The classic scooterists club magazine

Camping in Catcliffe 5

For many the event marks the start of the rally season and a chance to show off their newly renovated/titivated machines. The (ridden) custom show entries were stunning with best in show going to a beautifully detailed Vespa ‘Faithful Friend’ ridden from Harrogate by a proud owner. One of my favourites was a unique white and yellow cutdown Lambretta TS1, built and ridden by a lad from Conisborough. Although I don’t normally like cutdowns, I’m sure this scooter will draw a lot of attention. Indicative of the regional draw of this event was the trophy for farthest ridden which went to a Scarborough scooterist at just under 100 miles, but closely followed by scooterists from as far afield as Oldham, Birmingham, Manchester etc.

The weather was sunny and bright, but evening turned ‘a bit nippy’ leaving some of our guests questioning their choice of evening attire (i.e. fluorescent boob tubes and matching microskirts – the men not the women!).

Evening entertainment was provided by The Snapp who created a tremendous atmosphere with their varied repertoire. One female reveller got a bit carried away as she obviously liked the lead guitarist a little bit too much and climbed onto the stage to ‘harmonise’ with him before gracefully returning to the crowded dance floor to ‘strut her stuff’. The guitarist didn’t mind though and if anything, played with a bit more vigour.

DJ Glynn, of YSA fame, who’d been assisted by DJ Johnny throughout the day, kept the rhythm going into the early hours. When the proceedings closed there were a lots of happy campers suffering from an alcohol-induced amnesia, resulting in a failure to remember exactly where they’d pitched their tents; they could be seen staggering around in the moonlight, scratching their heads and thinking “next year, I’m gonna bring a torch”.

An entertaining, friendly and trouble-free rally enjoyed by all that attended. Almost £2300 was raised, with proceeds going to SENSE and Sheffield ME Support Group. A big thank you to all the sponsors, traders and anyone who contributed to Camping In Catcliffe 5. If you’ve never been before, speak to someone that has and I’ll guarantee you’ll pencil it in for 2012.

Neil Hibbert
Rotherham SC