!

Well I am applying for a

transfer – anyone want a

well behaved, attractive

Cairn Terrier? Let me tell

you why. I’ve had such a

busy Summer as I’ve

been away such a lot.

I’ve hardly known where

to put my weary paws at

night . It’s a bit of a worry for me really, as those

pesky local cats have been having a field day in my

garden at home in my absences.

The Man and Woman have taken me with them

everywhere. The Usk Rally was fun. It had rained so

much beforehand we all had to be on hard

standings but that didn’t bother me. I don’t care if

I’m wet and muddy after my walks, but the woman

goes mad if I jump on the seats for some unknown

reason. Then we moved on to Newark where I

noticed I was left on guard duty most nights. I bet

they’re pleased with me. I had a nice walk around

Sherwood Forest too.

I had a very short trip in the Motorhome in June. I

was all buckled in and ready for a long drive to

France when there was a loud bang coming from

the back. I kept very calm during the following

commotion. The woman unbuckled me and took me

back into the house. The man was in big trouble

apparently, but at least I was able to watch the

Jubilee celebrations from my armchair. Then we

went to Spain by car as we had no Motorhome for

quite a few weeks. So I was stuck in the car for

days on end but at least I got to stay in hotels

every night. I do like going up and down in the lifts,

why can’t they have one installed in the motor

home. Boy when we got to Spain was it hot. I

stayed indoors mostly out of the sun. I was too hot

to bark - well most of the time but some of those

local dogs think they can walk past, cheek – I told

them.

On our return we were just in time for the Family

Rally. What a jolly time we all had. My only

complaint is that I get overlooked. The Man and

Woman are far too busy with the grandchildren. The

grandchildren like me though and want to take me

for walks.

Alsace was next and I had two doggy companions

this time, namely Meg and Billy. They were ok as

long as they didn’t come too near my territory. The

humans did an awful lot of wine tasting, at every

stop. I was taken out a couple of times on the back

of the Woman’s bike. This always meant a nice walk

at the end of the cycle ride. I was a bit squashed,

but they couldn’t find a dog

carrier anywhere. Apparently,

a nice red doggy carrier has

been purchased since we got

home, so I shall be looking

forward to more bike rides in

the future. Watch this space.

Our trip ended in Luxembourg

where I had to visit the local

vet which was a nuisance. I

do hate the vets and do you

know how they take my

temperature? The indignity!

Back home and the Autumn

Fellowship in Builth Wells.

There were people walking

about in funny costumes and

eating my favourite welsh

cakes. I was kept away from

the sheep sale on Monday as

the Woman knows I don’t like them much. At home

I would love to chase them but I’m not allowed.

Oh well, got to stay with the grandchildren again.

They are off by themselves and apparently he has

to do that magazine again. See you all next year.

Dictated to Christine Turley by Daisy

Tails of the Dog

by Daisy the Caravanning Cairn Terrier

The Editor ’s Lament



Thursday 12 April - Tuesday 17 April

RIBI Conference Support, Bournmouth

Is this a record?

Has it ever happened that a third of the members

attending a rally have been first timers? And no,

there were not just three of us! Peter Jennings

welcomed eight outfits to Fillybrook Farm near

Hurn whilst Margaret, who had had surgery on her

foot only days earlier, was incarcerated in their

van. She was in much pain but bravely welcomed

us with hospitality in the usual Jennings style.

The following morning a mobile library pulled onto

the site, but it turned out to be newbie Tony

Wilson from Colchester in his RV, our other new

found friends being David and Diane Griffiths from

Llandrinio and Graham and Josy Packwood from

Leicester.

The weather was very kind throughout and

Bournemouth and the Conference were greatly

enjoyed by all. Some excellent local hostelries

were discovered and all too soon it was cakes and

ale in the Jennings awning and au revoir - see you

down the road new friends.

Margaret perked up as it became time for us to

depart and by now is no doubt in fine fettle. Many

thanks to her and to Peter for all their research in

finding such a great site and for their generous

stewardship.

John Neave.

Tuesday 17 April - Monday 23 April

Aldeburgh, Suffolk

This Rally is usually blessed with wall to wall

sunshine with fresh winds blowing from the east.

This year we had a few heavy showers, but

thought that the southern part of Britain needed

the rain so we just accepted it.

The town of Aldeburgh has a unique feel, which is

enhanced by the brightly coloured houses, which

straddle the beach road and the shops are typical

of a film set of the 1950’s. All this makes this rally

a bit special.

Peter and Sylvia Skerratt are the driving force,

with help from what he calls his “Staff” (Pres. Don

& Paula and Bob & Una). This team produces a hot

meal on arrival and then proceeds to repeat this

task on Friday and Saturday nights. Fantastic food

with seconds for the hungry.

W e d n e s d a y a n

organised walk followed

by a Pub lunch set the

scene for the whole

rally, as fine food was

the feature of keeping

warm and dry, but the

breeze was fresh and

invigorating.

Another one of the

highlights was the visit

to Saxmundham Rotary

Club on the Thursday

night.

The Club hired a community hall miles away in the

RM Peter welcoming the first time ralliers Graham and Josie Packwood

President Don welcoming the first time ralliers Bruce and Pat Wallace

Photo by Paula Howard

John Allen and his sock

Photo by Don Howard

RM Peter and the Saxmundham Rotary Club. Photo by Sylvia

Rally Reports 2012



Suffolk countryside, then cooked a BBQ, brought

the food and wine in doors and afterwards

entertained us with several readings from Dickens

to celebrate his 200 year anniversary. This was a

great Rotary event, improved greatly by the

Dickensian dress worn by the Rotarians and also

the fact that Peter had hired a coach to take and

return us to the site.

The Sunday night was a dinner at the Thorpeness

Golf and Country Club giving a wonderful finale to

the great rally. Many thanks Peter.

Ted Walmsley.

Sunday 22 April - Friday 27 April

Diamond Farm

Diamond Farm is a rally not to be missed – good

site, good fellowship, good programme and above

all a good team led by John and Lynne Stone.

A cheese and wine get together in the club house

set the tone for the days to come. The volume

crescendoed as friends reunited and new

acquaintances were made.

With so much to offer our days were free. Oxford

and Blenheim are within easy reach as are

stretches of open countryside, the Thames tow

path and welcoming inns- not forgetting the

Bicester Village Retail Park!

Hospitality in Vans, supper and skittles in a local

pub and a Chef Special BBQ with excellent spread

made very entertaining evenings. Our rally ended

with fish & chips, puds, wine and a quiz-great fun.

Everything went like clockwork. Yes it rained - so what?

Great team spirit, a credit to the Rally Officers

supported by Rosemary and Cliff Dorling, and

Brenda and Geoff Fewings.

On behalf of us all Past President Derrick Sanders

expressed thanks for a superb rally.

John and Julie Adamson

Friday 11 May - Wednesday 16 May

Lovatt Meadow, Newport Pagnell

One of two pre AGM rallies, this was a good

stopping point for most on their way North to

Newark for the AGM. The wet summer had played

its part and had partly inundated the site - the

previous week! Fortunately for us it had dried out

for the rally and the weather proved reasonably

clement throughout our stay. On our first night, we

enjoyed a welcome drink followed by a fish & chip

supper and met old friends and made new ones.

A full programme had been arranged. The more

energetic amongst us went on pleasant walks in

the countryside, on two mornings lead by RM

David Hatherall in spite of being ‘under the

weather’ himself. (David felt so poorly that one

night he went home for a good night’s rest!) We

also enjoyed an ‘American’ supper held in the local

community Centre, followed by a very interesting

speaker – Preston Ayres - about his experiences in

motor rallying. One of the highlights was the visit

to nearby Bletchley Park where we were able to see

at first hand the secret code-breaking work and

machines, carried out during WW2 including the

recently rebuilt Enigma machine. The following day

we visited Woburn Abbey Gardens and were given

a conducted tour by their Head Gardener, which

was very informative and educational.

The rally finished with a buffet dinner at a local

hostelry. Our thanks to David & Winifred Hatherall

for a most enjoyable rally.

David Mack

Friday 11 May - Thursday 17 May

Usk Valley, pre AGM

District 1150 has been holding its AGM at Alice

Springs Golf Club, with rally at Pont Kemys for many

years now. This was the fifth consecutive year for me

(and second time for my wife, Janice). I have never

stayed on any camp site as many as five times

before.

We were 22 couples, 14 of whom were from other

districts. This rally’s popularity must have something

to do with the warm welcome and considerate

attention given by the rally marshals Gerard and

Christine Turley and assistants John and Dot

Edwards. A special thank you to Dot for organising

the “Dingbats” and “Famous Faces” competitions

which exercised our minds on and off over the six

days.

Rally Reports continued

Behind the scenes at Woburn with "The Head Gardener". Jean Flude has

the Royal treatment. Photos of Her Grace’s Private Garden.

Photo by Don Howard



Rain had fallen in great quantities beforehand so the

grass areas were very soft, and we were more spread

out across the site than usual on hard standings. We

were still able to socialise as well as ever. It made

the “Pot Luck Hospitality Evening” on Saturday all the

more exciting as some people had to really seek out

the units they were scheduled to visit!

The main topic at the AGM was the September

autumn fellowship rally being held at the Royal Welsh

Showground this year and therefore the responsibility

of our own committee. This was followed by the

usual good lunch.

A visit to the Wernddu Organics

Vineyard just a few miles away had

been arranged by Gerard. He was a

little apprehensive as he hadn’t

actually visited previously, but it

turned out to be a very beautiful

location – a small vineyard with the

unusual addition of alpacas. They

are inquisitive, docile creatures who

took food out of our hands. The

viewing was followed by a tasting

of locally produced wines as well as their own. Then

home-made cake of various types. A sort of

combination of wine tasting and afternoon tea.

Tuesday was a free day to visit Usk, or Abergavenny

(market day), or a variety of other points of interest.

Wednesday was the same but with another, even

better, Farewell Dinner at the golf club.

We returned home or on to the AGM, all feeling we had

enjoyed a really pleasant break in one another’s

company and in a most beautiful part of the country.

Ken Lee

Thursday 17 May - Tuesday 22 May

AGM 2012, Newark

The AGM Rally this year was held at the Newark

Showground from 17 to 22 May and was superbly

organised by rally marshals Keven and Barbara

Roberts and the District 1070 ably assisted by District

1220 in spite of some problems with the Newark and

Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.

The Rally started with a warm welcome and in the

evening when we were able to meet our old friends

from different districts and enjoy their fellowship,

finding out how they were, what they had been doing

and what their plans were for the rest of the season,

a very sociable evening.

On the Friday afternoon the Executive met and then on

Friday evening we were treated to a superb Hog Roast

that everyone appeared to enjoy. This was followed by

the Spalding Ukelele Orchestra performing, and what a

treat that was. They managed to get us all singing and

really having a great time.

Saturday saw the AGM Meeting which appeared to pass

without any concerns. But the evening was a surprise to

us all when following a beautiful Hot carvery we were

treated to an evening of Magic being bamboozled into

"How did he do that?" by our own ICFR member, Robert

Jones, so be careful if he is around on one of your rallies,

you just do not know what might happen next.

We were awoken on the Sunday to the tunes of The

Salvation Army Band for Sleaford leading our worship

with a rousing performance which was then followed

by a free afternoon.

Monday saw the disappearance of some of our friends

early in the

morning to

Norwell Park to

take part in the

Don Howard

P l a t e g o l f

c ompe t i t i on ,

won again by

David Cooper.

But perhaps the

highlight of the

Rally was the talk that evening when Neil

Woodmansey of the Lincolnshire Fire Brigade gave a

talk on Search and Rescue activities that

the fire brigades get involved with and

his trips out to foreign tragedies to

help in search and rescue. He even

brought his own dogs to emphasise

just exactly what they get involved

in. A very interesting talk, which

brought the AGM rally superbly to

its close. Thanks must be given

to all those who arranged the

events and hosted a great

rally.

Gwyn Weallans




Sunday 3 June - Sunday 10 June

Holt, Norfolk

On arrival we received a warm welcome with tea,

coffee and scones. This set the pattern for the week

with much food produced by Barbara and her helpers

throughout - not a rally for those wishing to lose

weight. We were very lucky to have the use of the

rugby club's pavilion as wet weather prevailed and

wellies were often in evidence.

Barbara produced a hot meal of chicken and

vegetables, sweet and coffee on the first evening

followed by lots of chatter. Coffee was put on in the

mornings and on Monday there was a ramble followed

by a ploughman's lunch on site, with boules

competition held in a

grand marquee later. This

had been used for a rugby

club function just before

the rally. A number of

ralliers went to see the

Jubilee Beacon lit and

fireworks display put on

by the town. Tuesday

evening was hospitality

with a difference - five

areas were set up in the

pavilion, groups of six

selected by Mike and after

an hour the move took place and no-one clashed.

This format stopped people tramping through wet

grass between caravans.

There was a Jubilee Celebratory Tea inside on

Wednesday when we dressed in red, white and blue,

followed by board games.

The proposed BBQ for Thursday

was called off but we ate

together in the pavilion and

Chris Day produced quizzes to

tax our fuddled brains.

Breakfast (full English) was a

good start to Friday and in the

evening we all went to Sheringham Little Theatre for

a "Night at the Musicals" put on by the local Youth

Music Theatre, a very talented group. Saturday, and

all too soon things were drawing to an end, but not

without jacket potatoes with fillings and bread and

butter pudding cooked by Barbara in the kitchen!

Two of our older members, Marshal Kay and John

Barker were then "interviewed" by Peter Skerratt,

giving us an insight into their lives and loves.

The weather could have been better but thanks to

Mike and Barbara, Peter and Sylvia, Keven and

Barbara, we were treated to a first class seven days.

Our grateful thanks to you all.

Tim Hadrill

Monday 4 June - Thursday 14 June

Germany in June

Ten units enjoyed an excellent rally at Camping

Sonneneck in Boppard, on the banks of the River

Rhine, run by Phyllis & Bob Hamilton and ably

assisted by Pat & Ralph Leyland.

