Big Andys Scootering Site

Right up untill a few days before the Bank Holiday Weekend i couldn't make my mind up whether to go to Kelso or Skeggy. Dawn was going to Skeggy with her mate Alison and i really fancied doing Kelso especially as i'd never been before and also because Neville Staples was playing there on Saturday night, but the 250 miles was a bit off putting as was the fact my scooter had not been at its best for the last 18 months. By Wednesday i had made up my mind. I hadn't been asked to work at Skeggy and Dawn kept telling me she'd be fine if i went to Kelso so i ready myself for the 250 mile trip. I had to go to work first on Friday but by 1:30pm i was on my way north.

By 9:30pm i was pulling into the town of Kelso having ridden along some beautiful scenic roads but couldn't find the Showground so had to ask for directions. A few signs directing scooterists to the showground wouldn't have gone amiss but eventually i found it. I was greeted at the gate by Goldie & Jade who showed me where they were camped. Can of lager in hand i set about putting my tent up and telling tales of my journey up. Having arrived as late as i did i missed the band that was on stage that night but was soon pouring plenty of lager down my neck and greeting old friends. I was surprised to see Mick & Sarah from Leicester as they don't do camping rallies (Micks at a funny age now) but i then found out they had got a holiday flat in town and were in Kelso for 5 days. By 1:30 am the days adventures had taken its toll and i retired to my tent but got hardly any sleep due to all the noise outside especially from Donna from Cloud 9 SC & SBW SC.

Next morning i emerged from my tent having had about 2 hours sleep and lounged around for a while before making my way over to the main hall for breakfast. Having got my food i quickly wished i'd not bothered as i could have knocked nails in with most of it. In fact the food situation is probably the only thing that spoils this rally as the choice was extremely limited and with a kitchen the size they have there they could make available a much better and varied choice of food. I then rode of to find a garage as i had arrived on vapours so was in desperate need of some petrol. Upon my return i spent a couple of hours looking around the custom show and stalls only to find i had my camera on the wrong setting and most of the photos were blurred so i had to go around again. I then had a drink or three with Mick & Sarah before we made our way over towards the entrance gate where a few games where being played. Straight away Mick was challenged to do the Yard of Ale which resulted in him spilling half of it down his front. I gave in and also accepted the challenge only to upset Mick because i didn't spill any. On site was a specially adapted double decker bus which doubled up as a stage and during the afternoon we were entertained by The Skababs as well as another band who unfortunately i didn't get the name of. Also during the afternoon i came across the Pogue Mahone SC lot who were all there on Reddy's stag do and were all dressed up in religous costumes.

We sat around by the tents for a while partaking in a drink or two, whilst we waited for the evening do to start, then made our way over to the main room. The raffle draw was made for the red Lambretta that was being raffled with some bloke from Scotland winning it and before long Neville Staples took to the stage and was his usual brilliant best. I had planned on having an early night as i was off to Skeggy in the morning but again i probably got about 2 hours sleep. By 6:30 am i was packed and ready to go. I stopped at the entrance to say goodbye to Earl who was loitering there. He told me that some theiving scum bag had lifted someones scooter into the back off their van and drove off, but fortunately this time the police had caught them and the scooter was on its way back to the camp site. I said my goodbyes and set off for Skegness.

I was really glad i had decided to go to Kelso as i had had a really good weekend. It is a really good site for a Scooter Rally and the rally is well organised, but the food needs to be better and more varied and also a few signs put up to guide the first timers in, but having said that i will know where it is next year, as i will be back.

SUNDAY IN SKEGNESS