Members News

I would like to thank our members for the kind words in cards and messages, and the presence at Dad’s funeral last Monday. My mum (Vonnie) was overwhelmed with the large turn out from the caravan community, particularly when she hasn’t had chance to get the van out in the last year due to Dads health, from friends old (that she hasn’t seen in years) and new, it means a lot to all the family. Whilst her ‘van has gone, I have said I will host her in our ‘van when she feels up to getting out and about.

David Hopkins

Please note that it has now been possible to extend this Rally to close on 2nd August. This will now mean that for those already booked on to Rally 29 at Ludham there will be no need to find two nights extra accommodation.

There are still some vacancies on both Rallies for those who may wish to book.

Jenne & Keith Essam, Marshals

Members will be aware that in the past we have had two Rallies in November, ie Remembrance at Duxford following on to Kings Lynn for the Sandringham Craft Fair and Thursford Christmas Spectacular. The Duxford Rally has not been included this year but we have had requests to reinstate it to make the journey more worthwhile. We are able to do this subject to sufficient interest due to the cost of the Hall at Fowlmere.

If any member is interested please contact us as soon as possible.

There are also spaces at Kings Lynn and tickets available for the Thursford Spectacular which only require a £5.00 deposit at this stage and balance in August.

Jenne & Keith Essam, Marshals

As many of you will know the Easter Rally No. 11 to The Rare Breeds Farm in Ulcombe had to be cancelled due to dreadful weather conditions. The Rally has subsequently been re-arranged to run from 24th May to 1st June. Details are as shown for the original Rally in the Rally Book. Quite a few members re-booked but if you have not done so or are a new member and were not aware of this Rally there are still places available. If anyone would like to join us we would be delighted to welcome you either for the whole Rally or for a few days. Please get in touch with any queries. This may also be of interest to members travelling to the Lymington Rally on 1st June as it is a good stop over point en route.

Jenne & Keith Essam, Marshals

We received a message yesterday from Paul Verdon who wanted me to let SOC members know that his Mum, Sue, sadly passed away very suddenly on Monday this week.

Pete & Sue Verdon were members and regular ralliers for very many years until Pete’s untimely death several years ago. Paul rallied with the club from the age of eleven and was also a member himself in later years. I’m sure that many current members will remember them well.

Our thoughts are with all the family at this sad time.

Funeral details to follow.

Webmaster

Please see details below provided by David’s son:

The funeral of my wonderful Father, husband of Vonnie and club member – David ‘Reg’ Hopkins will take place at 3.00pm on Monday 22nd May at Oakley Wood Crematorium, Oakley Wood Road, Bishops Tachbrook, Leamington Spa, CV33 9QP

All family and friends are welcome to come and celebrate his life and say a final goodbye to him.

After the service everyone is welcome at Shipston on Stour Sports Club, London Road, Shipston on Stour, CV36 4EP to celebrate Dad’s life and share memories.

Family flowers only, but donations if you wish can be made (preferably) via R Locke & Son at www.rlockeandson.co.uk or on the day. All donations will go to Shipston Home Nursing, who looked after Dad so beautifully.

There are still spaces on our rally for the Spring Bank holiday – 25th-30th May. Situated between Liverpool and Southport there is plenty to see and do in the area with good transport links into the city.

You could have your photo taken with the Beatles, or Cilla Black or even Billy Fury – the choice is yours. A trip to the top of the Royal Liver Building may interest you for a Birds Eye view of Liverpool or take a Ferry cross the Mersey.

There will be plenty of free time for you to enjoy the area, full details in rally book.

Joan and Allen Howard, Marshals

Please note that the Marshals have extended the above rally to open on the 15th August 2023 so as it will run as a follow on from Bernard Wells rally at Abingdon Cricket Club. The Bridgnorth rally will not open until 2PM though as the Marshals will need time to set up. An email has been sent to all those currently booked onto the rally to advise of the change. For anyone looking to book on please note there are only 3 spaces left. 

To clarify the rally will now run from 15th August (opening at 2PM) till 20th August (5nights).

Many Thanks 

John & Rose Arthur, Marshals

I was very sad to hear that long-standing member David Hopkins (Senior) died peacefully at home yesterday morning after a short illness.

David along with his wife Vonnie joined the SOC in 2000. They have rallied with the Club for many years and marshalled rallies both in the UK and abroad.

David also served on the committee from 2003-2006 as ACM for Area 5.

He will be greatly missed by many of our members who have rallied with him and had the pleasure of his company.

Our thoughts are with Vonnie and family at this sad time.

I will pass on funeral details here in the Members’ News as soon as I receive them from his son David who is also a member.

John Brailsford, President

ROUTE: From M27 take junction 2 on to A326. Follow the signs to Beaulieu, past the Garage turn left at ‘T’ junction towards Lymington on A3054. Go past the Walhampton Arms pub and down the hill. Carry on at the bottom of the hill towards the town and ferry, do not turn right towards the town centre but go left towards Ferry Terminal. Go past the IOW Ferry Terminal, after 400 yds just past Elmers Court Hotel, turn right into Lilse Court Road which is just opposite the PYO Nursery, follow SOC Signs.

If you are approaching from Lymington on the A337, from the North or the South turn towards the Isle of Wight Ferry Terminal on the A3054. At the bottom of the hill turn right then left following the signs for IOW Ferry, go over the railway crossing , over the river then at the end of the bridge turn right and follow past the Terminal as above.

Bernard Wells, Marshal

For easy future reference, this information has been copied to the Latest Rally News – Rally 20. Webmaster