New members of 2013 / 2014

Mr Steffan & Mrs Penny Taylor London Mr Andrew Pope & Miss Laura Stone Hampton Mr Innes Eaton & Miss Rosie Gillard Uxbridge Mr Kevin Field Twickenham Mr Denis & Mrs Betty Treacy Harrow Mr Brian & Ms Elaine Savory Hampton Mr Robert Aleck Enfield Mr Paul Foster-Mason Hounslow Mr Simon Doyle Ealing Mr Allan Ross & Mrs Loraine Bignell Uxbridge Mr Ian Abel Hounslow Mrs Sharon Foster & Mr Philip Simpson Hounslow Mr Mark Ding & Miss Jemima Dolling Isleworth Mr Michael Wells & Mrs J Wells Walton on Thames Mr Philip Hunt & Mrs Penelope Bennington London Mr Derek Jordon & Mrs Olive Jordon Uxbridge Mrs Amanda Matthews & Mr Christian Matthews Uxbridge Mr Joao-Paul Cavaco London Mr Gary & Mrs Lisa Elliman Hayes Mr Stephen Kearvell Uxbridge Mr Malcolm Puttick & Mr Steven Blair Shepherds Bush

Miss Rosanna Suliani Staines-Upon-Thames Mr Graham Horn Uxbridge Mr John Davies Ashford Ms Caroline Martini-Deacon London Mr Michael Edwards Pinner Mr Neil Stone West Drayton Mr & Mrs. Flynn Ruislip Mr. Maurice Aldous Harrow Mr & Mrs Donald Stephens Ruislip Mrs Jackie Batchelor Shepperton Mr John & Mrs Angela Darrington Enfield Mr Alastair & Mrs Sandra Smith Twickenham Mr Raymond & Mrs Jennifer Tozer Feltham

Announcing the birth of

Olivia Jayne Henderson 13th September 2013

7 pounds, 9 ounces

Lesley and Colin Henderson are proud to announce

the birth of their first Granddaughter

Dear Ralliers, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to this newsletter and remember anything you would like to add please contact me. If you would like me to send you a copy of the News letter, please send me a SAE or download from our website: www.middxcc.co.uk Grace Henderson 49 Hatherleigh Road Ruislip Manor Middlesex,HA4 6AX Grace Henderson, bigfoot.5@btinternet.com

Start Collecting

John Kingsley is collecting plastic bottle tops for charity.

Please help him by collecting all that you can and pass them on to a committee member when your next on a

rally.

Notices

I would just like to say a huge thank you to first of all my

Committee especially John Taylor for his sterling work on my

fundraising for the MS Society, I know that it would not have

been possible for me to do that on my own also I must thank all

who so generously gave whenever possible, I am humbled by the

support I received from all concerned. Eileen & Dave took us

along to meet the group Eileen attends and they were all so

touched and thankful for the sum we passed over, and I am hum-

bled and thankful to be relatively healthy, all the members were

lovely people and coped with their differing levels of disability

stoically and remain cheerful and friendly, a lovely group of peo-

ple who I am grateful to have met. So THANK YOU ONE AND

ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

Marion & Dave xxxx

FORTHCOMING RALLIESFORTHCOMING RALLIES

St David's Day, Moreton in Marsh

2nd-5th May

Moreton In the Marsh is a 13th century market town, founded on the Roman Fosse Way.

Directions: Leave M40 junction 8, exit onto A40 Oxford/ Cheltenham. At

roundabout, take 3rd exit onto N Way/A40. At roundabout take 4th exit onto Woodstock Rd/A44. Continue to follow A44, turning left onto London Rd/A44, continue to follow

A44. At roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Fosse Way/High St/A429. When on the high street, Moreton head North and

when Budgens supermarket is on your right hand side take the immediate left turning. The ground is positioned roughly 250 yards up the Batsford Road on the left hand side behind

the recreation area. Rally Officer: Gerry Chandler

Rally Slips: To be received by 18th April 2014

Carmel College , OX10 8BU

16th-18th May

The site is on the River Thames, with picturesque views of the Thames, The Boathouse, Lake and Synagogue. Wallingford town centre is approx. 1 mile and the local pub

within walking distance

Directions From the A40 take the A4074/B4009, at Mongerwell roundabout follow the B4009 towards Reading. In 200 yards

turn left into Constitution Hill, at the end of the road, turn left. Look for rally signs: MCC

Rally Officer: Gerry Chandler

Rally Slips: To be received by 2nd May 2014

National, Arley Hall (CW9 6NA)

23rd-27th May

The largest event organised by the Caravan Club for members. Stay in the grounds of this country estate to

enjoy a full programme of Arena and marquee events, with evening entertainment.

