Motor Caravanner - March 2023

Shreeve T: 01502 725839

E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk Advertising: Danny Lewis T: 01502 725862

E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk Sinead Taylor T: 01502 725865 E: sinead.taylor@micropress.co.uk

From the Chair

y the time you read this many of you will have attended your first rally. I hope you are enjoying them or, if you have not tried one yet, then why not look at the listings in the Handbook and join your Group, you are sure of a warm welcome. There is a lot going on during the year with the ever popular Haven deals, trade shows and the FICC International Festival in Croatia, details are on page 18

If you plan to visit a trade show make sure you claim your Club discount and park with us, and don't forget to come to our stand and say hello!

As always if you need any help our office staff and members of Council of Management are always willing to help, so please do get in touch. Finally it is just left for me to say if you see me at any of these events please do come and say hello!

Happy Motor Caravanning.

Kate Jones

Club Chairman

CL SITES

Please be aware that the information about any of the sites listed in the Handbook is correct at the time of printing. This is especially true of site fees, which are subject to change due to the rise in running costs being incurred by site owners. We do print CL updates in the monthly magazine – but only if we have been made aware of them by the site. To be absolutely sure that you have the latest up-to-date information about any site we strongly advise you to check with the site before booking.

Club

Contacts

www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT

Chairman:

Kate Jones (07747 000587 or 01935 863815)

Vice Chairman:

Jacci Durkee (07931 527691)

Members:

Carol Biggs (01473 620933)

Derek Clarke (07931 733656)

Graham Durkee (07931 527691)

Peter Johnston (07810 434110)

Les Kendrick (07860 286561)

Selma McMullan (07752 678454)

Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325)

Keith Poole (07736 544490)

Anne Taylor (07414 852497)

Steve Wynn (07916 131892)

MCC Sec & Administrator: Ron Harris

Wood Farm Estate, Marlbank Road, Welland, Malvern WR13 6NA T: 01684 311677

E: info@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Office opening: Mon-Thu 9-5pm Fri 9-2pm MCC Office Administration: Julie Stanbridge

CoM WITH REPONSIBILITIES

CL & Night Stops: Carol Biggs (01473 620933)

Exhibition Team: Jacci & Graham Durkee (07931 527 691) grahamd@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Head Show Marshal: Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325) suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Homecraft Coordinator: Peter Johnston (07810 434110) peterj@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Magazine/Handbook : Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325) suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Health & Safety Officer: Keith Poole (07736 544490) keithp@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

GROUP SECRETARIES CONTACT LIST

CLUB OFFICIALS

Casual Campsites: Ann Bond (07805 795549)

Financial Officer: Paul Maguire (07973 827506)

Insignia: Marion Brooks (0208 6412283) insignia@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Junior Leaders: Maria Hill & Gill Crosby juniors@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

National Rally Site Manager & Head Show Marshal: Mick Pilkiw

Webmaster: Peter Heale (07894 583520)

Haven Liaison: Pet Heal (01454 320924)

To email a member of the Council of Management please use first name & first letter of surname followed by @ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk ie katej@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Please note that Secretary details may have changed due to AGMs.

As N. Ireland Group

Publisher/Editor: Mark Shreeve

E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

T: 01502 725839

Contributors: Jack Bancroft, Kavanagh

Deville, Frances & Michael Howorth

Advertising: Danny Lewis E:

T: 01502 725862

All opinions expressed in these pages are those of the Editor and his contributors and do not necessarily represent official Club policy. All Material copyright. The Motor Caravanners’ Club Ltd 2023. All Rights reserved. While every care is taken when accepting advertisements neither the Club nor the Publisher can accept responsibility for unsatisfactory transactions which arise. Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd.

The opinions, advice and information contained in this publication are offered solely to inform members as to matters which will be of assistance to them.

The Motor Caravanners’ Club and Countrywide Publications accepts no responsibility for any opinion, advice or information expressed by any person in any article contained herein and members should seek their own counsel on matters before acting or relying on any opinion, advice or information.

CLUB NEWS

HAVEN HOLIDAY 2023 DEAL

Due to the MCC 5 night offer being so successful, Haven have had to remove certain parks, pitch types and dates. These changes have just been put in place and our website has been updated.

All offers are subject to availability and any park/date/ pitch grade can be removed at any time. The offers are for MCC members ONLY. The 5 night offer is not combinable with any other offer including any Freedom Trail discounts. The 5% offer is NOT combinable with the 5 night offer or any other touring promotions run by Haven eg, Haven monthly offers.

NIGHT OFFER

Start dates: 12/3, 19/3, 26/3, 16/4, 23/4, 14/5, 21/5, 4/6, 11/6, 18/6, 25/6, 17/9, 24/9, 1/10, 8/10

Duration: 5 nights Sunday to Friday – set break

Extras: Free dog (maximum 2 dogs)

Exclusions: Kiln Park not in offer on 25/6

5% DISCOUNT

Dates: 10/03/2023 to 07/11/2023subject to park open/close dates

Duration: The 5% offer is based on a minimum stay of 3 nights

Extras: Free dog (maximum 2 dogs).

LIST OF SITES

Thornwick Bay

Extra large electric grass pitch £45

Electric hard standing pitch £55

Blue Dolphin

Electric hard standing pitch £50

Haggerston Castle

Electric hard standing pitch with water (21ft) £50

Electric hard standing pitch with water (28ft) £55

Littlesea

Electric grass pitch £50

Littlesea

Reinforced electric grass pitch £55 14/5, 21/5, 11/6, 18/6,25/6 are unavailable

Marton Mere

Super hard standing pitch £50

Marton Mere

Euro Pitch £55

11/6, 17/9, 8/10 are unavailable

Presthaven Sands

Electric hard standing pitch £50

19/3, 18/6 are unavailable

Perran Sands

Electric grass pitch £50

Extra large electric grass pitch £55

Euro Pitch £60

Reighton Sands

Electric hard standing pitch £50

Seton Sands

Euro pitch £50

26/3, 14/5, 21/5, 17/9 are unavailable

KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE CLUB

Weymouth is home to Haven Littlesea Holiday Park

Club website Join the Club Facebook Club page Facebook Members & Friends Instagram

Quality products, no exceptions...

LNB Towbars provide specialist motorhome towbar and tow car a-frame services, along with motorcycle and bicycle carriers, auto-levelling systems and other motorhome accessories.

What could be better than a hassle-free, perfectly level motorhome in seconds?

Automatic levelling systems have fast become THE ‘must have’ motorhome accessory.

Foldable Trailer

With lowering flatbed. For bikes & motorbikes.

Seaview

Reinforced electric grass pitch £50

Euro Pitch £55

11/6, 25/6, 17/9 are unavailable

Greenacres

Euro Pitch £55

14/5 is unavailable

Golden Sands

Extra large hard standing

Super pitch £55

March, April, May, June and 17/9, 24/9 are unavailable

Hafan y Mor

Euro Pitch £55

Kiln Park

Electric grass pitch £55

Super hard standing pitch £60

Primrose Valley

Offer no longer available

Thorpe Park

Euro Pitch £55

16/4 is unavailable

Pet Heal, Haven Coordinator

CL SITES & NIGHT STOPS

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

THE CROWN INN (NS54237)

Cerney Wick, Cirencester GL7 5QH. This Night Stop is no longer available to Club members

YORKSHIRE

THE MOODY COW (NS54412)

This Night Stop is no longer available to Club members

FIFE, SCOTLAND

THE CLINK (CL94204)

New contact number: 01337 827860. Cash only please.

OBITUARIES

JENNIFER BRUNT

It is with great sadness that N. Counties announce the passing of Jennifer Brunt on 26th January after a long illness. Our condolences go to Peter and his family. Jen and Peter both served on N. Counties Committee during their membership and will be greatly missed. N. Counties group

EDITH SPEIRS

I have some sad news to convey on behalf of John Paterson and the family of Edith Speirs. Edith sadly passed away very peacefully with family around her on Saturday 31st Dec. She was 91 years old and John and Edith were part of the Motor Caravanners since day one just over 40 years ago. It was the passion of their lives. John is very saddened and is currently recuperating in an assessment home after falling and breaking his hip. If anyone would like to contact John, they can do so at 160 Haliburton Place, Galashiels, TD1 2JH.

John has been remembering all the holidays and club meets and had a twinkle in his eye when telling a few of the stories. He fondly remembers Farmer Parrs in Fleetwood as one of their favourite places. Scottish group

TERRY EMMS

It is with great sadness we have to announce that our member, Terry Emms, has passed peacefully away at Kettering General Hospital. Our sympathy goes to his wife Jo and his family for their loss. He was always helpful, and ready to brighten the day with a laugh and a joke. He is sadly missed by his friends in the Nene Valley Group.

BARBARA HUTCHINSON

It is with great sadness that N. Counties announce the passing of Barbara Hutchinson in January. Our condolences go to Hedley and family. Hedley and Barbara were originally with Yorkshire group and transferred to N. Counties in June 2020, they will be greatly missed. N. Counties group

BRIAN YEO

It is with sorrow that the West Country have to inform members of the death of Mr Brian Yeo, a longstanding member of the Club and Group. Brian ran many rallies and could always catch people out with his ‘boat race competition’ consisting of a tray of water and two corks. Those who knew him knew what to expect and those who didn’t ended up a little damp. He could always be counted on for a welcome greeting and a laugh and joke, he will be missed.

