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Southern Centres News
27th - 31st August 2009
The Southern Centres Family Extravaganza weekend was a great event. There were over 200 caravans sited in a beautiful area. Over the weekend, there were lots of things to do – Archery was very popular as was 4x4 off-roading and model aeroplane display. There was also fun sports – 5 a side football, haggars chess, boules, etc. as well more sedate “sports” such as dominoes and chess. At the closing ceremony there was a children’s Fancy Dress competition. West Sussex organised the Fun Run on Monday morning – there were some West Sussex runners as well – Well done to every-one that took part– for me the two words FUN and RUN, just don’t go together!!!!!!!!!!!!I organised the Village Fete with all the centres running various stalls. West Sussex ran the cake stall as well as the Tombola (what a fantastic stall – with so many wonderful prizes). We also ran the hook a bottle, play your cards right, ping pong ball challenge and the ferret game. Other centres ran the throw a wet sponge in the stocks, open the box, hook a duck, cream teas, etc, etc. It was a really good family event. On one day, there was a handicrafts display/competition. People brought along things they had made, including cakes.
Mobile Ark came along with their petting area – guinea pigs, rabbits, tortoises, etc. There was also Gary the Clown and his Circus workshops. Adults as well as children really enjoyed trying their skills at stilt walking (see the photo of Sue Nichols), plate spinning, juggling, diablo, etc. Gary finished the day by doing a family show, where children persuaded parents and grandparents that it would be a good idea to go onto the stage. Lots of laughter for adults as well as children with Gary!!!!!
There were the usual things like raffle, bingo, ice creams, drinks and the “tuck shop”. There was also a well stocked bar open at the “usual hours” at really good prices.
The evening entertainment was excellent, Mr Solo one night, Forever Young another and on the last night it was Christopher Lee.
There was cooked breakfast every morning – really good value – a 3 course meal one day and burgers and hot dogs as well as fish and chips for those that were still a bit peckish over the weekend.
All in all, the weekend was busy with lots to do for everyone.
Here are some comments from a few of the West Sussex members that attended……….
Sue and Dave Nichols….We attended the Southern Centres Rally at Laughton at August Bank holiday weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. A lot of hard work was put into the event by the committee to ensure its success.
The West Sussex centre had a good turnout of caravans and they held a fete on Saturday afternoon that was well supported by the ralliers. The overall event was good value and had a very friendly atmosphere and we would support Southern Centres in the future.
Nick Harris……….The archery was good fun but cost me a fortune as it was so addictive. The 4 x 4 was also good. The children’s entertainment was a great idea and seemed well attended particularly by some dads!
The food supplied was superb value. Never before have I eaten cooked breakfasts 3 days in a row and most of our centre seemed to as well.
The evening entertainment was first class.
We had a thoroughly good time.
Dave and Di Brand…………..We decided to attend the Southern Centres Rally for the first time this year. We found it to be well signposted, and once we arrived, there were lots of friendly marshals to direct us to the West Sussex area which was well marked out with plenty of space for van and awning. Much to our pleasant surprise we were not in a group looking to do battle against the other centres at every sport possible, (this is what we thought Southern Centres was about) but instead found a relaxed atmosphere with lots of optional family entertainment during the day and evening. Evening entertainment was excellent with great vocals on the Friday night from Mr Solo (Dave Nicholls), Saturday was a 60’s - 70’s group called Forever Young and Sunday the excellent Christopher Gee road show with impersonations, comedy and song. There was also a program of activities during the day which included 4 x 4 off road instruction, model aircraft flying, fun run, archery and a Clown showing the children big and small how to spin the plate etc. A cooked breakfast was on offer each day as were other meals and hot dogs if required. We spent time touring the area during the day as well as sitting in the sun with a glass of wine, catching up with old friends, not only from West Sussex Centre where we also made some new ones, but other centres as well. We think the format was excellent, including the well organised and good idea “Village Fete” on the Saturday afternoon. Good value for money and worked well with only a few teething troubles at the start (chairs in the marquee!) and we would certainly attend again.
The next time the six Centres get together will be August Bank Holiday weekend 2011 – so why not make a note and come and join us for a great weekend !!!
Sue Johnson
West Sussex Rep
Rallies