The 2001 PPC Rally was held at Rydal Hall, Cumbria, from the 14th - 16th September. Lying just off the main road between Ambleside and Grasmere, the Hall is the perfect base for a gathering of photographers, set, as it is, in an ideal position for exploring the central and southern parts of the Lake District.

This was our third visit to Rydal, and it proved as popular as ever. Thirty five guests stayed for the full weekend and a further 13 attended the Rally Dinner on Saturday, staying for the presentation of trophies and awards and the showing of the entries for the Colour Slide competition.

From the front of the house, there are stunning views over the formal gardens south towards Ambleside. Contained within the area beyond the formal gardens is a waterfall and wooded area where several members found interesting subject matter for their lenses.

The weekend began with Friday's evening meal, made all the more enjoyable by meeting up with old friends and welcoming those who were attending a Rally for the first time. After the meal the Travelling Exhibition was put on display, along with the 40 Retained Prints and the Commended photographs from the PPC's other annual competition, The Founder's Cup. With much to see and discuss, and a welcoming bar in the room next to the exhibition, the weekend got off to an excellent start.

Saturday dawned with promising weather, and over breakfast there was much talk of plans being made to get the best from the day. Packed lunches had been ordered, and gradually members made their way out to try to find that elusive winning shot for the next folio. With so much of the Lake District within a short distance, we really were spoilt for choice. Some ventured out on foot to explore the local area, some made for more distant destinations, but we were all determined to find that special picture.

On Saturday evening almost 50 of us were present for the Rally dinner itself, after which we retired to the comfortable lounge to be welcomed by our President, Bill Hughes, ARPS, and for the presentation of trophies and awards. Many winners were able to attend this year, and it was a most enjoyable occasion as we applauded their success. Then Jon Allanson LRPS, Colour Slide Competition Secretary, introduced the showing of the slides which had been entered for this year's competition. A further pleasant interlude followed when Colin Gibson, FRPS, showed and discussed some of his stunning photographs. The evening drew to a close as members dispersed to view and enjoy the Travelling Exhibition once more, which, this year, will visit 21 clubs from Orkney in the north to Torbay in the south.

After a leisurely breakfast, Sunday morning took its usual format, with many members taking the opportunity for a last excursion, whilst the Committee members of Circle Secretaries and officials met in the Library to discuss the Club's affairs. Lunch was the final meal of the weekend, after which we reluctantly said our farewells to friends old and new and made our way home. It was a weekend which will take its place fondly in the annals of PPC Rallies, and our thanks go to John Kay, General Secretary, for his excellent organisation.