NOW FOUR NIGHTS!

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE NATIONAL RALLY

Friday

Baron Von Schmidt Haus

Oompah! Great Bavarian style entertainment booked for Friday night. So, dust off your oompahs, fine tune your voices and pack up

your ale ready to join in the fun. Baron Von Schmidt Haus will be there with the sole purpose of getting us all singing, clapping and swaying. Plenty of music, fun and laughter guaranteed!

Saturday Party Night

The theme for our Party Night is “FILMS”. Each Group will decide which film to take as a theme for the Group table and dress code on party night. Fancy dress isn’t compulsory, but we hope you will join in the fun by wearing something connected to your Group’s theme. You will be able to get more information about Party Night from your own Group Committee.

Live entertainment on Party Night will be provided by “The

Sunday

The Replays

The Replays are a live professional party band specialising in 60s and 70s Rock n Roll. Performing all around the UK the band members are all incredibly hard-working professionals. Covering all the well-known songs from the 60s and 70s their repertoire includes big hit songs from The Beatles, The Stones, The Kinks, The Troggs, The Who and many more. This live band will deliver a high energy performance guaranteed to impress us and make our evening a great success!

THE REPLAYS

PAUL DUMAS

BARON VON SCHMIDT HAUS

Monday

The Wilkinson Brothers and Paul Dumas

The Wilkinson Brothers, Lee and Jamie, the two youngest members of the successful circuit band ‘Chuckletruck”, have ventured out as a duo and will provide us with a variety of great party tunes. So,

HOMECRAFT COMPETITION

We hope this competition will encourage you to show your crafting ability. There are 11 categories for individual entries including Knitting/Crochet, Sewing, Carving, Painting, Drawing, Decoupage, Fresh Flower Display, Papier-Mache, Woodwork, Men Only Cake, Ladies Only Cake and finally The National Craft category. Entries for this final category will come from the onsite craft workshops at the National. You can sign up for these workshops at the rally, and we will accept your entries on the day of the competition.

The full Homecraft rules and Homecraft categories are in your 2023 Handbook and can also be

put on those dancing shoes and get ready to have a fun packed night.

Paul Dumas has been performing professionally for over 20 years with success in the UK and internationally. Considered by many as one of the top Ventroimpressionist in the UK today he is a one-man variety show. Not only a first-class ventriloquist, impressionist and comedian also an excellent vocalist with huge repertoire and vocal range from opera to musicals or jazz and pop to rock from 40s to present day.

found on the Club website www. themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk. You must register your entries with Peter Johnston, our Homecraft Co-ordinator, by Friday 10th May 2023, email homecraft@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

DAY TRIPS

Please note there is a change to the National Rally coach trips published in January’s magazine. The visit to the Hop Pocket Shopping Village is part of the trip to Ross-on-Wye. The trip to Hereford does not include Hop Pocket Shopping Village. Visit One: Ross on Wye and Hop Pocket Shopping Village, £10 per person. Visit Two: Hereford, £10 per person. Visit Three: Morgan Factory, £31 per person.

THE WILKINSON BROTHERS

You want to be able to take everything you need with you when you go away in your ‘van. However, will this overload the rear suspension? Using MAD suspension helper spring kits or semi air conversions from Ekollon will help your ‘van drive more level so it will be:

• Safer

• Have better grip

• Improved traction

• Not bottom out over speed bumps

• Better stability

• And save your jockey wheel

FIND

2023 NATIONAL RALLY AND AGM 5-NIGHT RALLY

Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW

Thu 25th - Tue 30th May 2023

BOOKING FORM

Number of nights

5 nights £100 per unit

4 nights £80 per unit

3 nights £60 per unit

Single occupancy

5 nights £87.50 per unit

4 nights £70 per unit

3 nights £52.50 per unit

Coach trips all on Friday

Ross on Wye and Hop Pocket Shopping Village £10pp

Hereford £10pp

Morgan Factory Visit £31pp

The above rally fees are for two adults, extra adults incur a cost of £2.50 per person per night.

Lead adult

2nd Adult

3rd Adult

Address Postcode

Van registration

Is your vehicle more than 9m long?

No Adults No Children

Names & age of children

Membership No Group

Group to park with Tel No.

Tick if this is your first National or Rally n

Are you towing? car n trailer n caravan & car n

Disabled Parking Area n Badge Ref No (only needed if parking in disabled area)

EHU for medical need only is available in Disabled Parking Area only at £65. Tick if req n

Long EHU cables may be required EHU remittance due: £

Date arriving

Ross on Wye no of seats

Date leaving

Hereford no of seats

Rally fee due £ Coach fee due £

Total payment due (rally fee + coach trips + EHU): £

Payment:

Total No. of nights

Morgan Factory no of seats

1. Online booking form on the MCC website – www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk – pay by card at the time of booking.

2. By Post: send your completed form to: The Motor Caravanners’ Club Ltd, Wood Farm Estate, Marlbank Road, Welland, Malvern, WR13 6NA giving your telephone number. The Office will contact you for payment by bank credit or debit card. CONTACT NUMBER

Closing date: Thursday 11th May 2023

(booking forms or cancellation refunds will not be accepted after the closing date)

Signature Date

Even if you have not pre-booked, you are still welcome to come and pay on arrival at £22 pupn

MOTS AND

SERVICING

OPTIONS

Unit 3 & 4, Roundswell, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 3TD

Pearman Briggs Caravan Sales 224 Cheltenham Road, Longlevens, Gloucester, Glos GL2 0JW 01452 524700 or 01452 524192

Pearman Briggs Motorhome Sales Field View Bungalow, A38 Gloucester, Leigh, Glos GL19 4AA 01531 822666

Cotswold Edge Leisure Vehicles Ltd

Evesham Road (A46), Beckford, Nr Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 7AS 01386 882866

CAMP WITH US THIS YEAR

Why not join a Casual Campsite in 2023

For the first Casual Campsite of 2023 we are back to one of our favourite sites at Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4NY from 10-24 June. Pitches are £16.50 pupn and includes hook-up, use of site facilities and entertainment. There is a small cost for using the swimming pools.

Booking opens from 12 noon on 23 January and closes on 6pm on 1 May. 2 week stay is 10-24 June;

1st week 10-17 June and 2nd week 17-24 June. Awnings and pop-ups are allowed within your own pitch space. Two pets maximum.

Next up we are meeting at Teignmouth Rugby Club, Bitton Park Sports Field, Bitton Park Road

TQ14 9DQ from 26 June - 10 July.

Cost is £10 pupn, there are no hook-ups, but we are able to charge mobility scooters etc.

Full facilities for toilets and showers, we have use of the club house on various days and evenings to be allocated once we are on site.

Bus stop is outside the gate going to Torquay and beyond where you can also get trains to further afield and ferries to Brixham.

Booking opens from 12 noon on 27 February and closes on 6pm on 29 May. 2 weeks stay from 26 June - 10 July; 1st week 26 June -

3 July and 2nd week 3-10 July. Awnings and pop-ups are allowed

but no groundsheets or mats. Two pets maximum.

PLEASE NOTE this has a sharp entrance on the left into the site if arriving via the town.

Our final campsite of the year takes us to Shropshire and The West Midlands Showground, Berwick Road, Shrewsbury SY1 2PF from 4-18 September.

This is a great place to visit for a CCS having plenty of space for pitches and an easy stroll into Shrewsbury town along the roads but, also, it’s on the river where, if available, there is a ferry to take you into town. I personally have worked on this site in the past while operating the Club’s exhibition

Price per pitch without hook-up will be £13 or £20 pupn including hook-up. Full facilities include toilet and showers and use of a room at

Booking opens from 12 noon on 3 April and closes 6pm on 31 July.

2 weeks stay from 4-18 September; 1st week 4-11 September and 2nd week 11-18 September. Awnings

10-24 June

Holiday Park

Teignmouth Rugby Club

26 June - 10 July

The West ShowgroundMidlands

4-18 September

and pop-ups permitted within your pitch area. Two pets maximum.

For booking

Please email Ann Bond (annbond83@gmail.com) with your details, full names, Club membership number, vehicle reg, mobile contact, dates of stay required.

As requested by the sites being visited this year, bookings will again be required. This ensures members will have a pitch on arrival also keeping to the terms of contracts, which is paramount.

All the above CCS are full payment in cash to the MCC hosts on arrival to sites. The sites’ T&Cs must also be observed during our stay.

I would kindly ask all members to check their diaries before making bookings for either of these casual campsites.

Newquay Beach. Aruna19/Shutterstock

The coastal town of Teignmouth

Alexey Lobanov/Shutterstock

INTERNATIONAL RALLY 2023

I have been informed that as a club we can do a block booking for this year's F.I.C.C. rally as long as all bookings are with the Club before the 15th May (bookings must be sent to Zaton by the end of May 2023). Members booking after the end of May will be camped in the International area. As a club we will be parked in our own MCC area.

For those wishing to go the prices are €140 per person (English cost will be on the booking form), plus €1.33 per person per day (this is a tourist tax payable to the campsite on arrival).

If you wish to go to this rally, please send me the following information: your name and address, group and membership number, phone number and email address and your CCI card number which is available from MCC office (This card is compulsory to attend this rally).

