North of England All Rover Rally

Meets the North Sea.

We are now in our 9^th year of running this popular event in the classic Rover car and Land Rover enthusiasts annual calendar of summer shows and displays to visit.

As a matter of policy the organising committee spend some time after each gathering to review our activities and assess how best to improve things for the following year. After two years at the Prisoner of War Camp at Harperly with varying amounts of success, it was decided that for 2008 we would return to a similar format to that used for the very first rally in the year 2000.

Those who joined us then will recall that this was held on just one Sunday at the Beamish Open Air Museum and indeed a return here was considered but rejected due to the ‘hurdles and hoops’ required to go through to gain access to this venue.

In that first year there was simply a line up display of vehicles old and new, a self- judged concours competition and a chance to have a look around the museum plus of course all the usual banter and camaraderie that takes place whenever like-minded vehicle owners meet up.

Various options were discussed but a ‘day at the seaside’ soon came out on top, we were aware that there was a display field on the front at Seaburn and our enquiries with Sunderland City Council proved fruitful and the site was booked for our usual date on the last Sunday in June.

For those who do not know the area this field sits right on the promenade of Queens Parade, overlooking Whitburn sands, all the usual coastal facilities and entertainments are available and we shall provide toilets, a catering trailer and some selected trade stands on the field.

Gates will open for rally entrants at 9.00am on Sunday 29^th of June, only pre-booked vehicles will be admitted and there is no public parking on the field (there is ample available locally). With all cars in place by 10.30 am the public gate will then open to admit visitors on foot closing at 4.00pm. Prize giving for the concours will take place at 3.30pm and all entrants should vacate the site no later than 5.30pm, as the gates will be locked shortly after this.

We appreciate that there will be those who would still like to make a ‘weekend of it’ so if you would like to caravan or camp we have arranged a quiet secluded private campsite with basic facilities a few miles away where we ourselves will be based, there is no camping available on the display field.

In line with the ‘keep it simple’ ethos this year there will be none of the usual off-road driving, treasure hunts or driving skills we have had in the past, but we do hope that the lure of a paddle in the sea, the building of a sand castle or a walk on the prom with an ice-cream will prove just as attractive and that you’ll be joining us for ‘the crack’ at the end of June.

As usual with these things there may well be changes and amendments to the format over coming months, so to keep right up to date do re-visit the website from time to time to see what we’re up to, and remember you must pre-book for this years rally!