Official site directions will be included with members joining pack sent nearer the time, for all who book in.

Will be signposted by the Organisers. Liaison Officer: Anne Moss

Booking forms Centre Secretary or Liaison Officer

Whitsun, Kings Lynn CCP

Holiday Rally 21st May –4th June

Directions:

From the M25 junction 27, take the M11. continue onto A11 and merge onto A14. At junction 37, take the A142 exit towards Ely/Newmarket. Turn left onto Fordham

Rd/A142. Continue to Follow A142. Turn right onto Queen Adelaide Way. Turn right onto Ely Rd/B1382.

Take 1st left onto Branch Bank, continue onto New River Bank. AT roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Lynn RD/A10 Continue to follow A10. Turn right onto Rectory

Lane. Look for Rally Sign: MCC

Rally Officer: Jackie Pearce Rally slips: Special Booking form required

D Day, Weyhill PH (SP11 OPP)

6th-8th June

Come along and help us to commemorate the centenary of the start of WW1 and the 70th Anniversary of D Day

Directions:

Leave the M3 at junction 8, exit onto A303 towards Salisbury/Andover. Take the exit towards Andover/Newbury/A343/Devizes/A342/Marlborough/A345. Slight left toward Weyhill Rd/A342. Turn

right onto the A303/A342/A343 ramp and at the roundabout take the 1st exit onto Weyhill Rd/A342. Look for the Weyhill Fair pub on the right hand side. Look for rally signs MCC

Rally Officer: June Taylor

Rally Slips: To be received by 23rd May

MG 90, Silverstone (NN12 8TN)

20th-22nd June The International Event for all MG enthusiasts. No other UK motoring event offers so much, at this iconic grand Prix circuit.

Directions:

Take M25 onto M1. Leave M1 at junction 15a. At 1st roundabout take 1st exit Northampton/Oxford. Take A43 until merges with A413. Follow A413 until sign post signs for Silverstone Circuit. Look

for signs: MCC

Rally Officer: Colin Henderson Rally Slips: Special Booking Form required

WE REGRET THAT NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON THE

SILVERSTONE TRACK

Bloxham Steam Fayre (OX15 4HD) Event

27th-29th June

Come and join in on one of the biggest events in the country.

Directions: From M40, junction 11, take the exit onto the A422 towards

Banbury A361 at the 3rd roundabout take the first exit onto Southam Road A361. In 1.5 miles, fork right onto Bloxham

road. In 3.5 miles bear left onto Barford Road, take first left into Milton Road, Site on right. Look for signs MCC

Rally Officer: Anne Moss Rally Slips: Special Booking Form required

Chairman's, St Leonards (HP23 6NW)

4th-6th July

French Weekend

Directions: Take M25 to junction 20. take the A41 exit Hemel Hempstead/ Aylesbury. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit

onto A41. Take the B4635 exit towards Tring. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Oddy Hill. Continue onto

Chesham Rd. Turn right onto Cholesbury Rd. Turn right onto Cholesbury Lane and continue onto Springall Hill. Turn right on to Jenkins Lane. Site on left.

Rally Officer: Colin Henderson

Rally Slips: To be received by 20th June

Runnymede invite N.London

Old Windsor, Berkshire Rally Start Time: 12pm

11th-13th July

Directions: Leave M4 at junction 6 and take A332 towards Windsor,

then follow A308 through Old Windsor towards Staines. Site is on right in approx 1 mile

Liaison Officer: Anne Moss

Rally Fee: £24 Weekend Rally Slips: To be received by 27th June

Holiday, Rose Farm (NR31 9JS)

2nd-16th August

Rose Farm is a peaceful camping site, perfect for a little getaway. Plenty to see

and do from Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre, Africa Alive, Model Village, Nelson Museum, Thrigby Wildlife Gardens and many more.

