Members News

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

This 7 night rally will be held at Searles Leisure Resort in March 2026.

For the benefit of newer members:

Links to the full details and booking forms (Word or PDF) can be found in the UK Holiday Rallies section of the website.

Holiday Rallies (at home and abroad) can open bookings up to 18 months in advance with the date being at the discretion of the marshals.

All other rallies cannot be booked until the given date in January 2026

Webmaster

Members please be aware that there will be major traffic disruption around the Coventry / Warwick area from 8pm on Friday 11^th April until 6am on Thursday 1^st May.  The A46 between Coventry and Kenilworth will be closed in both directions at this time. This information has recently been released.  As well as the closure, traffic in the surrounding area is also likely to be hugely disrupted.

Those attending the Easter Rally at Greenhills will be impacted, but so too will anyone using this major route to attend other rallies. 

Although there will be signed diversions, huge disruption is anticipated by those who live in the area. 

One major bottleneck would be when travelling from the north on the M1.  It would be best to avoid the M69 as this changes to become the A46 and will take you in to the middle of the chaos.  It would be worthwhile taking the M42/M40 around the NEC.

Anyone who uses the A46 in Coventry should plan an alternative route, and allow plenty of additional time.  The A46 closure will affect all traffic moving from the M1/M6/M69 to join the M40 at Warwick.  There are no easy local alternatives.

Dave Timothy

Details and booking form for a 2026 holiday rally have been added to the UK

Holiday Rallies page.

Webmaster

There is only one place left on Rally number 9. Bank Holiday Fun in the Shire. Shireoaks is near Worksop in North Nottinghamshire, close to Clumber Park. If you would like to be on this rally, then please email your booking slip to the Rally Marshal at dianner85@gmail.com ASAP. The rally has use of a toilet but no shower facility. Note, there is no EHU. We have a local band on the Friday evening which will be an extra cost of £4pp cash on the door.”

Gareth & Dianne Roberts, Marshals

At the AGM Rally the team have planned a Street Party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Bring your food & drink, decorate your tables and fly flags & bunting too.
The party will be held mid afternoon on the Monday of the rally. Hopefully it will be held outdoors but we will go indoors if necessary.

Webmaster

Today is the closing date for Executive / Committee nominations and any propositions to be considered by those present at the AGM meeting. AGM Documentation will be published here on the website as soon as possible.

All members are entitled to attend the meeting which is only a small part of the AGM Rally. If you wish to attend the rally you must book a pitch.

You can book the rally by various methods:

1. Online by completing the quick and simple form and paying your money to the club account. See the ‘AGM Rally 2025 – Online Booking’ section on the Members’ Home Page.
2. You can download a paper form from the website. Select ‘GENERAL INFO Main Page’ then ‘Miscellaneous Information & Forms’ where you can download and print it.
3. Complete the form in the Spring Edition of Going Places. DO NOT use the one in the Rally Venues Book as the Spring GP one replaces it.

The general rally information is in your Rally Book pages 33-36.

We look forward to seeing many members there to have a great weekend.

Webmaster

The first issue of the Rally Secretary’s Draft Rally Programme for next year is now online. This will be updated regularly but not necessarily advertised here each time so it’s worth checking on a regular basis.

The draft programme can be found under Rally Info in the main menu of any Members’ Area webpage.

Webmaster

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