When the booking form is ready I will send out to you all.

Let's have as many members as possible to attend this rally.

Les Kendrick, MCC Chief Delegate kendricklesjoyce@blueyonder. co.uk

M4 AND M5 SAFETY

A six-mile section of motorway around the Almondsbury interchange is being upgraded, to further improve driver safety.

The work, on the M4 between junction 19 for Bristol and where it meets the M5 at the Almondsbury interchange, and on the M5 to junction 17 at Cribbs Causeway, includes:

• Upgrading a 4-mile section of existing steel barrier to concrete in the central reservation of the M4 around Almondsbury interchange

• Building three new emergency areas on the M5

• Upgrading traffic signs to provide better driver information

• Drainage work

• Renewing lighting

• Additional CCTV cameras Concrete barriers are even

UPGRADE

stronger than metal ones and significantly reduce the risk of vehicles crossing over from one carriageway to another, improving safety and reducing the likelihood of incident-related congestion.

To minimise disruption while work to upgrade the barrier is carried out on the M4 and M5, three lanes will remain open to traffic in each direction. However, one lane will be closed on each of the motorways, and the remaining lanes slightly narrowed, to help create a safe working area for the workforce.

National Highways is also providing an enhanced free recovery service to help any drivers who break down, or are involved in an incident, as quickly as possible and keep traffic moving for everyone else.

Ferry Good for Al-ko

The HPC Hydraulic Levelling System is truly a step ahead for motorhome owners. Covering all requirements expected from a levelling system. it is simply and quickly operated using the on-board touch-screen controls or operated remotely from an iPhone 5 and above or an Android phone via a Bluetooth free app. Accompanied by the AS Air Suspension system, all your suspension and levelling needs are catered for. At AS Air Suspension UK Ltd, we seek to continually improve and stay ahead of our competitors. Using innovative materials to reduce the weight of the systems, without any compromise to quality.

CALOR CULLS CYLINDER RANGE

News and comment from Gentleman Jack…

Not a complete surprise this, because members have already reported difficulty exchanging smaller Calor cylinders, but it has now been confirmed that Calor are rationalising their range. The Cube, 3.9kg Propane, 4.5kg Butane, and 12kg Butane cylinders are all being withdrawn. The 6kg Calor-Lite Propane is already disappearing. Calor has issued a statement and in answer to the question, “Why have you done this?” stated, “Improving our cylinder service is a priority. Our existing range of cylinders is creating complexity within our supply chain. This means longer change over times and reduced filling capacity on high volume key sizes. That’s why we have taken the difficult decision to reduce our cylinder range, simplifying the business.”

Calor also suggested that, “customers looking for a 3.9kg Propane can be offered a 6kg Propane, and those looking for a 4.5kg Butane offered a 7kg Butane” All well and good, but it

shows a lack of empathy over the restrictions on size of cylinders that can be accommodated within many leisure vehicle’s gas lockers.

Competitor Flogas is also experiencing difficulties - and as a result – one must have an empty Flogas cylinder of the same capacity in order to exchange it for a full one…on many sizes. The exception is their 5kg Gaslight cylinder.

2.7kg) is another alternative and frequently buy an exchange

Campingaz 907 (Butane 2.7kg) is another alternative and is available in 120 countries. Members spending winters abroad frequently buy an exchange cylinder popular in the country they are visiting, such as Repsol, among others.

The author currently has a motorcaravan with an Autogas 38-litre underslung tank and previously owned one with Gaslow refillable cylinders and is happy to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. Email fenleisure@ virginmedia.com or write a letter C/O the editorial office. Both systems are refilled by pump at vehicle filling stations selling LPG (at home and abroad), some gas cylinder retailers with a yard, plus occasionally on campsites. It is a mixture of Propane and Butane so doesn’t (usually) freeze in UK winters.

Autogas 38-litre underslung tank and previously owned one

Finally, several converters offer gas-free conversions. They are becoming more popular but are usually at a price premium.

Far left: Gaslow refillable cylinder setup by Vanbitz (www.vanbitz.com) on a previous coachbuilt `van of Jack’s. Blue Campingaz 907 cylinder was merely stored in the locker. It was not used to fuel the habitation services, but as a freestanding cylinder for beach BBQ’s

Top left: Dave Newell (www.facebook. com/DaveNewellLVS) fitting a large underfloor gas tank to Jack’s current coachbuilt motorcaravan

Bottom left: Jack’s current DIY hightop van conversion does not have a conventional gas system. Instead, it utilises a 12V/230V compressor fridge and features hobs fuelled by single-use self-sealing cannisters. A diesel-fuelled space heater is to be added this year…hopefully

Calor’s 3.9kg Propane and 4.5kg Butane are two of the six ‘exchange’ cylinders that Calor has ‘culled’

• Five-Star shower complex

• 150 Super Pitches

• Tropicana Indoor Pool

• Sauna & Steam Room

• Fitness Studio

• 9-hole Golf Course

• Tennis Court

• All-weather Soccer Pitch

• Table Tennis

• Free Wi-Fi

• 7-Acre Fishing Lake

• Adventure Play Areas

• Extensive outdoor dining spaces

• The Pizza Place

• NEW for 2023 –Paddle Tennis

• The Waterfront Club with Sky Sports TV, Dining, Entertainment, Children’s Entertainment

PROPER NORFOLK

Breck Farm, Bodham, (Weybourne)

Bootiful, that’s what Norfolk is, and this site is one of our favorites. First and foremost, Breck Farm is a 225-acre family-run mixed farm with traditional values. There has been a campsite at the farm for over half a century. It is located inland near Weybourne but – crucially – is within easy drive of the delightful Victorian seaside resorts of Cromer and Sheringham. The former has a large reasonablypriced clifftop car park which welcomes day visitors and their motorcaravans…not often one can park with a sea view, plus it is just a short (but fairly steep) walk into town. The town’s mostly Victorian and boasts a fine (accessible) pier still offering summer variety shows.

Sheringham has a theatre and two interesting museums; Sheringham Museum (fully accessible) and the Fisherman’s Heritage Centre (mostly accessible). Both resorts offer grand fish and chips and some of the best fresh shellfish in the country. Our fave is Cromer crab. My mouth is watering as I type this.

Further afield there is plenty to see and do. For our family, no holiday is complete without a Beans Boats trip from Morston to see the local seal colony and other wildlife

>>

resident pygmy goats. Breck Farm is also home to free-range hens, a mixed herd of cattle, plus a pair of pigs, all managed by Hettie…a long-haired dachshund; Weybourne Station is in walking distance. North Norfolk Railway

Cromer pier and ‘blue badge’ beach. ©

Clockwise from top left: Plenty of room for our motorcaravan (centre). This spacious go-wherever-you-wish field permits campfires; old wheels available to borrow for free, kindling and wood for sale; Hook-up field opposite reception has marked pitches and is close to the facility block; Food for the

runs from Holt to Sheringham © NNR; Food for motorcaravanners. Different food waggons appear on-site on some late afternoons/evenings.

at Blakeney. Motorcaravan parking is available at the quay. The boats are small, so as not to disturb the natural inhabitants. Advanced booking is strongly recommended.

Don’t want to take the van? Weybourne Station is in walking/ wheelchair pushing distance and is one of the stations on the North Norfolk Railway. Known locally as the Poppy Line, it runs from the Georgian town of Holt eastwards to Sheringham where members can join the mainline railway or ‘hop-on’ to a Coasthopper Bus. Locomotives include classic steam engines, heritage diesels, plus on occasions, visiting ‘exotics’ such as streetcars.

Breck Farm is lovely, spacious, child and pet-friendly site adjacent to woodland and Kelling Heath, perfect for walking, cycling, bird watching, photography, or just sitting. If you crave adult-only campsites, or those with nightclubs, swimming pools and every amenity known, then it isn’t for you. It is for us though! Samantha Browne

Site Summary

• Facilities: Large site with unmarked areas and marked pitches with hook-up. Facility block including facilities for disabled. Reception/camp shop Suitable for large RV’s. Accommodation available for non-campers

• Attractions: Child-friendly and dog-friendly. Campfires permitted. Adjacent to woodland, Kelling Heath and close to Sheringham Park. Short drive to coast and Hillside Animal Sanctuary. Rallies accommodated

• Directions: Postcode: NR25 6QL. From A148 Holt to Cromer, turn north on to Gipsies Lane. (Signpost: Weybourne & station).

Junction is around a mile west of the settlement of Kelling Heath and immediately east of Bodham village. Continue along lane for just under a mile, turning left into Breck Farm. (Look for signpost to site on right)

• Contact: T: 01263 588 236

E: camping@breckfarm.co.uk

• W: www.breckfarm.co.uk

• Cost: Motorcaravan and two adults on The Meadow or Woodfield: £20 per night. No charge for children or dogs. Campfires allowed. Similar on hook-up field, but with electricity: £25 per night, NO campfires allowed.

• Open all year

GROUP NEWS & DIARIES

MARCH 2023

ANGLIA

We had 14 vans at Roydon Village Hall for the first rally of 2023. There were originally 20 booked but a spate of illness, van faults etc reduced our numbers. However that didn’t deter us and Friday night we had bingo – which made Terry Laws Randall very popular winning two lines and a house – and a quiz as well as tea, coffee etc. and a good general natter with liquid refreshment to stop our throats getting dry.

