Newsletter October 2010
Chairman’s MessageHello everybody, once again we are at the end of what I think has been another very successful season for The Welton Owners Club. Once again we have welcomed a few new members into our club, who have fortunately turned out to be ralliers which has boosted our turn out at rallies.
I have had good feedback from Rally Officers and members alike that they think that they have fitted in well and have enjoyed themselves, which is the main thing.
Once again I have to report that a few of our members have not had to good a season as far as health goes, and have undergone differing treatments, which I hope has been successful, and that they will be back to good health and enjoying their rallying with us next year.
Once again the year has flown by much too quickly, and it is time once again to wish you all a very "Merry Christmas" and a "Happy New Year"
See you in a field
Mick
Thank you letter
Dear Welton Members
Bob and I would like to thank all those members on the Stratford Rally for their concern and help that they gave to me and Bob.
We both did not expect such kindness and concern.
On leaving home for two weeks holiday it never entered our heads that one of us would be in Stratford and the other in Warwick (Hospital).
We are pleased to say that Bob is now back and fit and well.
Once again, a big thank you to you all.
Regards
Bob & Val
Rally Report: Bramblewood, Whitchurch Report by: Kath Edmunds
9 - 23 May 2010 No of Vans: 9
Rally Officer: Yvonne & Clive Gibbs Weather: Mixed
This site proved to be a gem. An emerald oasis amongst a variety of trees, and wild flowers, in abundance. There was a slope on part of the rally field, but also flat areas too. The site was reached by a fairly narrow road with passing places. The owner, Mrs Mary Thompson had stipulated that
caravans should leave the site by 12 noon, and those arriving should not enter until 1.00 pm so that caravans did not have to pass each other.
Just inside the gate there was a large nesting box for Little Owls, and everyone was requested to keep clear of it. At the top of another Oak tree there was a crow’s nest. On the ground there were numerous rabbits and squirrels. A short walk away was a nature reserve where ducklings and goslings swam in the lake. Finlay and Sindy loved their walks through the lovely beech woods.
The owners of the site were very friendly and helpful. We all agreed this was one of the best sites we have visited and would be a good starting point with a rally in North Wales.
Yvonne & Clive looked after us very well providing tea and cakes when we were able to sit outside in the sunshine and talk over the day’s events and caravanning in general.
Rally Report York Report by: Cath & Bill Cranston
7 -15 June 2010 No of Vans: 9
Rally Officer: Barbara & Brian Gent Weather: Mixed Bag
We arrived at York on Monday in rather damp conditions, but the welcome from Barbara and Brian more than made up for this and we enjoyed the get-together at 4.00 pm with tea and cakes.
The welcome pack we received was very helpful, with timetables, places of interest and a very entertaining musical quiz, which was won by Frank and Anne.
The site was very convenient for the Park & Ride and there were lovely walks in either direction. Maureen made good use of these and we would see her in the mornings striding out with a pack on her back.
Barbara and Brian ordered some good weather for a wine and nibbles get-together on Saturday. Barbara treated us to scones and jam and Brian surprised us by getting out his Muscatel!
Later that evening the football fans amongst us watched England’s World Cup match in the Clubhouse. What a shame England’s performance was not as enjoyable as the rally.
Thanks again to Barbara and Brian and so off to Corbridge………….
Rally Report Corbridge Report by: All those attending
15 - 29 June 2010 No of Vans: 5
Rally Officer: No official rally officer Weather: Hot & sunny
Unfortunately there was no rally officer for this rally as he had a hospital appointment at the start of the rally. All the members present took it in turns to look after vans, with Yvonne & Clive doing the paperwork and liaison on site. It was not a very good turn out which was a pity as the area is beautiful and a lovely site in a wonderful part of the country. It is very worthy of another visit.
