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Kraken

From: Dublin Bay

Registered: 2011-02-24

Posts: 339

Shadow Rally to Shillingford 2008

Shadow Rally to Shillingford Bridge Hotel on Saturday, 24th May 2008

A trio of Shadows viewed from Shillingford Bridge

The weather forecast, for the day of the rally and for the remainder of the Bank Holiday weekend, was not at all promising. There was to be a stiff breeze with heavy showers and longer periods of rain likely.

Various domestic issues had made it unlikely that Jenny and I would be able to attend but, at the last moment, we found it was possible and I telephoned Dave Probert, "Would it be alright for us come after all?"

No sooner had we parked our motor-car than we were spotted by John and Gill Walker, who warmly welcomed us and invited us aboard 'Heavenly Daze'. Their Shadow 26 was absolutely immaculate and we very much enjoyed their hospitality.

Gill and John Walker with Jenny aboard 'Heavenly Daze'

The weather, as you can see, was not all bad. Overcast and threatening for a while maybe, but the sun soon reappeared.

The wind was brisk enough to make the Burgee flutter and also to make us feel chilly from time to time.

'Heavenly Daze' flies the Association's Burgee

The rally site was just upstream of the fine bridge at Shillingford and alongside the lawns of the Shillingford Bridge Hotel, where we were later to enjoy their dinner and dance.

On arrival, we found only two Shadows; 'Jolly Olly' with blue cockpit canopy was moored ahead of 'Heavenly Daze' with her green cockpit canopy. We were told that 'White Rose of York' had already been spotted further down river and would likely appear soon.

The Hotel had reserved space for us, as a visiting rally, and we hoped Dave would arrive in time to have all three boats moored in line astern.

The Shillingford Bridge Hotel

'Jolly Olly' was looking pretty immaculate, too. She was sporting a fine vase of fresh flowers in the window; a nice touch.

But where were Peter and Carol Hunt? It was rumoured that Kate still had her nails and hair to do. Perhaps they were down below.

'Jolly Olly' was moored at the front

A call from 'Heavenly Daze' alerts us to the arrival of 'White Rose of York' with Dave, Angela plus Ted and Kitty Moss.

'White Rose of York', with the red cockpit canopy, is soon secured alongside behind 'Heavenly Daze'. She is wearing both the Association Burgee and a very new looking red ensign.

Dave, Angela and Ted pose infront of 'White Rose of York'

Now that the rally organiser is here some re-organisation of the Hotel's seating arrangement is called for...

Bemused onlookers stare as the picnic table is whisked away ...

... and put to good use by the boats!

Time for a drink

"Now, let's see. You have your Victoria Shadow Association Cap and a Burgee for 'Jolly Olly'. Oh, would you like a raffle ticket as well?"

Dave the salesman ...

... and Peter with his new cap

Dave, Peter, John, Jenny, Ted, Gill, Angela and Kitty

Paul and Patsy Townsend of 'Rebwelly' arrived by road to join the festivities but unfortunately I failed to get any satisfactory pictures of them. Also joining the crew of 'Jolly Olly' during the afternoon were Jackie and Tony, who would be at the dinner dance with us.

David Probert has supplied the remaining set of photographs taken during the evening.

Thank you Dave for a great rally