At Happy Hour on our first evening we were all

given a welcome pack, the highlight of which was

an invitation to a Jubilee Party to be held the

following day. Each couple was also presented with

a memorable Jubilee plaque and coaster which had

been engraved and kindly donated by Jack Bridge.

The Jubilee Party was held on Tuesday 5th June in

which everyone enjoyed a fantastic buffet

accompanied with ample supplies of bubbly. The

two rally caravan awnings were joined with a

gazebo in the centre, to make a large sitting area

decked out with red white and blue tablecloths,

buntings, flags and balloons both inside and out.

The ladies all received a gift of a Jubilee purse

made by Phyllis, which was very much

appreciated. Patriotic songs were sung as everyone

got in the swing of the party, being by the side of

the river, many of the boats passing by gave us a

friendly blast on their horns. The party went on

late into the night with much singing and dancing

taking place.

On Thursday Paul & Chris Quilan organised a trip

on the Hunsruck Railway to Emmelshausen. The

The four boules finalists

Photo by Peter Skerratt


The Jubilee Meal

Peter Skerratt dressed 'to kill'

Photos by Peter & Sylvia Skerratt



route covers an altitude difference of 984 ft, and

crossed two impressive viaducts. The train ride

was amazing as it took in some very steep inclines

and went through five tunnels. The walk back

down to Boppard, also very enjoyable.

The following day was an organised river cruise to

Rudesheim, where we enjoyed cruising along the

Rhine to view the many castles, churches and of

course the wine groves by the river side. On arrival

at Rudesheim there was a Harley Davison Festival,

with hundreds of bikes and bikers every where. We

had some free time to explore at our leisure before

returning to St Goar, to a local restaurant, where

we had an enjoyable meal together.

On Saturday evening we held a “bring and share”

meal followed by an evening of quizzes and games

of beetle. Good fun and laughs.

For some time Bob had been trying to contact the

local Rotary Club to arrange a visit and had been

unsuccessful, but to our surprise on Sunday

morning the secretary of Boppard Rotary Club,

Peter, came to the campsite and invited everyone

to their next meeting on the following Tuesday

evening.

The Rotary Club of Boppard had sponsored the

restoration of an 1800 year old font in the local

cathedral, built on the site of an old Roman

Fortress, the font being originally a Roman Bath.

We were given a tour of the church, including a

visit below stairs to see the old font, and a short

talk on the history.

Afterwards we were taken to the Belle Vue Hotel

for a superb meal, kindly provided by the Club,

and an enjoyable evening of Rotary Fellowship was

concluded with the exchange of club banners.

On the final evening of the rally, dinner was

booked in the restaurant on site. Thanks were

given to Phyllis, Bob, Pat and Ralph for all their

hard work in making a memorable and enjoyable

rally. Thanks were also given to everyone else who

had contributed.

Quite by chance a Rotarian together with his wife,

who were also on a caravan holiday and had never

heard of ICFR were invited to join us for drinks,

and signed up to join ICFR the following day!

On Thursday morning final goodbyes were said, and

everyone departed either to home or further holiday

venues, taking with them many happy memories.

John Richardson

Wednesday 6 June - Thursday 21 June

Auvergne & Dordogne

Twenty five members were gathered by the

appointed hour for the welcome supper at our first

site, The Moulin de Serrain. Two others who had

enjoyed their meander through France had lost track

of the days and required a phone call to refocus

them. It is not for us to name them but Eric Matkins

and Mo Morrison know who they are! On their arrival

a super meal was served outside by Carole Cooke and

her assistants despite the weathers’ best efforts to

scupper the supper! Terry Cooke welcomed everyone

including first time ralliers Mike and Anna Pinder.

The area boasted many extinct volcanoes and an

alpine ski area, with attractive towns and chateaux to

visit. Several groups visited Bort-les-Orgues with its

huge dam and lake, La Bourboule, a spa town, and

Mont Dore. Some of us even managed to reach the

1885m summit of Puy de Sancy even if it did challenge

the leg muscles with its endless series of steps (Oh,

there was a cable car to 1300m. Just as well!)

David Pilgrim organised a boules match in the

evening sunshine. This was great fun

and accuracy seemed to improve as the

drink flowed.

Bob Bradley was able to test out his

new BBQ. He made a passable chef;

practice will hone his skills more.

A 90 mile drive took us to Camping Les




Granges at Vayrac, on the banks of a swollen, fast

flowing Dordogne River. That evening an excellent

buffet supper was served at the camp site restaurant.

Terry welcomed the Hatheralls to the rally.

England’s’ soccer boys managed a draw against

France on the big screen above our heads.

Mike, ‘The Great Pindini’, Pinder entertained us with

his sleight of hand, leaving us wondering how Maddy

Bell still had a finger after the ‘mini guillotine’ trick!

Many people visited the impressive caves at Gouffre

de Padirac. The beautifully maintained village of

Caremac also proved a popular choice as did many

other locations around the area.

On Thursday we enjoyed a good old English breakfast

complete with Bucks Fizz provided by David Pilgrim,

whose 21st (again) birthday it was! Thanks to the

Rally Marshals and Chefs for a great meal. Many of

the group took ‘The Tourist Special’ from Martel to St

Denis. A few others went cycling round the local area

in preparation for more hospitality in the evening!

Several people enjoyed a dip in the sun drenched

pool, even if the water was a little cool.

Rocamadour was visited by a number of people who

marvelled at this town clinging to the rock face. It is

indeed an amazing setting and very beautiful due to

the honey coloured stone from which it is built. The

galettes for lunch were very filling – just as well we

had left the car at the top of the hill!

On Saturday Rally Marshal Terry exercised his

mandate for pole position in order that the red carpet

would be positioned for our arrival at the very

hospitable Camping Le Port de Limeuil. A BBQ meal

cooked by the owners was delicious. Aperitifs and

several glasses of alcoholic beverages were also

thoroughly enjoyed.

The surrounding area was outstandingly beautiful with

many interesting villages and Chateaux to explore in

the fabulous sunshine. Visits were made to the cliff

hugging La Roque Gageac, the bastide town of

Domme and the Chateau des Milandes, the home of

the late Josephine Baker, to name but a few.

Our leader’s birthday was celebrated in style with a

champagne breakfast.

A visit to the huge market at La Bugue proved

interesting but a little damp. Fortunately the rain did

not last long and much time was later spent around

the pool as both the weather and the pool warmed up!

A super meal in a local restaurant brought another

great rally to a conclusion. Thanks to our marshals

and their assistants for all their hard work.

Geoff & Maddy Bell

Sunday 10 June - Friday 15 June

Felixtowe Fling

The second part of the East Anglian Tour began on

Sunday in bright sunshine, the first some of us had

seen for a little while. A new commercial site over

looking the Container Port of Felixstowe (the largest

in the UK), all level pitches for the 14 units who had

travelled to be with our Rally Marshals Jacquie

Greenfield, plus Ken and Kath Chapman.

Everyone arrived to join the ‘Welcome Get-together’

in the function room on site for a healthy dose of

Cheese & Pate. Jacquie welcomed us and read a

‘dear John note’ from our President wishing us a

good time and sorry not to be with you, we missed

him too plus the cheque to cover the first round of

drinks! The evening continued with two Rotarians

from Felixstowe who gave us an informative talk

about the area with mention of places that we could

perhaps visit.

Monday the weather returned to wet/very wet but

after a coffee break most went off with plastic

macks or overcoats if you were like me, and sort

out things to do. In the evening we went to join the

local Electronic Organ Club where they had a

visiting player from Kent, who entertained us for a

couple of hours. One moment he was bringing an

orchestra to life, the next it appeared as if he was

strumming a guitar, we had pop, we had Trad Jazz,

we had a great night.

The sight of large container ships being pushed by

tugs onto the quay was worth seeing, as was the

visit to Languard Museum. Each evening was spent

together in the function room where we played

various games and quizzes ate our nibbles and even

had a fish & chip supper




The final night we spent an enjoyable evening with

the Felixstowe Rotary Club Languard. A great rally,

well done to the Rally Marshals.

Peter Skerratt

Friday 15 June - Wednesday 20 June

Weeley

Three years ago when we camped at the Homestead

Caravan Park in Weeley we were on a Super Pitch

surrounded by many other caravans and motor

homes, but this time we were on the rally field that

was much better for us. The facilities on site were

very good, caravan sales and accessory shop, a café

with hot food and a very clean shower and toilet

block that was only 50 yards from where we camped.

We had our own water supply and an electric hook up

near the gate that after many spur connections and

extension cables provided us all with electric power.

The use of the rally field was excellent and we could

spread out to play games and have Boules Matches

or just sit around and make acquaintances without

disturbing any neighbours. We even had a South

African ICFR member come and join us for the rally.

Our Rally Marshals provided us with tea, coffee and

biscuits in their awning each morning and Peter and

Sylvia Skerritt invited us into their awning each

evening so that we could eat our evening meals

together, some food was provided and some we

cooked ourselves and brought to the awning.

There were many places in the area to visit, within

easy distance of the site, such as Colchester, Ipswich,

Clacton, Frinton on Sea and Waltham on the Nase.

Near Frinton there were some beautiful gardens and

lots of good walks along the beach. On our last night

we all went to the village of Tendring Green and had

a meal in the local village inn. Our Rally Marshal’s

Gwyn and Eileen Weallans together with Peter and

Sylvia Skerratt looked after us very well and the rally

was one of the best for Rotary friendship.

Robert A Fowler

Monday 18 June – Saturday 7 July

Lazy Days in France

The rally started at the municipal campsite in Pont-de

l’Arche where 11 of the 12 units eventually arrived

coming from all directions, to the astonishment of our

Rally Marshals, Michael and Meryl Stolton who had

gone to great lengths to explain how to get there.

The weather was not quite as expected but we were

promised warmer weather further south. 4 members

on the rally ventured out and joined a queue for a

land train trip. The train arrived and our enthusiastic

members climbed aboard with the rest, they were

slightly surprised when they got off after the ride and

did not have to pay, then realising that they had

joined a prepaid party tour.

After plenty of food and drink we moved on to

Bonneval where we were later joined by Fran and

John. Eight of us decided to see the town from the

river complex that surrounds the town, so in two

motorboats we chugged silently (electric motors)

around the river until we approached a very low

bridge, panic ensued as we all tried to lie on the floor

or other peoples laps as we just scraped through.

Three nights later after more food, nibbles and

drinks, we moved on to Montreuil-Bellay weather now

warming up we pitched on the site by the river. One

member when reversing his 4x4 onto his pitch failed

to remember where he had put his BBQ he soon did,

it was now under his rear wheels he nonchalantly

drove off it, straightened some of the legs and it was

as good as new. Douglas had a birthday on one

evening, so our intrepid Rally Marshals laid on a fish

extravaganza with barbequed salmon, oysters on

crushed ice and a selection

of shell fish, the bubbly

was supplied by the

birthday boy. During the 4

days squadrons of

mosquito’s (the insect

variety) began intensifying

their attacks on the

exposed areas of ICFR

members.

We all made it to

C h a t e l a i l l o n - P l a g e .

Weather now into the

high 20’s to 30’s. We

arrived on Michael’s birthday it was also Don and

Paula’s 48th Anniversary during our stay, so much

bubbly was consumed. We had a visit to the local

oyster farm booked and were told by our slightly

inebriated leader that the visit was booked for 9

am!!! Next morning all bleary eyed from a night of

food, nibbles and drinks at 9am precisely a rather

embarrassed leader explained that it was actually

booked for 10 am. The managers of the site

invited us to the bar for drinks, President Don

presented the site with an ICFR banner.


Carole’s first oyster

Photo by Roger Restell



The highlight of the rally was the Egyptian carnival

culminating in a fantastic firework display.

Our last site was at

Sonzay. Here we had a

touch of rain but

undeterred we still set

a b o u t e n j o y i n g

ourselves. During our

stay, it was John

H a c k n e y ’ s 7 5 t h

birthday, more food,

nibbles and drink, The

only minus was a local

cockerel that decided

to let the entire site

know he was there

from 4.30 in the

morning! After 5 sites, 4 personal celebrations we

all said our goodbyes and headed home. A superb

rally and our thanks went to Michael and Meryl for

their efforts.

Roger Restell

Sunday 24 June - Saturday 30 June

Middle England Golf

Listening to the weather forecasts these last couple of

weeks since our return from the 3rd Middle England Golf

Rally it would appear that we were really lucky with the

weather ! It was the first golf rally for Bob and I and we

arrived at Somers Wood Caravan park on a fine and dry

Sunday (better the day, better the weather?) and

travelled home on the following Saturday in sunshine.

Why harping on about the weather? well golfers hoped

for and got 3 days of dry golf! The Rally site is situated

smack bang next to Stonebridge Golf course which has

three tricky 9-hole courses which equated to three l8

hole Competitions, each over a different "course concept"

so familiarity could not play too important a part.

Gordon and Ann Horsfield of the Weston super Mare

Rotary Club had obviously spent the winter months

working hard to arrange Team competitions and various

game-plans to really challenge the Golfers who were

organised into differing teams for each mornings golf.

The four non-playing wives enjoyed coffee mornings,

strolls to Meriden (the Centre of England) and lunch with

the teams in the Club House. We were entertained by

the Yardley & Sheldon Rotary Club on the Tuesday

evening and returned to the clubhouse on the final night

for the prize giving. The ICFR Golf Rally Trophy went to

Bruce Liddle (Beeston Rotary Club), runners up were

Gordon Liddle (Monifie Rotary Club) and Gordon

Horsfield (WSM), other competitions were “The Caravan

Waltz”, “The Yellow Peril” and "6.6.6." Bob and I

(Chepstow District Rotary Club) can truly say that this

was a great themed rally and we echo Gordon and Ann's

plea "Rotarian Golfers sign up for next year the 4th Golf

Rally - you will have loads of fun and challenging golf;"

we enjoyed B.B.Q's outdoors shared suppers, yes, the

evenings were balmy, sunny and DRY.