GROUP NEWS COORDINATOR: Jade Soanes

T: 01502 725840 E: groupnews@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Post: Motor Caravanner Magazine, Countrywide Publications, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk, IP18 6DH.

Deadline: 5th of the month for inclusion in the following month's magazine

CHILTERN

We had no rallies to report on this month, but we can inform readers of the time being usefully employed in evolving an idea we heard of from the Nene Valley group, and that is the reintroduction of a loyalty card scheme. All Chiltern Group members should have a copy of the card by now and we ask that when attending our rallies it is presented in order to collect a stamp for each night of the rally, when 16 stamps have been collected they can be redeemed for 2 free nights! We feel group members will appreciate this scheme as an equitable method of “giving back” to the group.

Saturday dawned cold but dry and Caz and Ben assisted by Mal and Janet provided us all with bacon and egg rolls which went down very well. The more hardy walked into town and Ben very kindly took Carol and Derek down by car, since Derek was still convalescent after covid at New Year, and picked them up afterwards. Saturday evening Mal and Janet laid on a game which resulted in a great deal of fun and banter and eventually three members won a prize.

Sunday morning Dodgy Dip, Chairman's Chat and a large raffle which as usual Derek won nothing but we all had a good natured laugh about it. It’s a tradition that he never wins! He always says that if he did it would probably be the last prize of bath salts and he hasn’t got a bath!

An excellent start to 2023 and thanks to Caz, Ben, Mal, Janet, Keith and Teresa the stewards for really making a good rally.

Owing to a typo the AGM dates for Anglia should read 27-29 October and not as programme. Scribe Derek

Upcoming rallies: 17-19 March at Sir. Harry Smith College, Whittlesey PE7 1XB. Starts: 5pm. Bookable from Teresa.poole50@virginmedia.com. 6-11 April at Alderman Peel School, Wells next the Sea NR23 1RB. Starts: 1pm. Bookable from dereksherman41@gmail.com.

Sharon, our Rally Officer, has found some interesting new venues for this year. Our first two nighter is at Old Warden, Beds. on 10-12 March, booking required. After this we have Hayling School (bookings already on a waiting list) and Drove Lea Farm, Hants a five nighter on 11-16 April to look forward to.

EAST MIDLANDS

Bookable rallies: Country and Western Rally at Ingoldmells March 23-26. Booking forms are available at rallies or on our website under gallery. A booking fee of £10 is required with each booking. Please let us know as possible if you are unable to attend a rally you’ve booked.

The rally at the Rempstone Steam Festival has to be booked through Anne and you need to include full payment in order to book a ticket with the organisers.

Bookings for our annual dinner/dance at Springfields and New Year rallies will not open until August. There is a specific booking form for both of these rallies and full payment will be required when booking.

There is one amendment to the rally booklet. The dates for the Coppice Steam Rally are correct on the back page – please amend the dates in the rally details to 8-11 September 2023. Sue

Burns Night at Hose – On a cold and wintry afternoon 29 vans were given a warm welcome by the stewards, one of which was an East Midlands first timer.

Friday evening the Chairman opened the rally and bingo was played. Geoff had prepared a quiz all answers relating to something Scottish.

Saturday morning was cold and frosty, but some members ventured on a bus into Melton Mowbray whilst some walked around the pretty little village of Hose.

In the evening tartan was the order of the day. Les looking splendid in his full Scottish attire addressed the haggis, much to the enjoyment of the members. This was followed by a meal of ‘neeps, haggis and tatties’ followed by raspberries, cream and shortbread which was prepared by Bob, Debbie and their team of helpers. The meal was followed by the anagram quiz and the annual curling competition. Bernadette Dickman won the Ladies Competition and John Jeys won the Men’s Competition. There was then a final competition between them, making John Jeys the overall winner of our Curling Cup.

Sunday morning the raffle was drawn then the Chairman thanked the stewards Graham, Anne, Marion and Geoff and everyone who had helped to make the weekend a success.

Upcoming rallies: 10-12 March at Ukraine Centre, Bridge Lane, Weston on Trent, Derbys. DE72 2BU. 23-26 March at Country & Western Royal Arthur Centre, Ingoldmells PE25 1NP. 6-11 April is our Easter Rally at Springfields, Spalding PE12 6ET. 21-23 April at Hillstown Hall, 12 Nesbit Street, Hillstown, Bolsover S44 6LW.

EAST WESSEX

Hello everyone, we didn’t meet in January, so no rally report this month. There are a couple of updates to our rally programme for members to note: Firstly the Easter rally, 6-11 April. Plans to book a new venue have fallen through as the school couldn’t confirm availability, so our rally officer has been searching for another venue. Luckily Burnham Copse Primary School in Tadley near Basingstoke is able to accommodate us so we will be going there for the same dates over Easter.

Sadly the owner of the rally field at Weyhill Fair, Andover has cancelled all bookings, including ours, as the separately owned pub (and the rally field’s source of water) has closed, possibly for good. Instead, from 27 July-1 August we will now be going to the Army Flying Museum, Middle Wallop, near Stockbridge, which proved very popular on our first visit a couple of years ago.

Janet Macey has once again very kindly volunteered to act as coordinator for East Wessex at this year’s National Rally at Malvern, and will be getting together to make plans with those who want to go, at our rallies. She has asked that you let her know if you are joining the East Wessex group so that she can keep you up to date with any news about our group participation. She can be contacted by email: janet. macey849@gmail.com, or by phone: 07733 068512.

We would also like to extend a warm welcome to all recent new East Wessex members we have not yet met and

hope you will join us at one of our rallies this year.

Upcoming rallies: 3-5 March at Easebourne CE Primary School, Wheelbarrow Castle, Easebourne, GU29 9AG. Pub and board games – bring games to play. Cost £15 pupn; (£13 singles). Arrivals from 5pm. 17-19 March at Weeke Primary School, Stoney Lane, Weeke, Winchester SO22 7EF – bookable. St Patrick’s Day rally – indoor horse racing. This popular site is next to a parade of shops and eating places, and the centre of Winchester is easily accessible by bus or a 20 minute walk if you are fit! Cost £15 pupn; (£13 singles). Arrivals from 5pm. Contact Allen to book : 07411 955133. 6-11 April is our Easter rally at Burnham Copse Primary School, Newchurch Road, Tadley RG26 4HN. This school is conveniently close to the bus route into Basingstoke with its extensive shopping and cafes/ restaurants. Pub, cafes, Lidl and supermarket within easy walking distance in the centre of Tadley. Arrivals from 4pm. All three rallies are on hardstanding with use of a hall. Updated rally information will be posted on our website: eastwessex.uk or contact Brenda on 07450 284002.

ESSEX

Our rally for January 27-29 was at Chelmer Valley School, Chelmsford celebrating Carol's birthday on the Saturday.

We started Friday in the dark parking up, luckily everyone arrived fairly quickly so didnt take long in the dark.

We did something different on the Friday night after bingo, we had a game of roll the potato towards a static object with members walking around four chairs and then choosing which chair corner to stand in, the group that rolled potato furthest away from object were eliminated until only one team or person were left. Bob also taught some of the members how to dance a line dance and refresh their memory. This seemed to go down quite well.

Saturday our normal trip into Chelmsford with coffee/ tea in the afternoon whilst our Committee had a meeting. We then went back to our vans to get ready for the evening entertainment with the singer Carol Harper, who always gets us up dancing. She even got Carol the birthday girl up doing a love train conga around the hall with other members. Carol and Bob supplied some wine/beer for the members to celebrate her birthday.

Sunday morning coffee with Chairman's chat, we then cleared the hall and were all on our way home by 1pm. Bob

Upcoming rallies: Chelmer Valley School CM1 7ER on 1719 March. Start time not before 6pm. Museum of Power on 14-16 April is now cancelled due to building works.

ISLE OF WIGHT

Thankfully the new rally year is upon us and we are all looking forward to meeting up with our members and meeting members from the North Island. We wish you all safe travels and many enjoyable rallies for the year ahead. Our upcoming rallies are at The Orchards 14-16 April. The Fighting Cocks 5-7 May and South Thorness Farm 1921 May. Our rallies are all bookable (due to limited capacity

on the Isle of Wight). Please contact our Rally Officer Andrew Clapp. Email cherylclapp@hotmail.co.uk. Further details are available on our website mcc.iow@outlook.com

KENT

Didn’t we have a lovely time the weekend we went to Sandwich... well let’s hope we did as we rocked the night away with Elvis but as I prepare this article for the March magazine, we have not yet had our February rally and so stories from that weekend will have to wait until April!

So, moving forward I need to let you know about our upcoming rallies in March and April: Friday 24-26 March at Bridge Farm, Appledore, Ashford, Kent TN26 2DA. Bookable rally. Appledore is a quaint Kent village with a shop and a pub with the Royal Military Canal running close by affording excellent walks and fishing. This is a bookable rally so please contact Jan on kent@motorcaravannersclub.co.uk to book.