It was very handy for the town of Corbridge, just a walk along the river bank and over the bridge into the town. Maureen Sellar walked into town every morning and brought newspapers for us, thank you Maureen. Corbridge is a lovely little town and Hexham was only 3 miles away and it had all you need. There were so many beautiful places to visit and we couldn’t fit them all in.
We were a little concerned when we arrived on site to find they were going to hold a 3 day beer festival, but it turned out to be very good with jazz, folk and rock music which we all enjoyed listening to. All the people who attended the beer festival behaved extremely well.
All of us were able to sit outside together in the evenings until very late enjoying a good chat and supping wine and beer. The comments were that this was the best rally they have ever been to. This was what rallying was all about, good weather, good company and beautiful surroundings. We all want to come here again. You don’t know what you missed.
During the last week there were only 3 vans left and Mick & Maureen Seller deserve a special mention as nothing was too much trouble and they were always willing to look after the vans. Thank you.
Rally Report Alderwasley Report by: Dave & Lynne Meatyard
8 – 22 July 2010 No of Vans: 11
Rally Officers: Jean & Alan Holdcroft Weather: Hot & Sunny first week and mixed
the second week
This report is for the second week of the rally which is when we joined it—there being no volunteer for the first week, but listening to the chat they all seemed to have found plenty to amuse themselves especially the numerous factory shops and garden centres in the area.
We cleverly timed our arrival to coincide with a get together in the barn where Jean served her delicious pineapple fruit cake and Kath provided some of Mr. Kipling’s finest to celebrate her birthday and other cakes from the those celebrating their birthday. (This was a birthday rally with Clive, Kath and Maureen & Alan Williams celebrating their birthdays.) Flag was incorporated and Mick thanked our rally marshalls Jean & Allan for the great job they had done on their first rally, with a little help from Clive & Yvonne (in an advisory capacity regarding paperwork etc). We think this is probably the first time that marshals’ have run a chippy from their awning! Quiz prize was won by Dorothy and Ken which they donated to the runners up as they had had assistance from their friends and their P.C.
Jean Yates read through next year’s programme then it was on to serious reminiscing as we all recognised various items of the memorabilia decorating the barn.
Unfortunately we had missed the best of the weather but we managed a few walks in the woods and round the lake next to the site and visits to some of our favourite places such as Mam Tor, Winnats Pass and the Chestnut Centre where the first 3 Great Otter babes to be born in the U.K. kept us amused (albeit it by video link) for a good while. At least more time than it took to demolish a cream tea.
All too soon it was time to dodge the showers and pack away awnings etc. with a final flurry of farewells and THANKS to Jean & Allan for a job well done.
Rally Report Museum of Power, Maldon Report by: Judith & David Wigner
15 – 30 August 2010 No of Vans: 8
Rally Officers: Eileen & Ian Sach Weather: Sunshine & showers
Assistants: Mary & Eric Lee
Unbeknown to us arriving first means doing the rally report so here goes. On arrival Ian and Eric (the ladies having popped to Tesco) had just discovered that one of the side walls of the party tent had been erected inside out, hence they had not heard us pull up.
This is a delightful site, flat, private, what more could we ask for even an emergency electric point (thanks to Ian and Eric) which was used to sort out a fridge problem and top up a couple of batteries as the holiday went along.
So much to see and enjoy in the area, Maldon with the Quay and Promenade and the display of Thames Barges, Heybridge Basin and canal with the many walks, Burnham on Crouch, a place to wander along the sea wall with their houseboats, including Mulberry with her concrete hull, Mersea
Island, St Peters Church built by St Cedd in 653AD (who came from Northumberland) at Bradwell reached via a roman road, Frinton on Sea still in a time warp, and the more up-to-date Walton on the Naze and lastly Tiptree famous for its jams and marmalade. These are just a few of the visits we made during our time in the area. Many good walks from the site to keep Drummer and Roxy happy. For those needing retail therapy plenty of good shops are to be found locally.
