| Thanks
to the forestry commission (Kielder) and the SHC of GB the Kielder
Rally was held at a NEW venue Kershope Forest, near Newcastleton.
A brilliant 60 entries supported the event, the highest entry
in years, considering there were 2 other rallies on that same
weekend this was very good, trail distance for the B/C and D2
classes 3.5 miles, E/D and J2 1.9 miles, Juniors ran the full
distance as the adults in D class Scotty would have been 7th
and Kieran would have been 11th in the adult class !!!! (well
done boys), J1 was ¾ of a mile – Go Jessica. The
trail consisted of beautiful grassy and brushed forest tracks,
undulating and twisty in parts, a really quick, exciting trail
where concentration was vital. We have had 6 weeks of rain prior
to the event but the weather was very kind to us over the two
days staying dry: Sat 7? raising to 11?, humidity 55%, much
better on Sun a fantastic 0? with a biting cold breeze raising
to only 5?, humidity 49% with some ground frost first thing.
With grateful thanks to Skinners Dog Food who provided a sack
of dog food for every entry, (if you did not collect your food
please let me know and I will arrange to get it to you). The
wonderful Cotswold Outdoor Clothing provided 1st , 2nd and 3rd
prizes, plus lots of goodies for the juniors to enjoy. I am
sure the racing gloves will come in handy this winter. The Newcastleton
Development, Tourism & Leisure Group co-ordinated by the
fantastic Paul and Barbara Elborn bought the first prize trophies,
a beautiful piece of silverware to make any home shine, the
group also provided people to marshal and look after spectators
and to make sure we did not have any pet dogs on the trails,
which was a real bonus to the organisation of the rally, they
even worked all day Friday putting out the signs in horrible
stormy weather. Local Businesses in Newcastlton also provided
individual support, which is over whelming from such a small
community. The Logan Family provided us with top quality certificates
for every entry as they have done for many years for the Kielder
events, a cool forestry green racing team coming straight through
the paper, excellent. The Kielder Sled Dog Centre also gave
key rings and fridge magnets designed and produced by Linda
Liddle , Andy Yearham also designed Husky X-mas cards to sell
on behalf of the group, to raise funds for trail quality –
such a talented pair, many thanks.
This only leaves me to thank all the people who turned up to
complete the jobs they were asked to do on time and in full,
even wearing a smile, what more could I ask for : marshals,
snubbers, timers, scrutineer, and above all the competitors
for supporting us and making the event such a friendly one (YMCA
will never be the same again, thanks to the music quiz held
on sat night, when lots of people let their hair down and had
a really good laugh) thanks to my house guests who kept me entertained
until the wee small hours of the morning!!!! You know who you
are the ones with black circles under your eyes and belly ache
from laughing too much. My sincere thanks go to Mr John Liddle
Chair of the Kielder Sled Dog Centre (K.S.D.C) who turned out
what ever the weather for all of the full 6 weeks leading up
to the event to make the trail conditions the best for you the
competitors, John was also helped by members of the K.S.D.C
group Raymond and Suzanne Hay, Derrick Archiabld, Steve Yearham,
Mark McAleavey and Steve Studley, even the juniors Jessica and
Scotty had a sweeping brush and shovel in their hands –
thanks guys.
We will try to organise another rally at Kershope with more
distance, but at the same if not better quality for you in the
future, watch this space….
Jackie Archibald.
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