Thursday 6-10 April at St. Richards School, Bexhill, East Sussex TN40 1SE (by kind permission of Sussex). This is our Easter rally and plans are afoot for a full programme of activities throughout the weekend with two nights of professional entertainment with MattrockingRobbins and Goldilux. There will also be a chance for you to express your creative side by bringing along an Easter bonnet for the parade on Sunday evening. This will be a weekend to remember but is bookable, so please do contact Jan on the details above.

If you are attending the 2023 MCC National Rally could you please contact Jan via the details above so that we can let you know what our theme will be for the Party night and whether you would be keen to have a gathering over the course of the weekend.

Each weekend rally does need hosts to “own the weekend.” The minimum you need to do is welcome people as they arrive and make sure they are pitched up in a safe manner and slot in a coffee/tea meet up at some point during the weekend. The rest is up to you! It can be a quiet weekend or one filled with silliness or perhaps you like to take us on a ramble, preferably to the local pub but the extra fun is all up to you. Please do speak with the committee if you

need any advice or help and don’t be put off if you can’t be there to pitch people up, we can find someone to do that.

Future rally dates: 18-21 May at Fir Tree Farm, Rhodes Minnis – hosts are needed for this weekend. Can you help?

Please do note in your diaries the change in dates for both our AGM rally in October and the Christmas Party rally in December. Both are very popular rallies with limited space so if you want to come then please book with Jan on the details above. AGM Rally at Sandwich Junior School – revised date 6-8 October with the AGM on Saturday 7th October at 11am.

Christmas Party Rally at Greatstone Primary School –revised date 1-3 December.

LANCASHIRE

Our only rally in January was at Turnover Farm Caravan Site. Outside temperature was around freezing and there was part melted and refrozen snow on the ground. Some of the men parked the ‘vans, 32 Lancashire, two NWM&NW and one Yorkshire, whilst others prepared vegetables ready for tomorrow night’s celebration of Robbie Burns.

Evening came and we met in the warm hall. Fees were paid then tickets bought for bingo, raffle and bonus ball. After the bingo, presented by Allan, David tested us with a Scottish Quiz. It was won by (Scottish) Jacqueline’s team. This was followed with lots of members joining in the dancing to disco music to the end of the evening.

Saturday and at 10am some of us met for Tai Chi with Stephen and Janet followed by Crafty Crew with Val. We made lovely brooches to wear with our kilts later. A quick lunch and back to play board games or Triominoes or just chat whilst David and Brian ran a Curling knock out which was won by Martin (NWM&NW). Tea or coffee and cakes for refreshments... just help yourselves. We then went back to our ‘vans for relaxation and then get into our Scottish outfits ready for the meal. But who is cooking the meal? Well! It wasn’t the fairies! It was Sandra (the boss), Lisa and Carole. What a team – well done ladies!

At 7pm we gathered for photographs and took our places ready for the little parade followed by the ceremony

>>

Lancashire group

in honour of the haggis. John’s performance was quite brilliant, and then the toast with a dram of whisky for all! The traditional meal was served and we tucked in. Seconds if you wanted more. The entertainment started with Take Your Pick and then the star of the show, Amy Hannam, an excellent singer! She kept people dancing for the whole night. To end we joined hands for Best of Friends.

Sunday we met for coffee and results of Bonus Ball and raffle. Lisa ended with thanks to the hosts and many helpers and Dean for the music. She wished us a safe journey home.

Scribe Alma

Upcoming rallies: 3-5 March at Park High School BB8 7DP. 2pm start, own drinks. 17-19 March at Hoghton Village Hall PR5 OSG. 2pm start, own drinks. Arrive full of water. Advance bookings only (bookings open to Lancashire members 2 weeks before and other MCC members 1 week before).

MOTORCYCLE

Our review for this month is from Sean Cowley about his experiences in our motorbike group: As you all know, my wife Jane and I have been members for a good while. We joined the motorcycle group as we like motorbiking and getting out in our motorhome. Over the years the club has made us feel very welcome. We love travelling to different parts of the UK, exploring the areas on the group ride outs and paying nice prices too that we would have not seen otherwise. We have met a lot of very nice people and made a lot of new friends. I wish them all well and it will be good to meet up with them again this year. Jane and I are looking forward to more nice

memories this year. So good friends get your motorhome and motorcycle ready for the summer and happy days.

As you know we have a Scottish trip coming up and I am really looking forward to seeing Scotland. Over the last few years we have been on lots of rallies with other groups too. So I would like to say a big thank you to them for inviting our motorbike group to join them and all the stewards' hard work to give us a good rally. It has been much appreciated.

We also want to thank our own Motorcycle Committee, new and old. Without you, none of this would happen. We feel so lucky to have found this interest group and do what we do and hope the club gets bigger and better.

As I am writing this, I am remembering all the motorbikes I have had since I was 16. In fact, around 25 bikes on the road and I have enjoyed every one of them. So as you are reading this, have a think of all the good times you had on your bikes. If you write it down like me then we can read about your experiences and enjoy your memories too in this Motor Caravan Magazine.

So be happy and hopefully the sunshine will come out so we can ride together and enjoy new moments. See you all soon. Sean

NENE VALLEY

It is with great sadness we have to announce that our dear member, Terry Emms, has passed away peacefully at Kettering General Hospital. Our sympathy goes to his wife Jo and his family for their loss. He was always helpful, and ready to brighten the day with a laugh and a joke. He is sadly missed by his friends in the Nene Valley Group.

Please note that the dates for the Holiday Rally at Exmouth are 6-19 June, NOT June 16-19 as shown in the new 2023 Handbook.

Twelve vans were parked at Wrenn School by the very capable stewards Carol and Mark, this being their first time at hosting one of our rallies. We had a couple of entertaining games on Friday evening, between catching up with all our news. Saturday saw members exploring Wellingborough and Wetherspoons! In the evening a game of “Call my Bluff" caused much amusement. Coffee morning with the raffle and bonus ball rounded off the weekend on Sunday. It was a pleasure to welcome new members to us, Jackie and Colin, Pat and Jan , and visitors from Anglia Terry and Norma, Tracey and Danny. A big thank you to Carol and Mark for making a very enjoyable weekend.

Can you help us? We need stewards for the following 4 rallies: April 21-24 at Barnstones; May 19-22 at Hatton Country World; Sept 21-25 at Cranford Steam Rally and Nov 24-26 at Cogenhoe Bowls Club. Don't forget that you can also do 24 hours or longer at any of the Holiday Rallies.

Upcoming rallies: 31 March-2 April at Geddington Youth Club, Grafton Road, Geddington, NN14 1AJ. Limit: 12 vans. Cost: £TBC. 21-24 April at Barnstones C&C Site, Great Bourton, Nr. Banbury, OX17 1QU. Limited numbers. Cost: £14 pupn plus rally fee. Electric £4 per night if required. 12-14 May at Quorn Station, Woodhouse Road, Quorn, Nr. Loughborough, LE12 8AG. Cost: £13.50 pupn + rally fee.

Motorcycle group

NORTHERN COUNTIES

Hi everyone, as you read this edition of our Newsletter, we would have had our first rally of 2023 at Houghall College, Durham, which we will report on in next month’s Newsletter. There was a commercial campsite meet at Riverside Park, Wooler. This was not an MCC Rally so no hosts were involved. However Dave Hird organised haggis, neaps and tatties on the Saturday night to celebrate Burns Night, and Neil and Jo Huggon arranged a 6 mile ramble in the cold and snowy conditions.

We have three rallies this month which are all bookable: Blucher Social Club, 3-6 March; Leyburn Auction Mart, 1719 March and lastly Kielder Campsite which is a new venue on 24-27 March. Finally, 31 March-3 April a popular group venue at Amble Foreshore which has a market on the Saturday, bootfair on the Sunday and tasty fish and chips from the local chippy.

Hopefully you have all perused the information posted on our website and Facebook pages regarding the forthcoming National Rally, with Homecraft information and party night theme. Also our Tall Ships Rally in July which is likely to prove popular and will be bookable. Please watch our website and Facebook pages for more information.

Paula & Tony Edwards

NORTHERN IRELAND

La Mon House Annual Dinner Dance Weekend. After all the months of preparation we had arrived at La Mon. Robbie Hewitt and myself began the job of getting the motorhomes parked up. Elmer and Selma also lent a hand. Then Roy and Jenny took over to park up the later comers, thank you. It was really great to see everyone on Friday evening ready to kick off the weekend by enjoying the music and dancing in the Milford suite.

Saturday after a very pleasant lie in, knowing all was going smoothly, I enjoyed joining some of you in the leisure pool and jacuzzi. Very pleased to join you all then at the sparkling wine reception before heading into the beautifully decorated room for the dinner. Thanks to the staff for the service provided that made the meal go off well. Our logo on the main balloons on either side of the stage were well admired and judging from the pictures taken with them provided a great talking point. Again, the entertainment was great and had everyone up dancing to the wee hours of the next day. Shouts of more meant he definitely earned his money, before some of us who were well relieved that all the hard work had paid off, went to bed tired but content. Others I believe took the party to a certain person’s motorhome and I believe four o’clock was seen. We will mention no names.

During the break in the entertainment on Saturday evening our raffle, which included large cash prizes, alcoholic beverages, Tropic products and a room in the hotel to use at ones’ own timescale was very well supported. Thanks to all the members who gave generously. A few birthdays were celebrated and a fifth-wedding anniversary. Thanks

to everyone who gave me cards and gifts. They were very much appreciated.

