Northam Rally Report

What a rally! Each one has its unique features making it a "one-off" and Northam 2002 was no exception. I am sure those who were there will agree that it was a great Rally - some say the best so far, but maybe we have so much fun that the latest rally is always the "best" - until the next one.
Some of those uninitiated to the fun and activities of Rallies have remarked along the lines - "What would you do at a Rally for a week? Wouldn't you get bored?" Most of us find there is so much to do that we need a holiday afterwards!

It was heartwarming to see Club members greet their friends like family living on the other side of the world whom they haven't seen for a few decades. They probably enjoyed each other's company at the last Rally, or maybe only a week or two ago "up the track", but this is the spirit of the Club.

We enjoyed our time in Northam and found the local people friendly and welcoming. To me, the most memorable character at the Rally was the Mayor, Councillor Ray Head, who has a smile as wide as that of the Northam frog mascot. He described us jokingly as being like locusts - "Fly in, eat everything in sight, and then bugger off."

The first morning of the Rally started with the excitement of a hot air balloon landing in the grounds, and the week ended in a similar vein with an early morning call by the same hot air balloon skimming over our motorhomes. As we leapt out of bed and grabbed our camera, we were greeted by the sight of our neighbours in an assortment of dressing gowns and other odd attire, excitedly watching the balloon make its way majestically over the Rally site.

For those wanting an early start, the core days began with a Poets' Breakfast when members with literary talent presented stories. At the other end of the day there was the traditional "Happy Hour" when groups of friends and neighbours gathered to chat and swap jokes and stories. Rally "first-timers" wear an identifying ribbon so we can make sure they are included in the activities.

The in-between hours were taken up with games of disc bowls - either for fun or competition; attending seminars on subjects of interest to motorhomers (more of these at future Rallies); looking at the multitude of motorhomes on display and maybe dreaming of which one we will buy if we win Lotto; browsing through the trade displays; and maybe going on tours of the local area.

The disc bowls tournaments were keenly contested as usual, although some of the later games were played in atrocious weather conditions - cold, strong winds and rain. Everyone who played or umpired deserved a medal!

The Annual General Meeting of the Club was held at this Rally and gave us an opportunity to hear what the Board has been doing on our behalf. The Banner Parade featured the local unit of the Army cadets and, as usual, the banner of each Chapter was greeted enthusiastically. It seems that each Chapter tries to out-do the others with applause and whistles as their Banner enters the hall.

Other activities were sessions on star gazing, a fashion parade, and a demo by a dog obedience school. I watched that one with interest and wondered if the principles used might have an application in other areas. What about husbands?

A prize for the best innovation for motorhomes was won by Ron Bell who designed an easily portable toilet system. This was a holster containing a hand trowel, toilet paper, a torch, an emergency whistle and even a compass in case the user cannot find his way back to his motorhome. Vince Moran won the award for the best article in the "Wanderer" for a piece on the opening of National Headquarters.

The local radio station broadcast from the grounds and a CMCA member operated a small radio station especially for our rally participants with announcements and music. We enjoyed sausage sizzles sponsored by Ken Tame and also Winnebago, and we all held our breaths when the raffles were drawn - particularly for the daily prize of $500 from Lumleys and the big one of a $2,500 Argyle diamond.

The enormous Swagman Pavilion marquee, with seating for around 1,500 people, was the venue for the evening entertainment. Unfortunately some of us were too "tuckered out" to stay to the close every night, but the music of Hank and Donna Marie Koopman kept a large audience until the finale of the show. The evening entertainment was varied and included Chapter skits on the final night. We all had great fun and ended the night with an enthusiastic rendition of Auld Lang Syne. The Mayor of Northam, who seemed to be enjoying the Rally even more than our members, was still there, singing enthusiastically.

And then, the bitter sweet end, as we all, in rather subdued fashion, packed up, took our leave of old friends and new and headed for the highway. Our thoughts reached forward to the next Rally with a "See you in Casino" farewell.

Evon Anderson Q10543

RESULTS

Alan Greenwood trophy- For the best article submitted for The Wanderer in the previous year.

Winner – Vincent Moran N14036 for his article on the opening of the NHQ published in the April 2002 edition of The Wanderer.

Eric Marshal trophy- For the best Innovation as selected by a panel of judges at the Northam Rally.

Winner: Ron Bell, V1897 for his safety gear and toilet trowel carrier.
Runner up: Jennifer Wigmore, W7452 for her van blinkers to ventilate the car when the car is parked.
Highly commended: Margaret Paynter, W3923, for her seat cushion incorporated into back cover for directors chair.