Summary 2009 Round
There
is a Chinese curse, “may you live in interesting times”
Well
2009 was certainly “interesting” the world banking system going into melt down,
lay-offs and redundancies have taken their toll. I feared the worst that 2009
would be quiet. It was shaping up that way with entrants slowly coming in and
finished slightly down on previous years at 233 (273 in 2008). However in 2009
it was obviously quality that counted not quantity. We have had no less than
164 submissions for awards. (171 last year)
Extracurricular
activities continued this year with a super turn out for the ARSE up near
Robert
(alias the Grimrider) also ran his British National Parks
Ride this year which many RBRers participated in and thus helped to fund the
Air ambulance. See later note
What’s
more 24 people achieved 100% ALL ROUNDERS. + 2 more who visited ALL locations
but got a couple wrong.
·
The average
score 961 that’s 16 points higher than in 2007 the old record, for a mid SILVER
award.
·
The most visited
landmark this year was Nottinghamshire 116 visits.
·
The least
visited was Aberdeenshire 1 & 2 with only 46 visits.
·
The most popular
Scottish landmark was Borders 1 with 73 visits.
·
The most popular
Welsh land mark was Powys 2 with 115 visits.
·
There were a total of 7267 visits to the landmarks. I have
lost count of the photographs / images that were inspected and marked as many
people submit multiple photos of various LMs. Ever likely my eyes are going
square!
100% All Rounder’s:
Graham Flint, Bob Badger, Gary Philips, Neil Hodgson,
Gordon Tuck, Michael Smith, Julie Wallis, Christa & Trevor Fairbanks, Jon
Abbott, Ian Orchard, Gordon Cook, Robert Shaw, Rosemary A Spence, Ian West,
Spencer Robinson, Nick Knowles, Steve & Jean Stout, Andrew Tinsley, Jack Milton,
Andy & Sheila Long, Kevin Brittlestone, Rosemary Spence, Martin Haywood,
Mike & Pauline Priestley, Jim Josey, John Douglas, Kate Davies, Mike
Richardes
ALL Rounder’s;
Tony & Mary Skerritt, Edward Cocran
Special
One of our RBR family, Sheila Kiggins, secured a 1
hour slot on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar square. This was the Arts project
of David Gormley where he arranged for “ordinary” people to stand on the plinth
and do whatever they wanted. Sheila volunteered to be a “special land mark” for
one hour 05.00-06.00. The idea was to promote the sprit of motorcycling through
the RBR as a living example. Some intrepid people got up in the middle of the
night and rode to
The brave souls who attended where:
Mike Holmes, Nick Knowles, John Duxbury, Jacki Kennedy & Philip
Midgley, Paul Belcher, John Cunningham, Neil Hodgson, Steve Lambert, Graham
Flint, Barrie Flint , Nick Drury and Sam Kay, Helen Owen, Carl Owen, Stuart
Hawes & Emma Jacob, Joe Cowley, Gordon Tuck & of course Sheila Kiggins
If I have missed anyone I apologise, but please let
me know because, all will receive a special RBR certificate at the presentation
dinner in February.
There are far too many people to mention everyone’s
story but this year one of the RBR stalwarts
Paul Belcher “down sized” this year and is running
his old Honda 250 and clocked up a very creditable 1305 points including
chasing Mr Flint around Scotland on his AJS. That’s the spirit of motorcycling!
Just as the rally was drawing to its close it was
with sadness we received the news that Pauline Priestley (Mike’s wife) lost her struggle with cancer. Pauline and
Mike have taken part in the RBR for many years using their sidecar outfits.
Some years ago Pauline was diagnosed with cancer and underwent some exhaustive
treatment that appeared to give her remission. Sadly it returned this summer.
Pauline did manage to accompany Mike on all their Landmark visits this year to
claim another 100% All Rounder.
Mike and Pauline have been committed sidecarists for
many years and she will undoubtedly be missed within the RBR and Sidecar
families.
Favourite Landmark
From the letters I have received accompanying the photos;
the majority of participants thoroughly enjoyed this years rally. Many said
that the landmarks were relatively easy to research and locate. They especially
liked the many sculptures.
From the comments on the Forum it would appear the
favourite landmark this year has to be the Heavens Gate in Wilts. Obviously a
lot of Stargate fans on the RBR!
Bloopers
of the rally,
For
once I do believe there weren’t any bloopers this year, no disappearing land
marks or moving county boundaries. I suppose after all these years we have got
to get it right eventually. About time too I hear the cry! It did get close
with the “restored” preaching cross in Herefordshire. Just our luck 2009 was
the year they decided to restore it again. Sound just like the carpenters
hammer, all original it’s only had one new head and three new handles!
Norton,
Salop George VI Coronation memorial stone,
Cunning one this as there is a near identical stone
nearby inscribed George V Jubilee. To further confuse for the more studious
there is also a similar stone inscribed Elizabeth II Coronation but that is
partially covered by a hedge.
North York’s, Akebar, Nichol’s Stone. This has caught a few
people out, mainly because there are a number of “interesting stones” in that
area, some are modern follies allegedly erected by the owner of the campsite
nearby. The correct stone is by what looks like an old well or conduit and is
inscribed with “do no murder” The history is a local farmer saw a drover taking
his cattle to market. He waited for his return and robbed him of his money
killing the drover in the act. The farmer was subsequently hanged for his crime
and the stone is supposed to mark the spot of the crime.
Very special thanks must go out to Graham for his sterling work on
the website.
Also to every one (to many to list) who have contributed with
suggested new landmarks helping to keep the rally going. Keep them coming in.
Trophies will be presented at the dinner in February
or posted to those who don’t attend.