The above rally took place at the Best Western Webbington Hotel, Loxton, Somerset over the weekend of Friday 13 to Sunday 15th June 2008 and was graced with a creditable attendance and good weather. The Hotel is near Glastonbury and the mythical Isle of Avalon and its connections with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, hence KART – King Arthur’s Round Table.

Set at the Southern side of the Mendip Hills and close to lovely countryside, as well as the M5 for ease of travel, the Webbington proved to be a great base for the Rally, the building being attractive and the staff welcoming. New for this season was a lovely indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym complex for those who found the spare time!

Registration was from 3pm onwards on the Friday evening and arrivals were greeted by President John Cooke, Secretary and Treasurer Muddy Waters and Safety Officer Pete Lambourn who were all immediately conspiring in various ways to relieve any unsuspecting Blue Knights of their cash! The first appeared to be to ply them with drinks from a large barrel of Somerset cider! (worked for me anyway – hic!) Names (and fees) were collected for a “Numbers Board” and the following days ride-out in the form of a Poker Run, KART Rally T shirts were for sale and active and enthusiastic Chapter members Simon and Claire Anderson were there with their German short haired pointers, Fudge and Mela, along with a large display of items for sale in support of one of the Chapters charities, “Support Dogs”, for which the entire Anderson family, human or otherwise, are active workers. This seemed to attract great interest, not only from the Knights but from Hotel staff also. Anyone’s money always gratefully received! A collection of donated items began to accumulate for the raffle and Charity Auction the next day.

Real Somerset Cider!

When all were booked in, there were 53 attendees, with representatives from Wales 1, England 2, 4, 6, 8 and 13, a large contingent from Ireland 1, and a couple, Ronnie and Carmen from Belgium 9. Not bad eh? We were also privileged to have as a guest Amanda Keylock, representing COPS (Care of Police Survivors) herself a survivor. Amanda had never been on a bike before and was introduced to the delights of two-wheels by President John Cooke on his 1200LT. He must have done a good job because she volunteered to come on the next days ride-out!
The Friday evening passed with a cracking meal in the restaurant, much socialising and just the odd beverage or two.

Saturday morning arrived and we were blessed with good weather. After a cracking breakfast, those who had decided to participate in the Poker Run ride out assembled in the car park. About 30 bikes I reckon. Simon Anderson turned up on his trike. He had planned to join us at lunch time but woke with the sun, bright and early and decided it was too good a morning to miss! With Muddy Waters leading and John Cooke as “Tail End Charlie” we set off for the ride, of about 100 miles, using the ‘2nd man drop off system’ to ensure no one got left behind or lost. It was the first time I had experienced this method and I believe the first time the Chapter had used it and didn’t it work well! Muddy had the ride speed sussed and we were able to enjoy the sights, with occasional stops to collect a fresh card for the poker hand. Muddy and John are to be congratulated on the route plan as the delights of the area were explored.

Amanda at Chew Valley

First stop was at Chew Valley Lake, through Cheddar Gorge, an hour’s stop in picturesque Wells, where a parking area magically appeared next to the Cathedral for all the bikes, including a disabled spot for Simon’s trike. Someone had worked some magic there. We carried on for lunch at a biker friendly pub, The Pound Inn, at Coxley, where Claire Anderson joined us and a little sustenance was taken. Onwards through Somerton, Langport, a stop at Walton Hill, with a brilliant view over Glastonbury Tor and the Somerset Levels before Street, Axbridge and return to the Webbington. Beautiful weather and beautiful scenery. Those with particularly shiny bikes thanked Muddy for finding a lane part way through the day complete with fresh dung and we were all startled at one point by being confronted with a loose cow coming the opposite way to us! This didn’t deter Amanda of COPS who was so taken with her first full days biking she is coming along with us on the Lawride in July.

There was then time for a beer, shower, swim, kip or whatever took your fancy then assemble in a private function room for the Saturday evenings entertainment. Our Chapters own Toastmaster, Chris Wilkinson, in full regalia, greeted the assembled group and guests to the ‘Top Table’, including our Belgian friends Ronnie and Carmen, Amanda, of COPS and President of UKIC Graham Buxton and his wife. Our own Presidents wife, Tina managed to make it for the evening, despite just having undergone an operation. Good to see you Tina!  Another cracking meal was followed by a ‘Heads and Tails’ game, another ‘Numbers Board’, some serious selling of raffle tickets by Leslie Waters and the raffle draw for numerous minor prizes. The Charity Auction followed, with much cajoling by Chris Wilkinson as auctioneer, JC and Pete Lambourn as runner, which raised more cash for our chosen charities. Many thanks to all who contributed items for the raffle and auction. Highlights of the auction were a balloon ride and a Scottish holiday which I’m sure would be enjoyed by the buyers.

Presentations were made to visiting Chapters and guests, the Knight travelling the most distance to attend and to the winners of the Poker Run. Those present were then entertained by local rock tribute band The Jack Daniels Experience, who started well and got better as the evening went on (well perhaps it was the beer!). Their repertoire was very varied, from the Beatles, through Queen to Quo (there had to be Quo) but even a rendering of a recent Snow Patrol track. A great band. Didn’t do my tinnitus any good at all however! I’m not sure where the Irish guys get their staying power from but I’m sure they were last to bed.

The following morning saw some rain but clearing for departure time, after another hearty breakfast and many farewells.

Muddy with Amanda at dinner	John with Chris
Pat the Editor with Eddie Murray	John with Brendan
KART Rally Photo Gallery can be found HERE