Members News

I received the very sad news from Terry Comber yesterday morning that Annette had passed away in the early hours. 
She was admitted to hospital in late February with GBS and sadly she never recovered.
Annette Watson had rallied with Terry both at home and abroad for the last few years and attended rallies all over the country. The last time we chatted to this lovely lady was at the New Year rally and a couple of weeks later they attended the Burns Night rally which sadly was to be her last.
Terry will update us with the funeral details in due course.

Our thoughts are with Terry and also Annette’s daughters and all the family at this very sad time.

R.I.P. Annette, it was a pleasure to have known you.

 

John Brailsford, President

The Rally Secretary has has updated the draft rally programme for 2027 and it is now online. It’s looking good but there are still some gaps which I’m sure Sarah would love to be filled.

Webmaster

The following letter has been received from our German Members, Peter and Ute Kantert:

In 2 weeks’ time we are heading to the British Caravanners Meeting (Rally) at Prumtal Camping in the Westeifel (Rhineland-Palatinate) Area of Germany, organised by a friend.  In 2025, 24 British Caravans attended and this year 54 British Caravans (90% Sprite/Swift) based in Germany have registered to attend.  I will be giving a short talk about my experiences with the Swift Owners Club and I’m hoping to find some new people interested in establishing an Area 9 in Germany.   A German Swift/Sprite dealer will be attending with his family in their Sprite 635 and he will be speaking about the latest trends and will be available to answer technical questions.

The Campsite has 240 pitches and is fully booked for that weekend and we are hosting an open “British Caravan Day” so that other Campers can come and take a look at our caravans and this will be a good promotion for British Brands.

As a family, Ute and I with our Daughter  will be attending the Ludham Rally in September where we hope to meet up with many of you again.

Peter and Ute Kantert

 

To all our caravanning friends, the funeral for my beautiful wife and Rich’s lovely mum Janet Couchman is to take place on Thursday 18th June 2026. Everyone is welcome.

13:30 at New Milton Crematorium, Stem Lane, New Milton, Hants BH25 5FH.

Followed by a wake at 15:00 at the Cliff House Hotel, Marine Drive West, Barton on Sea, Hants, BH25 7QL

It will be a bright colourful celebration of Jan’s life, Jan asked that you wear colourful clothes.

There will be food and drinks at the Cliff House Hotel, Jan’s favourite location overlooking Highcliffe Bay and the Needles. There will be an Album of photo’s for everyone to see, please feel free to add your personal memories on the blank pages.

Flowers can be sent to Co-op Funeral Care, 21 Station Road, New Milton, BH25 6HN or can be brought to the Crematorium.

If you would rather make a donation to the hospice that lovingly cared for Jan in her final days, then please use the Much Loved page below which has been set up in her memory.

https://janetcouchman.muchloved.com/

RSVP (IM, email, phone, message)
Chas Couchman

 

Sadly Jan Couchman passed away this morning with Chas and their son by her side in the hospice. Jan was still attending rallies until early March when she suddenly became terminally ill.
Jan was one of the loveliest people you would ever wish to meet and she always had a lovely smile for everyone. We, like a few other members had the privilege of already knowing Jan for a few years before they attended their first SOC rally.

We were the marshals at their first rally in Rüdesheim, Germany in August 2023. Since then they have attended many UK and Continental rallies with the club and made many friends. I know Jan will be sadly missed by the many members who have had the pleasure of her company.

Our thoughts are with Chas and their son Richard at this very sad and difficult time.
R.I.P Jan.

John Brailsford, President

 

The latest Draft Rally Programme for 2027 has been uploaded to the website, please have a look.
There are still lots of weekends to fill, maybe you’ve thought of running a rally but don’t have a suitable venue? Don’t worry I have lots of suggestions throughout the Country.
Or you may have somewhere in mind but don’t know who to speak to or where to start? Again don’t worry please email me – rallysec@swift-owners-club.com and I’ll guide you to all the help and support that’s available.
New marshals and new venues are always appreciated and needed 🥰

Sarah
Rally Secretary

Sadly we have just learnt of the death of Peter Downing whose funeral will take place on 27th May.
Peter & Ann Downing along with their son John were regular ralliers with the club in our early days.
In that era all rallies were just  two nights and started at 4pm on Friday. However due to business commitments they were only able to arrive on Saturday morning. However they still enjoyed coming away with the club for just 30 hours each time.
Peter was the club’s secretary in the late 1980’s before handing over to John Brailsford.
The Downing’s and the Brown’s families always remained friends as Michael & John were close friends from an early age. We chatted to John at Marion Brown’s funeral but his parents were not well enough to attend.
There will be a few of our long-standing members who will remember Peter from those early days.
R.I.P Peter.

Val & John Brailsford