Some photographs of the 2003 gathering; the Photo's will enlarge if clicked on. The format is a scan from Bryan's scrap book hence the different groupings. Most of the photographs taken at various times over the Saturday, by Bryan before and after the main entertainment. We all laughed so much at the main act that everyone forgot to record the moment, so the photographs don't show the large number of people who attended the event.

Well this gathering was the first, off the Birmingham level and it started as most events and holidays this year with wet conditions. The BCNS marqee and new mobile bar where erected on grass land just near to the entrance to the marina. It was the first time the bar and tent had been erected together, in the event the two went together well and yet another facality was added to the BCNS and ALLENS Register list of equipment.

Boats gathered along the canal as the new proposed extension to the marina, where it had been planned to hold the rally had not been completed. Plan B was used as described above, the normal moorers at the marina made us most welcome and Ray gave us the use of an ex pottery boat believed to be the Milton Maid.

This craft was used as a floating bridge so access to the site could be made by mooring it across the canal, providing plenty of entertainment when it had to be removed to let boats past. This proved to be a popular addition with most boaters finding it an excellent place to drink when on the Friday night the weather changed into a pleasant evening.

Saturday was spent talking and visiting until in the evening the Stan Stephan's Jazz band arrived and the barbercue's were lit. Bob with Sybile and John with Hazel attended and a very pleasant evening was spent with the open invition to all the moorers at the marina being well attended. The weather played its part being warm and dry. Ray Bowen and his guests arrived by boat just as the sunset but soon got their meals cooked.

After last years gathering off the BCN no other sites presented themselves that could be supported by the logistics needed to put on a rally, so Brian was forced into again going for the BCN. Recent changes to the Merry Hill site favoured by many, have made this venue very difficult. Pontoons have been placed in the lagoons and the owners charge for mooring there. The pontoons could be removed but a cost would be involved and coupled with the problems with obtaining a drinks licence the site has become untenable. So it was the pumphouse again with the marquee and meeting hall again being linked to make a large entertainment area.

On the Friday night the bar opened and a slide show presented by Roy Kenn was shown. Both John and Bob Allen attended along with John and Jim Horton, along with many members who had moored at the yard over the years. The slides covered many years and showed the yard and the many charactors, boats and buildings in the yard. Many a tale was told around each slide and many memories aired to the enjoyment off all. The ale flowed freely ago with burgers and chips, and the fact that it rained very heavily did not matter. Thanks Roy a real treat.

On the Saturday night again all of the crews again attended, joined by many who came by car. Food in the form of a buffet was again laid on by Joan Kenn, for those who did not join in the traditional BCNS Barbecue. With the real ale flowing freely the entertainment of Stan Stephen's Jazz group followed Black Country Comedian "Marlene" made the evening go with a swing (althought I'am not sure everybody who is not local would have understood everything Marlene said). But all to soon the night finished with Brian addressing the company, by floating an idea with everybody present about next years venue that he will address in the next news letter.