The Federation of Sidecar Club’s annual rally at the beginning of the year looked in doubt, but with a new Chairman (Martin France) stepping forward at the EGM it was salvaged so to speak. Along with willing helpers, the three committee members present, while there were one or two hic-ups, oversaw a very successful event and one not to be missed.
We arrived after a ride to forget, yet again, after an accident on the M5 had traffic backing up. We were only just able to pop into Gloucester services where we simply sat it out, far better than sitting on the motorway in the baking sun.
Stephen and Marion had been working with lots of jobs sorted well before the opening of the gates at 9am Friday morning. The showers lacked heat, namely the water was cold in the morning, a quick investigation, a press of the booster button and hot water was restored.
Throughout Friday there was a steady stream of arrivals, although the wind did make it a little tricky at times when putting up your tent. It was good to see a few overseas visitors attending. The bar opened at 2pm and the food van (Smiley Chef) arrived later and set up to feed us over the weekend.
The marquee was extremely good and came in very handy on the Saturday with the rain persisting. The urn was kept topped up and plenty of tea and coffee was drunk. The run-out left a little later than advertised, mainly due to the weather, but the rain had just about stopped by the time it set off.
By the time it returned, the sun was out, in fact it turned out to be a pleasant evening, so much so the Disco set up outside. Just after the run had got back there was a presentation by the local Blood Bikes, very informative, these volunteers do sterling work and save lives in the process.
Sunday and all the usual events took place, Driving Test proved very challenging for some, the Maintenance Test found some faults, one or two quite serious and Martin France was in the hall administering the Highway Code Test. This was followed by the very popular silly games which London Sidecar Club conducted. It became even sillier when Foz’s group returned from the pub (The Black Dog), suitably merry, and took part. It was all good fun with loads of attendees taking part. I won’t mention the raffle, Lesley lost the will to live, I said “handy we have got Southam booked for next year as it will still be going on”, plus it was a good job I had locked up all the knifes in the kitchen.
Almost 70 units in all, a wee bit down on previous years, but a little expected with the uncertainty earlier on the in the year. Many said this year’s rally had a great atmosphere and I would agree.
Monday morning and pack up time, but as we know it is award time as well; you will see some pictures of the winners after the end of this report.
Now, the news bit, next years rally. Owning to, all I will say is, miscommunications, the FED Annual rally will not be held at Hinckley next year as previously planned. For 2025 it will be returning to Southam, on the plus side I can confirm Hinckley has been booked for 2026 with a deposit paid.
Thanks to the committee members and helpers who did their best to make sure the Annual Rally took place and was a success. And not forgetting the Barman https://www.facebook.com/Southamrufc/ who was kept busy all weekend and the Smiley Chef, https://www.facebook.com/thesmileychef/ one of the best food vans around.