Each evening we had a "needle" Boules Competition; my

partner Gordon L. and I held pole position right up to the

wire and were pipped almost at the last couple of throws

from our opponents! Great fun. By the time we packed

up and headed for home Bob and I felt we had made

some good ICFR friends and hope to meet them again.

Pauline E Civil

Friday 29 June – Wednesday 4 July

Cirencester, Chedworth

After a warm welcome and a hot drink from our Rally

Marshals, Steven and Tricia and their Assistants Gill

and Derek and Mike and Nan, we looked forward to

our fish and chip supper in the Chedworth Farm Café

and meeting our fellow ralliers.

A lovely choice of local activities on Saturday, the

Cirencester Show, Cirencester town, a Cotswold tour

or various National Trust properties in the vicinity.

The sturdy scout tent provided a welcome meeting

place for happy hour drinks and a barbecue.

Nobody would deny there was a considerable amount

of weather leading to some fetching examples of

rather daring Wellington boots to brighten the day.

Wet dog smell permeated our caravan but you soon

become immune.

On Sunday, lo and behold the sun shone in time for a

lovely cream tea and we were able to share some

fellowship outside.

Our heroic marshals prepared the most enormous and

delicious bacon butties, ignoring the rain as they sizzled

the bacon. The planned Monday walk and pub lunch

however had to be rethought. The Swindon Outlet


John Wolfendon cutting the cake but Ann’s in charge!!

Photo by Don Howard

Treasure at the end of the rainbow Photo by Jackie Sharman

Photo by Gordon Horsfield



Centre did rather well that day as did the famous

Steam Museum. Another happy hour and by this time

the scout tent felt positively cosy and good humour

abounded.

The ladies excelled themselves providing the

American Supper for Tuesday evening, wonderfully

organised by Tricia

Gill tested our wits with a quiz and in this John

Warrack displayed his true colours by coming up with

some very interesting suggestions for the codes

round. In the code round you had to guess what the

phrase was when only given a starting letter for each

word. The ingenuity and creativity displayed by John

when obviously none of us had a clue to the answer

was awesome, to use the latest youth phrase. He

made us laugh

In spite of the unrelenting rain, uniting us in

adversity, it was a weekend of fellowship and

laughing and many thanks are due to the marshals

who worked so very hard for us all.

Paul Sharman

Tuesday 3 July – Monday 9 July

Llangollen International Festival Meet

A warm welcome awaited us when we arrived at the

small delightful commercial site, Rosedale Park at

Penley, situated just a few yards over the border into

Wales. It had full facilities and was well maintained. It

also had an information room which was available for

evening get-togethers and morning coffee. This was

used to socialise with friends old and new!

This site is well located for exploring the castles along

the border with England and the picturesque counties of

Shropshire and Denbighshire. We spent time looking at

the Vale of Clwyd and the Clwydian Hills, an area of

Wales with which we weren’t familiar. Also nearer to

the site was the Llangollen Canal and the impressive

Pontcysylite Aqueduct.

The Meet was timed to coincide with the Llangollen

Eisteddfod where different competitions and concerts

were happening every day. The Concerts included

performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and

celebrity singers Lesley Garrett, Alfie Boe and soloists

violinist Nicola Benedetti and trumpeter Alison Balsom.

These are all talented musicians and were very well

received in the packed Hall.

Choir competitions for various types of adult choirs

from all over the World are held throughout the

Festival days with the winners in each group

competing on the final evening for the Pavarotti

Trophy and the title of ‘Choir of the World’. This year

the award went to a German male voice choir.

Childrens’ choirs were especially enthusiastic and

enjoyable to hear. Alongside the choir competitions

there were also competitions for solo singers,

instrumentalists and folk Groups.

Apart from competitions and concerts in the

impressive main Hall there was plenty of other

musical interest being performed on various stages in

the extensive Eisteddfod ground. Welsh arts and

crafts were also displayed in the various booths and

marquees on site.

The weather was very mixed so this often coloured

the choice each day as to whether to go sightseeing

or mixing with the crowds at the Festival.

On the final evening together we enjoyed an excellent

meal at the Hanmer Arms Hotel which gave us the

opportunity to pay tribute and give thanks to our

Rally Marshals, Geoff and Enid Travis. Their rallies

have always been organised to a very high standard

and this was no exception.

Alan & Gillian Robinson

Sunday 8 July - Friday 13 July

Rother Valley, E Sussex

My first ever stay in a caravan and I accompanied

Norman, to the Rother Valley Rally in the delightful

area of East Sussex. Five glorious days of relaxing

and enjoying the company of experienced Ralliers

who offered me tips and advice on my new

adventure, first impressions were what a welcome

and this is what friendship is all about.

Typical scenery surrounds us which is well known in

this area, fantastic undulating fields and rich emerald

grass and foliage. We pitched our caravan near a line

of trees and we were rewarded with the best bird

song I have heard for a long time, this is just what I


Life is good—with 5 litres of wine!! Photo by Jackie Sharman



expected living temporarily in the countryside—just

wonderful.

The field in question was indeed quite wet to say the

least, and some parts were waterlogged due to the

heavy rain of late, but no problem with our caravan, and

in no time at all an early supper was provided in the

Rally tent and after a welcome speech by David Cooper

our Rally Marshal, we enjoyed a relaxing evening.

Day one, coffee in the Rally tent, and the day’s plans

announced. lunch had been booked in a pub, in

Dungeness, the most ambitious members could

attempt to climb the famous lighthouse, this I declined,

but I am sure for those who succeeded the view must

have been stunning.

Day two, A trip on the Tenterden Bodium Railway, which

indeed was very interesting, bringing back memories for

all. The evening meal was in a local Pub and all agreed

we were well looked after.

Day three, free day to explore this beautiful area.

Day four, another free day as the weather was so

changeable, we chose to take a short drive to the ancient

town of Rye, well known for its cobbled streets and

picture postcard houses, used by film and TV producers.

Our last evening was to the Tenterden Rotary Club, not

only did we enjoy an excellent meal, but entertainment

was provided by some Chernobyl children on holiday in

the area, and what a wonderful sight they were in their

traditional costumes and smiling faces.

This year July has been a disaster weather-wise, on our

five days in our caravan we experienced all types of

weather, rain so heavy the awnings filled with water,

hailstones so big they covered the field surface plus

thunder and lightning, but in between all the drama we

did enjoy sunshine and superb sunsets. Oh yes, it also

took us an hour to move the caravan and leave the site

as the wheels were thick with mud.

My very first Caravan Rally, will I do it again? Yes.

Indeed we are booked for September.

First time rallier and correspondent

Barbara

Friday 27 July - Friday 3 August

Family Rally

It all began in sunshine, thirty vans and tents being

directed to their pitches by the marshals, everything was

going smoothly. That evening we all enjoyed the “west

country welcome”; tables full with any cheese, salad and

drink you could want!

Saturday morning some of the children delivered milk

and papers, we had coffee in the marquee at about

10:30 served by the ladies. Peter Skerret organised a

swimming competition for the children, followed by

rounders, organised by Richard and Dot Swainston. That

same evening we all got together and had a barbeque,

followed by Puddings made by the ladies, which finished

off our 2nd day.

Sunday morning and again some of the children

delivered milk and papers! “A few good men” offered to

cook bacon baps whilst the ladies made tea and coffee.

“Olympic sports”; the fantastic sports day, was once

again organised by Jill and Derick Rodgers.

Afterwards we all enjoyed cream teas and the scones

were once again lovingly baked by Judy’s mum, who has

made them for us for the past 15 years in addition to

Caroline Marrow who cooked her delicious cakes and

prizes were given out to the children.

The following morning we all went to Burnham on sea

for the famous sandcastle competition, afterwards all the

children were given ice cream. In the evening a few of

us went to Yatton Rotary club, a very enjoyable evening,

with bingo in the Marque for all that were remaining on

site.

(Continued on page 28)

President Don presenting David and Ann Cooper with their First time

Rally Marshal plaque Photo by Paula Howard

Tenterden Bodium Railway Photo by John Lomax

Why should the children have all the fun Photo by Tom Green




I C F R A Rotary Fellowship recognised by Rotary International

Founded in 1967 by Robert Sutcliffe

All members are invited to attend the

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

at Chester Racecourse, on Saturday 18th May 2013 at 10.30 am Within this leaflet are:

1. The agenda for the AGM at Chester (The conduct of the AGM shall be in accordance with Rule 4 of the ICFR Rules and Regulations)

2. A summary of the Minutes from the previous AGM of ICFR at Newark

NB Postal Voting is available to Full and Life Members for any changes to the Constitution and for the election of Officers and Executive should this be necessary. If Postal Voting becomes necessary your District Secretary will advise.

AGENDA

1. In Memoriam

2. Apologies for absence

3. Report from the Rally Marshal

4. Approval of Minutes from previous AGM

5. Matters arising from Minutes of previous AGM

6. Notice of any other business

7. Appointment of tellers and Election of Officers (Trustees) and Executive Members

(If no election, announcement of Officers and Executive for 2014)

8. Reports from: - a) The President b) The Vice President c) The Secretary including i) Reports from the preceding Executive Meeting

ii) Constitutional Amendments - if any and

appropriate voting iii) Advise meeting of any changes to the Rules iv) Reports from District Committees, if appropriate

v) ACCEO, if appropriate vi) Any other pertinent notes and general report d) The Treasurer, including i) 2012 Accounts for approval and acceptance

ii) Recommended subscription for 2014

iii) Ask Meeting to recommend and approve auditor for 2014

e) The Membership Secretary f) The Editor g) The International Liaison Officer h) The Programme Secretary, including:-

i) Future programme ii) RI, RIBI, ICFR AGM and Fellowship meetings j) The Equipment & Sales

9. Announcement of Officers and Executive elected for

2014 (if there has been an election)

10. Any other business as notified earlier

11. Vote of thanks by the Immediate Past President

12. Date, time and place of next AGM and Fellowship Meeting

PRESENT: President Don Howard and about 156 members.

IN MEMORIAM: Members remembered the 10 members known to have passed away since the last Autumn Fellowship.

APOLOGIES: Were received from 16 members.

RALLY MARSHAL: Barbara Roberts reported that 76 units vans with 146 people were booked in. One couple was rallying for the first time.

MINUTES of the 2011 AGM: Were approved and signed.

MATTERS ARISING: None.

NOTICE OF ANY OTHER BUSINESS: None.

ELECTIONS: Officers: The following all having been properly nominated were declared to be elected for the year 2013. President Peter Skerratt, Vice President Gerard Turley, Secretary Derrick Sanders, Treasurer David Cooper, Programme Secretary Tim Hadrill, Membership Secretary Gwyn Weallans, International Liaison Officer John Lomax, Editor Gerard Turley. The Immediate Past President will be Don Howard,

Trustees: The following nominated Trustees were also declared for 2013 under Constitution 7(c)(i) President Peter Skerratt, Secretary Derrick Sanders, Treasurer David Cooper and Programme Secretary Tim Hadrill

Executive Committee: John Allen, Peter Jennings, Keven Roberts, Ted Walmsley, Philip Cary, John Hackney, Brian Key,

Maureen Morrison (Sales and Equipment) David Shaw (IT Secretary)

REPORTS FROM THE OFFICERS

President: President Don Howard gave a warm welcome to everyone, especially to our first time ralliers. He detailed rallies visited and being visited this year, meaning that he and Paula will spend over 100 nights with ICFR. He thanked all Rally Marshals for their work and commitment. What they did kept true fellowship and friendship at the forefront of our organization. He and Paula had visited several District Meetings and referred to some difficulties with membership that some are experiencing.

He and Vice President Peter were finding difficulty in confirming sites for some future AGM & Autumn Fellowship Rallies and hoped that members would help by recommending some locations.

He and Paula have endeavored to send theirs and ICFR’s condolences to the families when receiving “sad news”.

He thanked all the Officers and Executive for their continued hard work behind the scenes, especially to those who had produced the new ICFR flier. He and Paula looked forward to meeting up with many members during the year, the 45th of the Fellowship.

Vice-President: VP Peter Skerratt introduced the new ICFR flier that Gerad Turley, David Shaw and he had produced and asked that members take them and distribute them as widely as possible.

He then referred to RI’s “The Advancer” which is a biennial RI e-

mail attachment, circulated worldwide to all fellowships and other areas of Rotary to promote and encourage fellowships. It describes their current activity and he, as VP, submits material for ICFR.

Extract of the Minutes of the AGM at Newark on Saturday 19th May 2012



He spoke of the current difficulty in identifying locations for the AGM & Autumn Fellowship meetings, whilst the 2013 AGM will be at Chester Racecourse the other main meeting venues for 2013 and 2014 had yet to be established. Whilst some suggestions were being considered he hoped that members would make recommendations for sites that may be used in the future.

Secretary: Derrick Sanders had taken office on 1st January 2012 and thanked his predecessor Terry Cooke, for handing over all matters in good order. All necessary administrative changes with external bodies had been made.

i) Nominations for Officers for 2014-2016 Nominations are required by 31 October for Treasurer, Programme Secretary, Editor and ILO. The nominations would be in the winter edition of ‘N & V’ for appointment at the 2013 AGM to start on 1.1.2014.

ii) Constitutional Amendments. None

iii) Rule & Code of Conduct changes: Rule 8 (d) will be changed by deleting “...there shall be six (6) to nine (9) Committee Members…” and inserting “... there shall be up to six (6) Committee Members…” This will bring the rules into line with what already happens on district committees.

Iii) Items from Executive Meeting of 18 May 2012 He announced that it was agreed:- 1) Regarding the distribution of ‘News & Views’- “The prime means of distribution will be electronically with members having the right to have a paper version. A paper version will be produced for publicity purposes.” 2) Regarding ‘News & Views’ on our website – “News & Views will not be hidden but open to website visitors” 3) Regarding ICFR’s website – “Where current access to a booking form is by password, the booking form will no longer be required to be hidden by a password and the protected area will be left as ‘a members only’ page for future use.”