The Margaret Davidson cup which is awarded for best attendance at rallies was won by our past treasurer. In his absence his father accepted on his behalf. The Chairman took the opportunity to thank his committee and all the members without whom the rallies would not happen. He also asked for more hosts to come forward for the rallies which are forthcoming. He assured new members that if they put their name forward, he would assure them of support of an experienced past host to help them. The chairman thanked the previous webmaster for his time in post and welcomed our new webmaster. To those of you unable to join us through bereavement our illness you were in out thoughts and prayers. In conclusion I would just like to say I am looking forward to our next rally at Cookstown which will be Burns Night celebrations. Oh! and check out the gallery for pictures. Thanks everyone. Irene Hewitt

Cookstown – Burns Festivities, 27-29 January. The usual warm welcome was given by the hosts Selma, Elmer, Jenny and Roy on arrival at Cookstown Primary School.

The weekend started on Friday evening with bingo with Florence Little rattling off the numbers and Selma as referee. Luckily no red cards were required! Iris McEwan was the big winner with not one win but the jackpot as well. Make sure to buy Bob something nice Iris! After bingo we had DJ Joe Little with some lovely tunes to loosen the limbs and dance to.

Saturday morning turned out lovely and everyone headed off to do their own thing. Cookstown is a great shopping town and the centre is so close to the school. But not everyone was lucky enough to head off, there was a group of very busy beavers who were working hard making absolutely lovely table decorations and preparing the supper – I was going to thank all the ladies – Ruth and

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The oad to enjoyment starts here!

Maud Ross, Agnes Adair, Betty Stewart, Jenny Dowie, Selma Mc Mullan – then realised Davy Stirling was also an excellent help. With those cooking skills maybe you should convert the motorhome into a chip van “Davy’s Haggis & Chips”. Could be just what members need at 1am in the morning!

Everyone arrived in the hall on Saturday night for the ‘Burns Night’ and the haggis was carried in by Mervyn Ross, accompanied by the piper, Alan. The address to the haggis was given by Bob McEwan with great aplomb. After the food was served Ivan and Alex Mellon gave the address to lassies and the laddies – lots of chuckles and let's hope no cross words afterwards! Then we danced the night away to Dave Kane with yet another great session of music – he never lets us down. We also had a birthday girl – Mrs Ruth Ross. Running laps of the hall holding to that balloon she threatened to lift-off a few times but luckily she stayed safely on the ground. Many happy returns Ruth.

On Sunday morning we headed to the hall for coffee/ tea and a chat. With yet another successful Burns weekend under their belts, Selma kept it going to the last making sure to thank all who worked to make it such successful weekend and all the members for coming. The McMullan & Dowie clans did themselves and the club proud. The only thing they deserved more than the applause is a weekend of rest – so on that note please respond to our Chairman’s host appeal and have a go.

With 52 vans in total, we had two new vans – Ellie Robinson and the McGinley’s. Hope you have many miles of happy motoring. Also new members, Gerry and Janet Doherty and William Clarke. The quiz was won by Agnes Adair and the number plate draws were won by Gary Little and Andy Clarke.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and had a safe journey home and of course “Haste ye Back” to Regents House in Newtownards for Valentine’s Rally. Yvonne Little

NWM&NW

This news is quite brief as there haven't been any rallies since our Christmas party. I hope you have not been too disappointed. Maybe you have spent your time recuperating from festive activities or from the awful colds and flu which have been circulating, or perhaps, catching up with those little jobs put off during the rallying season. Have you discovered a new hobby or just binged out on box sets? Whatever it will be wonderful to meet up and share stories at some of our rallies in the new rally guide.

Unfortunately, Melody and Geoff are unable to host the rally at Tilstock Village Hall 17-19 March, due to health problems. To book this rally ring Penny 07518 271742. There is a limited number of spaces.

Hosts or volunteers to book in are still needed for 2023 rallies, so please speak to a committee member if you think you can help. Contact details for the rally officers, Jon and Elaine: email nwmnwrally@hotmail.com or mobile 07525 851394.

Upcoming rallies: 17-19 March at Tilstock Village Hall,

Crabmill Meadow, Main Street, Tilstock, SY13 3JL. Limited space. No arrivals before 1pm. To book, please ring Penny 07518 271742. 7-11 April at Greenhous West Mids Showground, Gravel Hill Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 2PF. Easter rally, no need to book, plenty of room. No arrivals before 12 noon. 28 April-1 May at Weston Park, Weston under Lizard Shropshire TF11 8LE. Plant fair, plenty of room.

SCOTTISH

Hi everyone, as I write this we have unusual early spring-like weather, it is even fooling the plants. Fingers crossed that we keep this weather through March as we herald the start of the rally season here in Scotland.

We have a special rally to look forward to in June, 15 to 19 June is our postponed celebration of 60 years of the MCC at the Old Airfield in Montrose. It is a huge field so plenty of space for visitors plus a beautiful spot on the edge of the sand dunes. Montrose Old Airfield has the distinction of being the first operational military airfield in Great Britain, there is a Heritage Centre a short walk away which shows the human side of its history with a collection of contemporary photographs, artefacts etc.

Two rallies this month, 16-20 March at Cairnsmill Campsite on the edge of St Andrews only £14 pupn for full site facilities. Pleasant 30 minute into the centre of town or you can catch the bus just outside the site. If you haven’t booked yet, you can via via our website. We also have use of a room for socialising.

The second rally is 20-24 March and is just along the coast at Tayport Caravan site. This is £19 pupn for full site facilities. The site is on the coast, short walk into the village centre, bus stop at site for trips to Dundee and next to beautiful nature reserve. Seals, snow bunting and shifting sands, there's something for everyone at Tentsmuir. Whether you want to explore some of the paths and trails, take in the magnificent views at the beach or spend time in one of the bird hides looking out for rarities, Tentsmuir has it all. There is also a very good cafe next to the site and a friendly pub a short walk away. Once again you can book via our website.

Upcoming rallies: 13-17 April at Foresterseat Campsite, Forfar. 7-10 July at Strathallan Games Park, Bridge of Allan for three nights.

We are short of hosts for one or two of our rallies and welcome offers of help, just message either via our Facebook page or website. Have a good month, regards JanB

SEVERN VALLEY

Hello everyone. We have no rallies to report on. Our next rally is 10-12 March, which is also our EGM on 11th March at Yew Tree Farm, Pound Bank, Kidderminster DY14 9RE. Please remember to bring your membership cards to gain access to the EGM meeting, which starts at 10.30am.

Mike Moloney has kindly taken up the position of secretary on a temporary basis until we can find a suitable

candidate, if anyone is interested in the position please contact Mike. His details can be found in the club magazine.

Our long standing Group Auditor and President, Derrick Lawton, has now retired after many years of great service to the group. He was presented with a bottle of whiskey and an engraved glass as thanks for his help and service to Severn Valley. He has sold his motorhome but will still meet up with us where possible and he continues to be our President.

SWP

Hello everyone. The scribe, aka Barbs Noble, Secretary, together with hubby Ray, Group Chair, and their dog Alice are now back, having celebrated Christmas and New Year and several adventures throughout January in France.

In the meantime, Mel Maddocks has written this report: 16 vans in total (11 SWP and five from other groups) arrived at Trevarrian Holiday Park for the New Year Rally. The weather was diabolical to say the least, but everyone enjoyed it despite the rain and gales! Some took the bus to Padstow or Newquay during the four day rally and some enjoyed a lovely dip in the site’s heated pool.

Thursday night we all got together for a social and enjoyed live music by Arthur – most enjoyed a dance or two. Friday night early evening we had a very competitive game of ten pin bowling followed by a basket meal enjoyed by all. Later we had bingo with top prizes of £60 and £70. Saturday night was a brilliant disco by Jamie, who got everyone foot tapping and dancing, even down to ‘Row Upside Your Head’ song. Great evening which saw us leaving about 1am!

Sunday morning we had coffee morning and raffle –some didn’t make it after such a good night! Maybe next year we should have coffee morning later. All in all a really

good New Year rally. Scribe’s footnote to thank Sue and Royston for hosting their first and successful rally.

Hopefully everyone has noted the change to our April programme that the rally being held at Trevornick has been brought forward to 6-10 April (4 nights) and will now be held over the Easter holiday break and we have also reduced the rally fee to £20 pupn.

Please remember if any further changes to the rally programme are necessary they will be notified to all MCC members through monthly newsletters, MCC website, together with our Facebook page. The rally programme is also kept up to date on the SWP website.

This year’s National Rally is to be held at Three Counties Showground, Malvern. Names for Group Marshals are being asked for; each Group can have two pitches and arrive from 2pm Wednesday 24th May and attend the Group Marshals’ Information Meeting 6pm that evening. If any SWP member is attending and wishes to be a marshal, please get in touch with Barbs Noble.

Finally, if you have any snippets of news that might be of interest, please send them to Scribe Barbs Noble – the deadline for April Group News is 5th March 2023.

Upcoming rallies: 23-26 March at Camping Caradon, Looe, PL13 2NA including evening disco. 6-10 April is our Easter rally at Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay, TR8 5PW (revised rally dates). 10-15 May at Little Winnick Touring Park, PL26 6DL. Fingers crossed for the sausage sizzle.

