Haslar Easter 2025 Rally to Lymington

Published 01:00 on 27 Apr 2025

PRELUDE 

Once upon a time, in the 'Kingdom of Haslar' there was a rally, brilliantly booked by a very nice man.
He was a true knight known as 'Jem the Capable' who did all the bookings for this adventure.
He had to go far, far away (and nobody knew where to, or why).
But fortunately, there were two elves that stepped in to help.

Elf number one, known to all as 'Brian the Helpful',
Collected all the names of the drinking squad, who wanted to 'dine' in the Angel and Blue Pig on Easter Sunday.
Cleverly, exacting from each and every one of them, their menu choices for that meal.
Which was by far, no mean feat. So, well done to 'Brian the Helpful'.

Elf number two, (who in reality is a Leprechaun but he not aware. Shhh)
known to all as Arvid the Mad Hatter,
Who gets easily distracted, but means well,
He had a list of the 22 elegant diners from the web site, for the dinner at the RLYC.
Plus, one other, namely Gay Sutherland. Known by many as 'Gay the Muddle'.
She had magically secured a berth aboard Morning Star for Saturday evening. (we do not know what type of wand she used, fairy or wizard?).

Day One Bank Holiday Friday

Our flotilla of intrepid explorers from the 'Kingdom of Haslar' bravely battled winds, tides and the elements in their quest to reach the 'Land of Lymington'. Successfully arriving to tie up en masse on the Dan Bran Pontoon.
Morning Star's perfect docking in challenging conditions, was greeted by the cry of 'YOU CAN'T LEAVE THAT THERE- YOU'LL HAVE TO MOVE IT!!'.
The wet and weary crew reluctantly moved to another berth hugely assisted by their fellow Haslar explorers.
On the plus side, this new berth afforded easy access over the course of the weekend for all the explorers (both drunk and sober) for the 'pontoon parties'.

During the Friday pontoon party (bring your own glass), the Explorers were presented with their Saturday challenge (namely a Quiz that explored the Land of Lymington).

Day Two Easter Saturday

Individually/and/or in small groups they valiantly rose to the challenge as they headed into the Land of Lymington.
They all rendezvoused at 5 in the afternoon aboard Morning Star glass in hand competitively comparing their findings of the quest, whilst quaffing Rosé, Beer and nibbles (Again!!).
They were delighted to welcome on board their fellow explorer Gay Sutherland, known to some as 'Gay the Muddle', who had taken the alternative route overland. She arrived burdened with wine and food, which was heartily consumed by all.
Suitably prepped, our intrepid travellers then at 6.30pm traversed the Dan Bran pontoon (which goes on forever) to be welcomed at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club for a hearty meal (Thank you RLYC for your hospitality!). Suitably watered and fed there were some that re rendezvoused on Morning Star (rapidly becoming the party boat) for nightcaps and munchies!

Easter Sunday

A plan was hatched for all the Explorers to assemble at 11.30 to then re walk the route into town to discover the solutions to their Quest. (See gallery for more pictures)
A walk, that included a variety of answers (and some court room debates to justify wrong answers!) Overall, the Quest united our intrepid travellers with good humour, laughter and a feeling of belonging.
This led us to our final destination The Angel and Blue Pig (also known as Bilge Heap Untangled). An excellent Sunday Roast was served. We would like to thank the Pub and in particular Ella, for the superb service. Having paid for our fare the explorers finally returned to their boats.

Some formed an impromptu pontoon party aboard Morning Star (who by then was a dry boat!) so it was not only bring your own glass but also your own drink!

Epilogue

As custom dictates, many a traveller had the opportunity to earn a 'Kingdom of Haslar Title'.

The following Titles were awarded:-

Jonathan Clare Commodore 'Jonathan the Overlord'
Michael Sword-Daniels aka 'Michael the Welcomer' now, 'Michael the Claimer '
Jennifer Waite for her efforts to subdue the Mad Hatter will be known as 'Jenni the Hopeful' or 'Jenni the Limiter'.
Charles Dingle valiantly earned the title of 'Charles the Pontoon'
Rick the Pirate now aka 'Richard the Smokeless'

Unconfirmed rumours suggest the following:-

Ann Sword-Daniels and Hilary Masters be now known as 'Puzzlers 1 and 2'.
Peter and Springer are now known as 'The Fusiliers'.
Jem the Capable' and 'Brian the Helpful' successfully maintained their titles.
Arvid the Mad Hatter' is now seeking professional help……………  

Note: There are lots of photos from this rally in the gallery here.

This write-up is by Arvid Wilson ... need we say more!

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• Lymington Dan Bran Easter Rally 2025 (18 - 21 April)

Last updated 15:51 on 30 April 2025