COASTERS SC RALLY No. 7 & VINTAGE WEEKENDER 2016
FRIDAY
Setting off on my trusty SX150, I went in search of the sleepy village of Langham, Essex, for the Coasters’ annual scooter rally. After getting lost (thanks Terry!) we arrived in the glorious sunshine at Langham community centre.
Being greeted with a smile by the Coasters crew we parted with our money and set up our base camp for the weekend. Again this year’s charity was East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice. With home base established it was time to wander about (with a cheeky cider in hand!) meeting and greeting.
Compere for the evening was Scotty Miller, who was spinning some tunes in-between. First band of the night was the ‘psycho rockin band’ The Marksmen, who in my opinion delivered, to the smallish crowd, in the bright sunshine. With the outside area filling up by the bands trailer stage, the Skatonics bounced on stage at 8.30pm and served up what they say on the tin. Inside the main hall was filling up, with all the DJs playing what the crowd wanted. Highlight for me was the song Sit Down by James, in which the crowd happily participated! Before we knew it, 2am reared its ugly head and the main hall lights were switched on, which meant time for bed!
SATURDAY
Opening my eyes I was surprised to see that the weather was smiling on us again. After the three S’s, it was time to get some pics and take in the great atmosphere. At 11am Sudbury SC had organised a local rideout, around the Essex/Suffolk countryside. Don’t you just love the smell of two-stroke in the morning! A very good turnout for this as most people were making the most of the decent weather. Mark Antony was the compere for the afternoon’s events and results, as well as spinning a few tunes!
A custom show was also in place with some lovely scooters on show. Around 12.30pm the first of the bands appeared-Ordinary Affair, a mix of Mod covers etc. Louie 2-tone soon followed with his set of ska classics. Counterfeit Joy followed with their Britpop covers, which I must say was a refreshing change from the norm. The Dekker Tones came on around 6.30ish, with their take of ska classics. I wandered over to G-star caterers to grab some of the original ska food that they serve so well. DJs were already playing to some people in the main hall and it was refreshing to hear old-skool psychobilly being played! Last band of the night was the Brit Invasion who then took proceedings off to another level-super stuff.
It was then down to the DJs to finish the weekend party off in style. On the whole a very well organised fantastic rally. Well done the Coasters! See you next year, same time, same place. Martin M, CDVLC
Thanks: The Coasters SC would like to thank all clubs, Sudbury SC, CDVLC, The Talisman SC, Weleyn Stags, Suffolk Smugglers, BBSC, AFSC, Big 7, Usual Suspects, Arrows, Nomads, Jokers, Essex Alliance, Mods & Casuals, and any other club or solo rider who I’ve forgotten to mention. Many thanks to all the caterers – G-star catering, SSC, Campaccino Coffee Company, Reds, Pudding Pod, Essex brewery, Leighs fine cheeses. The DJs: Trevor, Darren, Alex, Spiv, Mark, Si, Crackers, Martin and Terry. And all of this year’s sponsors.