NATIONAL RALLY 2010

I've got official confirmation from British Waterways that we can hold our National Rally at Foxton Locks on 17-18 July. The rally will be based in the overflow car park at the top of the lock flight on Gumley Road, south of Foxton village, Leicestershire - Postcode LE16 7RA for those wanting to satnav or multimap the location. This area is a grassed parking area kept in very good condition with ample parking space.
Those attending will need a parking pass for their cars (£1.50 per visit - if you attend on both days you'll need two tickets unless you stay overnight) and those camping overnight will need to pay £8 per pitch which includes parking. No doubt those who are financially challenged by the recession can play "how many BSA owners can you fit in one tent?" although I might decline from participation. There's no other events planned there that weekend at the moment. Barbeques are not permitted but there are a number of pubs serving food in Foxton, including I understand one which offers a "bring your own" bbq. Nearer the time I'll see if we can arrange a sit-down meal which might be preferable given the weather in 2009. I'll also locate and publish a list of suitable local B&B's for those deterred by the prospect of sleeping under canvas. There are toilets at both top and bottom car parks and an elsan disposal point at the bottom one. Nearby Market Harborough is a pleasant busy market town with a range of shopping and eating facilities for those needing retail therapy or food. I'll plan a short circular run through the local lanes for those interested in participating. There's been some recent lottery money spent on improving visitor facilities and clearing the site, and the development group which includes local interests, councils and BWB are keen to attract visitors.

and if you want to get a picture of the site's layout, we'd be at the top lock car park on the Gumley Road. There's a grassed parking area. See Map here Car parking for visitors is £1.50 per visit (all day). Since the satellite photo was taken there's been some new footpaths put in and the old offices at the bottom lock are now a pub. the top lock cottage is a coffee shop. The nearest market town - Market Harborough - has a nice old main street for those who want to potter around the shops and is just over the hill. There's more choice for food here as well. I guess this means you'll all have to brush up on your gaudy painting skills and bring a moleskin jacket and a horse. Can you note the date for the magazine and website and I'll get more details when our booking is confirmed.
I'll also research details of local B&B's and see if I can draw up a small "sunday morning" run route - perhaps across the Naesby civil war battlefield and back.

ADDENDUM

National Rally Foxton Locks - 17-18th July 2010 The BSAFWDC National Rally is scheduled to be held at Foxton Locks, near Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7RA. The locks were the site of an inclined plane boat lift of which the earthworks remain, along with a small museum.
The site is in countryside a few miles NE of the M1/M6/A14 junction, and near the local town of Market Harborough.
see http://foxtonlocks.com/ Courtesy of British Waterways Board we have been allocated a reserved portion of the grass overflow car park at the top of the lock flight on Gumley Road. Camping will be permitted but barbecues are not. The car park's disabled toilet will be kept open overnight for our use. There is a pub with restaurant and private function room at the bottom of the lock flight and we propose to arrange a meal for interested members but we will need to book ahead as the it is a popular venue.
Details can be found here.
The menus offer a traditional "pub grub" variety. If there is enough interest we can see if we can book the private function room and/or arrange a large party booking with a set menu. The latter are at a fixed price of £16.75 pp for a 3-course meal. If you are interested in booking to join a BSAFWDC meal at Foxton Locks on 17th July, please let me know as soon as possible by calling 01788 226111/01788 334230.
Or emailing me here.
The sooner you let me know about numbers, the better chance of arranging something.
There is a second "Bargee's pub" with more basic hospitality at the bottom of the lock flight - "Bridge 61" for those who prefer food of the "pie, beans and chips" variety. In addition, the lock-keeper's cottage at the Top Lock runs a small cafe.
If anyone needs overnight B&B accommodation, there are several hotels in Market Harborough and a range of local B&B's.
There will be a fee for use of the site. Members coming for a day will be asked to buy a parking ticket - £1/day for either modern or vintage wheels. Those camping overnight will be required to pay a £8 per pitch charge to the BWB warden/lock-keeper which will include parking. You are warned that the lock-keeper can and does issue parking fines!
Dave Daniel
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