Berkshire Rally
Sulhamstead
June 20th-23rd 2014
The Polar Club Rally at The Pony Field this year was blessed with great weather from start to finish. One heavy shower on the last night was the only exception and everything was dry by departure next day. As everyone attending is now retired, Bernard, Helen, Bryan, Betty, Stan and Kay were able to arrive on Thursday. Everyone was soon catching up, and watching a new pitch for the Chairman under preparation, as the one available was a bit close to the muck-heap. Great to have Bryan after his severe illness at the end of last year.
That evening we all sat round the camp fire catching up, and we were joined by Georgette, Duncan, Charlotte, Bryony and Logan.
Georgette always comes with an assortment of dogs, as part of her cat/dog/cow/horse/house etc sitting business.
This time Titan (sheltie) Daisy 2 (lab) and Goony (springdor) were joined by Harvey (lab), Star (boxdor), Widget (whippet), Roxy (staff) .
The pack were great fun charging round the field, and had everyone laughing and commenting on all their doggy antics. Despite this, all came on the outing the following day on leads, as if butter wouldn't melt.
On Saturday everyone set off for the Steam Rally put on by the Watercress Line in Hampshire. The show included the usual interesting stationary engines, steam traction engines, commercial vehicles etc.
The encampment of Cow-Boys and Indians had a real insight into life back then, with tepees, tent shops and everyone in costume.Access for a trip on the Watercress line was via a vintage bus, complete with crash gear box, this generated much discussion on the correct technique for double de-clutching, by those in the know.
We caught the steam train at Meadstead and Four Marks, the highest station in Southern England. Then a nostalgic trip to Alton, to the far end of the line and back to our station, about 12 miles.
Chatting to one of the guards, the Watercress line has around 1000 volunteers, as 50 are required to run a steam day, a huge logistical task.
The encampment of Cow-Boys and Indians had a real insight into life back then, with tepees, tent shops and everyone in costume.Access for a trip on the Watercress line was via a vintage bus, complete with crash gear box, this generated much discussion on the correct technique for double de-clutching, by those in the know.
We caught the steam train at Meadstead and Four Marks, the highest station in Southern England. Then a nostalgic trip to Alton, to the far end of the line and back to our station, about 12 miles.
Chatting to one of the guards, the Watercress line has around 1000 volunteers, as 50 are required to run a steam day, a huge logistical task.
On the remaining Rally days people were entertained with various methods to cope with laundry, for example trampling it in a tub under the pump. This is because Alistair and I now live full time in a motorhome, and do not have the luxury of washer and dryer. With the help of Polar Club members, we now know a full set of sheets can be washed and dried in the day, weather permitting. Helen had a particularly good wringing method, that contributed to the drying, thanks Helen! After all this exertion a gentle stroll to the Fox and Hounds for Sunday lunch was well earned. Monday we spent doing nothing in particular, and went our separate ways next day. Have put in a request for same weather for the future!. See you next year.
Viv & Alistair
Viv & Alistair
