John Brailsford

Although it’s after the published final booking date, it’s not too late as there is still space on the field with electric hook-ups and you will be made most welcome; the rally is open for entries up the 1^st May.

There’s plenty going on each evening including one night of professional entertainment. There is also a Street Party planned for the Monday afternoon to celebrate VE Day 80. In the first instance please contact the lead marshals, Ron & Maureen Ward, if you would like to attend.

There is a special booking form for this rally in the Spring edition of Going Places or you can download one from this website HERE. Marshal’s contact details and payment details are on the form.

Webmaster

To ensure you get a plaque for the rally please book by tonight as the closing date for the AGM entries is today 14th April 25. However, there is space on the field with electric hook-ups if you wish and we will be delighted to welcome you to the rally. Plaques may be available after the closing date and the rally is open for entries up the 1^st of May.

It is a great weekend so come along and support YOUR Club.

 We look forward to hearing from you.

 Ron and Maureen, Rally Marshals

Sadly, Honorary Life Member Mick Bradford passed away last night.
Mick and Lou had been members of the SOC for 24 years but sadly had to give up caravanning just a few years ago due to Mick’s declining health. Mick was a keen fisherman and won the Catch 22 fishing competition many times.
I believe the last time we had the pleasure of their company on a rally was at Drax Power Station beer festival rally in March 2020. That was the last SOC rally before Covid shut the world down. I will always think of Mick whenever I play the 20p blocks game on a rally. He made a set for Val and I and for several other marshals.
They were a lovely friendly couple and always a pleasure to be with. They made many lifelong friends in the club and he will be sadly missed by all members who had the privilege of knowing him and the pleasure of his company. 

All Mick’s family were by his bedside to say goodbye. Our thoughts are with Lou and all the family at this very sad time.

I will publish the funeral details here in the Members’ News as soon as I have them and Hilary Farrow will be collating numbers of attendees once details are known.
R.I.P. Mick

John Brailsford, President

As many of you may already be travelling in the EU or have plans to travel shortly, please read the latest UK government information on restrictions before you travel home to avoid Foot & Mouth disease arriving in the UK.

No meat or dairy products to be imported.

Val Brailsford

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-extends-ban-on-personal-meat-imports-to-protect-farmers-from-foot-and-mouth?

If you are not attending the AGM Meeting on May 3^rd and you would like your apology recorded, please email including your name/s and membership number to the club Secretary:

secretary@swift-owners-club.com

Thank you.

Elaine Baker. Hon Secretary.

Yesterday a meeting was held at Swift headquarters with Martin Hailey, National Dealer Development Manager, and Joanne Mitchell, Marketing Director. In previous years, the annual meetings between the Swift Group and associated clubs have been on an individual club basis. This year, for the first time, all the six associated clubs were invited to a single meeting. This was very productive and a great networking opportunity for clubs to help one another and for Swift themselves to hear the concerns owners’ clubs are facing.

SOC representatives were me (President) & my wife Val , Ron (Chairman) & Maureen Ward , Elaine (Hon Secretary) & Colin Baker and Gareth Roberts (Marketing Officer).

We were given a very informative presentation about the Swift business overview and feedback statistics from the October NEC show.

From the discussions during the updates from each club, future planning and Swift support, there was clearly a lot of knowledge and experience in the room and it became apparent that it would be of benefit to us all to share some of it.

It was clear that as clubs, we all have the same issues in attracting new members and maintaining a full and appealing rally programme for all members.

There will be a short survey form available on this website for downloading in due course. A hard copy for completion will also be available at the AGM and on other forthcoming rallies. Completion of the survey will enable you as SOC members to receive exclusive perks from Swift by registering with the Swift Group as club members.

Sorry no discounted caravans or motorhomes I’m afraid!

John Brailsford, President

Please note that this rally will not now be going ahead. The Coupland family have decided due to all the uncertainties of the dates and venues to cancel for this year but will go ahead next year.

Pat Conway, ACM Area 3

Please remember that ALL Executive and Committee positions are open for any member to submit a nomination form and, as previously announced, the Chairman and Hon. Secretary are not seeking re-election at this year’s AGM. These key positions along with the other Executive and Area Committee Members are vital for the longevity of your club.

Are you someone who enjoys being a club member and has an interest in ensuring the club reaches its maximum potential? Are you a forward thinker? Do you enjoy a challenge? If so, then why not seek election now and help shape the future of your club which is run by members for members?

For any enquiry please speak to any current Executive or Committee Member. Job descriptions are available if required from the Secretary (secretary@swift-owners-club.com).

A Nomination form can be found on page 91 of the Rally Venues Book or page 75 of the current Going Places magazine.

Fully completed nomination forms must be with the Secretary by 23rd March 2025 and time is rapidly running out.

John Brailsford, President

There are currently 8 Non EHU pitches available for this holiday rally.

Bookings must be received on the special booking form and the £15 non refundable deposit paid, by Bacs, by Sunday 16^th March 2025.

Many thanks, John (Rally Marshal)

John Avery,15 Springdale Grove, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, BH21 3QT (Mobile 07710 590905)

We have just been advised that the booking procedure with the site and also the cost of the Rally have changed. As Marshals we now have to get Official Weeting Booking Forms completed and the price has unfortunately increased to £105.00 for a Caravan or  Motorhome, 2 Adults and up to 2 children. The charge for extra Extra adults in the Unit is £45.00 each, for the fully inclusive four days and payment in advance will be required when we send in the completed forms.

Members still wishing to book on the Rally should please send us their booking slip and Rally fee in the normal manner as soon as possible whereupon we will send Weeting’s Form for completion and return to us and also as payment is required in advance details of the SOC account and Reference to which you should make payment.

We are very sorry about this and all group bookings are now being handled in this way despite many protests from all the regular groups attending.

Jenne and Keith Essam. Rally Marshals