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Malcom Dodd's Regal Mk6 and two Rebel estates
I had originally planned to visit my fiancée and daughter this weekend, however due to a change of circumstances I was left with a free weekend. Before I left I'd heard that the horse racing at Ripon had been cancelled due to waterlogged track, therefore I was in two minds whether or not to go. However the sun was shining and the weather was glorious throughout my journey North. On arrival the site was indeed a quagmire, there had been a thunderstorm just before my arrival, but the sun came out and the rest of the day was great. I chatted with friends before giving inside for the evening's activities. There were various tournaments taking place including darts, dominoes and connect 4. There was also a raffle and a musical quiz. Back by popular demand was the 'Wipe-Out' game. Each round only lasts 1 minute so quick thinking is required, there was a frenzy of activity with the teams scribbling down the answers as fast as they were able. Organised activities over, I spend the remained of the evening chatting. Finally turning in at 4:10am. The night was bitterly cold, so I just took my shoes off and snuggled up inside my sleeping bag. As I was only stopping one night I reclined the passenger seat in the Rialto to make a make shift bed. It seemed that I was not the only one sleeping in my van. Rachel Lewins had also slept in her Rialto van, having found the tent too cold and damp. The turnout of Reliants was higher than usual with over a dozen, with quite a selection of different models; Rebels, Robins, Rialtos and even a Regal Mk6 owned by new Lancashire Branch members Malcolm and Carol Dodd. This was their first rally with the ROC, and they had a great time, as did everyone. Sunday's activities were held indoors, though the weather remained pleasant outside. There was target bowls, putting, treasure hunt, roll a penny etc. I had a go on most things but didn't win. The evening activities kicked off with another quiz - which I won, followed by Bingo, however I headed for home whilst it was still light to get a good nights sleep before heading off to the Reliant Robin racing on Monday. Telford Branch Rally - Kevindale Farm, Broome, Near Craven Arms Telford rally was well attended with 19 units transferring straight from National. The weather was glorious. The site had a pleasant flat field with a toilet and shower block in the neighbouring field. Unfortunately I was working all week but popped out (80 mile round trip) several evenings to join in the activities. One evening was scheduled for crown green bowling, unfortunately it had been throwing it down all day so rain stopped play. Instead we had a music quiz in the makeshift marquee, this went down well. Though there were no prizes everyone enjoyed themselves. Later in the week we had the use of the nearby village hall, we had a skittles evening followed by another quiz with each member of Telford branch coming up with a set of questions. On Friday evening the were refreshments laid on in the form of sausages, burgers and pork rolls. We had a waiter's game in which each contestant had to negotiate an obstacle course whilst carrying a tray of cups of water. The winner was Sue Dunn from West Cornwall who managed the quickest time without spilling any water. Saturday was the main rally day with the outdoor events. The weather was awful, but spirits were not dampened and support was good, with fierce competition in the aquatic corks. Glenda setting as new ladies record of 56 in one minute. There was also keen competition in the horseshoes. Spares support was offered by two dealers who were offering cut price parts for most Reliant models. We returned to the village hall for the evening with prize-giving taking place, followed by another quiz/game and a karaoki and disco. I acted chauffeur to Brian Rowland in his Robin LX Giant pickup before making my way home. Another enjoyable week. Micromaniac's Rally - Rudding Holiday Park, Follifoot, near Harrogate, Yorkshire This rally has the reputation of one where Wellington boots are an essential piece of attire, however this year the weather was relatively kind. Though it had rained earlier in the week it remained nice for most of the weekend. Due to the previous rain the original rally field was not suitable due to the sodden ground. Campers were advised to use a neighbouring area which was much dryer. The road run, I thought, was due to start at 10:30am on Saturday, however as I approached the site a steady stream of microcars passed before me, and it was only 10:20am! Assuming this to be the road run I joined mid flow. The route took us to Newby Hall via the less populated roads, with periodic stops to allow the stragglers to catch up. There were the inevitable breakdowns, however I understand that 33 cars arrived at the destination. We had a special parking area reserved and had cut price admission to the hall and grounds. Before looking round the hall and gardens I visited the extensive craft fair in the neighbouring marquees. There was every conceivable craft an show from wood-turning to pottery, glass engraving and cookery - with plenty of tasters! After an interesting hour or so looking at the crafts I visited the hall. An impressive building with many architectural wonders from the decorative oak panelled games room, the tapestry room and bedrooms fit for a prince. Indeed Price Charles had visited only a few days earlier, and the Queen Mother has also stayed there. The view from the front of the building was equally impressive, looking down to the terraced flower beds, neatly trimmed hedges to the canal below. We returned to the campsite via Ripley. We stopped at the renowned Ice Cream Shop. I am not normally an ice cream lover but I have to say it was worth the wait. The cones were filled generously with lovely smooth ice cold ice cream which went down a treat on a sunny Summer's afternoon. Back at the site their were numerous microcars in attendance. Isettas, Berkeleys, Messerschmitts etc. There were also some more obscure vehicles such as the 125cc Decsa Lisa, Peel P50 and even a Trabant 601 Kombi (estate). Reliants were less abundant this year with just my Rialto, Keith Stambrook's Rialto, Malcolm Dodd's Fox which his wife, Carol had driven to the rally with the Peel P50 perched on the back! John Bishop from Oldham branch had brought his immaculate Regal 3/30 which has covered just 486 miles from new! If anyone is interested it is for sale for £1500. Saturday evening's activities commenced with pie and peas, with plenty for seconds, followed by trifle or gateaux. There was a general knowledge quiz and a fancy dress competition. This year's theme was a microcar hat! There were some very impressive efforts including a Reliant Regent, Bond Bug and Messerschmitt headgear. The Bond Bug was a deserved winner. I stayed an chatted in the marquee and managed to fall on my backside when joining in with the marquee pole climbing. Sorry Alan if I got "the jumper" dirty! Unfortunately I was not able to stay for the main display on Sunday as I had other plans but saw many other cars en route; Bond Bugs, Bond Minicars, Bond 875 and an AC Petite.   
Micro-headgear!
L-R the winner, Ray Glendinning, Graham Harpin, Roy Bruce
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