Club AGM and Pickering at War, October 15th - 18th 2009
I arrived at around 12.15pm on theThursday to help Ian and Linda set up camp. After a quick bite, we were soon in our rythm. The tent and Gazebo (NAAFI) were up with camouflage net in place, four flag poles erected and flags and bunting flying. Inside there were a selection of more flags, bunting and many wartime posters. Later we were joined by Alan and Caroline, completing our contingent for the first night.
Friday and Linda and I had an early start, getting dressed to catch the troop train. The first train had a large number of evacuees on board. We travelled the line, visiting every station to see what was happening, though at this time a lot of setting up was the order of the day. On return to Pickering, we had a look around to get our bearings for the big day before returning to camp for tea. During the day five members had arrived to swell the numbers. The highlight of the evening was the club AGM (see seperate report) followed by a visit to the Soup KItchen and finally the evening sing along with Linda (Vera Lynn) Tough.
Saturday and the big day in Pickering. Another uniform donned and again we set off for town. This time the place was heaving. It is reckoned there were between 25,000 and 30,000 people in town, and nearly half in period dress. The parade of troops and associated vehicles took place late morning. Everywhere things were happening, with a number of singers, open air dancing and special events, etc. We bought a few bits from some of the many specialist slalls in town (yes another uniform) before finally heading back to camp. This evening was the AGM Dinner at Flamingo Land and the chance to dress up in service dress uniform (very smart), followed by more entertainment in the NAAFI.
Sunday, another uniform and once again back to town. We caught the first train into Whitby, before returning back to Grosmont to take part in a parade and inspection of the troops by Field Marshall Montgomery. We bravely passed through German occupied territory before getting back into Pickering mid afternoon for another walk around and get a few provisions. Finally we left for the last time and headed back to camp. On arrival we were set on spud bashing and veggy peeling ready for the 'Bangers and Mash' street party arranged by our marshals that evening. In the meantime we had been joined by three new members to swell our numbers. A great evening followed with the raffle and more singing of those wartime classics.
Monday and it was time to lower the flags and pull down the camp and make ready for home. Altogether a brilliant weekend and special thanks all present for being such good company and to Ian and Linda for pulling it all off. Already a few of us are planning a return visit next year.
Appleby in Westmorland, October 2009
I arrived late Friday afternoon/,after a three and three quarter hour journey, to be greeted by Ian and Linda and the usual welcoming cuppa. Already sited were Alan and Carolyn, Gwen, Gordon and Sandy and new members, Ian and Chrissie. I had taken a tent this time due to the distance. A Fish (Whale) and Chip Supper had been organised after which we piled into the Rally Arms for a chat, a few drinks and a late night.
Saturday and everyone, bar Gwen went out for the day. I started at a phantom Car Boot Sale, then explored Appleby and finally Appleby Castle. Eventually everyone returned and, after tea we spent the evening again in the Rally arms for the Social and another late night.
Sunday and I took, Ian, Linda and Gwen to the car Boot Sale that should have been the previous day and this time it was on. We later went through to Kirby Stephen to another phantom boot sale, before visiting the embryonic Railway Centre there. A very fine collection of vintage carriages. On the Way back we stopped off at the Eden Valley Railway for a train ride and look around and for Gwen the chance to try the Sleeper facilities. Back at the site it was time to prepare for the Barbeque. This was its usual success before retiring to the tent again, where the raffle was drawn.
Monday and another of Ian’s famous breakfasts to get the day going. Soon it was time for coffee, before taking the tent down and preparing for home. Half of the group were staying for an extra day.
Another enjoyable weekend with good friends. Thank you Ian and Linda for again hosting and looking after us.
Darley Dale, September 11th - 14th 2009
We attended the rally at Darley Dale last year and we enjoyed the location and the Peak Railway, so we looked forward to coming again this year. We were first to arrive and it made a nice change to welcome Ian and Linda with a cup of tea and biscuits. We two were the only units that attended for the weekend, as Gwen and Fred were unable to attend at last minute.
The site was hosting the vintage transport rally for “MENCAP” and included in the rally fee was entry for the Saturday and Sunday all funds going towards the charity.
