Members News

We have received the very sad news that our dear friend Joan Howard passed away peacefully this afternoon with Allen and their son Andrew at her bedside. Joan had been waiting a long time for a heart operation which eventually took place in February; however other complications set in after the operation, so for the last few months Allen has been nursing her at home. This sadly led to their decision to reluctantly sell their caravan.

Joan and Allen attended their first rally along with their son Andrew at Manchester Airport. This was a rally that we were marshalling and they were invited into our awning during a rainy BBQ. There were probably at least 20 people finishing their meals in our awning that evening. So Joan and Allen got to know many fellow ralliers right away and as I recall it turned into a late night too.

It wasn’t long before they were marshalling rallies themselves. Weekend rallies and holiday rallies too. They, along with their very close friends Jonny & Pauline Brown, ran the children’s Christmas party rally at Southport for many years too. They would source and wrap presents for about 40 children each year and Father Christmas would always make an appearance.

Joan was a very conscientious ACM for Area 1 for very many years and was always a much loved person by adults and children alike. In the last few years she was elected by the committee to be a Trustee of the club.

As they had attended well over 350 rallies in their almost 40 years (from 1987) in the club they had made very many friends from all over the country.

We have very many happy memories of happier times spent with them both in our caravans or on the rally field over the years. There was always fun and laughter when we were in their company and I’m sure many of you can relate to many happy rallies spent with such a lovely couple too.

Our thoughts are with Allen and Andrew at this very sad time.

R.I.P Joan you certainly will never be forgotten.

Allen will provide funeral details in due course and I will publish them here.

John Brailsford, President

 

The Executive Committee held discussions over the weekend following the government’s emergency alert and until further notice can we respectfully ask that all members seriously consider not using BBQs, Naked Flames, Open Fires or Smoke Outdoors while the current conditions continue.

We would also repeat our earlier request for you to place a bucket of water outside your caravans.

We need to take every precaution we can, not only to safeguard ourselves but also to protect those around us and the properties we are visiting.

I’m sure you will all understand the need for this action and appreciate the importance of everyone doing all they can to prevent a fire.

Rose Wasley, Chairman, on behalf of the SOC Executive

It has recently been brought to our attention that the Anglian Centre of the Caravan & Motorhome Division has issued a poster encouraging members to carry a small bucket or bowl of water and keep it outside their caravan during these exceptionally dry conditions.

The Committee considers this a sensible precaution and has therefore produced a similar poster, which has been shared on Facebook and is also available on the website HERE or in the General Info → Main Page → Miscellaneous Information & Forms Section.

At present, this is a recommendation based on good practice rather than a mandatory requirement. However, given the likelihood that such dry conditions may become more frequent, we may need to consider introducing this as a requirement for rally attendees in the future.

Please note that any small bucket, bowl or similar container is suitable.

While one bucket of water may seem unlikely to make much difference, if every member has one readily available, collectively they could help contain a small fire before it develops.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Rose Wasley, Chairman

It is with great sadness that I announce that Honorary Life Member Tom Chamberlain passed away just before his 99th birthday on 6th July after a short illness in Royal Leicester Hospital. We received a letter from Tom’s family notifying us which will be published in the next edition of Going Places.

Tom and his late wife Beryl were longstanding members who celebrated 45 years of membership last year shortly before Beryl died aged 96 years. They were well known regular ralliers who attended over 400 rallies before retiring from caravanning and becoming Honorary Life Members.  As Honorary Life Members they always kept in touch with the club and occasionally were able to visit rallies and meet some of the many friends they had made over the years.

Our thoughts are with Tom’s family at this sad time.

RIP Tom.

John Brailsford, President

The bookings opened yesterday for this rally and the marshals have now informed me that it is now fully booked.

A waiting list has now been started so please put your name on it if you are interested.

Always be aware that in 10 months someone’s circumstances could change so vacancies are likely to arise.

Webmaster

It with great sadness that I announce the recent passing of member Christine Boud.

Christine of Bexleyheath and husband Derek only joined the club last year. I understand that Derek only managed to attend a rally on his own last year as Christine was in a nursing home.

Our thoughts are with Derek at this sad time and I hope that at some time in the future he will feel he could continue rallying with the SOC.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any further information at the moment.

John  Brailsford, President

Details for the above rally in New Quay, Wales have been added to the UK Holiday Rallies page. Please see under the RALLY INFO/UK Holiday Rallies menu and page 77 of the Summer Edition of Going Places for further information.

Bookings Open at noon on 25/7/2026

Webmaster

 

A January 2027 rally is a long time away but the marshals David & Yvonne Lovett  would appreciate your assistance by letting them know by 31st July if you are interested in the Burns Night Rally.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 74 of Going Places for further information and contact details.

Webmaster