New Year Rally
Gretna
Wednesday 28th December
Here we are another year almost over and time to get set up for the arrival of the ralliers tomorrow. As Auchencruive is closing
they were unable to guarantee our booking for this year so we were in the difficult position of finding a new venue for this year’s
rally, unfortunately the site is much smaller so we could only accommodate half of the vans we normally have. Our apologies
to everyone who was disappointed, however we hope to be able to confirm our new venue for next year very soon and we would
hope to welcome you all back for New Year 2012/2013.
Thursday 29th December.
Rally commenced and along with the early arrivals came the rain, unfortunately this formed the format of the weather
throughout the rally with sunshine being in short supply. The past two years had been memorable for the snow falls,
however this year it was rain and wind, however this did not deter our ralliers.7pm saw everyone over in the hall for the opening
of the rally. Much to the relief of the marshall’s everyone was comfortably seated with seats free for the two couples
plus our chairman Jim Ferguson and Maureen who were due to arrive tomorrow.
Doris Baird from the North Centre who we considered to be among the furthest travelled opened the rally. Doris added a
little of the “Doric” into her opening speech just to confuse our visitors from over the border. She has now been nicknamed
“Doric Doris”. Tonight the ralliers were served home made soup with crusty rolls followed by sponge and custard. The evening
commenced with dancing, music courtesy of Ronnie Duff and games with the McLintock’s and the Calder’s.
We were off to an excellent start!
Friday 30th December.
Still quite mild today but little sunshine, at least we have no snow so we should be grateful for that. Breakfast was served in
the hall this morning and was much enjoyed by all. Our chairman Jim Ferguson and Maureen arrived in time for breakfast
(all the work was done by then!) Thanks to Jean, Tommy, John, Anne, Ken and Eileen for the preparation and service of the
breakfast. Everyone back over in the hall at 7pm, social time. A Ploughman’s supper was served followed by
dancing, games and a quiz by Alan Potts. Music tonight by Jim Ferguson.
Saturday 31st December.
No change in the weather an odd blink of sunshine with rain guaranteed throughout the day. Ralliers seem to like the proximity
of the Gretna Gateway and are returning with lots of carrier bags and no doubt emptier wallets.
This is the marshall’s busiest day preparing for the Dinner Dance with very limited facilities, however we made it and a four
course meal was served at 6pm with dancing commencing at 8pm until 10.30pm. Everyone left for half an hour to allow us
to prepare for bringing in The New Year. By 11.15pm everyone had returned to the hall and the atmosphere was electric!
Celebrations went on into the “wee sma’ hours”
Sunday 1st January 2012.
What a quiet rally site this morning. By lunchtime it began to waken up. A few went walking to blow the cobwebs away.
However everyone was back in the hall at 7pm and raring to go. Old favourite tatties and mince was served tonight.
Then it was on with the evenings entertainment. The raffle was drawn tonight, thanks to Anne Anderson for all the figures
she knitted and also to all the many who had handed in prizes for the raffle. £148 was raised which will boost our charity fund.
Monday 2nd January.
All too soon we were at our last day and two families including our chairman left today, poor souls had to go
back to work. Fish suppers tonight which went down a treat, picked up by Tommy and Campbell and delivered
to everyone piping hot, Brilliant! Tommy and Campbell were not the most popular people in Gretna tonight as a
queue built up while they were waiting on the order being completed, easiest prepared meal of the rally!
Bit quieter tonight with everyone watching their alcohol consumption. We had a good night however with a few
dances music by Ronnie, some games and the final of the quiz.
Bryn Jones from the North Wales Centre gave a vote of thanks followed by a few intimations from Jean Gilmour
our Vice Chairman, presentation of Rally Marshall’s plaques. The rally marshall’s received a lovely gift of towels
from the ralliers which were greatly appreciated. We had been admiring them in the Christie’s shop earlier in
the day! Our evening ended around 11pm to allow us to take down the decorations and return the hall to normal.
Tuesday 3rd January.
All that remained was coffee at 10am, however there were few goodbyes as we had gales force winds during
the night reaching 91mph this morning so all but two vans remained on site until tomorrow.
Wednesday 4th January.
Everyone was up early this morning and took advantage of a lull in the storm the Welsh Contingent
and Andrew and Doris from the North left before 8am with most of the remainder in various stages of hitching up by 9am.
The marshall’s would like to thank all who helped us in various ways throughout the rally your help was much appreciated.
We look forward to seeing you all next year!
Breakdown of Vans:-
North Centre - 1 South Lancs - 3 East Yorks - 2 South Staffs - 2
North Wales - 5 Cumbria - 3 Northumberland - 2
South West - 14
Total of 32 vans on site.
Maureen Gilmour P.R.O.