Membership Secretary: Gwyn Weallans reported that membership is now 1,165 which is 53 more than reported at the AGM last year, and a net increase of 11 members since the Fellowship Rally at Bridport. We’ve had 28 new members this year and hopefully the new ICFR leaflet will attract even more.

I am trying to send out a monthly membership update. If you miss any please let me know, sometimes messages do get returned. It would help if people/districts would tell me of any changes in circumstances, especially e-mail and home addresses, as it would appear that every time I send an update, some come bouncing back due to changes in e-mail addresses.

Treasurer: David Cooper presented his report as follows:

1. Surplus for the fifth year in succession showing a slight increase to £523, as verified by the Auditor. I do not expect this to continue, due to the large postage increase from May 2012.

2. The accounts had been issued to all members present prior to the meeting. David then went through the details of the Income, Expenditure and Balance Sheet. There were no questions on the accounts.

He thanked Mike Segon for his assistance. He is also willing to act as Auditor, for a further year.

Thanks were also offered to District Treasurers and Rally Marshals for sending their returns in.

Finally, he recommend that the 2013 subscription remains unchanged at £10.00

The accounts were approved by the meeting.

Mike Segon was approved as auditor for 2013 by the meeting.

Editor: Gerard Turley reported that since the Autumn Fellowship, the Winter 2011 News and View has been produced and the Summer 2012 N & V is available here. Together with Peter Skerratt and David Shaw, he had been involved in the production of an updated ICFR leaflet.

The large increase in postage of N & V has led to a review of its distribution. Details were given of how members would have the opportunity to receive N & V either electronically or by post. Those who required a hard copy would continue to receive it. This had been approved by the Executive Committee.

With member’s personal information now eliminated from our

website, the Executive Committee has approved the inclusion of News and Views on the ICFR website. It will not be hidden behind a password.

International Liaison Officer: John Lomax reported that on behalf of President Don, and ICFR, congratulations have been sent to the incoming Presidents of ICFR New Zealand and the Recreational Vehicle Fellowship of Rotarians (Australia) Inc.

Information has been provided to some members looking to visit New Zealand and Australia. It is a pleasure to be able to help those preparing such a visit as this often leads to them spending some very enjoyable time with members over there.

The New Zealand & Australian newsletters are available via our website. They are always worth viewing.

Thanks to Theo Sakkers, he had recently heard from the Netherlands ILO. Information from the Netherlands had slowed down recently so it was good to be back in touch.

It was very sad to hear of the sudden and tragic death of Dave Ferguson, the last member of ICFR (SA)

It remains to be seen whether ICFR can be re-established there, let’s hope so as we have previously enjoyed the benefit of David’s knowledge in arrangements for the recent successful tour of the country.

Programme Secretary: Tim Hadrill reported that now is the quiet time of the year for the Programme Secretary. The busy people are the Rally Marshals and their Assistants. Continuing thanks to you all. To those who may be considering taking on this enjoyable task in 2013 I would say “please have a go” – you will certainly find it rewarding and far less daunting than you think. There are many members who are only too willing to give advice. As yet it is very early days. I have received one offer to run a ICFR rally in 2013. This is the ever popular Aldeburgh Rally in April.

Several members stood to advertise their 2012 rallies.

The Secretary then spoke about members interested in the RI Convention in Lisbon in June 2013. Interest remained low and his proposal that ICFR should not organize a rally had been agreed by the Executive Committee. Those currently having expressed interest will be circulated to that effect and invited to liaise between themselves to try and make some arrangements to travel together and still enjoy fellowship en route and at the

convention.

Equipment & Sales Report: Maureen Morrison reported that she had a range of goods to sell at the stall in the room. The new item this year was an ICFR tea towel for £2.50. A further order of ties had been received but these were now £15. Many items were held in stock and available at the meeting or by contacting her.

Announcements of Ballot results for elections of Officers and Executive Members. Not applicable as no elections were necessary.

Any other Business as previously determined None

Vote of thanks, IPP John Warrack said firstly, he must congratulate President Don and all the officers for their continuing hard work and commitment to make sure our fellowship remains strong, full of fellowship and very enjoyable. Like President Don my thanks go especially to all the Rally Marshals, their assistants and those that help in many ways to make each and every rally a success.

We have returned to Newark for the third time. It is becoming increasing difficult not only to find a venue for our AGM and Autumn Fellowship rallies but one where the costs are acceptable to us and Newark still fits into that category. As he has already said, I’m sure Vice President Peter would welcome any reasonable suggestion for a suitable location for one of our major rallies.

The meeting then showed its appreciation of the work done by the Officers and members of the Executive Committee.

DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF THE NEXT AGM

Saturday 18th May 2013 at 10.30 am

at Chester Racecourse



The AGM rally will be sited on Chester

Racecourse which is recognised as the

prettiest course in the country and dates

back to 1539.

The rally is only a few minutes walk away

from the fascinating city of Chester. The

city of Chester dates back to Roman

times and is unique in many ways, whether you’re a shopper or

historian you will not be disappointed with this interesting city.

Full facilities are available on site with 6amp electricity for

everyone.

Sunday morning will be a “Songs of Praise” so if you have a

favourite hymn and are willing to tell us why it’s your favourite

we will try and include it in the programme.

The picture below is of the County Long Room where we will be

entertained for Thursday, Saturday and Monday evenings.



The next day 10 lucky “volunteers” had an immense trip

to Bailey caravan

factory in Bristol after

a hat draw the

previous evening.

Cycling proficiency

was undertaken by a

few children on the

t e n n i s c o u r t s

prepared by Brian

Gravener. Art and

crafts in the marquee

for everyone else.

That evening we all enjoyed “The Great Chip Supper”

which had been highly anticipated by all, soon after

horse racing by Allan and Ann first timers from

Weymouth.

Thursday it was constantly raining on and off, despite

that fact a few of us got

our awnings down in

the dry, and the

children still had fun

playing! The final night;

“The Grand Pig Roast”

which was also highly

anticipated, followed by

prize giving for the children, parents and grandparents

for their help and enthusiasm throughout the week.

Thank you and well done to Judy and Clive for another

astounding rally! Vans, Tents, grandparents, Mums,

Dads and children are already looking forward to next

year!

Peter Jennings, and Luke Jennings (Grandson)

Wednesday 15 August - Tuesday 21 August

Frome, Free and Easy

This should have been called “The Limerick Rally”

Phil’s daily Olympic theme limericks inspired Bill

Leslie to pen this:

On a Rotary Rally we came,

Met Philip, Ros, David and Jane,

In spite of the Weather,

We all got together,

For Pies and Baked Beans and great games!

It was very wet and windy on arrival, but improved

greatly. A coach accident near Bath caused chaos

en route.

Philip & Ros Cary and David & Jane Mack prepared

an immaculate site to welcome us. All functions in

the party tent for 50 people, Welcome Party,

American Supper, Pie and Bean Feast, BBQ, and

Final Night Dinner provided by Joanna Popjoy with

really posh nosh. All beautifully prepared and

served by Ros and Jane, and helpers. On Friday we

visited Tellesford Mill Hydro-Electric Plant with

owners Rachel Feilden and Anthony Battersby who

converted a Saxon Water Mill to a superb eco-tech

generator capable of producing 60 kWh (max.)

enough for over 100 homes. They also have a heat

pump coil below the river bed producing 8kW of

heat from an input of 2kW enough to comfortably

warm the building. We had an excellent lunch at

“The Mill at Rode”.

For our amusement we had two Quizzes, a Boules

Tournament, a walk to Heaven’s Gate and

Longleat, and the House and Gardens at

Stourhead. A mass exodus of Racing Pigeons, a

helicopter searching the area at midnight, and an

invasion of C.C. members to erect a huge marquee

for over 600 campers on the following weekend.

A great rally many thanks to our hosts.

Arthur Marrow

Friday 17 August - Wednesday 22 August

Ashbourne

The Ashbourne rally held at Tan Mill Farm is one of

the oldest in the ICFR calendar. A quiet rural

location, yet by use of the old railway tunnel, only

a ten minute walk from the bustling town centre.

The rally attracted 28 units including ICFR President

Don Howard and Paula . We welcomed first time

ralliers Peter & Angela Pimperton from Retford.

The rally began on Friday evening with a Steak &

Kidney Pie supper and dessert followed by live

entertainment provided by Alex Swailes and Colin

Bradford.

(Continued from page 21)

The Party Tent Photo by Theo Sakkers


Talia, Sophia, & Grace

Photo by Tom Green



On Saturday many attended the Ashbourne show

where the main attraction was the display by the JCB

dancing diggers (Excavators not Australians!). In the

evening there was a massed lighting of barbeques so

that we could all eat together. Alex and Colin were

kind enough to provide some more live entertainment.

On Sunday morning many of the ralliers took the

opportunity to go on a guided walking tour of

Ashbourne with local guides .

On Monday Rally Marshal David Huxley organized a

leisurely five mile walk with a refreshment opportunity

at a local hostelry. Some 22 walkers took part in what

turned out to be warm sunshine. In the evening there

was an American Supper and we were joined by the

owners of Tan Mill Farm who as usual made ICFR so

very welcome.

Tuesday was a free day until the evening when we had

a last night get together with cheese and wine. There

was a quiz followed by sing along entertainment led by

regulars David and Wendy Richardson and first time

ralliers Peter and Angela.

Wednesday was the time for farewells .The Ashbourne

rally had again lived up to its reputation as a

wonderfully organized yet laid back event. Well done

David

Martyn Griffiths

Thursday 30 August – Wednesday 10 September

Alsace and more

Weeks before the rally, the anticipation began with

a professional looking rally pack from Terry and

Sylvia containing maps, pictures and descriptions.

When the rally started a sociable first evening

hospitality (the first of many) meeting old friends

and new, and new ralliers Janet and John Rogers,

was followed by various get-togethers not

forgetting "silence après les dix heures". During

the various hospitalities we had celebrations for

birthdays including Karen Holman, and an

Anniversary for Ken and Janice Lee.

Next day a ride on our own “Petite Train” was an

excellent way to view the very pretty town of

Ribeauvillė with stunning sights everywhere. That

evening was the first wine tasting, well it is ICFR.

Then a chance to see

the local villages of the

Wine Route.

For the "Pfifferdai" or

M i n s t r e l ' s D a y .

Ribeauville becomes a

street procession. This

year’s theme was King

Arthur. With 18 floats and 12 bands in a three hour

extravaganza. A really memorable day. Later

David and Maureen proved that you can get 10 in

a caravan for impromptu hospitality!!! (matched

by Alan and Jan a few days later)

Next day an organised coach trip to Chateau du

Haut-Koenigsbourg; sympathetically restored to its

17c state this commanding fortification was a

marvel of roofs and views, enlivened by our nearly

word prefect guide. The street party organised by

Eric and Mo brought another superb day to a close

by 'les dix heures' of course.

Then we moved on to Haguenau, and an organised

visit to Fort Schoenenbourg the most heavily

bombarded structure on the Maginot Line. Going

down 30 meters we walked the 2.8km of tunnels

and fortifications, and learnt about the 3 weeks

that the Fort stood everything the Germans could

throw at it (3,000 bombs and shells) until the

defenders were instructed to hand it over to the

Germans on the surrender of France.

Next move to the Rhine. The last part of the

journey was through vineyards high above the

Rhine on a single track road. Beautiful views if you

could take your eyes from the track. The site itself

is very terraced with some good views of the

Rhine. The meal that evening was produced by the

campsite restaurant who gave us wild boar.

Next day groups, on advice from Jack and Edna,

went to Assmannshausen and took a chair lift to

the top and walked 2.5km for a gondola ride down

to Rüdesheim where after a fine lunch we caught




the ferry down the Rhine back to Assmannshausen.

We returned to the site for a further wine tasting

presented with humour by the owner of the

campsite. Some 5 wines later, and much more than

a taste we appreciated the local wines.

Mo unfortunately broke a bone in her foot which

gave a number of members the chance to prove

what true fellowship is all about (including Karen’s

special nursing skills).

The next evening we saw the Rhine in Flames -

well actually a boat ride, excellent meal and an

outstanding fireworks display.

Next day a large number of us ended up at the

Oberwesel Wine Festival. Another excellent day

out. Rather more low key than the previous Wine

Festival but very appealing for all that.

Another move, this time a beautiful route down the

Rhine and up the Mosel then across country and

motorway to Luxembourg for more sightseeing.

The farewell dinner arranged in the local sports

club was an excellent finish to a wonderful rally.

Even the weather was very kind to us. A fantastic

and very memorable rally, many thanks Terry and

Sylvia, and Alan and Jan.

Gerard Turley

Wednesday 5 September - Monday 10 September

Heart of Wiltshire

ICFR Members, who thought that Devizes, didn’t have

much to offer, missed a great treat. Alan and Nita

Martin with Derek and Gill Rogers, provided for us,

such a varied and interesting programme, in an area

blessed with places of interest, and good food.

A warm welcome, in glorious sunshine, to a superb

site, situated at the base of the remarkable Caen Hill

flight of 24 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Next day, a visit to Devizes Market, surely one of the

best around, a wander through the historic town,

followed by us all meeting for lunch at The Crown.

Alan and Nita had arranged a visit to the local

Wadworths Brewery, a mixture of traditional and

modern brewing technology, which included sampling

many of their range of ales! The highlight was firstly,

to visit the Artists’ Studio, where traditional pub signs

are produced; one of only a few breweries who still

produce them; superb skill. We then went to visit the

stables, home to the dray horses, that Wadworth still

use to deliver to their pubs in the town; what

magnificent animals they are!

A night off for the cooks - we were provided with

bread and local cheeses in the marquee.

On Friday, eight of our members were brave enough to

take advantage of a self-drive trip on the canal, which

was much enjoyed - apparently the only hitch, was to

find that “road rage”, also can happen on a quiet canal

- but all ended well.