Directions: See Rally book

Rally Officer: Jim and Michelle Forsyth Rally Fee: £21.50 incl electric, plus Admin

Rally Slips: Special booking forms required from Middx Rally Sec

August Bank Holiday, Brairfields

(GL51 0SX) 22nd-25th August

Directions: See Rally book

Brairfields hotel and touring park site is situated close to historic Gloucester with its wonderful Cathedral.

Many attractions to see from Cheltenham racecourse,

Clearwell Caves to Three Choirs Vineyard and many more.

Rally Officer: Roger Sumner Rally Fee: £18.50 inc electric plus admin

Rally Slips: TO be received by 1st August 2014

Carmel College, OX10 8BU

12th-14th September

A Beautiful, secluded site right on the banks of the River Thames. Relax and enjoy exploring the grounds of

Carmel College.

Directions

From the A40 take the A4074/B4009, at Mongerwell roundabout follow the B4009 towards Reading. In 200

yards turn left into Constitution Hill, at the end of the road, turn left.

Look for rally signs: MCC Rally Officer: Roger Sumner

Rally Slips: To be received by 29th August 2014

Kop Hill Climb, Princes Risborough

19th-21st September

Rally Opens 5pm (School Site) This is a great event for car and motorcycle enthusiast.

Over 250 historic vehicles from the earliest days through to post-war classics will be storming The Hill. Kop Hill is

one of the oldest hill climb venues in England, dating back to the 1910/20’s.

Directions: From the A40 (West Wycombe). Take the A4010 to Princes Risborough. On approaching the town centre,

before the roundabout turn right into Clifford Road. Look out for MCC rally signs.

Rally Officer: Colin Henderson Rally slips: Special Booking form required.

Autumn Fayre invite Bucks

26th-28th Sept

Change of Venue to Rally Book New site address: (Site of Prestwood Steam Show ground)

Hangings Lane, Prestwood

Bucks

HP16 9HQ

For more information contact the liaison office

Liaison Officer: Anne Moss Rally Slips: Special Booking form required

Change of venue to Rally Book No Longer Lyndon Top, Rutland Water 24th - 31st October 2014

Venue Change to: Sheepcote Valley Club Site Brighton, BN2 5TS

Directions: On the M23/A23 after passing Brighton boundary sign and twin pillars join the A27. Immediately after passing

Sussex University take slip road sp B2123 (Falmer/Rottingdean) In 2 miles at traffic lights in Woodingdean turn right into Warren Road. See Caravan Club

Site book for full directions Rally Officer: Eileen and Dave Hole

Rally Fee: £13.12 per night with EHU plus VAT and Admin

AGM, Piggott's School, Wargrave

3rd-5th October RG10 8DS Middlesex Centre Annual General Meeting

SCHOOL SITE—NO ARRIVAS BEFORE 5.00PM

Directions: Leave the A404(M) at junction 9B, then at the Thicket roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A4 (west). At third

roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A321. School on the left. Look for Rally signs. MCC

Rally Officer: June Taylor Rally slips: To be received by 20th September

Easter Fun

This time of year Easter comes,

To give fun to the little ones. There's many who love this holiday,

Because it's so cheery, bright, and gay.

Spring time comes and flowers bloom, To show how sunshine seems to loom.

Creeks all over start to flow, To bring to life everything that will grow.

But there is more than just life to Easter, Including all the little candy-eaters.

All the pretty baskets wrapped in cellophane, Looking for Easter eggs through the window pane.

All the creamy chocolate that nobody can hide, All the colourful eggs which are beautifully dyed.

Then there's pink and blue Easter grass, Which all clings together in a big mass.

Children wake up on Easter morning, Hoping for candy; that's what they're yearning.

The Easter bunny comes the night before, But that's not enough; the kids want more.

All the pretty things that Easter brings, Which include birds that fly with wings.

Easter is for everyone, Celebrating spring is fun.

© 2001, Chris Brookhart

Middlesex Committee 2013/2014

Chairman Colin Henderson Vice Chairman Position Available

Hon. Secretary Anne Moss Hon. Treasurer Roger Summer Hon. Rally Sectary Colin Henderson

Saleable Equipment Officer John Moss Rally Equipment Officer John Kingsley

Press and Public Relations Officer Colin Henderson Fund Raising Officer John Moss

Newsletter Editor Grace Henderson Social Secretary Position Available

Co-opted on to Committee Janet Sumner

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE NEWSLETTER ?

