Shakespeare Rally
January 1994.
At the end of 1993 we asked our motorcycle friends, those on our regular table who were active, to see if anyone would like to join the 1994 January Rally of the Shakespeare MCC. Everyone had an excuse not to ride.
Axel and I had the stupid idea to ask our wives if they would maybe ride as a pillion passengers. I do not want to repeat the answers we got to this question here. But because we love to go to England we tried a different way. We came up with the idea of travelling with a motorhome this January. The ladies welcomed this with joy.
We rented a mobile home, the rental price for it was not that high in winter. Thursday, January 6th, after work, we started. Axel and Evi Bodeit as well as Hans and Ute Mondorf, heading for England.
The plan was to drive as far as Calais to the ferry, to park there in the parking lot, spend the first night there, and take the ferry early in the morning.
However, we only got as far as just before Dunkirk. Then the red lamp shone for diesel reserve. So, off the highway and into a small town on to a petrol station. However, this had already closed. So, we were forced to spend the first night at the petrol station.
In the morning, after the petrol station opened, diesel filled up and the remaining kilometers to Calais.
During the crossing, Axel and I had our first delicious full English breakfast. Our wives disagreed.
Since we had enough time we drove along the coast via Folkestone, Hythe, Dymchurch, to Rye. From there on to Bodiam Castle for sightseeing.
From here direct to Sevenoaks on the M25 and on to the pub, "The Gaydon Inn".
It's nice not to have to pitch a tent. We parked the mobile home in the parking lot right outside the pub.
We spent both evenings in good company. Even our women loved the atmosphere in the pub with a pint by the open fireplace.
Saturday a visit to Wellesbourne Airfield Market and a walking tour in Warwick. We understandably did not receive a tankard this year, because we came without a motorcycle and tent.
On our way home Sunday, after a delicious breakfast in the pub, we made a stop at Windsor Castle and did a guided tour of the castle.
In Riverhead (Sevenoaks) we went to a pub in the evening, ate a delicious meal and drank some pints. The landlord allowed us to park the motorhome in his parking lot for one night.
Monday morning, we drove off to the ferry in Dover and then home.
Programme
Heather MacGregor produced another word square for this programme, details on page 3. Only sorry we cannot offer any prizes but it is the "taking part" that gives its own rewards, not least remembering Heather's enourmous enthusiasm.
Shakespeare Motorcycle Club CYMBELINE SHAKESPEARE MOTORCYCLE CLUB, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON O! for a Muse of fire, that would ascend The brightest heaven of invention... Welcome to our 1994 Winter Rally, once again at The Gaydon Inn, where John, our host will be open on Friday and Saturday from 11am to 11pm. Food will be available both days from noon to 2pm, and from 7pm to 10pm. Breakfasts will be available between 8.30am and 10.00am on both Saturday and Sunday, but must be booked at the bar the previous evening, please. 'Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York!...' The Heritage Motor Centre has recently opened at Gaydon, within easy walking distance, and is reputed to have thefargest display of British motor vehicles anywhere; it is open from 10.00am to 4.30pm. 'If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it.......' Trophies will be presented in the bar late on Saturday evening. 'Hung be the heavens with black, yield day to night!' Shakespeare Club Sweat Shirts and T Shirts are available as follows: T Shirts, XL, L, Medium, all at £7 Sweat Shirts, XL, L, M, various colours, £12 " " Small, Blue or Black, £6 'When shall we three meet again, In thunder, lightning, or in rain?..' Heather has again produced a wonderful quiz, which appears on the front cover, and which requires you to find weather conditions, most of which you may well have encountered on your way here. Heather has already found 22; can you match that, or exceed it? There will be a prize for the first to equal Heather's score, and consolation prizes for any who later achieve it. The quotations are all first lines from six plays, five of which we have used for rally titles, and one not yet staged. Again, a prize for the first correct answer. 'Hence! home, you idle creatures, get you home..'
- Hans Mondorf