Charity Classic Car Rally 2023

Charity Classic Car Rally 2023

Another year, another rally. Some changes this time though; the rally was hosted by The Colchester Officers Club on Sunday 9^thJuly and, unusually for this event, it was held in rather damp weather!

That didn’t deter our willing participants, not even the driver and passenger of a military VW Iltis ‘jeep’ that had a roof but no doors or windows. After the preliminary organising, the cars were sent off at minute intervals around a roughly ‘figure of eight’ course taking in the Suffolk border country and the Maldon area of Essex. We are not cruel and always arrange a couple of convenient places where the participants can stop for a comfort break, coffee and cake or just to stretch their legs. There are a couple of Rotarians on hand at these stopovers to assist with any issues and to make sure no-one has got lost.

It is a relief when all the cars arrive safely back and the drivers can discuss motoring things while their navigators compare notes and criticise our directions. No matter how hard we try we always seem to manage a missed junction or getting our left and right turns mixed up. It’s all part of the challenge.

With everyone back, we went on to draw the raffle before the Officers Club provided an excellent BBQ for those who didn’t have to rush off. All in all, an enjoyable and successful day.

This year we decided to divide the profit from the event between two charities with a local interest: the Army Benevolent Fund and Basics Essex, a charity providing a first response service at major incidents. The exact amount raised won’t be known for a little while but they will both be pleased with the result.

Any queries, please Derek Cockerill (derek.cockerill@gmail.com) or

Ken Aldred (ken.aldred.ka@gmail.com)