S&W WALES

Hello again to you all; I hope you are keeping warm and safe as the last of the winter weather continues but thank goodness Spring is nearly here.

29 December-2 January – Princess Gwenllian Centre, Kidwelly. The venue for our New Year rally was one of our favourites in the winter time. Many of us were glad to see the back of 2022 and were ready to welcome in 2023. There were 24 vans including Pat and Paul from Nene Valley, regular visitors, who brought four first timers – Jane, Pat’s sister and her husband Dennis, and their good friends Peggy and Alan. The hosts, Sue and Keith with Muriel and Dave, took full advantage of having a warm welcoming hall and had something going on most of the time. It was open all day with hot drinks available which drew the members in to chat, knit or do a jigsaw puzzle.

Thursday started with a few games of bingo followed by a free draw. The music themed quiz was set by John Davies and won by the ‘Hosters’. On Friday night the quiz was set by the hosts and won by ‘The Young Ones’. The free raffles over the weekend were won by Paul, Tracey and Carol.

New Year’s Eve started slowly with Keith putting on a firm show in the afternoon. Decorating the tables followed which all looked very festive. Due to Covid American Suppers are no longer advised so members brought their own cheeseboards, snacks and festive drinks.

The live entertainment was Caron Kenneddy who, as Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner and finally herself had us dancing

Severn Valley group

most of the night. She had a good personality so there was some good humoured banter and she had Tony up for a bit of a skit too. 2022 was well and truly seen out of the door and the party went on well into the small hours.

On new year’s morning the hosts were delighted to find Jan already sweeping up and she was joined by Barry who declared himself the late shift. Thank you to them for their help; special thanks to Ibrie who dealt with the feathers the night before (you had to be there).

The coffee morning was at noon with the general raffle and a goodbye to those leaving early. In the afternoon there were more films in the hall and, for rugby followers, there was a warm welcome and low priced beer at the local rugby club. At 6pm the curling competition started, as usual it was women against men with teams of ten and ten games played. The first round was won by the men but had VAR been in use that may not have been the outcome – Yes, you Chris! The women won the second round with much muttering from the men’s team – tough!

The hosts wish to give very grateful thanks to all who attended this rally, you made it easy by being so friendly and joining in, and we know that some members have made new friends this weekend. Thank you to the Nene Valley members for their kind words when leaving. Thanks to Muriel Butt for this report.

A reminder to everyone to note that there are more bookable rallies this year and to book with the rally officer where appropriate; Keith would also request that you notify him if you are then unable to attend so that your place can be offered to the reserve list.

Special message from Christine: On 25th March at Baskerville Hall, Hay on Wye there will be a celebration of the life of Kevin Bearne. All our group are welcome; those wishing to attend must book directly with Baskerville Hall.

Upcoming rallies: 16-20 March at Dunvant Rugby Club SA2 7RU. Starts 2pm. 31 March-2 April at Dan yr Ogof Caves, SA9 1GJ. Excellent site in stunning setting with walks and amazing caves and farm to visit. Bookable. Starts 2pm. 6-11 April at High Tide Inn, Porthcawl CF36 5BT. Coastal site, level walks to interesting town. Bookable. Starts 2pm. 27 April-2 May at Sully Sports & Social Club CF64 5SP. Coastal site, sea views. Bookable. Starts 2pm. For all bookable rallies please contact our rally officer on 07791574227 or keithjhoward17@gmail.com.

SUSSEX

A warm welcome to you all. Thanks to everyone who attended the soup meet at Dial Post, we had 38 members, including Mike and Sheralyn joining us for the first time. The soups, made by Carole, Mary, Jackie and myself went down a treat, warming us all up on the cold January afternoon. An enjoyable time was had, including the lovely cake baked by George. It was nice to see so many familiar faces, catching up with all the news and gossip. We were sad to learn that some long standing members, Brian and Sue, Barry and Di, no longer have their vans. However we look forward to seeing them as possible visitors to future meets. You will be missed.

If you have not received your 2023 programme for Sussex group events, either from the soup meet or by post, please let someone on the committee know.

Upcoming events are SEAL (Bunn Leisure) in Selsey, 10-13 March. Please contact Carole Bennett if you need further details. The Easter Meet, 6-10 April is at St Richards College, Bexhill, hosted by Kent group. Booking is required so check their magazine page or website for details. It’s always nice to support our neighbours, especially when we share our venues. Bexhill is a well known and well loved area for our rallies, with lots of local attractions adding to a full timetable of activities organised by the Kent committee.

The Coronation rally has been changed from Lancing to Easebourne School, Wheelbarrow Castle, Easebourne, GU29 9AG, 5-8 May. Bring your flags, bunting, Union flag clothes and let’s celebrate this historic event. More details will follow. Well done to Marilyn for being able to find an alternative location. I look forward to seeing you at a rally soon. Jo

WEST WESSEX

The ‘Blues Festival’ Rally at Herston Farm in Swanage is from 2-6 March and late bookings are very welcome. We still need hosts for two rallies this year so please consider volunteering to host or assist a host. Please see the West Wessex website or our Facebook page for details of the Easter Rally and Coronation Meet. Some details are yet to be confirmed as I write at the beginning of February. Our Rally Officer, Andy, will answer any queries on 07746 058602.

YORKSHIRE

Hello everyone, it's Paul again this month. Only one rally to report on, which was at the Rolls Royce Social Club at Barnoldswick. There were only 6 vans in attendance for a very cold weekend. There was snow on the ground but not a lot, however that together with overnight frosts and low daytime temperatures made it treacherous underfoot in places. Having said that Friday and Saturday were sunny.

On the Friday evening most of us had a go at the quiz and we were doing well until the music round! On the Saturday some people went and followed the ice sculpture trail in the town centre, whilst others, hardier (or dafter) went walking. Unusually for the club there was no singer on during the evening but that did make it easier to chat amongst ourselves over a glass or two of something medicinal. On Sunday, three of us stayed to have Sunday dinner in the club before setting off back homewards.

Don’t forget we are always looking for hosts so if you would like to either host or just help, please contact a member of the committee. Thanks. Paul (Chairman)

Upcoming rallies: 10-12 March at Skipton Auction Mart. 24-26 March at Marsden Rally (bookable). 6-11 April is our Easter Rally at Eskdale school, Whitby and 19-24 April at Bridlington Yacht Club, please note that this is now bookable.

The ROAD to NOWHERE

The road to King’s Lynn goes nowhere else and since no one passes through on the way to another destination, it is seldom mentioned on tourist maps. Yet Lynn (as it's known by locals) has been one of the most important conurbations in England. First mentioned in the Doomsday book in 1086, the town flourished in the Middle Ages, becoming an important port and trading post that was so significantly wealthy that it became home to two medieval market

places; one of which remains the largest in England. There are over 450 listed buildings, including a fine collection of medieval architecture. The town also boasts two medieval guildhalls, one of which is the largest in England and contains a theatre once graced by Shakespeare.

There is so much more to do and see in King’s Lynn than one day will allow, it might be prudent to book a stay at the Club’s Hytten CL in Terrington St Clement, run by Angela and David Allen, and engage

the services of a private tour guide. For us, this is one of our greatest indulgences when travelling, which is how we came to have Ivor Rowlands, of King’s Lynn Town Guides as our guide as we toured the town.

We began our tour at Stories of Lynn, a museum that is home to one of the country’s finest and most accessible borough archives. The archive contains documents dating back to the 13th century, which includes King John’s royal charter of 1204 and the Red Register, which

During their tour of Norfolk Frances and Michael Howorth discover King’s Lynn, a town steeped in maritime history that tourists seldom stop in.

South Gate entrance to King's Lynn

Nelson Street

The Town Hall

Captain George Vancouver's statue in King's Lynn

dates from 1307, and is the oldest complete paper archival book in England. The museum also houses the King John Cup, a very rare 14th-century example of a secular medieval drinking vessel, lavishly decorated in gilt and enamel.

Ivor then took us to King’s Lynn Minster, containing a unique C17 tide clock and the two largest medieval memorial brasses in England. We visited St Nicholas’ Chapel, the largest Chapel of Ease in England which houses the finest example of a medieval angel roof in England and a rare consistory court which was recently renovated. Just be sure not to ask the chapel’s guardian to show you the tomb of Robinson Crusoe! Outside the chapel the somewhat dilapidated-looking Exorcist’s House makes for a quirky photograph.

In his heyday, William Shakespeare performed his plays

shutterstock.com/Andy333

all around England. His leading comic actor Robert Armin was born in King's Lynn and appeared on stage here. But of all the theatres Shakespeare ever performed in, only one remains and it is still in use today, making St George’s Guildhall England’s oldest working playhouse.

Described as ‘one of the most perfect buildings in England’, the C17 Custom House on the quay at Purfleet was used as a customs house from the 18th century until 1989, playing an important part in Lynn’s rich maritime history.