Saturday was a hot one and we went round the show and saw some of the exhibition’s which included classic vehicles, trade stands, tractors and steam engines including members Peter and Anne Barker whom had a ‘bygone milking machine and chiller’ on display.
We took a run down to Sainsburys to buy some sun block for our son Jack as we forgot to bring it and we also forgot the camera so sorry no pictures but I believe Ian may have taken some.
There was free entertainment in the beer tent which Ian and Linda went to see, apparently the Singer was very good and a bit of a Rock Chick. We attempted to keep Jack awake to try and catch the entertainment but the times were shown wrong in the programme and it was too late.
Sunday was a bit overcast and we decided to have a ride on the peak rail steam train which we found much more comfortable and cleaner than the current so call modern rolling stock we commute to London on. “One small seat for man, one giant leap backwards in the guise of efficiency”.
That afternoon we went round the show again and got some bargains where traders were flogging stuff cheap before packing up for the weekend. We sat outside of our vans for corned beef sandwiches and tea and it was nice to see Ian and Linda’s dogs a lot calmer than what we are used to. Very well behaved. In the evening Ian and Linda came into our trailer for drink’s and a game of cards. Now that was a good night! Many a good story was told………………………
Ian and Linda left early Monday to head off down south to see some family, we packed up and made our way home soon after – it was nice to pack away our trailer without the rain which normally happens on the day of departure.
It was a good weekend, to see old friends and an enjoyable change of routine.
Esholt Rally Report
On arriving at Esholt, we got a lovely welcome by Ian and Linda and of course the famous cuppa and chat. After relaxing from our journey we went out for a walk down to Esholt village and a drink in the famous Woolpack pub which has featured in the T.V soap”Emmerdale” We went up to the village church that had lovely stained glass windows, and we got talking to two local ladies in the church who were so kind and chatty. We all had an afternoon to remember.
Friday, and it was fish & chip day. Gwen took Ian to the local fish shop in Appleby and came back with the biggest fish (Whales) I have ever seen, and that’s not a fisherman’s tale.
Saturday came and it was more exploring before returning for tea the a gathering in the rally arms for the member’s meeting. We all had our say on what and where next year’s rallies are going to be. We eventually got some kind of programme sorted and Chrissie and I are looking forward to them.
Sunday morning came, some had one of Ian’s famous breakfasts after coffee morning we said our goodbyes to our friends and to Esholt. We went away happy in our lovely cosy camper van (Tilly) If anyone knows where we can get some fancy lettering let us know so Tilly can be named.
Thanks go to Ian & Linda for a lovely weekend and to all our friends of the club for making us so welcome.
A Day Out In Wales
Day 12 at Capol Bangor Golf Club, near Aberyswyth with just Gordon, Sandy, Ian and Linda left from our original party of eight. Morning dawned and we prepared for our day out. Welsh attractions don’t open till mid morning so we had plenty of time to prepare ourselves.
Our first visit took us to the nearby Rheidol Hydro Electric Scheme where we were given a very interesting guided tour of the site, including a look at their trout breeding facilities, but no free samples. We later toured out and looked over the two dams that supply the station, situated high up in the mountains.
We now went on to Devils Bridge where we descended down the rough path with 200+ steps to see the bridge and magnificent water falls. The only problem was we had to go back up the other side, but the scenery was magnificent and well worth the pressure on the knees, etc.
Now heading back to camp, we called in at the Llywernog Silver / Lead Mine, the last survivor of over one hundred such mines in the area. After exploring the seven acre site and visitor centre above ground, we donned suitable attire for our trip underground to see the mine workings. Our guide, who was running the site single handedly give an excellent description of the history of lead and silver mining in Wales but again no free samples. Finally there was a display of gold panning using the stream running through the site, and then it was back to camp for tea.
After tea I wondered over for a shower, then most of us went over to the club for a drink or two and a chat with the natives before finally settling down for a good nights sleep and planning for the next day.
Day 13 at Llanfair, near Harlech with just Gordon, Sandy, Ian and Linda left from our original party of eight. What a magnificent site with breathtaking views across Cardigan bay in front of us and the mountains behind us. Morning dawned and we prepared for our day out. This time an early start as Ian had found an attraction that started at a normal time.
