Alnwick Rugby Club

Alnwick, Northumberland

8th June to 18th June 2025

Rally Officers – Jeremy and Christine Walker

We had 9 units on this 10-day rally. The facilities were generally very good with EHU, toilets, showers

and a BBQ area. We were on a dedicated rally field or rugby pitch as they call it!. The site was

remarkably quiet given how close we were to the retail estate and the A1. Dog walking was well

catered for, and water/waste was close by.

This was Jeremy and Christine’s first stint as rally officers, and they did an excellent job. They were

ever-present throughout the rally, with plenty organised, including a lunch at the Oaks Hotel where we

found the food excellent, and an evening BBQ with Chef Jeremy at the helm. There were several tea

times where we sampled Christine’s fabulous home-made cakes. We will certainly be asking

Christine for more of those!

Alnwick itself was an easy walk from the site and has many features such as Alwick Castle, a beautiful

town centre with many coffee shops, and a retail park equal to that of a city. The area also caters for

beach lovers, with a number of beaches and harbours. Among those are Amble, Emberton Bay,

Alnmouth, Craster, and Beadnell Bay.

In this area there is a castle about every 5 miles along the coast, so many of us went castle hunting.

Foodwise we were spoilt with Craster Kippers from Robson & Sons, a well-established fish smokers.

In summary it was 10 days of exploring and eating well. The area has much to offer and we would

certainly return.

Tynedale Rugby Club

Corbridge, Northumberland

Friends, Romans, Countryside!!

18th June- 28th June 2025

Pete & Gaye (ably assisted by Dave and Frank!) provided a very warm welcome - not least in the form of tea and cakes - to the second Northumbrian rugby field in the series of three rallies in the north of England.

The weather was as to be expected in the North East, and when the sun shone it was extremely warm - but that wind could really get up some speed! The rally consisted of 7 units and it was unfortunate that Steve & Pat had to leave a couple of days earlier than planned due to health reasons. We all wish Pat a speedy recovery!

We were on one of 6 rugby pitches at the Tynedale Rugby Club, all of which were immaculately kept. The railway station at the end of the field provided an excellent (and economical) service into Newcastle (40 minutes). 

Situated on the River Tyne and on the route of Hadrian's Wall, Corbridge is a lovely town, and within walking distance of the rally field via a foot path along a quintessential English cricket club. Plenty of pubs, eateries and a bakery having treats of unbelievable proportions! The town itself whilst having a long and interesting history, also has the well preserved remains of a Roman Town within walking distance of the Town Centre. Other Roman sites were also visited within easy drives.

The meal at the Black Bull Pub in Corbridge organised by Pete and Gaye was excellent, and 2 further afternoon teas at the rally field were enjoyed by all! 5 dogs also enjoyed the rally, plenty dog friendly shops in the area with large quantities of free treats!