The middle Sunday saw us all at The Duke of Wellington partaking of their roast of the day plus a glass or two with plenty of chatting and laughing.
Each evening we assembled in the party tent in various stages of comatose (i.e. TS) to chat, slurp wine, eat fish and chips, cakes and anything else that was on offer and most importantly to keep Drummer awake so that he would sleep through the night. The topics of conversation were wide and varied leaving aside politics and religion we got on to the subject of wind turbines (there are some out to sea down this coast) and their noise levels, a certain Terry was heard to say that nothing disturbs his slumber and that is during daylight hours!! The evening we sampled Alan’s vodka and blackberries we all slept well that night.
The rally was not without its oddities a certain gentleman was seen carrying a large folded stepladder across the field (who else brings a ladder on holiday with them Terry?) anyway the object of the exercise was to ascertain the make, model rank and numbers of the now working solar panel (that is another story) on Jean’s roof and we can report that the operation was successful with the information required being obtained.
Drummer and Roxy made firm friends chasing each other in circles and rounding up the rabbits on site. We were very grateful that Drummer refrained from showing Roxy how to hunt and roll in fox.
To finish, our heartfelt thanks go to our hardworking rally officers Eileen and Ian, Mary and Eric who covered the whole holiday, meaning that the ralliers did not have to do a day making this a memorable fortnight for us all. Special thanks to Mary and Eric for providing and transporting their party tent. Here’s to the next time.
Rally Report Monks Barn, Farm Report by: Denis Parker
Stratford upon Avon (AGM)
12– 26 September 2010 No of Vans: 17
Rally Officers: Dorothy & Mick Stevenson Weather: Warm dry & sunny
By the end of the day on the 12th of September nine vans had arrived at Monks Barn Farm, Mick & Dorothy (Rally Officers) arrived prior to the rest of us and set up the site. The rally field was well situated away from the noise of the road and with water, waste etc close to hand. Once all of the nine vans were set up Mick did the rounds inviting everyone for refreshments at their van. The weather was kind and we all sat outside, most of us eating Dorothy’s very delicious fruitcake and putting the world to rights etc.
Over the next few days another two vans and two motor homes arrived on site making a total of thirteen units on the rally, including five of our four legged members.
From our point of view, Denis and Chris “she that must be obeyed”, the walk to the village through the meadow was marvellous and a great place to exercise the dogs on site. Alfie and Drummer had a fantastic time chasing each other around that meadow, until Alfie was exhausted usually.
Due to commitments elsewhere we could only do eight days on the rally, this being only our second rally having joined the club at Landford earlier in the year, wish we’d done it years ago. Most of us did our own thing during week visiting the various villages and places of interest in the area. Stratford is a lovely town to stroll around with its Shakespearian buildings, waterways and shops to suit every taste.
Unfortunately on Tuesday 14/09 Bob Clark was admitted to hospital in Warwick with a high temperature, and there he stayed until the hospital got his temperature down. Eventually discharging
him two hours or so after we left the rally on the 20/09, the lengths some people will go to, to avoid having to cook a bar-b-q for their friend’s. Pleased to report having spoken to Val after the rally, Bob is now fine and firing on all cylinders.
The highlight of the week for us was the evening meal and get together in the thatched barn, me having missed the AGM earlier as Val Clark and me were visiting Bob in hospital. Peter & Margaret and Mike & Wendy also took Val to visit Bob over the time he was in hospital and others offered which is what friends do for each other.
Now back to the Thatched Barn what a fabulous venue, it looks as if it has been rebuild with all original main timbers intact. I have to say that in my humble opinion the evening in the barn was a total success, in all aspects of the night. The members who cooked all the main meals & desserts did a fantastic job, the organisation and goodwill shown in getting it all together and ready was second to none. The raffle went well raising a decent amount for club funds. The only possible thing that could have been better is if there had been a kitchen attached to the barn, but then where would the challenge be. It seems that the last six days of the rally went ok with some members leaving earlier but most staying till the end. Hope all of you had a safe and uneventful journey home, as both Chris and I are looking forward to seeing you all again next season.
