Arse in the Grass Rally

Organised by the Iceni MCC.

I only did one of them (in 1997).

This was a very large Rally, not sure how many were there, but probably 7-800 people. This is not my usual type of rally, but I actually enjoyed it, and it changed my mind about the larger events.

It was held in the grounds of a holiday park on Mersea Island (not far from Clacton), and therefore was well set up to cope with the numbers.

The visit to the rally was not the main purpose of my weekend. For some time I had wanted to visit the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, having passed it many times but never having had time to actually go in. On the Friday evening I stayed with friends in Melton Mowbray, and got an early start Saturday to Duxford for the day then on down to the rally for the evening's entertainment.

Photos from the 1988 rally by Phillip Cross.

When I arrived at the Rally I realised I could have trouble finding where my friends had camped due to the huge numbers of tents. It wasn't a problem though, because I knew "Old Alan" (Alan Kitson) would be using his Vango Force Ten Mk 4 and, as all the other tents were Dome type ones, I found him straight away!

The Rally was very well organised and food was available either from the burger vans on site or from the café / restaurant of the holiday park. The service in there was first class and even the prices were reasonable!

The standard of bikes entered was better than at a lot of big shows I have attended.

- Ted

I arrived just in time to see the Concours/Custom show, and the standard of bikes entered was better than at a lot of big shows I have attended.

Later in the main hall and in an alternative large marquee outside you could listen to the various bands who were performing.

Sunday saw me up and away early to try to get through a bit more of the Duxford Museum. It's well worth a visit, even if you are not that interested in aircraft, the displays inside are amazing, and it is constantly evolving.

The rally was a bonus. I was surprised that I knew so many people there and was impressed by the laid back but efficient organisation on site.

- Ted Trett