In order to improve our communication with you we would love to hear your views on the newsletter, which we hope keeps you up to date with the news and activities. So please let me know good or bad. Please email your comments to: bigfoot.5@btinternet.com

Middlesex was well represented at the funeral with approximately 20 of our members in attendance, including 4 past Chairmen and our current Chairlady Marion and her husband Dave. John was a real gentleman who had run many rallies for the Centre in the past and always took part at socials whenever asked. He also had other, outside, interests that he enjoyed. He had a strong interest in photography and for many years took the Centre Committee photographs for the rally book each year. This was well before digital cameras came into being. When younger, he had applied to join the RAF but despite passing the entry tests with flying colours had unfortunately been turned down due to a hearing problem. He settled for building and flying model aeroplanes. Only a few years ago he had been given the present of a glider flight, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He formed and supported a local archaeology club. He also took part in numerous activities within his village, regularly organising the car parking for village functions – giving no quarter or favouritism, and that included the vicar too! He has been a friend for many years and we will miss him.

We were very sad to hear of the death of one of our long standing members of

the Middlesex Centre

John Robinson

John died 1 April 2013 and was buried in his local church cemetery,

following the funeral service on Tuesday 16 April 2013

John leaves a widow Sylvia, children

Colin and Wendy and grandchildren

Alan Marshall 1939 - 2013 Alan was born in January 1939 in Ashford. He attended the Matthew Arnold school and left at the age of 15 taking up an apprenticeship as a linotype engineer, He joined the Air Training Corps where he played the drums but his National Service career only lasted five days due to a knee problem. Later his mother arranged a blind date for Alan and this is where he met Doreen who became his wife in 1961. They eventually moved to Feltham Road, this being the house that Alan lived in for the rest of his life. They had two children, Di and Sharon. Alan worked for many years in the printing industry joining the Daily Mail in his 20’s. He became foreman and then took up the position of Shop Steward a post that enabled him to fight for better conditions and training for his fellow workers. In 1990 he decided to take redundancy and enjoy his pastime of D.I.Y. turning into a business later. Walking was another of his passions as members will know of his holidays spent in the Snowdonia area, conquering the summit many times. Caravanning became a large part of his life from 1967 joining the Middlesex Centre when the family spent weekends and holidays just enjoying the outdoors. He became the centre’s Rally Secretary, a job he took seriously for 25 years arranging venues up and down the country for others to explore. He was a familiar sight with flat cap and pipe and always ready to help. We remember on one occasion he took Peter and Ivy on holiday because their car had broken down, no mean feat with caravan, boat and mother-in-law and fetched them home again. Alan’s health had deteriorated over the past couple of years, but his passing in September was not expected. Sadly missed by his family and remembered by us the rally goers.

Write Ups

Bloxham Steam Rally – June 2013 We arrived late on Thursday evening as we hit traffic as we approached Banbury. We parked up until the morning when we pegged the site we had been allocated and got ourselves sorted out. It was not long before we were joined by 2 of our members. We were lucky; all the people who had booked in had arrived by 6.30p.m so we had the rest of the evening to ourselves. Some of the people walked down to the beer tent for the entertainment which was laid on both nights over the weekend. I understand it was en-joyed by those who went down there; some even tried some of the rides at the funfair. On Saturday, the sun was very hot; we walked down to the exhibits. They had a horseback falconry display; the birds were spooked by the helicopter which was taking people for rides over the site. I believe the birds felt threatened by the noise. They had all the usual things you come to expect from a steam fair, the parade of tractors, commercial vehicles, cars, motor bikes, traction engines but they also have the matadors showing had great their pulling power is. It’s amazing seeing just how much they are capable of doing. We stayed down at the show until quite late in the evening. I sat and watched the people flying their kites while John had a look at the tractors. One of our members was brave and went up in the helicopter, sitting next to the pilot, she said it was fantastic trip and glad she had done it. The helicopter was like the one used in the 1980’s TV series – Airwolf. Sunday, was a little cooler so we made our way down to the show as there was still a lot for us to see. We saw a lot of traction engines we hadn’t seen before which is good. Unfortunately, we didn’t see all that was there but we saw as much as we could before we had to leave and pack up to go home. We look forward to returning next year as we had such a good time.

