The 2026 AGM & Social Rally!
North Essex Centre | Pleshey Village Hall & Sports Ground | 9th–11th October 2026
It was that milestone weekend on the rallying calendar once again—the official gathering of the clan for our Annual General Meeting! Pleshey Village Hall rolled out the welcome mat, hosting a fine gathering of caravans and motorhomes pitched up for the full weekend, joined by plenty of day-tripping members arriving on Saturday to ensure their voices (and votes) were counted.
Having the run of the hall all weekend was an absolute treat. Friday night kicked off in true North Essex style: relaxed banter, catching up with friends, and a few "light beverages" to properly lubricate the vocal cords for the weekend ahead.
📋 The Business End: Smooth Sailing at the AGM
Saturday afternoon saw everyone gather for the AGM itself. With a cracking turnout, the meeting ran like a well-oiled machine:
- The Committee Shuffle: Officers read their annual reports before standing down—only to be promptly voted straight back in! Consistency is key, after all. The only farewell was to Tanya, who decided to step down from committee duties this year. A massive thank-you to Tanya for all her hard work!
- Steady at the Helm: Dave & Sandy continue in the Chair, guiding us safely into what promises to be a stellar 2027 season.
- A Packed 2027 Calendar: Rally Secretary Mick unveiled an absolute belter of a provisional programme covering practically every single weekend in 2027! It’s a brilliant blend of old favourites, exciting invitationals, and classic venues making a welcome comeback. Even better? Almost every rally is already marshalled—leaving just Clare and Homestead up for grabs. (Form an orderly queue!)
- Hooking the Next Generation: Fishing Secretary Steve shared an inspired new initiative: providing club fishing tackle for juniors on rally fishing weekends. A fantastic way to introduce newcomers to angling without parents needing to buy a shed-full of gear first!
🏆 Silverware & Accolades: The Roll of Honour
It wouldn’t be an AGM without dishing out the Centre silverware and celebrating our star performers:
- 🏆 Tellwright Cup: Roy & Brenda Beckman
- 🎣 Angler of the Year: Barry Wells
- 🪵 Skottle (Mölkky) Champion: Peter Collins
- 📸 Best Overall Photo: Dawn
- 📸 Best General Photo: Dawn (a clean sweep of the lenses!)
- 😂 Humorous Photo: Kerry
- 🌟 Junior Photo: Anya
🎙️ Saturday Night: The Rat Pack & Roulade Extravaganza
With official business signed and sealed, it was time to celebrate the season in style. Tanya treated us all to a delicious hot evening meal, crowned by a show-stopping roulade and lashings of cream.
At 8:00 PM, Roy the “Rat Pack” singer took to the floor and delivered two solid hours of pure gold. Working his way effortlessly through swing classics from Sinatra to Dean Martin, he had the hall singing along in harmony. It wasn't long before ralliers took to the dance floor, swaying and shuffling the night away. Cracking food, wonderful entertainment, and unbeatable company made it a proper end-of-season bash.
🥂 A Legend’s Farewell: 46 Years & 900 Rallies
As the evening drew toward its close and votes of thanks were made to the Chairman and committee, Arthur took the microphone to share an emotional announcement: after 46 remarkable years and nearly 900 rallies, both he and Lila have decided it is time to hang up the towing mirrors.
A fuller tribute will follow to honour their incredible journey, but the entire hall united in gratitude: Arthur and Lila, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your extraordinary dedication and loyalty to the North Essex Centre over four and a half decades. You are true rallying royalty!
What a superb way to wrap up another memorable rallying year. Here’s to a cosy winter break, and we’ll see you all on the rally field in 2027! 🚐✨
