History of Club
The seeds of starting an Auto-Sleeper Owners Club were first sewn back in 1988 when John Cox, had a favourable response from Auto-Sleepers Limited of Willersey, near Broadway to the idea. John then had a letter published in the "Motorcaravan & Motorhome Monthly" suggesting that a club for people who owned an Auto-Sleeper motorhome might prove popular. The response was such, that the wheels were put in motion. Auto-Sleepers Director, Mr Charles Trevelyan, helped to establish an acting committee, constitution and rules.
The first National Rally took place in April 1989 where 230 vans attended. The membership by then totalled around 650 people. A monthly newsletter was produced and rallies began, where members exchanged ideas and enjoyed themselves. As these became more popular the club developed further by creating a Club Website, Regalia sales and a Technical Group to help and advise fellow club members. The President, Charles Trevelyan has been involved with the club from its inception up to present day.
Today, we still hold our National Rally and AGM at the beginning of May at the Newark Showground, where we hold an annual raffle and stalls to raise funds for charity. There is also evening entertainment and bookable meals. Rally marshals still host rallies that are popular with the members.
INFORMATION ABOUT RALLIES
At the recent National and AGM, I was asked about rallies. Here's a brief explanation of what we do.
What is a rally?
The objective of our group is to organize rallies throughout the year for the enjoyment of all members of the Auto-Sleeper Owner's Club. These rallies are hosted by club members who volunteer their time to book sites in locations that may be of interest to you.
However, the common bond between us all is that we own an Auto-Sleeper Motorhome, whether it be a motorhome, campervan or a panel van, in all different sizes and enjoy travelling the country and exploring areas where we may never have been before.
Who attends a club rally?
Our membership is spread across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
We consist of individuals who share an interest in motorhoming and enjoy attending rallies organized by the rally marshals of our club.
Our members come from various professional and commercial backgrounds. We have members who are currently working, retired, or living independently.
When and where are rallies held?
Rallies are held throughout the year at a variety of locations found by members in the UK and in Europe and have a minimum of fresh water and toilet emptying facility. You can attend the rally for the duration of the rally, or you can choose fewer nights, the choice is yours.
There are different kind of rallies:
• The annual National and AGM are held at the beginning of May at Newark Show Ground. During this rally, there is evening entertainment and evening meals, which can be pre-ordered when applying to attend. Regalia items are available for sale, and donations are requested for teas and coffee. There is also a tombola, stalls, and a raffle, with all proceeds going towards the charity supported that year.
• Other rallies with entertainment coincide with National Motorhome Shows.
• Rallies can take place on commercial sites that offer complete facilities such as electric hook-ups, toilets, and shower blocks.
• Some rallies are identified as greenfield sites and take place at football/rugby clubs, school playing fields, in National Parks, and sometimes aerodromes. These rallies typically provide fresh water and a clearly marked Chemical Disposal Point (Elsan).
However, some of these sites do allow access to showers and toilets.
Regardless of which type of rally site you are on waste water should be emptied at a designated disposal point. If there are none on site, then pour the water around the hedges. Please do not let the waste water discharge directly onto your pitch. Rubbish should be placed in the bins provided or taken home for disposal.
The number of attendees at the rallies can range from 15 to 50 vans, depending on the capacity permitted by the site. Unlike the National Rally, these rallies have fewer participants, allowing for more personal interactions and socialization. There is typically a bus stop located outside or near the site, providing convenient access to neighbouring towns.
What happens at a rally?
Typically there is a welcome meet and greet on the first evening where there will be refreshments, and an end of event get together again with a cuppa or something a little stronger.
During the daytime, individuals typically engage in leisure activities and explore the surrounding area. Optional activities such as walks, coach or boat trips, or group visits may be organized by the marshal, but participation is not mandatory. Additionally, the marshal hosting the event may offer competitions, quizzes, raffles, or games throughout the duration of your stay, though participation in these activities is also voluntary.
Activities may include a group BBQ, meals, fish and chip suppers, or just chilling and chatting. The primary goal is to provide an enjoyable experience with others who have similar interests. Participation in activities is entirely voluntary; you can engage in as many or as few as you prefer without any obligation.
How much do rallies cost?
The prices vary depending on the venue. There is a non-refundable rally fee that covers rally plaques, refreshments, and sometimes prizes for quizzes or a raffle, as decided by the marshal. Greenfield sites are generally less expensive, and marshals can often negotiate a special rate when rallying at a commercial site.
Who are the rally marshals?
Rally marshals, who oversee the rallies, are dedicated club members who have volunteered their time to organize and manage the event. Upon arrival, please report to the marshal's van, which will be clearly marked. You will then be directed to your designated parking area.
Our marshals are dedicated to making our rallies inclusive and ensuring a positive experience for all participants. If it is your first rally, other members will assist you.
How to book rallies?
Details of all rallies are available at www.asoc.uk.com in the members area. You can view rallies and apply online by clicking the advertisement link. Alternatively, fill out the form online, print it, and mail it with your cheque to the address quoted, you will receive a confirmation email. Remember to keep a copy of your application for reference.
The benefits of joining a rally
You will be with individuals who have similar interests, many of whom have lots of experience and can share their knowledge and expertise regarding problems if they should occur. You will also visit places and locations that may be new to you.
This information is intended to assist both new and existing members. If you are interested in becoming a marshal, please let me know, and I will provide you with some details. You may also observe and support a marshal to determine if it is a role you would like to pursue.
We would be pleased to welcome you to any of the rallies listed on our website, where you can reconnect with old friends and meet new acquaintances who share a common interest-enjoying time away, exploring new places, and relaxing.
