Report by Val Newman, President of WIMA GB at that time.
The University of Cumbria Campus at Lancaster was the venue for this rally as it provided single rooms, dining facilities, an events hall with a bar, camping and a sports field. There were 240 participants from 11 Divisions, with the majority opting for a room. The campsite was uniquely set around the actual university buildings, rather than in the usual field setting. For the first time, we had WIMA members from the new Korean division.
The theme throughout was ‘Back to School’, based on a famous book and tv series in England called ‘St Trinian’s’. This provoked a lot of very silly behaviour in the evenings (!) and the wearing of blue striped ties, short skirts and long white socks. Pigtails also became very fashionable around Lancaster, during the rally week, especially at the Welcome and Farewell dinners.
The Guest of Honour at the Welcome dinner was the Mayor of Lancaster, with his consort, and his Beadle. The deputy mayor and his wife also visited. There was a discotheque each evening, and Kinisha, a brilliant Tina Turner tribute act, sang at the Farewell Dinner. Participants were also entertained by the Belfagan Women’s Morris Dancers – Morris dancing is a form of English folk dance dating from the 15th century, and was originally only performed by men, but times have changed.
Activities during the week included options to visit Muncaster Castle, with its owls and hawks, the magnificent ruins of Lowther Castle, and a steam train and lake steamer trip. Lancaster Castle, used as a prison since the 12th century and the grim scene of witchcraft trials in the 17th century, and the seaside resort of Morecombe were also popular visits. We were very lucky with the weather all week, so participants ranged far and wide on their bikes. One group even went over to the Isle of Man and another rode to the east coast of England and back in a day.
The Sports Afternoon consisted of teams competing in traditional children’s games like a three-legged race, tug-of- war, riding the mechanical bull, apple bobbing and ball throwing.
