A SSAGO Member's view of the Alternative Rally
Our base was the secluded woodland campsite of Rhydd Covert, near Kidderminster. The sublime quiet was only broken by the roar of lions, rather than the squealing cubs you normally expect at a Scout campsite!
On the Saturday, half of the group headed off to Cadbury's World while others headed over the (very large) fence to the West Midlands Safari Park. The drive through the safari park was superb: giraffes with their heads through sunroofs, hairy yaks and inquisitive fallow deer constantly probed each vehicle in search of a few brown pellets. The lions and tigers, meanwhile, prowled the boundary fences looking longingly at the prey on the other side. After the animals, it was time for the rides at the theme park, and then back to the campsite.
The evening meal was in posh frocks and DJs, and the copious amounts of red wine helped the after-dinner campfire and games go with a swing. The weekend ended with a treasure hunt around the local villages. Needless to say, Directory Enquiries and the tourist information office have rarely seen such activity on a Sunday morning!