New Year Rally

New Year Rally 29 December 2025 – 1 January 2026

The rally was held in Cromford at the Matlock Rugby Club.  Marshals at the rally were Scott, Helen and TJ Wanless with Dave and Denise Barber.  Colin and Anita Bell had given support in the previous few months.  We had 26 units and we welcomed visitors from North Staffordshire and Cheshire Centre. 

The gates opened at 9am on a chilly Monday morning.  We had a steady flow of arrivals throughout the morning and early afternoon.  The hall was open with hot drinks, biscuits and a little tot of something to start off the festivities. 

Monday evening commenced with table quizzes and a pie, potato and pea supper followed by a selection of pies, cheesecakes and gateau.  The spirits made another appearance!

Following a game of free bingo with cash prizes (don’t get too excited the stakes were a fiver) we were treated to a fantastic show from ‘Jon Alex’ which had the dance floor buzzing all night.

On Tuesday morning, a breakfast of toast, crumpets, bagels, porridge, cereals and fruit was available along with free flowing hot drinks.  It was a frosty morning, but bright and clear and this was a great opportunity to explore the local area.  The hall was open in the afternoon for cakes and drinks.  The Rally Buddies set up their tuck shop and did a great trade in snacks, light up headbands and battery powered glow sticks. 

On Tuesday evening we had another table quiz and we kicked off with a game of Blankety Blank followed by another game of bingo with cash prizes (a fiver again!!).  We were then fantastically entertained by ‘Ali by request’ and again the dance floor was full within the first couple of songs. 

Wednesday morning saw a repeat of the breakfast spread.  This was followed by a walk along the canal, up the incline and into the village with a group of around 20 ralliers and 4 dogs. 

Wednesday evening started with a glass or 2 of prosecco and the spirits made their final appearance. We were delighted that Colin and Anita were able to join us for the evening.

Flag was given by Sherry and the marshals were thanked with flowers and gifts.  The 50/50 raffle was drawn and table quiz prizes given out.  This was followed by another game of bingo….  This time we pushed the boat out!  £10 a line, £15 a full house!

Once again, we had Daniel providing the professional disco and the dance floor was full from the first few songs.  In the meantime, 35 pizzas and 60 slices of garlic bread were being rotated through the ovens to provide a light supper. 

Just before midnight, prosecco was put onto every table to toast in the New Year.  Party poppers were popped and Auld Lang Syne sang and then the disco carried on into the early hours. 

Thanks to the kind generosity of the ralliers, we raised:

£20        Rally Buddies Tuck Shop

£40        Chair’s Charity (Air Ambulance) from the sale of glow sticks and headbands

£116      50/50, donations and T-shirt sales

As Chair and a marshal, I would like to thank everyone who helped in whichever way.  Blowing up balloons, covering tables, moving furniture, sweeping up, taking bags of rubbish etc. it was all gratefully appreciated.  Also, special thanks for Sherry for selling the 50/50 tickets and to the Rally Buddies (and Mum and Dad) for running the tuck shop and raising funds for the Centre and the Chair’s Charity.  Personal thanks go to Scott and Helen for the laughs we had behind the scenes and to TJ for his starring role of serving the roast potatoes and help throughout the rally. 

Happy New Year to one and all and I look forward to seeing you on a rally field in 2026. 

Denise