September/October 2019

Hello campers!

Sorry if it’s seemed a while since the last newsletter but we’ve been waiting to see if we could get a replacement for our cancelled meet at South Shore. I’m pleased to say that we have found one – it will be at Great Birchwood Warton near Lytham, still close enough to see the Illuminations. The meet starts 15th October; due to the short notice it can only be a five day meet but never fear! Campers will be allowed to stay on until 24th under the management of the site. Many thanks to our secretary Mick Kibble for finding and arranging this meet at such short notice, it is greatly appreciated.

Now, to catch up – our meet at Connonley was quite well attended but the weather was not too good; hence no one felt like dressing up Hawaiian style – we were all gathered together for the communal barbecue when a couple who had come all the way from Scotland arrived in all their finery! Oops! We quickly scurried back to our vans to don grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts and garlands!!

The following weekend was the BCC FOL at Spetchley Park near Worcester. There were 13 units camping with Ribblesdale who all willingly joined in the seaside theme as I am sure you will have seen the pictures. Thank you to Anne and Eric who raised £28 for our charity with their wonderful display of the cartoon where people were encouraged to have their photos taken – the car even had a personalised number plate! There were lots of very favourable comments, thanks to everyone who joined us.

The FOL was a resounding success; as always there was a chance to catch up with old friends, lend a helping hand and most of all enjoying yourselves. There was a vast variety of entertainment, ranging from Gabriella the Story Telling Ukranian Lady, Rich Sheehan, a fantastic comedy vocal impressionist – quite a good singer too!- who kept us all splitting our sides with his superb impressions. We also had over the weekend singer Tony G, the CCC Band with a brilliant Last Night of the Proms, singer “Hump” and an Oompah band from Manchester of all places! And of course the lighting up on Saturday evening an absolutely fabulous display as always .Many thanks to Sylvia, Cliff, Kath, Alan and all their helpers over the meet;  another successful FOL under the BCC’s belt. Next year we are at the Turnpike Showground where the theme will be Dad’s Army and Allo Allo – why not make a holiday of it by visiting the pre and post meets!

After the FOL it was off to Dinarth Hall where Julie, Karen, Ian and Hilda were ready to welcome everyone. There was plenty to do – Rhoss, Llandudno, Conway, Colwyn Bay to name but a few places. A bit of advice here –if you donate anything to a charity shop, make sure you go through the pockets first; you never know what you might find, like a condom!! Wrapped, thankfully!! Never find any fivers though! And it put us off purchasing the jeans!! The first Saturday was the famous Goldwing parade in Llandudno – very busy but well worth a visit with a brilliant atmosphere and plenty of noise. Some of the bikers camping on our site gave rides after the coffee morning on Sunday for a donation to our charity, a big thanks. Unfortunately that was our holiday over , so the next weekend we visited our new THS at Askem in Furness. It’s a lovely flat field with good public transport links to Scotland, the Lakes and Lancaster area. Numbers were a little disappointing but everyone who joined us enjoyed themselves, especially as the stewards made bacon butties and cake plates ( not both together!!) There was also entertainment in the clubhouse and lovely walks on the estuary shore. We are running the meet again next year so if your appetite has been whetted come and join us. We’ve just returned from Rufforth sports field, once again bacon butties for breakfast ( I like these stewards!!) and the added attraction of the York balloon fiesta – not only hot air balloons but tribute acts from Freddie Mercury, Abba, Take That, the Beatles, Dolly Parton, stunt riders and a brilliant funfair which when all lit up at night made a fantastic atmosphere. There was a get together in the room where we even got to see the fireworks through the windows!

4th – 6th October we are at Knight Stainforth near Settle; unfortunately the restaurant is not available on Saturday evening but can be booked for Friday. 11th – 13th October we are at Astley Green Colliery near Leigh and then on to our “ emergency venue” at Great Birchwood. Following on from there is our Hallow’een and Bonfire meet at Farmer Parr’s where we will be having a Hallow’een social with fancy dress, decorated awning, and best pumpkin, the following weekend we will be having fireworks and the bonfire followed by a social. Our club FOL is 5th – 10th November at Dale Hey where the theme is Christmas Carols and it is cryptic, should be interesting!

There are still a few places left for our Christmas meal at Rolls Royce in Barnoldswick 23rd November there is camping available 22nd – 25th November for more information contact Pauline 07377531126.

Even though the nights are drawing in and it’s coming up to Christmas ( it must be – we’ve got mince pies and Family Circle biscuits in at work!!) there is still plenty of camping left!

Hope to see you on the field,

Karen B.