Annual Rally & AGM 2027

A New Home for the AGM (Steve O’Neill)

For many members, the AGM isn’t just an event in the calendar—it’s a tradition, a journey, and a shared experience rooted in the fields of Vicky Farm and the run into Stanford Hall. So when the time came to consider a future beyond that familiar setting, the question wasn’t just where next? - it was could we ever truly replace it?

As Dougie mentioned in his Presidential Ponderings article, (in the SSVC Magazine), over the past 12 months the committee has been actively searching for a new venue to host the AGM following the eventual retirement of Eddie and Jackie. We always knew that finding a location offering similar facilities and proximity to Stanford Hall as Vicky Farm would be far from easy.

For many on the committee - and indeed the majority of the membership - the AGM has long been synonymous with Vicky Farm and Stanford Hall. With that in mind, it was agreed early on that any new venue must allow the club to retain a familiar format: a three-night event in a suitable location for the traditional Sunday morning cruise to Stanford Hall.

During a chance conversation with Nick the owner of Stanford Hall, the search for a new venue was mentioned. Nick immediately emphasised the importance of maintaining the SSVC convoy as part of the show and promptly suggested several potential options for us to consider.

Following AGM'26, Jerry the clubs Events Organiser began the search in earnest.  During this process, he identified Catthorpe Manor as a promising possibility. After some initial correspondence, a delegation from the committee visited the venue on 16th May. As Dougie, Steve Hall, Steve Saunders, Jerry and I stood in the car park overlooking a vast field surrounded by trees, a lake, and a stunning manor house, the sense of excitement was immediate.

We were welcomed by an enthusiastic member of staff who guided us around the facilities. The site featured a large, well-maintained field ideal for camping, alongside a beautiful terrace area complete with marquees. It quickly became apparent that this venue had real potential to host the AGM.

As the tour continued, our optimism grew, we were informed that live bands frequently perform on the terrace—something we are more than happy to accommodate, given our own history of evening entertainment.

Looking around at fellow committee members, it was clear we were all thinking the same thing: this venue was ticking all the right boxes. Conversations quickly turned practical -perhaps members could bring their own camping chairs for the AGM itself—when we were then told, “We also have a hall you can use.” Like a pack of meerkats, we all turned in unison.

We were then shown a spacious indoor hall, complete with tables and seating, which would be available for use during the event. At that moment, any lingering doubts disappeared.

To say we were impressed would be an understatement. Over the past couple of years, there had been genuine concern within the committee about whether we could find a venue capable of replacing Vicky Farm while preserving the character and format of the AGM.

I am therefore delighted to confirm that Catthorpe Manor meets - and in many ways exceeds - our requirements. Its location is ideal, and the facilities available provide everything needed for the AGM to continue to grow and thrive.

In summary, while Vicky Farm will always remain the spiritual home of the AGM, circumstances have necessitated a move. Catthorpe Manor represents an exciting new chapter, fulfilling our wish list and more.

Further details will be shared in upcoming editions of the magazine.