Once again our Branch Rally was held at the Weardale Railway at Stanhope and we were hoping to build on last year’s success.

 Club members arriving on the Friday found the weather to be cold, very wet and miserable – things could only get better. Saturday saw an improvement in the weather and Sunday (the main rally day) was warm and sunny.   We had a total of 33 Morris Minors take part and 16 other classics – a wonderful turnout.

 On Saturday night there was a barbecue and entertainment in the marquee which included bingo, a domino handicap and a Country and Western singer. In keeping with the theme, Wild West fancy dress was optional but many people took the opportunity to dress up.

  Our guest singer was given the unenviable task of judging the fancy dress winners – one male and one female.  By chance he chose dad and daughter – Paddy and Caitlin Murphy.

  Sunday was the main event and the day of the “Grand Duck Race”.   In order for this event to go ahead and to satisfy “health and safety” we needed a lifeguard.   Two members of the RNLI kindly agreed to assist!!

  Organised chaos ensued at the river as the ducks made a bid for freedom (some in fact have still not been found) but the three winners were caught and prizes issued to the lucky ticket holders.

 We have had some excellent feedback from those attending the Branch Rally, the following are some of the comments received:

  Charlie and Lou Edwards from Derbyshire,“had a great weekend, enjoyed it very much”

 Chris Edgar, “thanks for a great day on Sunday, we really enjoyed it all and especially the good company”

 Judith McClaren, “you could teach clubs how to do things properly – well done, a great rally”

  Prizes were issued to proud owners on Sunday afternoon and the rally drew to a close – another event successfully “in the bag”.  Thanks go to Kath and Arthur Henderson for the enormous amount of work they put in prior to this event to ensure it was a success.

  Rally Category Awards

Saloon 2/4 Door                Grant Cramond

Traveller                              Chris Edgar

Modifed Custom              Ronnie Stoackley

Working Minor                  Andrew Cook

Other Classic (MG TC)    Ian Tunnicliffe

The award for the Morris Minor everyone would like to take home went to Chris Edgar’s Traveller.

  Winning Raffle Ticket Numbers

 Branch Raffle

1st   465   Tracey Cramond

2nd  166   John Bertram

3rd   464   D Robinson

4th   559   Kath Henderson

5th   778   Eleanor

6th    28    B Burton

7th   706   J Suddes

8th   769   Wendy ( Gilesgate Moor Hotel )

9th     13   Ken Whitfield

  Duck Race

1st    119   J.Pickford

2nd   359   Janice ( Hawthorn House )

3rd    428   H.Jones ( Last Orders PH )