We arrived in beautiful weather that stayed with us practically the whole of the rally, which was fortunate, as some of the outdoor activities would have been spoilt. On arrival we were welcomed by the rally team of Stella and Roger Allison and Jessie and Howard Hunt with much appreciated tea, coffee, cake and biscuits. Apple
Tree Campsite is still being developed, however it occupies a very pleasant position with widely spaced pitches and excellent facilities.

This rally, planned as a free and easy was just that, very relaxed with plenty of time to do your own thing which we and others took advantage of the next day by exploring the surrounding countryside by the River Severn and pretty villages including the picturesque Frampton on Severn, with it’s huge village green. Arriving back on site for the first Happy Hour of wine and nibbles; at this time in the rally an innovation! Doris Pritchard presented the Rally Plaques to our Leaders, as she said, “we can now see who the rally team are instead of waiting till the last night” and why not?
Saturday took us out to Coaley Peak, near the village of Uley, which is shown as a picnic area with a stunning vista over the Severn Vale toward the Welsh hills. It is a traditional Beacon Site and is used extensively by the hand glider fraternity whom we watched launching themselves off the escarpment. This day Josie and Dave Moncrieff completed a 14 mile hike plus a walk around Gloucester Docks; the thought of it made me feel exhausted. In the evening we had a quiz at the local village hall, winners were, in order of brain power, Doris Pritchard (twice), Peter Bean and Shirley Vincent.

On Sunday, a communal barbeque was held at lunchtime, in glorious sunshine, cooked by the men of course, followed by a game of “Jenga”, new to me, provided by our Games Master, Peter Bean; this involves making a tower out of lengths of wood, then attempting to remove some of them from the centre and replacing them on the top of the tower, not easy and was the cause of much hilarity. Peter also organised a Boules tournament, much enjoyed by the participants.
Monday we met at Slimbridge Wildlife & Wetlands Trust for a guided tour which was excellent with many species on display including many pink Flamingos; after the tour  we were left to explore the fascinating area on our own.

On Tuesday we were split into two groups for a barge trip on the Sharpness Canal, half of us today, the rest tomorrow. This was a tranquil cruise from Saul and Frampton Junction to Slimbridge, followed by an excellent pub lunch, then return to Saul. In the evening it was a cheese and wine party, also Howard’s birthday. This event was held in a marquee, which the Campsite owner kindly allowed us to use, a very much appreciated gesture as the evening was a little cool.  Wednesday and Thursday were free days, everyone did their own thing. We went to Gloucester Docks for an excellent Chinese lunch, followed by a little retail therapy. Thursday a garden centre visit followed by an American Supper, in the marquee in the evening, a magnificent spread, where everyone over indulged, as one does.  Fr iday cof fee morning outside Stella and Roger’s awning in blazing hot sun, gorgeous! This lasted until lunch time and was in aid of the MacMillan Cancer Trust, a favourite charity of Stella’s. The rest of the day was spent pottering around the c o u n t r y s i d e , some went shopping , others Happy Houring with friends.
Saturday, coffee mornings, socializing with friends, awnings being taken down. Some got up early to see the Severn Bore, which turned out to be a boring ripple!  The final meal was held at Fromebridge Mill Restaurant in a lovely setting. It was an excellent meal with the usual tributes to our Team Leaders for a superb rally (their
first). Hopefully not the last.