View Full Version : The Thames Valley Rally
Blackfeather
26-01-07, 08:58
I believe this takes place in May.
My company has been asked to sponsor the event and I wondered if any of you folk were involved in it and could give me an idea of whether it would be worthwhile. As sponsorship money is short I wanted to make sure it is used wisely.
As a fellow moboer I know that we are often seen as a bunch of gin swillers with more money than sense (I wish).
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Andrew_Fanner
26-01-07, 09:13
What is it?
Blackfeather
26-01-07, 09:32
I understand it is four of the Thames boat clubs getting together for a weekend rally with competions etc.
Mind you, you've answered my first question - does it have a wide audience and appeal? if you haven't heard of it then that's not a great start!
I've joined the ODCC this year and I see its on the calander, so will be attending if work allows, do you work for a brewery /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
The Rally does indeed take place in May, in fact it is the first Bank Holiday weekend.
It is organised by four sponsoring clubs, Bray Cruiser Club, Harleyford Motor Yacht Club, Oxford Ditch Cruiser Club and The Windsor Yacht club. Other Thames and Boat Owners Clubs are invited and it is a great weekend.
There is a large heated marquee where food and entertainment are provided. About 400 programmes go out to potential attendees and over 150 people attend including about 60 boats. This is the 24th year the rally has been in existence and plans are well ahead for this year's event. Saturday night there is a Pig Roast, a Jazz Band and a pub-style quiz. Sunday morning there is a boathandling competition, interclub and individual and a Visitors trophy. Sunday afternoon a grand sailpast of mostboats fills Henley Reach - it is quite a sight. Sunday evening there is a dinner dance where presentations are made to the the trophy winners. A bar is available in the marquee and traditional English breakfasts are to be had on Sunday and Monday mornings.
Keep an eye on www.thamesvalleyrally.co.uk (http://www.thamesvalleyrally.co.uk) for news of this year's event, details will be going up there shortly.
Your company's contribution will be well appreciated by both the organisers and the attendees.
Ian has said everything. I just want to add that for my part it is the best event of the year for Motor Boaters. Great times, opportunities to see people you only get to see rarely, wonderful athmosphere. Superb value for money when you consider food, moorings, rubbish removal and entertainment is all inclusive.
My only regret is that fact that no longer having a boat I can fall aboard and sleep it off on so I can no longer attend 'cos there's no way I would be in a fit state to drive home.
Well over 60 boats usually turn up. There is also normally something written up in Motor Boats Monthly as they are one of the sponsors. You can't get much more high profile than that! ;-)
It's a great social and educational event. this will be my 6th year in attendance and I may even enter the boat handling competition if someone twists my arm enough!
I'm with Ian and Byron on this.
Great combination of social and competition over the weekend.
Huge amount of effort by, I suspect, too few very professional volunteers.
Costs are quite high for the site, marquee and catering and sponsorship is much appreciated and gets good coverage in the programme. Programmes reach many more than the actual numbers sent out (multiple readers).
I don't think you will be disappointed.
Too much time spent in suburban Sunbury?!!
Give yourself a treat and attend as a visitor? You will be made very welcome.
Andrew_Fanner
26-01-07, 12:36
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Too much time spent in suburban Sunbury?!!
Give yourself a treat and attend as a visitor? You will be made very welcome.
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Curses, already booked to go to Lulworth playing C17th squaddy that weekend. If someone would send me some flyers (PM for address) I can drop them off at the MTYC clubhouse in a week or so.
Blackfeather
26-01-07, 16:20
Thanks all, it sounds great.
You've put my mind firmly to rest, I'll get the cheque book out. Ahh the power of the forums!!
Happy boating.
Do visitors need to belong to a recognised club?
chuckaduck
26-01-07, 20:11
where has your spirit of adventure gone ? Byron
surely you are not to long in the tooth to bring a sleeping bag etc and kip in your boat ?
And for extra comfort bring the almighty oppengrupenfhurher eileen with you !!!
Tony you can go along as a visitor or as the guest of any club that is going. Just contact the organisers.
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where has your spirit of adventure gone ? Byron
surely you are not to long in the tooth to bring a sleeping bag etc and kip in your boat ?
And for extra comfort bring the almighty oppengrupenfhurher eileen with you !!!
[/ QUOTE ]
I need a nice big bog with a selection of books, my DAB radio, VCR/DVD, PC, selection of nice grub, double bed, shower and all the other facilities. Even when I had my Princess 435 and was always alone on it... it still wasn't big enough. How will I cope on an launch? Anyway, I am an OAP in May and I intend to act appropriately.
Ian's (Brayman) your man for this as he is on the TVR committee.
You are certainly welcome to come as our guests!!
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Do visitors need to belong to a recognised club?
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No, we are pleased to welcome anyone with an interst in boating. If you would like to PM me with your email address I will make sure you receive details regarding booking etc in due course. For now, just put the date in your diary and look forward to a great weekend.
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Perhaps you need to get one of those long thin pointy bits of tin, many of them certainly have all of the items on your wish list, or if that's not enough space; a slightly wider version. Have a look at T&K marina. Bit ugly though. Frau Unsergruppenfurher might even approve...
"one of those long thin pointy bits of tin"
Known by my kids as a "Rosie and Jim"......
And my last post converted me from "New User" to "Regular"
I will have to get a Forum burgee at this rate!
and be as welcome as a fart in a space suit
Never mind Byron, the EA would love you. (Policy).
You could moor outside Tesco's with all the others and then after a day or two weave your way down river (mainly on the wrong side) without a care in the world.........
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Never mind Byron, the EA would love you. (Policy).
You could moor outside Tesco's with all the others and then after a day or two weave your way down river (mainly on the wrong side) without a care in the world.........
[/ QUOTE ]
AND... go into locks and ask boats to take their fenders to make room for me to squeeze alongside. (that really happened)
Well, they don't need fenders, they use GRP boats as their crumple zones.
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I may even enter the boat handling competition if someone twists my arm enough!
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I thought you had given up boat handling competitions after last year's result?
Still, if you do get your arm twisted, I may be available for crewing duties - unless you can find a better crew!
To the original poster,
I would echo other people's sentiments about the event overall, a good enjoyable weekend, espicially the boat handling which is usually worth a laugh (and quite informative sometimes) and the sailpast - good to have so may mobos in one area and show the robos they don't own the river.
Darren.
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I thought you had given up boat handling competitions after last year's result?
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Wouldn't want to be seen as a poor loser! Need to get used to the new boat first though.
The Rally programmes are now available, to see a pdf of one have a look at www.thamesvalleyrally.co.uk (http://www.thamesvalleyrally.co.uk) and if you fancy coming along just PM with your email address me and I'll send you a booking form.
Ian
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