rally, this is to try and
tailor the rally to suit everyone’s needs. It mean if you to have to work and
can only attend the weekends, that’s not a problem, you can still go along and
enjoy your weekend.
Upon arrival you will be
greeted by the rally marshals, they are the members who organized the rally for
you. Their outfit will be clearly marked with a Marshals sign. They will direct
you to your pitch, these are normally allocated on a first come, first served
basis, however occasionally the marshals may allocate pitches, taking into
account a variety of circumstances. For example members who are infirmed may be
pitched nearby the water supply.
There will be a fresh water
supply and an Elsan disposal point, either on the rally field or nearby, they
will be pointed out to you by the Marshals on your arrival. Some
rallies have electric hook ups, this will be indicated in the Events Programme,
but rallies are mainly on farmers fields, behind pubs, schools or other such
locations with good access and security.
There is a club rule (Rally
Rules no. 9) that states a fire bucket, of any colour, filled with water should
be placed at the front of each unit.
The Marshals will provide
you with an envelope containing a list of fellow ralliers, generally a quiz,
some suggestions on what’s on offer in the area and an itinerary of what has
been arranged. You are not obliged to join in but if you don’t it would be
courteous for you to let the marshals know not to expect you. There will also be
a rally plaque, which is a memento of the rally for you to collect.
Each rally is different, some are very relaxed, others
may have a communal BBQ and sometimes the occasional social is arranged. Details
are usually given in the events programme along with an approximate rally fee.
This fee covers tea, coffee, biscuits, milk, sugar, prizes and £1 per unit goes
to the club (50p of this is towards the cost of the plaque). Any surplus is
donated to the clubs funds. Never be afraid to join in - remember these members
are friends that you just haven’t met yet!!!
A welcome evening is usually
held on a Friday evening when all or most of the ralliers have arrived, take
your own cup or mug along for a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, this will
give you an opportunity to meet most of the others for a chat.
On the last morning or as
indicated in the programme you will meet at ‘Flag’. This is when the quiz
winner is announced and the ‘Lucky Van Prize’ is drawn. The first name out
of the hat will receive a prize and that person will have the ‘privilege’ of
writing the rally report, which will be published in a later Newsletter. First
Time Ralliers are excused this pleasure, if they wish!! Future rallies and any other
announcements will also be made. Usually a member of the Committee will thank
the Marshals and present them with a ‘Rally Marshal Plaque’.
Occasionally
there will be a
presentation of a special plaque to mark the number of rallies a member has
achieved. These plaques are presented every 50 rallies (50, 100, 150 etc.).
If you haven’t rallied
before with the Compass Owners Club why not come and see what you’ve been
missing, you’ll will be made very welcome.
Article
submitted by Jan Thorpe.
(Back To Top)
