Members News

I was very saddened and shocked when we received a phone call yesterday evening informing us that former member Steve Horn had suddenly passed away at the young age of 56. He passed away 2 days ago whilst at work.

Steve & his wife Sharon joined the club in 2004 and were very active members for many years, marshalling and attending over 300 rallies; they won the Fellowship Trophy for number of rallies attended in a year twice!

Sharon, supported by Steve, was the Area 5 committee member for 10 years so they were both very well known in their area and within the club in general. They made many friends within the club and we spent many great times with them both at home and abroad.

Sadly, Steve developed medical conditions almost 5 years ago which prevented them from continuing caravanning but allowed then to visit rallies a few rallies when practical.
Our thoughts are with Sharon and family at this very sad and difficult time.

RIP Steve it was a pleasure to have had the privilege of knowing you.

I will publish funeral details here when available. However, Sharon said that as he was at work when he died suddenly, she is very aware that it may take a while due to all the legalities before a date can be set.

John Brailsford, President

Swift have asked me to share their live event with the SOC members again. It’s an open weekend which you will be able to view the new 2026 Caravans, Motorhomes and Camper Vans. You will be able to have a factory tour to see how their leisure vehicles are made. There will be lots to do and see. And maybe purchase a new Caravan/Motorhome and or Camper van!! 

If you are interested in attending this event then please ensure you register your FREE place by clicking on the website below.”

https://www.swiftgroup.co.uk/events/swift-live

Regards, Gareth Roberts

SOC Marketing Officer

We have a stand at the Caravan Show at the NEC in October (14/10/2025 to 19/10/2025 10am to 6pm daily).

I am looking for volunteers to sit on the stand talking to potential new members about the benefits of joining the SOC.

The days I need assistance are Tuesday 14/10/25; Thursday 16/10/25; Saturday 18/10/25 AM only; Sunday 19/10/25 PM only

You will get free entry to the show and be expected to sit on the stand for 4 hours in 2-hour sessions (*flexible with the other members on the day).

I have a few volunteers already, but more are needed to help your club. There is a local SOC Rally conveniently located near to the NEC.

Please email me at marketing@swift-owners-club.com if you are able and want to help your club, with the days that you are available.

Regards, Gareth Roberts,
Marketing Officer Swift Owners Club.
Tel 07412 636628
Email: marketing@swift-owners-club.com

Swift have a Leisure Vehicle launch weekend, in September, which is free to attend. Numbers are limited, therefore, if you wish to attend then please use the link below to book your place. The Swift Owners Club will be at this event with a small stand to attract new members.

Swift Live2025: https://www.swiftgroup.co.uk/swiftlive/

Gareth Roberts, Marketing Officer

The Rally Secretary has recently updated the online Draft Rally Programme for next year. It’s looking good but there’s a few gaps in the autumn and winter time just waiting to be filled, so why not have a chat with your Area Committee Member and consider organising a rally?

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

Webmaster

The Summer 2025 edition of our magazine Going Places is now online to view or download. Access is by clicking on the magazine image on the General Info page.

As postal deliveries vary so much across the country, if you haven’t received your hard copy yet please allow a few days before contacting the Membership Officer.

Webmaster

Gill Bevan has sadly informed me that Honorary Life Member William Murray (Will) passed away last Saturday (14th June). Gill had always kept in close contact with Will.

Will and his wife Jean were a well known lovely couple who had been members since 2007 and made many friends all over the country. They reluctantly had to give up caravanning in their 90’s due to ill health.

Val & I will always remember in 2019 when Will towed 200 miles to attend the 90th birthday rally of John Rowe. Will was 90 just a few months before John and they were good friends.

Even after Will and Jean had to give up caravanning, they often visited some of the local rallies that we marshalled at Manchester Airport and at Elm Cottage and it was always a pleasure to see them and have a catchup. They also met up with Gill & Clive from time to time.

RIP Will it was a pleasure to have known you.

Will’s funeral details are as follows:
Service: Monday 14th July 13:15 at Macclesfield Crematorium, Prestbury Rd, Macclesfield SK10 3BU.
No flowers please.

Please let Gill Bevan know if you can attend. (Text: 07778 135206 or email: clivebevan.home@gmail.com)

Wake: The wake will be at Will & Jean’s home address: 14 Woburn Court, Towers Road, Poynton, Cheshire. SK12 1DF

Again, please let Gill Bevan know if you will be attending. (contact as above)

Many people may not be able to attend, due to distance and/or being abroad, so if you want to send Jean a card, please send to Mrs J Murray, 14 Woburn Court, Towers Road, Poynton, Cheshire. SK12 1DF

John Brailsford, President

If you would like to be involved in the future of rallying and exempted organisations, please read on:

Seven Committee posts will be vacant for a two year term at the AGM Saturday 4th October at West Midlands Showground.

The ACCEO Constitution demands that nominations for the above posts shall be submitted on the duly signed nomination form and be received by the Association Secretary no later that 56 days prior to the AGM (20th August 2025). Forms available from SOC member Val Rowe.
valrowe@btinternet.com

Webmaster

Val Rowe is looking forward to welcoming you to this rally which is ideally located within walking distance of the lovely Shrewsbury town centre and has a hall on site for the evenings. This is the opportunity to meet and socialise with others from all the clubs who are members of ACCEO if you wish to.  All SOC members park together.

The cost for this rally is now available.

The price for the core 2 night period Friday & Saturday including entertainment is £60. The other optional nights of Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday are £20 a night.

Full booking information is on page 66 of your Rally Book as this is a prepaid rally direct to ACCEO.

In addition to the Swift Group Survey, Swift would also like new and existing owners to join My Swift Life. My Swift Life is an initiative to support all owners throughout the life of owning a Swift product. All owners can access a communications portal where they can access ‘how to’ videos, communicate directly with the customer experience team, upload service records, be kept informed of any rework required and generally follow the life of their leisure vehicle 24/7. Using My Swift Life, you can also view chargeable orders that have been placed on your behalf, by your Swift dealer or servicing provider, along with any outstanding warranty claims from the date of ownership. Click the following link for further information and then the ‘VISIT MY SWIFT LIFE’ button to login or register.

Webmaster