On Saturday, we were all invited to join a trip along

the canal on a long Boat, together with a most

interesting talk by one of the canal volunteers, about

its history and construction, followed by a fish and chip

supper.

On our return to site, we found Alan and

Nita had remembered that it was “The

Last Night of the Proms”- a large screen

TV, Flags and bunting, and a bust

claimed to be that of Sir Henry Wood,

adorned the marquee!! As we settled to

enjoy the wonderful performance, Gill

and Derek provided flags, balloons and

party poppers- we really entered into

the spirit of the occasion!

Sunday came with more glorious sunshine, lunch

arranged at a local pub on the canal was much

enjoyed, and back to get awnings down in the dry.

Our thanks to Alan and Nita, Derek and Gill, for

arranging such a super rally, and for taking time to

arrange all the small detail bits, that went to make this

Rally “ the best ever”.

Can we do it again please??

Mike and Nan Shillitoe.

Thursday 6 September – Tuesday 11 September

Ludlow Food and Drink Festival

As we looked forward to another Ludlow Rally on

the Rugby Ground, with less than a month to go,

due to unforeseen circumstances we were

informed that there had been a change in the

location to the Ludlow Racecourse.

Wow! What a location – A warm welcome by the

Rally Marshals and a ring side pitch opposite the

main grandstand and adjacent to the first fairway

of the Ludlow Golf Club accommodated the 19

runners for the “Festival Rally Stakes.” Once again

the Food Festival and the Sausage Trail with all

bets being placed on the Top Favourite President

Don, proved to be a big draw. Also the nearby Park

and Ride provided easy access into the town. On




the Friday morning several members gathered by

the castle entrance to partake in the guided town

walk.

The racecourse proved a most attractive venue

with full free use of the “Shed” the adjacent

ringside canteen and kitchen which was handy for

the Welcome get-together, a fish and chip supper,

morning coffees and an American supper on the

last night. We also enjoyed horse racing in the

Shed until the jockeys were re-positioned facing

backwards – all great fun and many thanks to

Bookie Doreen and her runners.

Over the weekend a large Antique Fair was held on

the Racecourse which was a nearby attraction and

members were spotted buying all sorts of bits and

bobs. Towards the end of the Rally we were told

to expect over 700 cyclists on the Brain Tumour

UK 1000 mile Charity Bike Ride from Land’s End to

John O’ Groats to spend the night next to us in

tents. On the Monday their advance party arrived

to set up the tents and facilities and we were

informed that a bugle call would awaken them at

5.30am on our last morning as they were making

an early start for Haydock Park. Never have so

many cyclists and tents mysteriously appeared and

vanished by the time we were packing up to leave

a most enjoyable rally to go on to Wolverley or

home.

A big thank you to Rally Marshals Derrick and

Sheila Sanders, ably assisted by Paperboy Paul and

Jackie Sharman.

Margaret Warrack

Thursday 6 September – Wednesday 12 September

Coasts and Castles of Northumberland

Once more Anne and Alec Swailes have staged a

memorable rally, assisted this time by

Kathleen and Colin Bradford and plenty of

Northumbrian sunshine.

Our first trip was by boat from Seahouses to the

Farnes. September isn’t the right time for puffins,

but we did see spectacular diving gannets, masses

of seals peering curiously at our boat, and Grace

Darling’s lighthouse.

The tour of Berwick’s Elizabethan town walls was a

real joy on the sunniest day of the rally. Our guide

was excellent, well informed, and proud to tell us

that Berwick upon Tweed has the only complete

walls in the country fully encircling the town. From

the walls we saw the many fine Georgian

townhouses, a unique Puritan-built church from

the civil war years, and the original gunpowder

magazine.

An opportunity to see wild cattle roaming around

Northumberland seemed improbable: how could it

be that cattle have wandered free at Chillingham

for 800 years? Well they have, and though they

mainly lazed around chewing the cud whilst we

were there, somehow it WAS fascinating – the

warden was not only very knowledgeable but also

passionate about his job of tending the cattle.

What a night we had at the Beal restaurant near

Holy Island: the meal was excellent and we were

royally treated to four of surely the best

Northumbrian folk musicians around – and the one

-legged dancing doll was a huge success.

And for the final get-together, Alec and Colin

pulled out all the stops. After a most enjoyable

buffet meal in the camp restaurant we were

greatly privileged to attend the world première of

“The Laidley Worm of Spindlestone Heugh” written

and performed by a cast of ICFR members.

Once more Anne Swailes and her team have

produced another great rally - Rotary fellowship at

its very best.

Anthony Johnson and Pat Seals

Tuesday 11 September - Sunday 16 September

Wolverley, Kidderminster

The Caravan and Camping Club Site, at Wolverley

just outside Kidderminster was the excellent venue

chosen by Alan and Gillian Robinson for this rally.

It is an excellent site with full facilities and there

are lots of walks from the site and we were able to

walk through the gate onto the lock and adjoining

pub. The village even conveniently had their

Carnival to coincide with the rally!!!!!

From the welcome cup of tea and cake on arrival

to the bacon and egg butties on departure Alan

and Gillian certainly looked after us very well. The

weather was good and the friendship wonderful –

what more could we want?

Berwick Walls Tour, Photo by Pat Seals




There was a recreation room on site which we used

several evenings and we went out for a superb

meal to Bodenham Arboretum one evening and on

our final meal we walked to the village pub.

One evening we enjoyed taking part in The Frog

Olympics which certainly caused lots of

amusements – the frogs certainly had minds of

their own and often refused to budge!!!! Paula

presented flowers and President Don presented

bronze medals to Keven and I, silver to Geoff

Fewings and gold to Derrick Sanders - all in true

Olympic style. It was very much a fun evening and

we also celebrated Keven’s birthday.

There is so much to see in the area – National

Trust and English Heritage Properties, Steam

Railway, lovely towns and villages. We did not see

all we wanted to see so I hope Gillian and Alan will

feel able to offer to run this rally again before too

long – hopefully they were not too tired out by all

their efforts.

Barbara Roberts

Saturday 15 September - Thursday 20 September

Christchurch, Forest of Dean, Pre AF

The Rally was held at the Bracelands Caravan Park

set in the beautiful surroundings of the Forest of

Dean. This area offers over 27,000acres of ancient

woodland between the River Severn and the River

Wye. The roads in this area can be ‘difficult’, but with

our Rally Marshals David and Bridget Evans having

paid particular attention to this detail the directions to

this site were really first class.

Prior to the commencement of the Rally the weather

throughout the UK had been dreadful for days on

end. Yet in spite of the promise of more bad weather

to come 16 vans turned out; and we were well

rewarded because the Sun arrived and stayed out!

With such a dramatic improvement in the weather,

everyone was able get out and about to enjoy the

forest and surrounding area.

The walks in the Forest organised by David and

Bridget were a real treat. Some members who had

brought along their bicycles were up and away at the

crack of dawn. It was rumoured that Pete Skerratt

went off all by himself and

got lost. Fortunately he did

find his way back in time to

celebrate his Birthday.

Everyone was in good voice

so we sang ‘Happy

Birthday` much to the

delight of several other non

ICFR caravanners who

happened to be on this site.

Our group visit to ‘All Saints Church` in the small

village of Newland was of great interest. This Church

dates back to the early 1200s it is known locally as

the ‘Cathedral of the Forest`. The first Rector at the

Church was appointed by King John in 1216 AD. Our

Rally Marshals had certainly done their homework;

and were able to lead us on a very informative

conducted tour of the Church.

Hospitality in vans which has become such an

enjoyable feature on most rallies was no exception at

this Rally, and in true ICFR tradition the wine flowed

and many, many stories told.

Such was the fun and fellowship on this Rally our few

days together passed so quickly it was soon time to

leave. We held our farewell dinner at the Speech

House Hotel. This establishment has an excellent

reputation far and wide. We were not disappointed.

It only remains to thank David and Bridget for

organising this Rally. Thanks to their efforts we had a

wonderful rally.

Ken Roberts




Thursday 20 September - Tuesday 25 September

AF 2012 Builth Wells

76 vans converged on the Royal Welsh

Showground at Builth Wells, reached through

beautiful Welsh countryside on narrow bendy

roads. Met and ably directed to pitches by well-

placed stewards, a welcome cuppa and Welsh

cakes were served by ladies in National Dress !

The Welcome Supper served on site in Hafod a

Hendre exceeded expectations: excellent food

served quickly and efficiently and a whole new

concept of jacket potatoes born.

The National Executive meeting over, free time

until evening hospitalities enabled explorations.

Many walked into town and at least 7 couples

lunched at The Lion. The food was good and the

company, inevitably, loud!

Hospitalities provided a good mix of old and new

acquaintances who quickly became new friends.

Relief at arriving at later venues by torchlight

helped relax any initial reservations, and drinks

dispelled the shock of Gerard looming out of the

darkness to check nobody got lost.

The Autumn Fellowship Meeting provided short and

relevant reports and retained attention

throughout , before the eagerly awaited news of

next year's rallies was announced.

Led by the Salvation Army band the

interdenominational service was well attended, and

the following free afternoon gave voices hoarse

from singing stirring hymns a chance to recover.

The Fellowship Dinner that evening on site again

provided superb and plentiful food with such excellent

service that only The Select Few were wondering

whether the star of the entertainment could actually

arrive on time - from New York! He did, and would

have been worth any wait. Peter Karrie a worldwide

musical star was superb. A charismatic performer, he

effortlessly involved the audience. The young girl

vocalist he introduced and performed with had an

amazing voice, and an amazing amount of hair!

Very heavy rain overnight caused the Golf Competition

to be abandoned, but not the bacon sandwiches.

Nor did the weather mar the Welsh Ram Sale (the

largest in the U.K) The roads to, from and through

town were thronged with Landrovers and trailers of

sheep all day. Donning our camping gear of wellies

and raincoats, we merged quite well with the

farmers round the pens; but we couldn't speak

Welsh! There were usually 2 auctioneers per pen,

and lots of pens, and until this point I fear that to

us, a sheep was a sheep. Not so. There were ginger

ones, white ones, spotted ones, brown ones, large

and small ones, with pricked ears and with floppy

ears. There were even Tup Taxis to take sold sheep

to their trailers home. They were still going strong

when we made our way to the Farewell Supper.

By now we were anticipating good food and service,

and weren't disappointed. The entertainment

anticipation was less, after Peter Karrie. However it

was extremely good. Ross Leadbetter was a true

entertainer: he sang, played keyboard and recited

poetry (Dylan Thomas of course). Elizabeth who

appeared with him also sang beautifully and was

very professional. And of course their performances

were enhanced by the technical talents of our own

Roadie and Assistant RM Roger Howells.


Note to ICFR from West-end Star, and AF2012 entertainer Peter Karrie



Well done and thank you for a brilliant rally to

Rally Marshal John Lomax and his helpers who

even managed to have rain on the only day with

on-site entertainment. What a team!

Carole Wright

AF Saturday Coach Trip

On a beautiful sunny afternoon, we boarded a coach

to explore the area, starting with free time at the Elan

Valley Visitor Centre, continuing through spectacular

scenery to the reservoirs, and then, via the mountain

road, through Devil's Bridge to Aberystwyth. On

arrival, we enjoyed a walk on the prom, a snack or

shopped as desired - giving a taster of this famous

university/seaside town. We took a scenic route back

to Builth via the coast road (beautiful run with the sun

going down over the sea). This route took longer

than anticipated and we arrived back in darkness. We

had tried to fit a pint into a half pint pot but ICFR

members are resilient and will have lasting memories

of this beautiful part of Wales.

Mike and Janice Spencer

Tuesday 25 September - Sunday 30 September

Post AF, Return to Dolgellau

It was raining as we arrived at the Caravan Park so

the owner offered to site all our caravans, sparing

us the problems of negotiating very narrow

gateways and levelling up on a sloping field. The

first evening we had a delicious ploughman’s supper

in John and Ann Hackney’s and Peter and Sylvia

Skerrat’s awnings, which they had cleverly put front

-to-front, bridging the gap with a tarpaulin, and a

bucket to catch the rain (emptied frequently!).

Wednesday – after coffee (home made Welsh cakes

– scrumptious!) a free day to take in some of the

breathtaking scenery of Wales. In the evening we

visited Dolgellau Rotary Club whose President is

John Hackney, our rally officer. Good company,

good food and a talk about old buildings in Wales.

Thursday - we visited the Llechwedd Slate Caverns,

complete with hard hats, also the cottage of the

Blind Harpist

who taught Ann

H a c k n e y ’ s

Mother, who was

very famous in

her own right as

a harpist. In the

evening we had

a S a f a r i

Hospitality, meeting old friends and new.

Friday – some of us walked part of the Mawddach

Trail, local history provided by John and Ann,

followed by lunch at a local hotel.

The evening was to be a BBQ but it was rained off so

we all got together and had fish and chips instead.

Saturday – another free day to take in more of the

magnificent Welsh countryside. Peter and Sylvia

took their leave of us early, to be home in time to

celebrate their Golden Wedding!

In the evening we had a farewell dinner at Y Sospan

restaurant, Dolgellau, again good food and good

company. Competition results for Dingbats and

Translation of words English/Welsh-Welsh/English,

some answers were not correct but very amusing.

Sunday – farewell to a great rally in Dolgellau.

Len and Marilyn Boudier

Thursday 4 October – Tuesday 9 October

D1200 Conference Support, Bath

Despite the low numbers and, on occasions the

pouring rain, the rally proved to be an outstanding

success.

Conviviality was the order of the five days in what

turned out to be almost a family atmosphere.

With very little arranged in the way of visits etc,

rally-goers were free to attend the conference and/

or enjoy the many attractions that Bath offers as

well as trips further afield.

As is often the case, the final evening dinner was

enjoyed at a local hostelry.

Ray Jones




Thursday 11 October – Tuesday 16 October

Stonham Barns

This was a new venue for Gwyn & Eileen Weallans

in the heart of scenic Suffolk. 10 units enjoyed a

level closely mown rally field with excellent

facilities which included a village shop, post office

and many other shops minutes walk away.

