Intergroup Festival 2025

Several motorhomes following the NW200 rally set sail for the English and Welsh shores, depending on which route they choose to travel. Some met up in Marton Mere a Haven holiday site which booked under the MCC offer meant five nights with electric hook up for £50. Not to be sneezed at, although be warned, very much family orientated. But who can complain. Parked near the Pool and restaurants it gave us all time to chill out before making our way to the National site at Hatton County World. Any one who has not been to a National Rally before, and we had some with us who had not, obviously did not know what to expect. 

     A WhatsApp group was started to ensure everyone going was kept up to date and no-one would feel left out. Several hundred pings later everyone got in to the swing of communicating with each other. Some very amusing comments and pictures shared. Two vans designated as the Marshalls were allowed on site the day before to get instructions on parking and where the toilets, Elsan etc were located. The Hall manager, who was our own rally officer and a member of COM was parked already on an area nearer to the Hall.  

     Eleven vans from Ireland plus an Essex member who requested to park with us made it 13 in total in our group. Some members had made the journey a week later than the first contingent and can regale their tale to you. Despite a few complaints re size of Marquee, not enough Elsan points (another one was then supplied) No Showers this year and being unable to bring own drink in due to arrangement of a Bar (the owner of which generously reduced the bar prices.) I for one thoroughly enjoyed another National. Different from other years but I would encourage you to come along. The difficulty in finding sites for the amount of vans that attend a National each year (232 vans this year) and cost consideration is a wonder that a venue was found at all. The Chair and Committee would welcome anyone who can find sites for future nationals to come and talk to them. 

     A new Chairperson, Sue Pilkiw was elected and we wish her our hearty Congratulations. Five nights of entertainment including the party night, the theme of which proved Hilarious, as we turned up in Circus attire. Some Clowns, some Lions, Mime artist, strong man and off-course our own Ring Master Sam. Check out the pictures in the Gallery. Celine Dion Tribute act and Ministry of Sound helped make the night an absolute success evident by the numbers on the dance floor. Our efforts in the Craft entries paid off as we came away individually with 7 Firsts, 4 Seconds, 4 Thirds and a First in the Group entry. Several Well done and Highly commended rosettes. Didn’t we do well. Home with Three Shields. Well done everyone who contributed. 

     Our Quiz team only lost by one point to gain First position but we graciously applaud the family team who took that place from us. Also we can’t forget Rolo the dog whom the judges would most like to take home got a first in the dog show. The national Fair which allows groups to sell their wares, meant that the Motor-homers, who went to the National this year, once again donated three prizes per van to put into a Tombola. Sales of which meant that £334 was raised for the Chairman’s Charity Prostate Cancer Northern Ireland. The raffle which was held, found Albert Everett, donating his prize of £250 Euro Tours Voucher to be used to raise money when we return home. Thank you. Again, proving how generous our members are.

     The Banner Parade which takes place at the beginning and end of the Rally saw our well-presented members proudly carrying our banner. These are selected on newbie basis. The whole 28 members dressed to impress and once again was given a loud cheer by the groups who appreciate our efforts. As we sang the Farewell song of “We will always be the best of Friends” there was a tear in many an eye as we remembered those whom we have lost this last year. May they rest in Peace. Also, in our thoughts those who were unable to join us through ill health. Safe journey, hugs and new friends made we said goodbye for another year hoping to meet again on the Road. 

     Moving on, some to foreign shores and some to meet up with family and Friends. Others made their way to Pub stop overs and to other Haven sites. The Presthaven site proved to be well kept, clean showers and toilets. However, the walk to the entertainment area was far, far, far away. Thanks, must be given to our own Albert, Taxi man, who does not consume alcohol in great quantities and so did not mind abstaining from this activity so he could taxi us to the venue for evening entertainment on two very enjoyable occasions. Word from several others who had booked the Haven Hafan y Mor site seemed to be very good. In fact, it sounds like out of the three this one would be the recommended one. At the price we are given it for through the MCC Haven Offer none could be considered not worth the visit. And so, it ends.

      Another very successful trip over the Shuck. Weather only broke a few days before we were due to come home. We have walked, swam, danced, played games including horse shoe throwing and skittles. We have chatted and enjoyed good craic with friends. We have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and life in general. So, I would encourage any one thinking of joining us next year to come and talk to us. Plans will begin again in the New year for our craft entries etc. And in between we have so many rallies to enjoy. Our Holiday Rally in Portrush and a casual campsite in Cookstown. A visit down South to Drumcora to mention a few. So, until we meet again Take care. Drive safe. See you on the Road. Irene Hewitt