Report by Val Newman, President WIMA GB at the time of the rally.
Held in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District, the rally venue was the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) at Losehill Hall, in Castleton. The hostel was booked exclusively for WIMA for a whole week and accommodation was in twin, quad and dormitory style rooms, most ensuite, for 132 participants. The rest, 95, camped, either in the main or a separate quiet field. The main field had been very recently vacated by sheep, which astonished some participants! A total of 227 participants from 12 divisions attended and the YHA infrastructure and helpful staff helped to make the event run smoothly.
We had a hired marquee on site for the main events. The YHA staff prepared and served pre-ordered breakfasts, and a café/bar in reception and an additional bar in the evening served snacks and drinks. Food for the opening and closing ceremonies, and the BBQ came from outside caterers, as the YHA could not offer the variety that we wanted.
The programme was varied. Guest speakers through the week were: Jim Freeman, Chair of the BMF, Anna Zee, President of FEMA, Tiffany Coates on Personal Safety for Women Adventurers, Hayley Bell, Founder of Women Riders World Relay, and Linda Ashmore on Riding Skills. The talks were informative and entertaining.
Throughout the week, there was a Challenge Ride – places to ride to, and ‘evidence’ to collect, in the form of postcards, photos and information. There was an optional visit to the world-famous Blue John Caverns, which was very interesting. IAM RoadSmart (Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists) offered observed rides on a one-to-one basis, with feedback at the end. We were lucky to have an all-women team of experienced IAM observers and it was a great experience for our foreign visitors.
Our parade ride was to the huge stately home, Chatsworth House, a journey of 17 miles (27 km), and after the rally photo, there was an opportunity to visit the house and gardens. Chatsworth’s first architect and owner in the 16th century was Bess of Hardwick, the second most powerful woman in England after Queen Elizabeth 1st.
The Chesterfield Garland Dancers were delightful. Jazz/ swing quintet Hot Toddy opened the event at Monday’s welcome dinner, Solar Entertainment provided the mid-week music, and Thor Gods of Rock closed the rally (along with most peoples’ hearing!), at the farewell dinner – there was certainly something for everyone throughout the week.
Our raffle and auction raised £536 (588 euros) and a few pennies, which was shared equally between the Derbyshire Air Ambulance and MJ Piki – or Pikilily as it is known in WIMA.
2019 WIMA GB International Rally – Promotion Video
