Garden of England Rally
3rd to 5th July 2009
It was on a nice sunny morning that Tina & I headed off for Folkestone accompanied by our very own Vice President, Pete who, like me, is a Conference Officer. He is the Secretary and I, the Treasurer. The faithful Garmin took us straight to our hotel where we were very warmly welcomed and soon we were in our rooms - with a view of the sea and a balcony - how cool is that.
Unfortunately, I had UKIC business to conduct, so Tina was forced to enjoy the delighs of the swimming pool while I ahem! conducted business in the bar! It was important as we had a Presidents meeting after dinner with our guests, International President Dave Mulford and Vice-President Pat Fox.
The following day, there was three ride outs and I took plenty of photographs of the bikes leaving in briliant sunshine. Lucky blighters! However, Tina wanted to hit the shops and Pete & I had a meeting just outside of Folkestone at the Battle of Britain Memorial. I had arranged to meet Pete and Dennis, who had just started "Round the outside" ride in aid of "Help for Hero's" and they would be staying at our house in three weeks. We met up with the guys over coffee - took some photo's and then off they went on the rest of their ride.
Back to the hotel in time for a rest before the evening function. The team from England II had put together an impressive range of 500 raffle prizes! We had an excellent dinner followed by the raffle and auction of some items. Dave Mulford, even took over the auction to sell a limited edition badge and belt buckle for the Blue Knights 35th anniversary which Pat Fox had made up on behalf of his chapter. Lucky winners were from Belgium - after a long drawn out blood letting battle!
The weather throughout was fantastic - Pete and I enjoyed a nice italian ice cream on the front near the hotel and the extra cold Guiness was very welcome!
I have kept this purposely short, as the photo's will speak for themselves. I am trying something different this time. Instead of putting the photo's on the website, I have attached them elsewhere and th elink above will take you to them. Try it out.
Thanks to Jamie and his team at England II. Well Done.
John
President. PHOTO GALLERY