AUTUMN IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Advertised as a free and easy rally at Apple Tree Park at Frampton – on – Severn, turned out to be exactly that.  Rally officers Stella and Roger, Jessie and Howard made a great team and ensured there was exactly the right mix of formal and informal activity.

What a joy to be able to have a leisurely breakfast and then schedule your own social events, some during the day and some in the evenings. Of the many places and events that was available to occupy the intrepid rallier were “The Frampton on Severn Fair”, visits to Gloucester and its revitalised Quays and shopping centres, as well as Cheltenham and Stroud. For those with Bus Passes an excellent free Park and Ride system was available as well as a Bus stop close to the site entrance.     

The only hiccup was the weather forecast at the beginning of the rally, with threats of high winds and rain on the back of the hurricane KATYA. 

A planned BBQ for Saturday evening in sunny weather looked hopeful and preparations duly started.  Unfortunately, over came very black clouds and just at the time the barbecues were fired up and ready to go, the heavens opened!  A few stalwart cooks managed to carry on, though others decided to stay in the dry of their units, and as usually happens, half an hour later, out came the sun again for the rest of the evening.

Two days were allocated for a trip on the Sharpness & Gloucester canal on “Her Majesty’s Barge Perseverance”, because it could only seat 12 people at a time.  However, an interlude lunch at the Tudor Arms public house alongside the canal was very much appreciated and very welcome.

Late afternoon on Wednesday was warm and sunny for an open air ‘cheese and wine’ gathering, and went down very well.

Thursday saw most of us visit the ‘Wildlife Trust at Slimbridge’ for a casual stroll around the many enclosures.  It appeared however, that one of the star exhibits were the tiniest Harvest mice which many people had never seen before.

A free day on Friday allowed everyone to get their thinking caps on ready for a quiz night in the local village hall.

Our final day was spent enjoying an unexpected spell of very sunny and warm weather before the farewell meal at the Fromebridge Mill a short distance away where a varied and excellent meal was provided.

All in all a very enjoyable mix of free time and social activity achieved by the rally officers – well done.