Our first visit took us to Porthmadog to catch the 08.40 departure on the Ffestiniog Railway. Unfortunately, Ian had misread the leaflet and the first train was not until 10.15, so we wondered into the town for a spot of window shopping. By 09.00 a few shops opened, but many don’t open till 10.00, but we found enough to see to bide the time till the first train, headed by one of the lines unique double Fairlie’s. The scenery and views up to Blaneau Ffestiniog are breathtaking. Ian also thought the female stewardess was worth a look too. On arrival at Blaneau we detrained to have a walk around the town and some lunch. We also met up with Alan, Caroline and Stan for a chat and update before boarding the train back down the mountain.
Once back at Porthmadog we bought a few souvenirs before getting in the car and driving further around the coast to Criccieth. This is a quaint little seaside town with a castle. We had a good walk around and further refreshments before finally hitting the road back to camp for tea.
After tea we sat outside in the glorious sun till fairly late. Unfortunately, this was to be my last night in Wales as a gale broke out in the night and did sufficient damage to the tent to make it unusable, so apart from a sleepless night I had the long journey home to contend with, as well as unfulfilled plans at the next site, but that’s life. I had a good time overall and at least the rest could carry on and enjoy themselves.
Darley Dale, August Bank Holiday Weekend 2008
The Club had invited us to camp with them at Darley Dale. I had been to Darley Dale before and knew what to expect but this was Jo and my son Jack’s first time. Jo drove nearly 200 miles for the first time also whilst I tried to sleep in the back of the van after having just come off a night shift.
We arrived on Sunday late afternoon/early evening. The BBQ had just been lit. It was great to be back in the Rally Arms after a break of almost 3 years.
It was our 8 month old son’s first camping trip and we all had a surprisingly good first night sleep.
Bank Holiday Monday, at first looking like it could rain but the Rally Marshall quite rightly assured us it would be a dry nice day, so we set off for a journey on the Peak Rail.
We were accompanied by the Club’s resident walking thesaurus and tour guide, Nick Mawby. The Saddle Tank Steamer (of which we didn’t take the serial number, but no doubt Mr Mawby will update us on that) took us to Matlock from which we strolled a mile and half into Matlock Bath. We had a fish and chip lunch and a bit of a window shop. The only downer was that there were no baby changing facilities in the whole of Matlock Bath. We strolled back to Matlock where a new Sainsburys had all the facilities.
We boarded the train again and took the train all the way to the end, to Rowsley which meant passing the rally field and waving to the NRCC just in case they saw us although we were a little distant. We purchased some light refreshments on board the train and then headed back to Darley Dale where we went back to the site. Back in the Rally Arms for a ‘Phil and Jo special quiz’ and a bevy then early to bed with our little man.
We hope to join the club next year. We feel that we have definitely missed getting outdoors with the club.
Thanks as always to Ian and Linda for making us welcome, you would expect nothing less from these two special people. Will check our schedules and await the next trip.
Barton on Humber
I arrived Friday afternoon to be greeted by Ian and Linda and the usual welcoming cuppa. The only other unit on site at that time was Ron and Eunice. We were later joined by day visitors, Nanette Jackson and Jean Barwick (nice to see you both). After tea we piled into the Rally Arms for refreshments (largely supplied by Nanette. Thank you), a chat, a few drinks and a late night. During the evening Gwen arrived, and after introductions, Ian left us to help erect her tent.
Saturday was the day Ian had arranged for us to have a railtour of the nearby Scunthorpe Steelworks. We piled into two cars and got there in plenty of time for the afternoon tour. We toured miles of sidings in an old DMU set hauled by a little saddle tank. We were given a full commentary for the whole two hours of everything that we saw which made the whole experience that much more enjoyable {look out for questions in Linda’s next quiz).
On return to the Site, we were met by more day visitor’s, Gordon and Sandy. Saturday evening again in the Rally arms for the Cheese and Wine party, and another late night.
Sunday and another of Ian’s famous breakfasts to get the day going. Soon it was time for coffee and the Raffle, before taking the tent down and preparing for home.
Another enjoyable weekend with good friends. Thank you Ian and Linda for again hosting and looking after us.