February 2005 Issue of the

Disabled Motorist

Disabled Motorist is the monthly magazine of the Disabled Drivers' Motor Club. It's packed with useful and interesting information and it campaigns on the issues that affect you - whether you are a driver, passenger, or carer for a disabled child. Here, on our growing web site, is a small selection. If you would like to join the 20,000 people who receive a regular copy, please visit the Club membership page .

A year of fun and change

DDMC CARAVAN AND CAMPERS' GROUP REPORT ON THE RALLIES HELD DURING 2004
THE FIRST rally of the year was held during May at Wells next Sea in Norfolk, and after a cold start with the wind coming straight off the east coast, we had glorious sunshine and were
able to sit out in the warmth most days.
The site was very large but also very well run, and although we felt the pitches were rather close together we didn’t mind as we were close to people within our own group.
The walks were wonderful, such a choice, either along the sea defence path, the sandy beach, or round the lake on the site, also in amongst the trees, the dogs were in their element!
We had many coffee mornings – Ron made sure the water urn was available for any of us who fancied a get together, and sometimes we lunched outside.
The evening entertainment was great fun; the optional fancy dress prize was won by Irene who was old Mother Hubbard, and for the first time a pub style quiz was introduced.
The book from which the questions were compiled was rather hard for most of us, but that
in itself created great laughter. We were all impressed by Barbara and her team’s knowledge of the Living World.
A new electronic bingo machine was used which really helped the hard of hearing during the bingo evenings, and of course the favourite George’s game was once again lots of fun.
We were very fortunate this rally, as the powers that be on the site allowed us to use the café free of charge for the evening entertainment.
The second rally of the year was held at The Ranch in Selby, Yorkshire, the weather not being as good as the fi rst rally and having to pay for the hire of the room put rather a damper on the evening entertainment. However, things are what you make of them and on dry evenings events were held outside and the hall was hired for the times the weather was inclement.
The outfi ts for the fancy dress competition were very professional and, I hasten to add, all made by the participants themselves. The theme was the Wild West and the grandson of Keith and Sharon took the prize, being dressed as a cowboy.
The quiz was once again fun, and the raffl e proved a great success.
The autumn rally was rather beset by problems, both within the club and the site itself. However,
they were dealt with amicably which resulted in the structure of the group being changed.
We now have Marshals who will be responsible for the running of the rallies, and a new position
of Group Representative who is responsible for all aspects of promoting the group, and vetting
the venues for future rallies.
The members rallied round and lots of fun was had by all, even though the weather was rather wet and windy, a spirit of great friendship developed and we now look forward to next year.

This year’s rallies will be held at two favourite sites of the group, and one new site.
The Spring rally, from 8-22 May will be at Stowford Farm Meadows in Devon.
The Summer rally is from 3-17 July, at Ebnal Hall Caravan Site, near Oswestry in Shropshire. (This rally is now fully booked, but the waiting list is open in case of cancellations.)
The Autumn rally will be held from 4-18 September at the site adjoining Banham Zoo in Norfolk
All enquiries to Heather Watts: 01691 659422