Every July, Woodcote Rally creates a hive of excitement and activity. Steam engines whistle, children’s laughter mingles with the strains of live music and our showground bursts with vintage vehicles, crafts, and community spirit. For more than half a century, Woodcote Rally has celebrated not only the heritage but the heart of rural community life – bringing together generations across Oxfordshire and beyond. It’s our 60th Rally this year!
But behind the magic of the Rally lies a small team of volunteers who make it all happen. We have trustees who oversee the Rally and ensure that we are delivering to our ethos, an active committee who work all year round to bring the magic together and then many volunteers who miraculously appear to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Committee members liaise with exhibitors to ensure that we have a range of exhibits to show, ensure that the Craft and Trade area offers something for everyone, that we have exciting entertainment for all the family, that we have a range of food concessions and plenty of beers and ales. This all needs organising, along with making sure everything is safe for our visitors.
To do all this, the Rally relies entirely on the dedicated committee and volunteers who give their time, energy, and ideas to ensure everything runs smoothly. Many of the trustees and committee members have served tirelessly over the years, and they won’t mind me saying – they aren’t getting any younger! It is now time to welcome new hands to carry the torch forward.
Why would you consider becoming a committee member or trustee?
The Rally is so much more than a weekend of nostalgia; it’s a registered charity that supports local causes. Every pound raised goes back into the community – from youth groups and local schools to village projects that make a huge difference right on our doorstep. Did you know that the first Rally, way back in 1964, was put on purely to help raise money for a new roof for Woodcote Village Hall?
The Trustees of the Rally ensure this charitable mission continues, overseeing finances and strategy with transparency and care, while the committee brings the Rally itself to life. Whether coordinating stalls, organising entertainment, managing publicity, or keeping proper records of all our actions and decisions – each role counts. You don’t need specialist experience – just enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to join a friendly, supportive team.
Keeping the Rally’s Spirit Alive
Times are changing. Events like Woodcote Rally thrive only when new voices step in to shape their future. Fresh ideas, digital know how, and local passion are what will keep the Rally vibrant for the next generation. Without new committee members, trustees and volunteers, the event’s long-term future could be at risk – and that’s something none of us want to see happen.
So, if you’ve ever enjoyed a pint around the beer tent, marvelled and smiled at the site of steam engines playing tug-of-war, or simply felt proud of what Woodcote achieves each summer, now’s your chance to get involved. Whether you can help regularly or just bring your energy for key parts of the year, every bit of support makes a difference.
To learn more or express your interest, please contact the Rally team at . Let’s work together to keep this cherished tradition thriving for generations to come.
Why did I decide to get involved?
I’m not a native of Woodcote but I have lived here for 23 years. Ever since we moved to the Village, the Rally has been an annual event we all look forward to as a family. I have such fond memories of the children’s first go on the bumper cars, of watching my 5-year-old dancing the night away, of bringing Granny all the way down from Lancashire to compare the Cholsey Brass Band with those “up north” – too many memories to mention. And even now my children (aged 24 and 25) who no longer live in the Village, come back every year with their friends for the Rally. So, when the role of Rally Secretary came available, volunteering felt like a natural way to give something back to the community event that has given my family so much joy over the years.
Stepping into the secretary role has allowed me to use my organisational (and slightly bossy) skills to help keep the Rally running smoothly and professionally, from keeping people informed to helping the committee to stay focussed and on track. It has also been a chance to support local causes that I care about, strengthen local connections, and play a small but important part in securing the future of the Rally.
You will note that I haven’t mentioned anything about the cars, the tractors, the steam engines or bikes – well that’s because I still know nothing about them! But that really doesn’t matter – it’s what the Rally stands for and giving back to the community that I care passionately about that mattered to me.
I’m very proud to have served as secretary for our Woodcote Rally but I will be stepping down from this role at the end of 2026. The job is incredibly rewarding but it’s important that someone takes over to keep things running smoothly for the years ahead.
If there’s anyone out there (or you know of anyone) who could spare a few hours a week, who’s well organised and good at keeping people on track, I’d love to hear from you. The main tasks are arranging our monthly committee meetings, taking the minutes and circulating them afterwards. You’ll also help manage the Rally’s general enquiries inbox, making sure messages reach the right committee member.
During the Rally weekend, the secretary is based in the Secretary’s Tent, where you help handle general questions and support the team on the ground. Don’t worry – there’s a clear, comprehensive “to do” list that’s been built up over the years, so everything is well documented and you’re never left guessing what’s needed or when.
If this sounds like a role that could suit you, please do get in touch for a chat at .
Ben Harrison
Secretary, Woodcote Rally
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