Rally Report 2023

MMOC  IOW BRANCH RALLY 2nd and 3rd September 2023

Saturday afternoon kicked off with the drive out to the Donkey Sanctuary at Wroxall, with twenty-four cars leaving in convoy. Apart from the regular jam at the Hare and Hounds traffic lights it all went relatively smoothly. Arriving at Wroxall on this beautiful day in a convoy of Morris Minors was all you could hope it to be. The site and the views there are amazing, along with a great café and the donkeys of course. On the Saturday evening I arrived at what I thought was early at 6.15pm at the events field to help with the BBQ at 7.00. Adam had already started up the fire and there were already several guests ready to start cooking! Thankfully by 6.45 the first meats were sizzling. Last year I think there were 15 of us, this year at the end there were 40 plus. A great night to catch up and taste burnt sausages etc. I must confess I was a bit jealous when someone put a rack of BBQ ribs on the fire. In the end the light beat us as the sun disappeared on this our first rally day. Sunday morning bright and early from 8am people were already setting up - stall holders, Dave B, the Committee with tables etc., luckily on another beautiful day, I don’t know what it is but doesn’t a beautiful morning make you feel good. The Old Girl Bus arrived in the nick of time with the PA system kindly lent to us for the day by Paul Robinson the driver and club member to quickly set it up for the day. Thanks Paul perfect timing. Dave B kicked us off at 10.15am with his 60’s 70’s & 80’s music and did a further two sets throughout the day. Thanks Dave. Two packed bus trips and two falconry displays plus trains steaming to and fro set the pattern for day, with 55 Morris Minors and about 40 classic cars with many traders and stalls around to help fill the events field. As the day progressed it was clear shade would be the order of the day. It’s always a challenge to get in and out of the site due to the trains running and general public having full access to the hard standings, health and safety being paramount. But all in all, it worked out okay with the cooperation of the railway. Communication being the key. A big thanks to the committee members and friends in vis vests for escorting and ensuring there were no accidents or cock ups with the cars, brilliant job, also those of you selling raffle tickets etc and Andy on the PA and signing up new members. The day thanks to them went swimmingly. Also, Jonathan for collecting and keeping tabs on all the monies (a breakdown of the days takings on page 5) a great team effort by everyone. At the end of the day was the prize giving for the cars followed by the raffle. Love it or loath it. it is always a bit of fun to finish the day. By now the sun had reached its peak and although it was sad to see the rally end it was good to get out of the heat and make our way to Appley Manor for a much needed after Rally dinner and catch up. So many to thanks to our visitors coming from the mainland, our sponsors Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Southern Vectis, Tim Lang and Audrey, Prices Garage, WBS, Dave B, Paul all those businesses and friends who donated raffle prizes and anyone that I have forgotten. Thank you all and hope to see you all again next year.

Rally Awards 2023

Best Visiting Car Phil & Tina Woodland Morris 8 GUO136 

Best in Show Ashley Holmes Morris Minor Convertible EAS 954

Chairmans Choice Mr & Mrs Harrison Morris Minor 1949 Low Light CSL647 

Best Island Car Malcolm & Mary Jones Morris Traveller MDL 750G

 Best Island Restoration Paul & Sally Cochran Morris Traveller NEU 101G

On Friday 15th Sept our Treasurer Jonathan Lewis presented the cheque to The Phoenix Project IOW

 

Those of you who attended our Annual Rally on 3rd September will know our raffle proceeds went to our nominated charity, The Phoenix Project IOW. We raised an impressive £251.50, and the cheque was presented to staff at the Centre on 15th September. The clients and staff came out to look at the cars and thanked us for our fundraising efforts. The Phoenix Project IOW provides day activities for adults with learning disabilities and autism living on the Isle of Wight. This in turn provides respite for parents and carers. Being a charity, they receive no government funding so all donations are very welcome. 

Many thanks again to the following businesses who donated prizes for our raffle on our Rally Day All proceeds went to The IOW Phoenix Project SES Newport, Diamond Pet Supplies Ryde, Busy Bee Ryde, Island Photo Centre Ryde, House of Zabre Ryde. Liz Earl Ryde, Buds and Blooms Ryde, Sculpt Glass Arreton, Hand Picked IOW, Framers Ryde, Isle of Wight Wool, Co Op Ryde, Leather, and Suede Ryde, No 66 Union St Ryde, Best Auto Newport, Dorset Auto Parts Newport, Forest Road Nursery, Cavanagh & Baker, Rock Shop Shanklin, Tesco Ryde, Bembridge Flower Shop, Monkey Haven, Dinosaur Isle, Harbour View Café, Bembridge, New World Creations. Maria Ward (Local artist) Also, a big thank you to all the club members and guests who have donated prizes. All the proceeds from the raffle were donated to our nominated charity the IOW Phoenix Project.