2025 Rally Report

 Our hugely successful Branch Rally was held at the end of August and I have to say, it was a pretty amazing weekend!

The fun began on Saturday afternoon, where 34 Minors assembled in the Steam Railway car park for the Drive Out to Arreton Barns.  We took a longer route to make things a bit more interesting, and we had Leo videoing us from the car park and also from the viewpoint on the Downs Road (see our Facebook page for the video and see if you can spot yourself!).  We parked up in the overflow car park at Arreton Barns and made our way over to the shops and pub.  Unfortunately it did start to rain a bit, and the pub was busy inside so a few hardy folk did sit outside on the patio for a beer or coffee.  However, the rain meant that was it a great opportunity to look round the various shops and see the artisans at work.

Saturday evening was the Rally BBQ.  The rain continued all afternoon and became worse as the day went on.  Would we go ahead?  Well, I’m pleased to say we did, and made good use of the big marquee on the event field so we stayed dry.  Thank you to the chaps who bravely stood under a canopy to monitor the BBQ and make sure everyone had something to eat.  Despite the awful weather we had a good laugh and ate well.  Next remind me to buy more tiramisu, it was very popular!

Rally Day on Sunday was just brilliant.  Everything went to plan and I was pleased to see 63 Morris Minors of all ages and types lined up on the Event Field.  I think it might be the most we’ve had.  There were also some other classic makes from the VHVC, IW Classic Ford Club and IW Mini Owners Club.  Judging the best cars on show was very difficult!  We also had a public vote this year, which helped get visitors involved.

As usual we had the Old Girl with us, the 86 year old open top bus provided by Southern Vectis, giving mystery tours in the morning and afternoon.  We also had the TrackADog Team with us, who brought along some of their trained tracking dogs to show how they work when searching for lost dogs.  They were our nominated charity this year and the raffle raised £215 which was donated to them.

At the end of the day we went for our end of Rally meal at Appley Manor, much needed after a long but really enjoyable day.  A chance to relax with a nice meal and a glass of wine.

Thank you to everyone who attended over the weekend, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

 

Sally Cochran – Chair

 

Date for your diaries:  next year’s Rally will be Sunday 6 September 2026.

 

Judging Results

 

Best in Show – Carole Gray from Uttlesford Branch, with Traveller 75 FYD

Best Island Car – Mike Attrill from Chale with Pick Up OBP 107D

Public Vote – Brian Wood from Dorset Branch, with Convertible 129 UXC

Chair’s Choice – Joan Harrison with Lowlight CSL 647

Best Visiting Car – Paul Saunders with Mini Clubman Estate PDL 720R

The Special Award for Services to the Club was given to Stuart Scovell, for managing the Club as Chair for the last four years and producing our monthly newsletter