The fellowship at this rally was extraordinary, with

all 18 ralliers easily seated in Peter & Sylvia

Skerratt’s awning which had a bedroom extension

zipped in, so we even had room to move a little.

The heating and lighting made this so inviting. To

add to all that Eileen and Sylvia and two others

from their district cooked a meal for the first three

nights. The last night being steak selected and

cooked by President Don. “delicious”

On Friday we visited the East Anglian Life Museum,

walked the picturesque countryside on Saturday,

then on Sunday we visited the Park Hotel in Diss

for their district lunch.

We had hospitality on the final night, but for the

authors the whole rally had been five days of

hospitality well worth the many miles we travelled.

Ted & Ann Walmsley.

Friday 12 October - Wednesday 17 October

Ribble Valley

We arrived on a cold wet damp day but that

evening, undeterred, all gathered in the marquee

for a delicious Lancashire Hot Pot with red cabbage

and mushy peas.

Saturday dawned to a heavy frost, cars and vans

were white over. This was a free day-time to

explore--possibilities too many to mention but did

include BYRNES the local wine cellars. Cellars it

was--a thousand whiskies and thousands of bottles

of wine to choose from--easy to spend £600 on a

bottle of wine to grace the table--good trade was

done with ICFR members! The day exploring and

retail therapy was followed by `speed dating`,

`hostilities` or hospitality. whatever,--bedtimes by

and large were late. Oh dear- Sunday-a thick head

or two reported for coffee at 9am for a 10am start

to conquer the Big End of Pendle Hill of witches

fame. Sun shone, views were great, photos taken

and all rosy cheeked we repaired to the local

tavern--then home for snap and naps.

Games night saw elephant races. Jack and Robin,

sad to say, beat Alison and Mary in the final and

made off with the considerable booty. Overheard

at the table—Bill said to Jack "If I applied for a job

as an elephant trainer could you pull a few strings

for me?" So Tom up and says "I think you need to

make a trunk call!"

A visit to the last remaining steam driven cotton

mill-Queens Mill- in Burnley was a day well spent.

After lunch we were told by David to visit the

`cludgy` before our tour and Victorian Schoolroom

session. What a reminder—slates, sums, chanting

tables and SIR after everything. We were caned,

called empty vessels and a Jezebel for wearing nail

varnish. Fun? was had by all. The steam engine

was working and driving the looms and we had an

excellent guide to answer our questions

The rally concluded with a good meal and happy

atmosphere at yet another local pub

Thank you David, Jeanne, Malcolm & Kath for

another good rally

Jezebel Pudding (Jenny Rice)


Her visits to the Gower rallies always seem to move our

very own ICFR poet to verse. Photo by Christine Turley.

Worm’s Head

By Mary Simmons

The rising sun sends shards across the sea.

Lighting up the crests of turbulent waves.

Repeating ranks on ranks of rolling surf

Batter the crescent shore as the tide comes in.

The scene soon hidden by the rolling mist.

The eagle eyed Kestrel hovers motionless.

Its sharp talons ready to quickly strike.

Victims unaware of his deadly presence.

Already Jackdaws are in funereal garb.

Flying like meteors close to the cliff face.

Arrow like Arctic terns plunge into the sea.

The beaks as rapiers stab their silver prize.

As the sun sets colourful ribbons dance

On the surface mirroring the magical sky.

The moon soon bringing ephemeral beauty.

To the brooding blackness of coastal night.



Karen Holman, at D1250 Conference helping recruit more members. She really did suffer in that suit as it was so hot and she could hardly breathe.

Eric and Mo

Physical Exertion During his physical examination, a doctor asked a

man about his physical activity level. He described

a typical day this way:

"Well, yesterday afternoon, I took a five hour walk

about 7km through some pretty rough terrain. I

waded along the edge of a lake. I pushed my way

through brambles. I got sand in my shoes and my

eyes. I avoided standing on a snake. I climbed

several rocky hills. I took a few 'leaks' behind

some big trees. The mental stress of it all left me

shattered. At the end of it all I drank eight beers"

Inspired by the story, the doctor said, "You must

be one hell of an outdoors man!"

"No," he replied, "I'm just a bad golfer".

Today is the oldest you've ever been, yet the youngest

you'll ever be, so enjoy this day while it lasts.

Observations on Growing Older

~Your kids are becoming you...and you don't like them...but your grandchildren are perfect!

~Going out is good..- Coming home is better! ~When people say you look "Great"... they add "for

your age!" ~You forget names.... but it's OK because other

people forgot they even know you!!! ~You realize you're never going to be really good at

anything.... especially golf. ~Your spouse is counting on you to remember things

you don't remember. ~Your spouse sleeps better on a lounge chair with the

TV blaring than he or she does in bed. It's called their "pre-sleep".

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..

~When GOOGLE, ipod, email, modem.... were unheard of, and a mouse was something that made you climb on a table

~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... ???

Quicker French Motorway Tolls

Members may be interested that I have an electronic tag. In fact I have two, one for the

Dartford crossing where you put credit on the device in advance of using it, but I also have one for the French Tolls from a UK branch

(Sanef Tolling UK) where you pay at the end

of the month by direct debit.

If you join using https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/subscription?ref=RF-20111023-58EC37

you will get €5 credit and I can gain an introduction fee as well. I would never have

thought about asking others to join, but at our District Autumn Lunch everyone around the table (including Vice President Peter) had

suffered in the past with wives or partners not being able to reach the toll booth with a

caravan behind, or a motor home being too

high.

If anyone would like to see what is involved then just go to

https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/

Hope this Helps

Ivan Palmer

Extracted from the Sanef Tolling UK website

What does it cost?

6€ annual account management fee (+TVA)

5€ per month that the tag is used maximum

of 10€ in any subscription year (+TVA)

Transferable – can be used in any car

Pay in £ via direct debit + 2%

i.e. if you only make one trip it would be 11€ for the year or if you did not use it at all it

would be 6€ for the year to keep your tag

+ Tolls (no discount on the tolls)

Setup costs

20€ refundable security deposit (no TVA)

10€ application fee (+TVA)

Summary: the tolls are the same cost that you would pay at the barrier. This new service

simply allows you to use the automated lanes saving you time and reducing the hassle of

manually paying tolls in euros.

All fees and tolls will be collected by direct

debit in £GBP.

NB only applies to Cars, Car+Caravan and

Light Motorhomes. Motorhomes above 3.5

tons or over 10M cannot use the system

Member to Member



Written by for Ilfracombe RC Magazine. Why not use it as a basis

of an article for your club or district; I am sure they will not mind.

International Caravanning Fellowship of Rotarians A Rotary recreational fellowship founded by Robert Sutcliffe in 1967

To be a ‘traveller’ you need a caravan or motor home. To get

fellowship and the company of other Rotarians whilst caravanning

you need to belong to ICFR. Marilyn and I have been

caravanning since 1974 and have enjoyed many family holidays

not only in the UK but also in France. When we retired in 2008

we set out to use our caravan as often as possible. When a long

time friend and fellow Rotarian said he had put our names

forward to go on a Rotary caravan rally in France in the Summer

of 2010 we had no option but to join ICFR. We have not looked

back, this year will be our third French rally and by the end of the

year we will have been to over 15 rallies, most lasting just 5

days. The venues for the rallies are many and varied and give

the opportunity to visit local attractions and towns and cities

nearby. We have visited places like St. Emillion, for the wine,

Banham, for the Zoo, Usk, for the nature reserve and Camborne,

for the Cream and Pasties! Whilst attending the rallies an

informal programme is proposed by the rally marshals. These

programmes often follow a pattern which is to foster fellowship

and recreation with other Rotarians. Made up of things like BBQ’s

(In the Summer) and entertaining and being entertained in our or

other Rotarians caravans, we get ample opportunity to learn how

other clubs function and enjoy the company of fellow ‘travellers’.

There are two larger rallies during the year, the AGM rally and the

Autumn Fellowship, the former to create the officers and set the

agenda for the year and the latter to bring to members an outline

programme of rallies and events in the following year. We

thoroughly enjoy our time away from our bricks and mortar home

travelling in our ‘bungalow on wheels’ and we are looking forward

to meeting up with friends old and new in the months to come.

As it says on the box a ‘Rotary recreational fellowship’, long may

we be able to enjoy this fun way of meeting other like minded

Rotarians.

Len and Marilyn Boudier

PS There are 29 pages in the 2011-12 Rotary Fellowships Officer

Directory listing everything from Amateur Radio to Yachting. Just

go on-line and type in ‘Rotary Fellowship’

Member to Member continued

My Little SatNav

I have a little Satnav

It sits there in my car

A Satnav is a driver's friend

It tells you where you are

I have a little Satnav

I've had it most of my life

It does more than the normal one

My Satnav is my wife

It gives me full instructions

On exactly how to drive

"It's sixty ks an hour" it says

"And you're doing sixty five"

It tells me when to stop and start

And when to use the brake

And tells me that it's never ever

Safe to overtake

It tells me when a light is red

And when it goes to green

It seems to know instinctively

Just when to intervene

It lists the vehicles just in front

It lists those to the rear

And taking this into account

It specifies my gear

I'm sure no other driver

Has so helpful a device

For when we leave and lock the car

It still gives its advice

It fills me up with counselling

Each journey's pretty fraught

So why don't I exchange it

And get a quieter sort?

Ah well, you see, it cleans the house

Makes sure I'm properly fed

It washes all my shirts and things

And - keeps me warm in bed!

Sent in by Tony Charlesworth

Thoughts from a travelling Rotarian I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to

be in Cahoots with someone. I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I

have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made

several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work. I live close so it's a short drive. I would like to

go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore. I have also

been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go and I try not to visit there too often. I've been in Flexible, but

only when it was very important to stand firm. Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as

I'm getting older. One of my favourite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenaline flowing

and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get! And, sometimes I think I am in

Vincible but life shows me I am not. People keep telling me I'm in Denial but I'm positive I've never been

there before! I have been in Deepsh*t many times; the older I get, the easier it is to get there. I actually

kind of enjoy it there. So far, I haven't been in Continent, but my travel agent says I'll be going soon.

Sent in by John Horler



New boat for people with disabilities Hykeham Sailability Ltd, a

charity set up by Keven and

Barbara Roberts has recently

received a large grant of

£10,000.00 for a new boat. The

grant was provided by Sport

England and has been used to

provide a new Drascombe

Dabber which was a special

order to Churchouse Boats from

Hampshire. The boat has been

named ' Barbara Clare' by the

Chairman of the Royal Yachting

Association in recognition of the

work that Barbara has done for

Hykeham Sailability.

The Dabber joins a fleet of

specially designed boats, including a boat that this year we have managed to have converted

for use by paraplegics at a cost of £2,500.00.

The ICFR movement have made donations to us in the past, which are more than appreciated.

Keven Roberts, Chairman Hykeham Sailability and member of ICFR

Motor Caravans - some considerations for Rally Marshals At the meeting of the National Executive in Newark I was asked, as a Motor Caravanner

whether I would pen a few words of advice for Rally Marshals who, while experienced

caravanners, may not be aware of the particular considerations for Motor Caravans

During the past few years I have noticed a general increase in Motor Caravans attending ICFR

rallies and an average ratio seems to me to be about 1:3 Motor Caravans to Caravans.

As Meryl & I have returned to motor caravanning, we have been rapidly reminded of the

differences. Of course Motor Caravans do vary in weight from the Campervan at 2.25 tons, to

the medium size 3.8 tons, up to tag axles of 5.5 tons.

Some things to bear in mind:

The majority of Motor Caravans are front wheel drive and their road tyres do not like wet

grass or even slightly soft ground so if they are poorly sited you as rally marshal may be

faced with the need to assist getting off pitch.

As on commercial sites, could preference be given to siting on hard standings or on the

firmer ground, within the rally site. Thus preventing sinking and damage to the site.

Motor Caravans do not have the facility of caravans with regards levelling, 150mm

adjustment is about the limit so consider giving them the more level pitches.

With regards water supply & waste, will it be possible to ‘drive to’ a separate gully or tap

as they have on board tanks and do not carry large water and waste containers.

If assisting Motor Caravans off pitches be aware of the towing limits of any vehicle used

and ensure that the Motor caravan is doing as much as it can to ease the strain

On the booking forms I feel that there should also follow after ‘length of van’ be a heading

‘weight of van’ in order to assist on the above considerations.

I hope these comments are of assistance and can be taken on board for future rallies.

Michael Stolton.



FOREIGN RALLIES

Wed 5 to Thu 20 June

The Ardeche to the Tarn This rally starts about 580 miles from Calais and is on three relatively close

sites. For those wishing to holiday before or after the rally the last site is only 70 or so miles from the South

Coast at Montpellier. Max 15 RM: Terry & Carole Cooke

Thu 20 June to Wed 10 July

La Belle France Enjoy 20 nights on two sites in Normandy and Finestere.10 nights 20-30th June near Bayeux. Visit Pegasus Bridge, the Beaches and Bayeux Tapestry and enjoy Calvados countryside around Caen. Second 10 nights 270 miles to the West between Brest and Quimper, 1km from Chateaulin, with its shops, bars, restaurants and weekly market, a pleasant 20 min. walk or cycle alongside the River Aulne into Chateaulin. Ideal base to explore Finestere, with beaches within 20 minutes drive in this beautiful area of Brittany.

