Bassetts Farm

 

🌾 Bassetts Farm Rally – The Hidden Gem Weekend! 2026

If you ever wanted to feel like you were heading off-grid without actually leaving Essex, Bassetts Farm was the place to be. Tucked so deeply within the countryside that even the sat‑nav shrugged at us, it turned out to be one of those brilliant little gems you only discover by joining a rally. And what a lovely September weekend it became.

Our marshals — Louise, Cliff and Racheal, with support from Kevin and Dawn — welcomed 15 units made up of both caravans and motorhomes. It was lovely to see a mix of long‑standing members and some of our newer ralliers settling in for a gentle, late‑summer escape.

🌙 Friday Night – The Glow-Up

As the evening settled in and the September chill crept across the grass, we gathered in the event tents for a friendly natter. There’s something magical about this time of year: the fading light, the cool air, and that cosy glow from the ambient LED lighting inside the tents. It felt like the perfect blend of outdoorsy calm and warm company.

Leaving the tents later was a treat in itself. The field had transformed into a mini festival of colour — units lit up with strings of multi‑coloured lights, some flashing, some gently chasing, all shimmering against the dark night sky. A proper postcard moment.

🚶‍♂️ Saturday – The Paper Mill Lock Ramble

The marshals led us on a countryside ramble to Paper Mill Lock, and what a gorgeous spot it was. Tea rooms offering homemade cakes, peaceful waterside views, and that irresistible “sit down and watch the world drift by” atmosphere. A few ralliers may or may not have been seen eyeing up second slices of cake… purely for research purposes, of course.

🤪 Saturday Night – Cliff’s Quiz (and Tongues Out!)

Back in the event tents, it was time for one of Cliff’s legendary quizzes. Now, if you’ve ever wondered what goes on inside Cliff’s head, this quiz didn’t help — but it did make us laugh.

At one point he announced: “It’s impossible to breathe through your nose with your tongue out.”

Naturally, the entire tent instantly stuck their tongues out. Naturally, we all tried to breathe. Naturally, we all looked ridiculous. And naturally, Cliff grinned like a man who had just achieved peak entertainment.

A brilliant quiz, full of laughs and light-hearted silliness — exactly what a rally evening should be.

🌤️ A Lovely Weekend All Round

With peaceful surroundings, good company, colourful nights, countryside walks, and Cliff’s brain‑teasing antics, Bassetts Farm gave us a wonderfully gentle September rally.

A huge thank you to Louise, Cliff, Racheal, Kevin and Dawn for giving us a place to unwind, explore, and enjoy the great British countryside. Weekends like this remind us why rallies are such a special part of club life.