The Wolseley Register’s National Rally was this year held at Lytham Hall, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. Often described as “the finest Georgian House in Lancashire”, the hall and its grounds certainly lived up to expectations! Of additional interest over the same weekend was the annual 1940s Wartime Weekend which took place on Lytham Green, and which several rally participants went to see.

Accommodation used by rally participants included several local hotels and campsites, all within a few miles of the hall. The core rally days were Saturday and Sunday, although several participants took the opportunity to see more of the area by extending their stay to include Friday and Monday.

On Saturday, participants enjoyed a selection of tour routes, each being approximately 40 miles long. Routes included both a drive up the coast to visit the bright lights of Blackpool, and also more rural drives visiting local villages and places of interest.

Sunday saw the main rally itself, with both Wolseleys and other marques displayed on the grass in front of the hall. Participants enjoyed both catching up with friends old and new, as well as looking at and discussing each others’ cars. And this year, probably for the first time ever, we were graced with not one, but two 14/56 Redfern tourers! Throughout the morning, participants voted to decide their favourite models within each class, whilst delicious locally made ice cream could be bought from a jolly chap with a period vintage cycle stall!

Many particpants also enjoyed discounted conducted tours of the hall itself, an interesting house with a fascinating story to tell! And considering that only a few years ago, the house was in a very dilapidated state, the restoration back to its original splendour is amazing, although this is still ongoing.

Regalia sales were excellent, as were the pre arranged sales of spares  brought along  for members to collect. The presentation of awards and raffle prizes completed the afternoon, before the stalls were dismantled, and participants drifted towards the restaurant for the 4 course Rally Meal. Held in one of the hall’s outbuildings, most commented that this was one of the best rally meals ever. Superb food and excellent catering!

The rally was considered to be a great success by all participants, obviously aided by the excellent weather over the whole weekend! Although perhaps the number of cars attending was a little down on previous years, (with a few suffering mechanical problems immediately before the weekend), high numbers of members still turned up from all over the UK and the Netherlands. The Wolseley Register thanks all of them for their support and we look forward to seeing everyone again at the 2020 rally, which is to be held near Kings Lynn!