Sand Dancers Rally

1985 - Tyne Phoenix MCC

Sand Dancers 1985 was the first rally that Kirkthorne and District MCC attended. For some it was the first rally they went to.

A small group of us set off from the club house with directions scribbled on fag packets (remember them). Got to go through the Tyne tunnel for the first time, which was exciting. It was still exciting coming back through, as we were following the signs for North Shields instead of South.

                   

- Andy

Got to the site at dusk. If anyone remembers the site, it was down near the coast with a sweeping road down to it, a big flat field with steep banks on two sides, a cliff on one and the sea to the other.

Tents up and found an advance party had gone to a big hotel up the road. The quaffing was in full swing when we got there. Management were a bit concerned till they realised how much money was flowing over the bar. They asked us to untie G (first timer) who was tied in his undies to the middle of the roundabout in front of the restaurant.

Pub done, head back to the rally. Easy to find, just follow the music and light from the marquee. One of the locals said "make sure you walk down the road to the site". So we did. More quaffing and head banging. One of our club came dashing up with a worried look on his face. "Have you heard about H and D? They walked off the cliff!". They'd got mixed up and just walked towards the marquee. Luckily they were pissed so weren't hurt too much. An hour or two at the hospital then returned.

Saturday was drinking, throwing first timers in the sea, silly games, the usual. We got club turnout trophy, I think there were about 30 of us.

- Andy Hunter