Carol Grain Rally Co-Ordinator. Need to know more
The seeds of starting an Auto-Sleeper Owners Club were first sewn back in 1988 when John Cox, had a favourable response from Auto-Sleepers Limited of Willersey, near Broadway to the idea. John then had a letter published in the "Motorcaravan & Motorhome Monthly" suggesting that a club for people who owned an Auto-Sleeper motorhome might prove popular. The response was such, that the wheels were put in motion. Auto-Sleepers Director, Mr Charles Trevelyan, helped to establish an acting committee, constitution and rules.
The first National Rally took place in April 1989 where 230 vans attended. The membership by then totalled around 650 people. A monthly newsletter was produced and rallies began, where members exchanged ideas and enjoyed themselves. As these became more popular the club developed further by creating a Club Website, Regalia sales and a Technical Group to help and advise fellow club members. The President, Charles Trevelyan has been involved with the club from its inception up to present day.
Today, we still hold our National Rally and AGM at the beginning of May at the Newark Showground, where we hold an annual raffle and stalls to raise funds for charity. There is also evening entertainment and bookable meals. Rally marshals still host rallies that are popular with the members.
INFORMATION ABOUT RALLIES
At the recent National and AGM, I was asked about rallies. Here's a brief explanation of what we do.
What is a rally?
The objective of our group is to organize rallies throughout the year for the enjoyment of all members of the Auto-Sleeper Owner's Club. These rallies are hosted by club members who volunteer their time to book sites in locations that may be of interest to you.
However, the common bond between us all is that we own an Auto-Sleeper Motorhome, whether it be a motorhome, campervan or a panel van, in all different sizes and enjoy travelling the country and exploring areas where we may never have been before.
Who attends a club rally?
Our membership is spread across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
We consist of individuals who share an interest in motorhoming and enjoy attending rallies organized by the rally marshals of our club.
Our members come from various professional and commercial backgrounds. We have members who are currently working, retired, or living independently.
When and where are rallies held?
Rallies are held throughout the year at a variety of locations found by members in the UK and in Europe and have a minimum of fresh water and toilet emptying facility. You can attend the rally for the duration of the rally, or you can choose fewer nights, the choice is yours.
There are different kind of rallies:
• The annual National and AGM are held at the beginning of May at Newark Show Ground. During this rally, there is evening entertainment and evening meals, which can be pre-ordered when applying to attend. Regalia items are available for sale, and donations are requested for teas and coffee. There is also a tombola, stalls, and a raffle, with all proceeds going towards the charity supported that year.
• Other rallies with entertainment coincide with National Motorhome Shows.
• Rallies can take place on commercial sites that offer complete facilities such as electric hook-ups, toilets, and shower blocks.
• Some rallies are identified as greenfield sites and take place at football/rugby clubs, school playing fields, in National Parks, and sometimes aerodromes. These rallies typically provide fresh water and a clearly marked Chemical Disposal Point (Elsan).
However, some of these sites do allow access to showers and toilets.
Regardless of which type of rally site you are on waste water should be emptied at a designated disposal point. If there are none on site, then pour the water around the hedges. Please do not let the waste water discharge directly onto your pitch. Rubbish should be placed in the bins provided or taken home for disposal.
The number of attendees at the rallies can range from 15 to 50 vans, depending on the capacity permitted by the site. Unlike the National Rally, these rallies have fewer participants, allowing for more personal interactions and socialization. There is typically a bus stop located outside or near the site, providing convenient access to neighbouring towns.
What happens at a rally?
Typically there is a welcome meet and greet on the first evening where there will be refreshments, and an end of event get together again with a cuppa or something a little stronger.
During the daytime, individuals typically engage in leisure activities and explore the surrounding area. Optional activities such as walks, coach or boat trips, or group visits may be organized by the marshal, but participation is not mandatory. Additionally, the marshal hosting the event may offer competitions, quizzes, raffles, or games throughout the duration of your stay, though participation in these activities is also voluntary.
Activities may include a group BBQ, meals, fish and chip suppers, or just chilling and chatting. The primary goal is to provide an enjoyable experience with others who have similar interests. Participation in activities is entirely voluntary; you can engage in as many or as few as you prefer without any obligation.
How much do rallies cost?
The prices vary depending on the venue. There is a non-refundable rally fee that covers rally plaques, refreshments, and sometimes prizes for quizzes or a raffle, as decided by the marshal. Greenfield sites are generally less expensive, and marshals can often negotiate a special rate when rallying at a commercial site.
Who are the rally marshals?
Rally marshals, who oversee the rallies, are dedicated club members who have volunteered their time to organize and manage the event. Upon arrival, please report to the marshal's van, which will be clearly marked. You will then be directed to your designated parking area.
Our marshals are dedicated to making our rallies inclusive and ensuring a positive experience for all participants. If it is your first rally, other members will assist you.
How to book rallies?
Details of all rallies are available at www.asoc.uk.com in the members area. You can view rallies and apply online by clicking the advertisement link. Alternatively, fill out the form online, print it, and mail it with your cheque to the address quoted, you will receive a confirmation email. Remember to keep a copy of your application for reference.
The benefits of joining a rally
You will be with individuals who have similar interests, many of whom have lots of experience and can share their knowledge and expertise regarding problems if they should occur. You will also visit places and locations that may be new to you.
This information is intended to assist both new and existing members. If you are interested in becoming a marshal, please let me know, and I will provide you with some details. You may also observe and support a marshal to determine if it is a role you would like to pursue.
We would be pleased to welcome you to any of the rallies listed on our website, where you can reconnect with old friends and meet new acquaintances who share a common interest-enjoying time away, exploring new places, and relaxing.
Carol Grain Rally Co-Ordinator. Need to know more
Models eligible to join