Competitions
Your chance to win a prize money simply can’t buy!
We are so excited to tell you that Compass Minerals UK have generously offered the opportunity for six people (three pairs) to tour Winsford Salt Mine. As the Mine is not open to the public, this is truly a chance to see and learn about this amazing space.
Winsford Rock Salt Mine is Britain’s oldest working mine, it lies almost 200m under the Cheshire countryside and has a fascinating history.
It also hides some surprising facts. For example, did you know that towns around Winsford like Northwich, Middlewich and Nantwich, all take their names from salt production, with ‘Wych’ often meaning ‘Brine Town’?
The mine is NOT open to the public but, through the generosity of Compass Minerals UK, three couples will win an exclusive tour; a visit they will never forget. Raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the weekend and the winning tickets will be drawn on Saturday evening at around 10.30 p.m.
Tickets for this amazing prize will only be available at the rally weekend, so you can be sure that your chances of winning are excellent.
Competition winners must be 18 (eighteen) years or over and be in good physical health. The tour will be held on a date provided by Compass Minerals UK.
Good luck!
About your trip
It will consist of a mini bus tour deep underground to various places in the mine including the mining face, a visit to the huge machinery that crushes the rock salt and you will also be able to see the biggest underground earth moving vehicle in Europe. A great photo opportunity as all of you stand inside the bucket at the same time! After the tour, which lasts between 1 and a half and 2 hours, a light lunch will be provided, and a chance to ask questions about this incredible mine.
WINSFORD ROCK SALT MINE HISTORY
The beginning of the story.
Rock salt was first found in Northwich in 1670 but it wasn’t until 1844, when prospectors were looking for coal with which to heat saltpans, that rock salt was discovered in Winsford.
During the 17th Century the two primary uses for rock salt were those of strengthening weak brine for white salt production and providing salt licks for cattle.
In the 1720s, the River Weaver, which provided access to the River Mersey by Liverpool, became a key route for salt transport, with the cattle licks being exported as far as Australia and New Zealand.
GEOLOGY
Early formation of rock salt.
Salt at Winsford was formed some 220 million years ago during the Triassic geological period. At this time the United Kingdom was still attached to Europe, and central England consisted of a series of inland seas that were regularly
replenished by the surrounding seas. The combination of the inland seas and the desert environment led to slow evaporation over many millions of years, resulting in the formation of the salt beds which lie under Cheshire and the
surrounding areas. During this process, substantial quantities of sand blew in from eastern deserts, helping to create the pink tinge by which Winsford rock salt is recognisable today.
Although the original salt bed is now fragmented, it can be traced from its starting position in Carrick Fergus, Northern Ireland, from where it dips below the Irish Sea before reappearing around central England to then dip under the
North Sea. The final part of the salt bed lies across Europe and, in fact, Scandinavia is the only European country without its own natural salt supply.
Roll-A-Dice
Sponsored by Lexham Insurance, the Roll-A-Dice has been providing great fun since our inaugural rally in 2013.
With far better odds than the national lottery and at just £1 it’s a ‘must have a go’ game, and every penny goes to charity.
This year’s prize is a Royal Alloy GP300SE worth over £5,000. So many people have come close to winning at previous rallies, perhaps this is the year that someone will be riding away on a brand new scooter for a £1!
Supplied by the local Royal Alloy retailers, Crewe Motorcycle Centre.
https://crewemotorcyclecentre.co.uk
Also supported by the Royal Alloy UK importers, Moto GB.
(Colour may vary)
There will be consolation prizes of fully synthetic oil for both 2 & 4 strokes scooters, worth over £13 each, kindly donated by Rock Oil.
Tombola
The ever popular Tombola will be back as usual with a massive range of instant win prizes, great fun for all the family.
Scooter show
No scooter rally would be complete without a scooter show, held on the Saturday morning, the awards this year have been sponsored by the South Cheshire Scooter Alliance and will be:
Best attended club, Best custom Vespa, Best custom Lambretta, Best auto scooter, Best mod scooter, Best vintage scooter, Best Vespa, Best Lambretta, Furthest travelled on a scooter and of course, Best in show.
Our judge this year is the scooter industry and racing legend, Norrie Kerr.
Norrie and old racing buddy and a founder member of the Omega Squad SC Nigel Ashbrook. Norrie seen here receiving his souvenir caricature back in 2022.