Kop Hill Climb 2014

Arrived Friday with the help of John Kingsley to site vans and motor homes. This year owing to historic cars overheating driving through the village Kop Hill committee asked if we could section off an area for the vehicles to drive through the school back to the paddock, this included the hop on bus too . However an early start Saturday to go back home to pick up my MG J2 and not forgetting Lesley too, the car was to be exhibited and booked to go up the hill (made sure I booked it this year!!) Link below with lots of great pictures. http://www.middxcc.co.uk/2013_KopHill.html Was again a great weekend lots to do and see and some fantastic choices of food, many thanks to everyone who came for this weekend Colin

Winter Walk Sunday 2nd March

After all the wet weather we had been having the day came for the winter walk around Virginia Water, was great that the weather was good a little chilly but dry. I had not been on the walk before so had no idea what to expect. There was a lovely new coffee/cake shop but as we had booked lunch we did not stop there! We took a different route to other years not going past the totem pole but instead towards the water cascade which was very impressive and noisy then on to the Roman Ruins, was very interesting and still a lot of work being carried out to preserve these columns .We did not have time to walk all the way around so headed back to the Wheatsheaf for lunch, where we met up with the others who did not walk . There was 23 of us booked in for the lunch, and we had our usual table. It was very busy, we all put our orders in and tucked into our meals. Was good to catch up with everyone and hear all their news. Many thanks to Joan for organising the walk and the weather . Lesley

Rally Report, Diamond Farm, Bletchingdon, Oxon.

14- 16 March 2014.

First rally of 2014 and what a weekend for it; warm and sunny, a

chance to sit out and enjoy the sun. What a contrast to the last few

months with the storms and flooding.

Diamond Farm, Camping and Caravanning is a small friendly site,

with a beautifully clean, toilet/ shower facilities, Clubhouse, Games

room and swimming pool. The Wardens and his wife were friendly

and very helpful.

Enough of the site and now to the rally and rally officers. June and

John Taylor. Hard working as usual and put in an extra effort to

ensure an enjoyable rally.

This was the St. Patricks day rally so of course the theme was Irish.

Jim’s second rally, I have done a few more, about 400, between 1983

and 2003.

We arrived, late Friday Morning, slightly misty which soon burnt off

to give a sunny afternoon. This was to be the weather for the week-

end.

I had cooked a couple of cottage pies for the evening meal, which

were safe in the freezer at home. A trip to Sainsbury’s at Kidlington

for a ready meal ‘Lasagne’. Surprisingly good.

Saturday was a lazy day, just enjoying the sun. Jim’s nephew Steve

and his wife arrived during the afternoon; they were joining us for the

pie and chips supper. Steve has Irish ancestors and Jim’s

Grandmother came from Northern Ireland. So we got stuck into

June’s Irish trivia quiz.

About 6.00, we went over to the games room, were we played a few

games of pool. We then went into the clubhouse where we had our

inclusive drink. The meals were served soon after and very good it

was too. We should thank the Warden and his Wife and staff for

manning the bar and providing the food.

After eating it was June’s games. Two rounds of Irish Bingo and four

games of higher and lower. I won’t try to explain the rules, I am not

sure that I really understand them; in fact there was quite a lot of

confusion all round. Modesty forbids me from saying who won,

except that most of the winnings ended on our table. They say the

luck of the Irish. Steve and Debbie have never fancied rallying but

thoroughly enjoyed the evening with our Centre.

Sunday Morning, it was bacon butties for breakfast, while we

watched Casualty.

We took down the awning and then it was over to June’s for flagpole.

You could have knocked me down with a feather, we won the Irish

trivia quiz as well.

There were 8 vans on site, including a visitor from the Berks Centre.

Not a bad number for so early in the year and in view of the

diabolical weather that we have suffered from before Christmas.

Those centre members who have never rallied before, you do not

know what you are missing. Why not give it a try; you may enjoy it.

We are a very friendly Centre and there will be a warm welcome

waiting for you.

Thank you June and John Taylor and your helpers for a great

weekend.

Michelle Dibble and Jim Forsyth.