Max 12 RM: John & Margaret Warrack

Thu 22 August to Thu 5 Sept

A Real Taste of Holland Centred in Hummelo between Doesburg and Doetichem in the province of Gelderland. A none tourist area with unique Dutch markets, excellent shops , and close to Arnhem and the famous bridges. Dunkirk to Hummelo is about 235 miles nearly

all motorway. Booking will close at the end of March. Full Facilities. Max 14

BO: Theo Sakkers

Thu 22 August to Tue 10 Sept

Provence Revisited A Moot meeting south of Lyons, then near Lac Serre Poncon followed by Vaucluse. 3* sites. Plenty of Sun, Fun

and Fellowship! Plenty of activities. Experienced RMs. We intend to be back in the uk for the AF Max 12

RM: Arthur & Mavis Marrow

UK RALLIES

Sat 29 Dec 2012 to Thu 3 Jan 2013

Bath New Year’s Eve Max 28

RM: David & Jane Mack

Wed 13 to Tue 19 March

Skelwith Fold Popular six day rally. Different programme for 2013.Hope weather is as good as 2012. Max 30

RM: Ted Walmsley

Thu 11 to Sun 14 April

RIBI Conference Ripley Rally in support of RIBI Conference at

Harrogate. Site is four miles from Conference Centre. NO OTHER

ACTIVITIES ARRANGED.Max No limit RM: Derrick Sanders

Mon 15 to Sat 20 April

Ride A Cock Horse Come to the popular Ride a Cock Horse Rally near Banbury. Good dog walking facilities, toilets, showers.

Close to Cotswolds, Blenheim, Oxford. Excellent site. Max 20

RM: Brian Key

Tue 23 to Mon 29 April

Aldeburgh Regularly held rally close to beach offers fresh air, walks, fish and chips. Places to visit in Suffolk and Essex.

Organised walk and invitation to Rotary Club of Saxmundham's Club Night. Golf morning. Use of Church Hall venue for speaker. Max 25

RM: Peter & Sylvia Skerratt

Thu 9 to Tue 14 May

Discover Bridlington Private walled paddock on an excellent commercial site near Bridlington on

the Yorkshire Coast. Visit Flamborough Head, Burton Agnes Hall, and see Gannets nesting at RSPB Bempton. Harbour tour arranged. A lovely coastal area. Max 20 RM: Tony Wakefield & David Smith

Fri 10 to Thu 16 May

Usk Valley pre AGM This peaceful well run site is in the

River Usk valley, part of the beautiful South Wales countryside between Usk and Abergavenny. Come and see why this rally is so popular. Full facilities, Wi-Fi, Golf nearby. Max 20

RM: Gerard & Christine Turley

Thu 16 to Tue 21 May

AGM Chester Racecourse To be held on Chester Racecourse

which is in walking distance of all

the major attractions that the

Roman City has to offer. Whether

you are a shopper or a historian

you will not be disappointed with

this interesting city. Full facilities

are available on site with 6 amp

electricity for everyone.Max: 200

RM: Duncan Dearden

BO: Ted Walmsley

Wed 22 to Mon 27 May

Gelderwood This rally is held on a delightful award

-winning site with full facilities. It co i nc i de s w i t h t he f amous Saddleworth Whit Friday Walks and

Brass Band Contests, as featured in Brassed Off. Members will be allowed to arrive on site following the AGM at Chester but the rally begins on the Wednesday. Max 20

RM: Tom & Denise Hobson

Thu 30 May to Tue 4 June

Gainsborough's Elegance Set in sleepy Suffolk, this licensed site near Sudbury, set in the Stour Valley an area of outstanding natural beauty. Surrounded by the attractive countryside so often painted by Constable and Gainsborough. You can visit Flatford Mill, Colchester,

Lavenham, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. Max 20

RM: Gwyn & Eileen Weallans

Thu 30 May to Tue 4 June

Derbyshire Dales Based at Youlgrave in the heart of the Peak District National Park. This rally is ideal for keen walkers and cyclists

and for anyone wanting to tour the countryside: Dovedale, Matlock Bath, Haddon Hall and Chatsworth are all within easy reach. Max 15 ELECTRICS BUT NO WASHBLOCK

RM: Anthony & Joanna Johnson

Tue 4 to Sun 9 June

Steeple Returning to this site with stunning

views over the Blackwater Estuary. The riverside towns of Maldon and Burnham on Crouch only 20 minutes away. Max 15

RM: Roger & Christine Restell

Look for updates on the website

To obtain Booking Forms

1.Download from Club website www.rotarianscaravanning.org.uk

2.Request by email. RM & BO email addresses from Directory

3.Request by post but include. SAE RM & BO addresses from Directory

Rally Programme 2013

RM and BO Contact Details

Available from your Directory



Thu 6 to Tue 11 June

Duke of Wellington Minnows is a small intimate touring park beside the Grand Western canal. There is a modern heated toilet/ shower block with disabled room. Minnows is conveniently located between Tiverton and Wellington in

open countryside just 3/4 mile from

the M5. Max 13 RM: Paul & Christine Brunsch

Thu 13 to Tue 18 June

Severnvale Small quality commercial site, owned by ex-Rotarian, hook-up, heated toilet block. 1 mile M5-J13. Close to Cotswolds, Gloucester, Cheltenham,

Bristol, Berkeley Castle, Slimbridge. WWT Visit. Hidden Gardens of Frampton on Severn on Sunday

15th+delightful gardens in this jewel of a village with longest village green in England. Max 20

RM: Derek & Gill Rogers

South Wales Holiday

Mon 17 to Sat 22 June

Pen y Fan Rally at Pen y Fan Caravan Park near

Blackwood. Trace the heritage of the South Wales Valleys. Easy access to

places of interest. Explore castles, Brecon Beacons National Park and the attractions of Cardiff. Good shopping centres within easy travelling distance. Full facilities on site with

own pub/restaurant. Max 20 RM: Mike Spencer

Sat 22 to Thu 27 June

Picturesque Pembroke We return by popular demand to Windmill Hill Farm, near the picturesque Medieval/Georgian town of Pembroke. This beaut i ful landscaped, friendly, family run site

has full facilities with hardstandings. Nearby is the truly spectacular

Pembrokeshire Coast with ancient castles, sandy beaches and lovely walks. Max 20

RM: John & Dot Edwards Follow on at Swansea Bay.

Sun 23 to Fri 28 June

Middle England Golf Non golfers are welcome at this rally based in the middle of England (Meriden). Easy access to Coventry, Leamington Spa,

Solihull, Birmingham, and many local tourist attractions. Golf in the mornings leaving rest of the day

free. Max 10 RM: Bruce & Sue Liddle

Follow on from Picturesque Pembroke

Thu 27 June to Tue 2 July

Swansea Bay On the Gowerton CC site with easy access to the extended Swansea Bay area with the coastline and castles of

Gower; the town centre shopping of Swansea with its renowned market, and the out-of-town shopping delights of the lower Swansea Valley and Llanelli. Further afield visit waterfalls and the Brecon Beacons. Max 20

RM: John Lomax

Thu 4 to Tue 9 July

Lichfield City Return visit to a full facility site one mile from the centre of Lichfield. Fine views and lots to do during this period including the well known Cars in the Park event organised by local Rotary Clubs. Also the Lichfield Arts

Festival Max 20

RM: Alan Robinson

Follow on from Lichfield City 30 miles

Tue 9 to Sun 14 July

Claverley Claverley is a small village on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border. Ironbridge, Bridgenorth, Severn Val ley Rai lway, RAF Cosford

(museum) and David Austin Roses all nearby. Max 22 LIMITED ELECTRICS

RM: Derrick & Sheila Sanders.

Thu 11 to Thu 18 July

Holt Rugby Club, Norfolk Close to the North Norfolk Coast, Cromer and Sheringham. Many attractions including North Norfolk

Steam Railway, End of Pier Show at Cromer and Thursford in the summer. We have use of clubroom and toilet facilities. Max 25 NO ELECTRICS battery charging available

RM: Mike & Barbara Segon

Rally Programme continued

Race to AGM

2013 Chester



Dear Editor

Why is it that it takes an ICFR

Autumn Fellowship Rally to discover

just how incompetent one is when

setting out in a motorhome? There

we were, on the Royal Welsh

Showground in Bui lth Wel ls,

convinced that the weather would be

just as it was in West Dorset in 2011!

Monday morning dawned and Jilly

opened the van door to find we were

sitting in the middle of a lake! Not

quite as big as those up the Elan

Valley but still quite damp! Advice to

the old man still a’bed! “Think we

should move the van now before this

lot soaks in and makes it impossible!

With all these farmers and sheep

about there will be no handy tractor

to-day”! Everything gets secured and

the good wife moves the mud mats

from the awning to under the front

wheels. Into second gear and, hey-

ho, flying mud and not much forward

movement! A tow out seems the only

alternative but, never having towed

this large vehicle before, have not

checked for the tow ring to screw in

to the front end! Not in the box

under the seat where it should be,

accordingly to the Fiat manual! Need

not have worried; most Rotarians

come well prepared and a ring was

immediately produced! Then the

cavalry arrived! Heavy-duty tow

rope, proper friction mats and a

strong 4x4 vehicle! Now we know

why we joined ICFR and our eternal

thanks to Gerard Turley, Roger

Howells and Bob Wright. Guess what

though? Jilly had her Fiat Panda with

her and in it – a towing ring! Since

our return there have been orders via

Amazon and, no, we have not been

put off rallying with ICFR! As the

yellow pamphlet reads “Why Join

ICFR?” We know the answer!

John & Jilly Dobinson,

RC Bridport (D1200)

For any other 2013 rallies or

for updates look on the Website or contact the

Rally Programme Secretary

TIM HADRILL

Fri 26 July to Fri 2 August

Family Rally At Blackford, Somerset, in the relaxed grounds of Hugh Sexey’s School. Come and enjoy with your c h i l d r e n o r g r and ch i l d r e n . Swimming, sandcastles, sports and, of course, food & fellowship.

Max 30 NO ELECTRICS RM: Judy Maynard & Clive Little

Thu 8 to Tue 13 August

Heart of the Fens Rally will be held at Spalding Yacht Club on the banks of the River Welland. The club allows use of the showers and toilets. Local visits will be arranged. Max 15 NO ELECTRICS

RM: Terry and Carole Cooke

Fri 16 to Wed 21 August

Ashbourne Long established rally. Green field site. Scenery, walks, cycle trails. Places to visit: Chatsworth, Bakewell,

Matlock, Kedleston Hall, Calke Abbey, Sudbury and Chrich Tram

Museum Max 25 NO ELECTRICS RM: David Huxley

Thu 29 Aug to Tue 3 Sept

Robin Hood Adjacent to the National Watersports Centre, five miles South of Nottingham. This rally provides easy access to Nottingham and the surrounding area. Max 20

RM: Derrick & Marilyn Nurse BO: Bruce & Sue Liddle

Thu 5 to Tue 10 September

Rosedale Park Wrexham At Rosedale Caravan Park Overton which is situated in beautiful countryside on the Wales/Shropshire Border near to Ellesmere (capital of

Shropshire's Lake District) and Llangollen by the River Dee. Max 15

RM: John Walgrove

BO: Paul Quinlan


Jack & Jill A Pre Fellowship rally on a new small charity owned site at Keymer, Sussex. In sight of Jack & Jill

Windmills and close to Bluebell Steam Railway and Brighton. Fabulous new loos. Good for dogs and great local pub. Max 12

RM: John & Rosemary Barber.

Sat 14 to Thu 19 September

Hardwick Park Witney Site used in 2011 quite close to

Oxford. Being organised by District 1090 it is sure to be a good pre Autumn Fellowship rally. Max 20

RM: Clifford Dorling


Autumn Fellowship A return to Brean but to a new

venue offering hardstandings and

electric hook-up for all vans.

Entertainment within easy reach.

Max Unlimited

RM: Tony Rawlings

BO: Judy Maynard

Thu 10 to Tue 15 October

Return to Stonham Barns 1080/1240 District Lunch support rally in the heart of Suffolk with Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket all within easy reach. Max 15

RM: Roger & Christine Restell

Thu 10 to Tue 15 October

Cotswold Water Park An informal rally at the Cotswold Water Park where we held our AF a few years ago. It is being run by Districts 1100 & 1200. This is an

attractive site in an accessible and interesting area. The District 1200

Conference is being held at the Four Pillars Hotel just down the road. Max 20 NO DOGS ON THE SITE

RM: Bob & Carole Wright BO: Philip Cary

Fri 11 to Thu 17 October

Return to Chipping On the edge of Chipping Village; all level hard pitches; under floor heating in toilet block; modern Village Hall for our events; free bowling green; great views. Max 21

RM: David Shaw Follow on at Autumn Tints.

Thu 28 Nov to Tue 3 Dec

Thursford Christmas Spectacular

Thursford's Christmas Spectacular features Phil Kelsall on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ and the cast of over

100 Dancers, Singers, and Musicians

are West End Quality. A full evening programme is p lanned. Al l hardstandings with 16amp electrics. Toilet/showerblock and clubhouse. Early booking please Max 32

RM: Mike and Barbara Segon

Mon 30 Dec to Sat 4 Jan 2014

Tallington Lakes, New Year Excellent site with full facilities - used for New Year Rally in

2011/2012, can be viewed on Tallington Lakes web page. Full Festive programme planned-fellowship and fun guaranteed. Close to Stamford, Peterborough, Melton

Mowbray, Cambridge. Early bookings appreciated. Max 21

RM: Keven & Barbara Roberts

Rally Programme continued Letters to the Editor



Letter to the Editor continued - News and Views goes Electronic

Dear Gerard,

I was extremely disappointed to learn that a

hard copy of News & Views will not be issued

to members unless they specifically request

it.

I know some will label me a Luddite but I do

generally embrace modern technology. I

have worked with computers for some 25

years and read books using a Kindle.

However books are generally read just once

whereas Magazines such as N&V are often

read and re-read over several months.

I am not alone in this thinking, organisations

I have contact with send regular Email

information and have information on web

sites but still use a magazine to give pleasure

and to advertise its services to members.

Regarding the thought by some, that less

active members may choose not to have a

hard copy thus saving costs, seems to me

that we may be losing contact with the very

people we should be trying to attract.

Whilst I understand postage charges are ever

increasing I am surprised that we currently

need to save money, our accounts show

about £20,000 in credit with income meeting

costs.

I also have some concern that advertisers

will not continue to use our services when we

cannot demonstrate that there is a

guaranteed number distributed, as it is with a

hard copy Magazine.

