Jowett Annual Weekend, Wales, June 2012

[paul wilks]

Keith said "You can still just come for parts of the programme!" and I agree!
You don't even have to stay at the hotel, provided you can find a nearby B&B or Premier Inn/ Travel Lodge etc. Last year and the year before, because there were four of us (adults) and dad was paying (and I'm only a pensioner!!) we opted to stay in a nearby Premier Inn but booked for the all important evening meals/presentations. That way we didn't miss out on the all important "social interaction" with new and not so new friends.
This year, because there were only the two of us, we were able to stay in the hotel. It was a bonus because we met friends at breakfast as well as at evening meal times! Had there been more of us then I’m afraid this would not have been an option.
The answer must be to have the hotel near to reasonable B&Bs or Premier Inn/Travel Lodges plus (if possible) camp sites. That way we can cater for all needs and requirements. Having said all that I do appreciate it must be a nightmare sorting out a suitable venue to satisfy everyone! So well done to all those who have arranged the rallies in the past!
As to the length of the rally, it must be made worthwhile for those travelling a fair distance and if you wish to stay one day, one day and one night etc. then the choice, as they say, is yours!

Paul

[Chris Spencer]

I think the event over four days is a good format, I.e.
Friday: Drive /travel to event venue, meet up with like minded members / friends - relax
Saturday: Rally day
Sunday: Do what you want - the secnic run is not compulsory - you can get up late and relax in the pool / spa or just go & find a nice pub if you want
Monday: Bid farewell and travel home - or maybe not - extend your stay - call and see friends / relatives en route etc

I think when we have members travelling hundreds / thousands miles from abroad, cars being driven several hundred miles it would be very much an anti climax to make the event 1 to 2 days - and the effort in order set the event up is equal to that of the present format. I think it is nice that we can all look forward to the event, meet friends, like minded members, help each other out along with a drink and laugh in a civilised environment.

Cost does come into it and I for one do not think that the event is that expensive - try staying in Paris or London for three nights including travel on the same money - or go off on an organised rally / tour with your classic for 3 days - I can assure you that you will more expensive.

There are alternatives if cost is a problem for the weekend - you can just come for the rally day, or just the gala dinner, arrange your own nearby accomodation - camping / travelodge / with friends or if you are skint sleep in the car !

As part of the rally committee for Basingstoke 2013:

I can assure you that Basingstoke is a really pleasent Hampshire town with lots to offer from an historical past but modern enough to deal with the requirements of everyday life.

The hotel is exellent and the rally venue surperb (same hotel as the last Basingtoke rally but a very different & exciting rally venue and the ladies are catered for too)

We have some very exciting ideas already in place and we can assure you a friendly, fun & memorable rally

There is no intention by the committee to either out do or better previous rally's - or to make the cost of attending prohibative

However, the committee for 2013 - operate on a 'that we are doing it and doing it well' or 'why bother' basis - so please be assured that we are intending to make the rally a very memorable event

We are limited to numbers for the event so our best advice is BOOK EARLY !!!!

Further details to follow soon - along with a on line booking form

Kind regards

Chris

[p.p.]

i will be there looking forward to see all the jowetters again maybe a other bowl will be going round the table.....reciving - drinking - giving it to a frind....and on and on.......
basingstoke we will hit the bar's....

peter

[Jack]

A few really good photos of the rally, might be useful in future if people are trying to find out which cars were there etc.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/80304510@N ... 177127593/

Looking forward to the 2014 rally now!

Jack.