Best Regards To You All
Denis & Chris Parker
Recipe from Wendy Housman
Cider Fruit Cake
Ingredients:
10oz Mixed fruit
2oz Glace Cherries
3oz Soft Brown Sugar
6oz Self Raising Flour
6 Fl oz Cider
1 – 2 Eggs depending on size
Method:
Soak the fruit and cherries in the cider overnight.
Mix in the sugar and eggs, then fold in the flour. Put in a cake tin and bake in over for 1½ hours.
Gas 3 or 160ºC
Get Up and Go by Pete Seeger
How do I know my youth has been spent; Now that I am old my slippers are black
Because my get-up-and-go, got up and went I walk to the corner and puff my way back
But in spite of all that, I’m able to grin The reason I know my youth is spent
When I think where my get-up-and-go has been. My get-up-and-go got up and went.
Old age is golden, I’ve heard it said, I get up each morning dust off my wits
But sometimes I wonder as I go to bed Pick up the paper and read the ‘obits’
My ears are in a drawer, my teeth in a cup, If my name is missing, I know I’m not dead
My eyes on a table until I wake up. So I eat a good breakfast and go back to bed
When I was young my slippers were red
I could kick my heels right over my head
When I grew older my slippers were blue
But I could still dance the whole night thru.
Please note that there are changes to the guidance notes for rally officers in the new rally book, please make sure you read them if you are going to be a rally officer Shown below for ease of reference:-
Guidance Notes for Rally Marshals
1. Acquire WOC directional signs from a committee member
2. It is the rally marshal’s responsibility to obtain the flag, rally marshal signs and tea pot from the previous rally.
3. All Rally Marshals pay site fees and rally fees. If any discounts are offered by the site, eg. a free pitch or money returned, these monies must be paid in to club funds.
4. Site Fees as agreed with the landowner should be paid at the end of the rally, and those same fees charged to members. Receipts should be obtained where possible.
5. Rally fees cover teas, coffees, biscuits etc. You should charge £1 per person per week as a normal guide and send any surplus to the club. You should provide coffee/tea at some time during the rally to enable ralliers to get together. Any other social activity should be optional, and charged and shown separately.
6. A list of members attending the rally should either be given to each member or displayed at the Rally Marshal’s caravan. A full list must be submitted on the relevant form at the completion of the rally.
7. You need to know and have available the details of the nearest doctor and hospital.
8. Please inform the Chairman or senior Officer present of any first time Welton Owners Club ralliers attending the rally.
9. All paperwork and a complete balance sheet together with any profit can be given to an officer at the rally, or posted to the Club within four weeks.
10. Ask someone on the rally to write a rally report for the Newsletter. Prompt returns will ensure that club records and newsletters are kept up to date.
Finally a big thank you for agreeing to run this rally, and don’t forget the committee are all there to help you make it a success, so if you have any problems ask for help.
Rally Secretary Jean Yates
Annual Membership
Please Note: In future membership fees will now be sent to the Secretary. Please ensure that all details are filled in on the form as our records need updating.
Next year we are hoping to set up Standing Order facilities if you would prefer to pay that way. We are at present in the process of changing our bank. For one year we will be without a Treasurer and the Committee will look after the finance. Craig Milward has been our Treasurer for years and he also runs his own business and has not owned a caravan for the last 2 years and he deserves a break. Thank you Craig for all your hard work. At the next AGM a new Treasurer will be appointed.
Welton Owners Club annual membership subscriptions are due on
1 January 2011, please join again, we need to keep the membership of the Club, it is such a friendly club. Please return the enclosed form to the Secretary, Yvonne Gibbs together with your cheque in the sum of £10.00 made payable to ‘Welton Owners Club’.
Happy Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year