Terry Cooke

Dear Terry

Thank you for your letter about News and

Views. Can I make it clear I want anyone

who wants a paper copy to have one, but

why send it by expensive Royal Mail to

people who do not read it?

You may not have realised how carefully the

transition has been designed to ensure that

anyone who wants one, and even “less active

members” receive, and I hope enjoy, a paper

copy of News and Views - if they so wish.

There will be many opportunities for

members to opt for a paper copy on a simple

tick, stamp and post basis.

Your points about the benefits of a paper

copy are well made, but do not overlook the

benefits of an electronic version:

It is capable of far greater dissemination;

You can have many years worth on your

computer or iPad, (or Kindle but I know it

is difficult to read because I have done it);

It travels around the country, even the

world in minutes;

It can be easily searched for that article

you have read but cannot remember when;

You can print out and file just the bit you

want, but not destroy the rest;

It is environmentally friendly.

Our advertisers have welcomed their

inclusion on the website as a very positive

step, and other on-line publications do not

seem to have a problem with advertisers – in

fact the web is financed by advertisers.

While the catalyst for this proposal was the

excessive price rise from Royal Mail, I have

been motivated as much to bring ICFR up-to-

date as to save money. However, in

business, if a supplier imposed a 35%

increase on us I would think they did not

want our business and try to go elsewhere.

It is for the Treasurer and Trustees to be

concerned about our surplus. In my view it is

the responsibility of any officer to be careful

with the Fellowship’s money. We could, of

course, use any money saved by this change

to publicise on-line or in the Caravan or

Rotary press to find those Rotarian

Caravanners who have not yet heard of ICFR,

rather than add to the surplus.

A final point. You can consider this as an

experiment. It is reversible. If we have

misread the situation the National Executive

Committee can instruct the Editor that all

members will continue to receive a paper

copy. That is not a problem. In any event I

would advocate that we should continue to

have both paper and electronic versions to

take advantage of their relative benefits.

Gerard Turley, ICFR Editor



David Shea - South Woodham Ferrers Rotary Club

Now an active ICFR member David Shea from South Woodham Ferrers Rotary Club was awarded, after many years of Community Service, a Paul Harris Fellowship.

When the Club needs anything done he is the man we go to.

It was awarded to David for his devotion to helping the Community in the true Rotary spirit of Service Above Self via the Scouts & unstinting help with town events. He maintains the Town's flower planters, has served on their Security Forum, supports the Christmas Square event each year, was part of the Town Jubilee committee that recently held its Fun Day. There is not a club committee or an office in the Club he has not helped in person to get things done, our Go-to-man. Congratulations David Peter Skerratt

Keven Roberts – Multi Paul Harris Fellow

During this Rotarian’s Presidency, he was

instrumental in the club becoming involved in

Sailability, He raised funds for a specially

adapted sailboat to be refurbished and donated, and later, was successful

in raising a further £6,000 to purchase a Safety/Rescue Boat, also donated

to Sailability at Rutland Water.

He has worked tirelessly as Chairman of Sailability, he has raised

additional funds for several more sailboats of varying complexity, 2

powered safety boats, and a pontoon platform with a specialised winch for wheelchair-bound sailors, together with

wet-weather clothing and safety equipment, he regularly travels across the County and beyond to speak at Rotary

and other service clubs.

Bernard Pearce, Rotary Club of Stonehouse

Bernard had the honour of being awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship, at his club charter night

last June. He has been in Rotary for 32 years, and held every Chairmanship and Office except

Treasurer, He was Club president year 2000/01, and has just finished a five year term as

Secretary. He also served on District 1100 for seven years as District Sports Officer. When

awarding Bernard a PHF the Club President, said that his exceptional efforts should be

recognised.

David Cooper, Rotary Club of Dartford

As a very new member of ICFR and a member of Dartford Rotary, I would just like to mention that ICFR's Treasurer, David Cooper, was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by our club at the end of September. David has been a stalwart of Dartford Rotary, having already been president twice and now going into the chair again for a 6 month period from January to June next year. He has also been very active in many ways in Dartford and richly deserved the award.

Andrew Dunk [photo shows David with club President Alan Salway ]

George Locke, Rotary Club of Elland

We hear that George Locke has received a Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Rotary Club of Elland

D1040. George and wife Marjorie are probably some of the oldest members of ICFR. Though

not a Founder he was around at the beginning of ICFR. George has held all the senior offices.

They no longer caravan, but many of us remember how much they did in ICFR; and are still in

touch with them. Ken Roberts

David Mack, Rotary Club of Frome Selwood

Delighted to report that David Mack has been awarded a sapphire endorsement to his Paul Harris Fellow Fellowship I gather that he ‘feels immensely honoured and amazed’ which speaks much for his modesty.

Congratulations

Dennis King

85th Birthday

11th November 2012

Ann Smith

70th Birthday

23rd December 2012

David & Con Mackay

Diamond Wedding

14th February 2013

June & Ben Flude

65th Wedding Anniversary

140h April 2013

Paul Harris Fellowships



Dear Editor

The photo is of Bob & Una

Cantley on the occasion of the Wantage

Rotary Club Ladies Night on 29th June. It

appeared on Facebook John Horler.

Dear Edit

or

I thought

I should

let you k

now that

at Pete

r

Jennings

Club’s ha

ndover in

June Margar

et

Jennings

got the

“surprise

of her lif

e”. The

club prese

nted her

with a

Blackpool

Tower

ornament

for being

the most

supportiv

e

Rotarian

partner

of the y

ear saying

she alw

ays

turned u

p for eve

nts with

a smile. I

t is now

her job t

o choose

the nex

t partne

r of the

year and

to make

sure she

polishes

it!

Christine

Turley

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor

THANK YOU As new members of ICFR, and on our First Rally, (as well as Conference),

this is to say a special thank you to Peter and Margaret and to thank the

members who made us, with the other 1st timers most welcome, at home and

at ease. That first mug of tea and biscuits with mine hosts broke the ice and so it

continued through the weekend, even to explaining some of the rudimentaries

of a normal rally gathering. THANK YOU to Peter and Margaret, (especially as Margaret was

suffering after her operation) who made us one of them also

making a very enjoyable weekend.

Your in Rotary Graham & Josey Packwood

Wreake Valley R C, District 1070

Dear Editor

Dennis Kings is 85 on 11th November

Many older ralliers will remember his 5 “Strawberry Rallies”

at his farm in Farndon, Cheshire. All ralliers could pick as

many strawberries as they wanted to either to eat or take

home for jam, were given a bag of new potatoes

each, as well as free daily milk.

Kind Regards Shenah Orsman

Parbold, Wigan

Dear Friends in ICFR, I would like to say, via N&Vs, a big THANKYOU for all the

cards, messages, flowers and the many greeting and

wishes that we have received as we celebrated our Golden

Anniversary last weekend. How you all found out

mystifies Peter even now. Our children had planned a surprise for us at home and

this meant we needed to leave the Dolgellau Rally early on

Saturday, however our awning was being used to host a

‘fish& chip’ supper on the Friday evening. Another

THANK YOU to all those who helped Peter with the

awning and packing (in the dark) They all know

now what I have to put up with from HIM every

time we leave and I help. We left at 7.30am and made it home in good time. I had a wonderful night.

Love to you all, see next year Sylvia Skerratt

“THE FOOT” by ‘Hopalong’ Morrison

I need to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to all the people on the

Alsace rally this year for the consideration and care shown

to me by the other members on the rally when I fell and

broke a bone in my foot. The “Duck Tape Boys” (famous

since California) used their inimitable skills in making a

wheelchair from Jack’s stroller together with a stool and

with the aid of cable ties and of course the ‘infamous’

Duck Tape. The way they got me on the boat that

evening and looked after me was a miracle to behold and

caused a lot of laughs! My ‘taxis’ to and from the hospital

and pharmacy were a godsend. The help we received on

the Autumn Fellowship

and subsequent rally were

also a proof that our

Association really is a

fantastic fellowship in the

true meaning of the word.

Thank you once again

from Eric and myself.

Maureen



From Alan’s speech to ACCEO

AGM 6 October

It all started in September 1978

when the Countryside Division

of the D of E was made

responsible for the Camping &

Caravanning Policy within the

Department.

A Consultation Document had

been published on 31 July of

that year with an invitation to

send comments to the D of E by

31st. October 1978.

This resulted in the setting up of

two Organisations to challenge

the governments proposals.

The National Federation of

Caravan Owners Clubs, chaired

by Bob Smylie. and the

Confederation of Caravan &

Camping Clubs. Chaired by

Derek Uphill of the Auto

Camping Club.

Both organisations had the

same objective but could not

agree on certain issues.

On the 19th Jan. 1985 these

two groups had settled their

differences and agreed to merge

to form ACCEO. with Bob Smylie

as founder Chairman.

Now we come to the important

part. The Officer in charge of the Countryside Division at the D.of E. was Alan Flexman who

told me how pleased he was that the original organisations had merged and this is exactly what

he and the Government had wanted.

The proposals in the 1978 Document were dropped as the Government could now refer to an

organisation that represented but not controlled, most of the independent Caravan and Camping

Clubs in the country. and if you read Alan Flexman’s letter to me printed in my booklet about

ACCEO in May 2008 you will appreciate the importance of ACCEO to the D of E. and the

subsequent re-organisation to form, the DETR followed by Defra and eventually Natural England.

The ACCEO Committee now has an excellent relationship with Natural England which has been

hard earned over the years with its predecessors. Today Natural England actually takes

guidance from ACCEO from time to time.

It is to the credit of ACCEO and its Members that a Club has never had an Exemption Certificate

withdrawn for failing to act properly and responsibly.

Bob Smylie was actively involved from the founding of the Association until his death in April

2005.

Alan E. King (Chairman 1995 – 1999)

Why is ACCEO so important



Diana’s Cookery Page To celebrate the Welsh Autumn Fellowship this

cookery page has a Welsh theme about it.

Laverbread nuggets with bacon and oatmeal

4 slices streaky bacon

8 oz. (225g) laverbread, (good fishmonger or a tin)

Medium oatmeal

Salt and ground black pepper

Dice the bacon and dry fry to crisp and brown. Stir

in the laverbread

Add enough oatmeal to the bacon fat (or use a little

olive oil) to make a firm dough, season with salt &

pepper, and roll the mixture into walnut-size balls.

Flatten them slightly, then fry again until crisp and

brown on both sides. Serve with tomato sauce.

Cockle Cakes

4oz (100g) SR flour

4 oz ( 100g. medium oatmeal

2 eggs

10fl.oz (300ml) milk

Salt and black pepper to taste

8 oz. (225g.) cooked cockles

Oil for frying

Make a batter with the flour, oatmeal, eggs, milk

and seasoning and leave to thicken for half hour.

Stir the cockles into the mixture

Heat the oil on a griddle or heavy frying pan and fry

tablespoonfuls of the mixture on the hot plate for

about two minutes until crisp and golden. Turn

fritters halfway through cooking. Drain on kitchen

paper and serve with a tomato and garlic sauce.

Welshcakes

8oz (25g.) SR flour

Pinch of salt

1 teas. mixed spice (nutmeg, cinnamon, etc.)

2 oz (50g.) butter or margarine

2 oz (50g.) lard

3 oz. (75g.) caster sugar

3 oz (75g.) currants and sultanas

1 egg beaten

1 teas. Golden syrup (optional)

Sieve the flour, salt and spices into a bowl. Rub in

the fats until the mixture looks like fine

breadcrumbs. (this can be done in a food mixer).

Add the sugar and dried fruit.

Pour in the beaten egg and syrup and stir to make

a fairly firm dough. Bring all the loose bits together

with your hands. On a floured board roll or press

out the dough to approx. ¼” (5mm) thick. Cut into

rounds with a 2” cutter

Cook on a medium hot griddle or heavy frying pan

until golden brown on both sides but still a little soft

in the middle.

Dust with caster sugar. Best eaten still warm!

A few ideas for dips and nibbles for hospitality

evenings

Curry Dip

4 oz cream cheese (or v.finely grated cheddar)

2 oz chutney (I use small chunk Branston pickle)

½ teaspoon or so of curry powder

2 or 3 Tablespoons of salad cream

Blend together well. Serve with carrot/celery sticks,

sliced apple etc

Alison Levin

Fishy Dip

Half carton soft cream (or light) cheese, e.g.

Philadelphia

Tin tuna in oil or brine, or small tin salmon

Pinch of salt, shake of pepper and /or chilli pepper,

crushed garlic to taste

Mix all together, slacken the mixture with a little

milk if necessary

Serve with carrot/celery sticks, cucumber batons,

crisps.

Diana

Croutons

A slice of stale bread or rolls, or cut a slice or two

from a loaf, cut into cubes and gently fry in oil or

butter for a couple of minutes until golden brown.

A shake of garlic salt makes them very moorish!

These are quick and easy to prepare – do not leave

them cooking on their own they brown very quickly!

Diana

Garlic dip

Just a half tub of soft cheese, mix

in one or two crushed cloves of

garlic, some chopped parsley or

chives (both optional), a little salt

and a good shake of ground black

pepper and/or chilli powder.

A change from Hollandaise sauce for salmon

One tablespoon of honey

One tablespoon of Wholegrain Mustard.

One tablespoon of Lemon Juice

One tablespoon of Soy Sauce.

Mix all ingredients then pour over Salmon and cook

in usual way.

Margaret Jennings

Heart of Wiltshire Rally

Caen Hill flight of 24 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Photo by Derek Rogers

Heart of Wiltshire Rally Photo by Derek Rogers

AF Builth Wells Rally Ann Hackney

in her Traditional Welsh Dress

Photo by Don Howard

Coasts and Castles of Northumberland Rally

Even the Gulls fed well in Northumberland Photo by Pat Seals

Dolgellau Rally Sunset Photo by Alan Robinson

Dolgellau Rally Dolgellau Slate Mines

Possibly VP Peter up ladder Photo by Don Howard

Alsace and more Rally Rudesheim Photo by Gerard Turley

winter 2012 edition 77

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