Spalding Flower Festival 25th April — 3rd May 2005
It was with great anticipation that Arthur and I made the long drive to Lincolnshire to attend the Spalding Flower Festival Rally organised by Derek and Maisie on their farm nr Spalding. We had been told that previous rallies there had been amazing, and we were not too be disappointed – as it was!
Thirty nine vans (all Pilote) attended the Rally and we were warmly greeted by Derek, Maisie, Anne and their helpers Roy and Pat. Derek’s big Barn had received a wash and brush up and set up with trestle tables and straw bales for us to use during the rally and most of us met up here in the evenings. A busy programme of events had been organised for us including a coach trip to Kings Lynn Market and African Violet Centre, a shuffle bus to Boston, a fish and chip supper in Derek’s big Barn, and a coach to Spalding for the Flower Parade.
During the visit to Boston Arthur and I managed to climb the 209 spiral steps of the church known as Boston Stump for a panoramic view over the town, the docks and towards the Wash.
Another highlight was when Derek hired a mini bus to drive groups of us around the local area to visit the decorated churches, we enjoyed it so much we went again on our bikes! Some of the displays were so beautiful and each church had a different theme. One was depicting famous women, another Entertainment and ‘Scarecrows of the World’ at another, also all had a selection of stalls selling delicious cakes, jams, pickles and plants. In the evening Derek and his helpers managed to serve all 80 of us with fish and chips on the trestle tables in the barn. This was followed by music and dancing with Roy playing the organ. Derek who had been busy feeding his cows and calves made a ‘special appearance’ to dance with Maisie, still in his green overalls and wellies!
On Saturday the coach arrived to take us into town for the Spalding Flower Festival. There were 37 floats all beautifully decorated, mostly with Tulips, and well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Sunday the last day of the rally, and after another cycle ride with David and Rita, it was time to get ready for the evenings BBQ and entertainment. Barry and Jane acted as Chefs and what a feast it was! steaks, burgers, spareribs, sausages and a wonderful selection of salads and deserts, for about a 100 people! Afterwards , in teams of six, we had a brilliant Quiz with a variety of questions, organised by Derek’s son-in-law Mark, and shown on a big screen set up in the barn, followed by music from Roy and dancing. Ronnie and Linda’s team won the Quiz and Sheila organised a lovely raffle. A great evening.
On the last evening we all gathered in the barn to say our farewells and to thank Derek, Maisie and all their helpers for a wonderful rally.
My happiest memory of this rally is of Derek dancing in his wellies!
Below a few photos from the Rally, click on image to enlarge.
The view from top of Boston Stump, the flower festival parade, cycle ride around decorated churches and the B-B-Q evening