King’s Lynn has also been the

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welcome whether you’re a club member or not. We have drawn on our 25 years as motorhomers, collating all the best bits from the many sites we have visited over the years. The pitches are all wide hardstanding, with a 10amp hook up and your own grass area to spread out on, the site sits up on a hill over looking the sea with amazing views. On site facilities include a unique summer kitchen, where everyone can chat, relax and eat under cover, there’s a barbeque and pizza oven for you to use, or sit and relax by the open fire with a bottle or two. We like to make sure you’re warm and comfortable so the shower block is heated, with two large rooms, and to top it off the gardens are just splendid. Pets are welcome; the dog walks along the shore are great, there’s plenty of wildlife to watch. So as you can see it’s well worth a visit at just £25 per night all in.

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St Margaret Church (far left); Tour guide Ivor Rowlands (left) and Exorcist's house (above).

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Static Caravans • Motorhomes

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A family site within a short walking distance of Wadebridge town.

Come and explore beautiful Poldark country, only 10 mins drive from the fishing village Port Isaac, of Doc Martin fame, Rock and Padstow with many restaurants, including the famous Rick Stein.

We are only a few minutes cycle ride down into town where you can join the Camel trail either along the estuary to Padstow or inland towards Bodmin moor – both are very scenic.

HOLIDAY PARK

home of some great explorers and navigators, in particular Captain George Vancouver who was renowned for having charted around 5,000 miles of the west coast of North America. His statue stands proudly on Purfleet Quay just outside Custom House. Having negotiated sovereignty of, and given his name to Vancouver Island off the coast of what is now Canada, Captain Vancouver declared that it was impossible to sail across the top of the continent. How ironic that Samuel Creswell, the man who became the first to traverse the North–West passage, lived within sight of where Captain Vancouver’s statue now stands!

They were not the only King’s Lynn-based explorers to have contact with North America.

Thomas Sandwell, one of the richest merchants of his time, entertained Sir Walter Raleigh at his home, and Captain John Smith was one of

his apprentices before he went to Virginia and met Pocahontas. Later still, Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson was born at Burnham Thorpe about 20 miles north of King’s Lynn and learnt to sail on the local waters.

The North End was once the home of King’s Lynn’s fishing community. Only two cottages survived the slum clearances of the 1930s and 60s, and it is inside these two buildings that True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum celebrates the heritage of this community. The

history of fishing and local craft is also being kept afloat thanks to the efforts of the Worfolk Boat Trust. Following years of hard work, the trust now proudly sail Baden Powell, the unique 10m double-ended cockling boat (pictured above) on summer cruises.

If all this history leaves you craving nourishment, fear not. Try Norbury’s deli for coffee and tasty sourdough sandwiches. If coffee doesn't cut it, then a trip to craft ale house Nip and Growler might be in order. Still seeking a higher alcohol proof? Then pop along King Street to find WhataHoot Gin distillery, created by Nicky and Jason Crown in 2017. They are so good at what they do that couples can take lessons from the masters and create their very own product in the Gin School. Best not to drink too much of it before you settle behind the wheel of your motorhome, otherwise the road to nowhere might lead you somewhere you would rather not go!

Jason and Nicky Crown owners of Whata Hoot Gin distillery.

Above: Purfleet Quay with Custom House in the background. Left: Baden Powell sailing on the River Great Ouse.

Beach nearby | Campers kitchen | Dogs admitted on lead | Electricity points | Playground | Rally group facility | Showers | Swimming pool | FreeWiFi 5 min walk to Wexford town

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Situated on the beautiful Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland Highview Holiday Park is the ideal location to experience all of the great attractions on the North Coast. Great sightseeing at the Giants Causeway, Dunluce castle, Ballintoy, Ballycastle and only 2 minutes from Portrush NI’s favourite holiday resort. If you like walking, cycling, water sports and fine dining then this is the place for you.

Creveen Lodge Caravan & Camping Park

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Battlebridge Caravan and Camping Park

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“The

SAINTS & SCHOLARS THE LAND OF

If the fast pace of motor caravanning in the UK has left you yearning for a slower, more authentic experience, then the southeast of Ireland could well be the perfect antidote. Irelands' ancient east is a motorcaravan touring destination that takes in an amazing 5,000 years of history. With tombs older than Egyptian pyramids and Palladian mansions such as Powerscourt and Cashel, nowhere in Europe offers such a wealth of heritage in such an intimate geographical space. We drove from Dublin to Rosslare connecting the past and present. Our journey through Kilkenny, Cashel, Cork, Cobh and Waterford was a personal first as we enjoyed a relaxing and beautiful landscape.

It began with a voyage, as

all good adventures do! We sailed from Holyhead on the tip of Anglesey to Dublin aboard W B Yeats, a Superferry operated by Irish Ferries, on the second of their twice daily four-hour sailings. relaxing in the club class lounge we arrived in no time and within halfan-hour of docking were parked up at Camac Valley Campsite, our home for the night. The site was a little noisy from our point of view but nevertheless it is extremely well placed for those seeking the cultural delights that Dublin has to offer.

Mountains, waterfalls and distilleries

Despite the lure of Dublin we were after more rural pursuits and our first day saw us heading for the Wicklow mountains, calling in first at the Powerscourt Estate then on through the Sally Gap towards Gledalough. Powerscourt, a stately home owned by the Slazenger (tennis) family was devastated by fire in 1974 and rather than rebuild it as a home, they have turned the estate into a thriving commercial enterprise. The gardens, said to be the third best gardens in the world, are undoubtably Ireland's finest, with 47 acres of landscaped delight to be enjoyed alongside a riverside walk. Take your time and don’t forget the camera. The pretty, 121m high Powerscourt waterfall is said to have inspired the composer Handle >>

Frances & Michael Howorth visit the east and southeast coasts of the Republic of Ireland, tasting the delights and taking in the sights that the enchanting Emerald Isle has to offer

Powerscourt stately house and gardens

W B Yeats, operated by Irish Ferries

and is Ireland’s tallest waterfall. Over 50 movies and TV series have been filmed here and it is easy to see why.

Elsewhere on the estate is a garden centre and a selection of up-market shops and a whiskey distillery. Yes, the extra letter in the spelling of whiskey is deliberate because, say the locals, “Irish Whiskey is different.” Who better to describe that difference than our host Santina Kennedy, whose family has been working the land hereabouts since the early 1800s. Santina runs whiskey tastings and specialises in pairing local speciality food with the range of Fercullen Irish whiskeys. Local entrepreneurs; Gerry Ginty and Ashley Gardiner, co-founded the project and teamed up with the Slazenger family to open the distillery in 2018. Their first release; Fercullen Falls, was a 50/50 blend of single malt and single grain whiskey.

blanket bog and heather towards Glendalough, often called the Valley of Two Lakes. A large car park allows campervans easy access to both the lakes and the surrounding ruins of early medieval monastic settlements. But be warned, it is somewhat unfriendly to motor homers, charging four times the cost of a car entry and then insisting that all vans leave at dusk. Lakeside walks and a well-done visitor interpretation centre explaining the ruins are the draw here and, car parking charges aside, it is a very pretty stopover.

Food

up with the Slazenger family

The Wicklow Mountains National Park extends over 50,000 acres of rugged wilderness. The road through the remote Sally Gap Mountain Pass follows an old military route that winds through

Cahir, both renowned for their taste of Ireland this was our a grandfather in 1900. Back

using barm, the fermented yeast that brewers threw away. Today the shop sells everything from fresh, from apple pies to soughdough loaves, all made on the premises. If you buy nothing else from Nuala, we challenge you not to buy a Bram Brack after you have tasted a slice.

traditional yeast-risen fruit loaf

Tipperary’s Holy Glen is a foodies delight encompassing as it does, the towns of Clonmel Cashel and Cahir, both renowned for their local produce. Eager to get the taste of Ireland this was our next destination. In Clonmel we found Nuala Hickey hard at work in Hickey’s Bakery, a business created by her great, great grandfather in 1900. Back then, in what is now the high street shop, the Hickey family lived, baked and sold their bread to surrounding villagers. They became famous for their own personal twist on Barm Brack, a traditional yeast-risen fruit loaf which, back in the day, was made

The Rock of Cashel knocks all the other royal and religious ruins into a cocked hat and is truly a sight to behold

Ruin of the Cathedral at Rock of Cashel

Wicklow Mountains National Park shutterstock.com/Arndale

The shop is also a wonderful outlet for other local products brought to market by a cleverly conceived consortium of local producers known as the Tipperary Food Producers. Each helps promote the products of their fellow networkers in a system that seems to work well.

Not far away from the bakery is The Apple Farm run by the network’s founder, Con Traas. Apples have been grown in this area for hundreds of years, and since 1968 Con and his family have been planting more orchards to increase their supply. As well as apples, they grow pears, plums, sweet cherries, strawberries and raspberries. When not busy with this, they make apple juice, and mixed juices from the other fruits; all created right here on the farm. They even make jams, jellies, a sparkling apple juice, and cider vinegar here

too. The farm shop, from which produce is available, is open all year round and in the summer season, motorcaravanners can overnight on the farm’s very own Camping and Caravan Park.

mentioning in a motor piece, is their delicious selection of fresh, well prepared, ready to cook meals. They

dining out each evening.

It was while we were in Clonmel that we discovered James Whelan, a small but delightfully well-managed chain of butcher's shops with 13 outlets in and around the area. What makes them worth mentioning in a motor caravan touring piece, is their delicious selection of fresh, well prepared, ready to cook meals. They are ideal for small, van-sized ovens and, after a day of sightseeing, are a tasty, timesaving and cheaper alternative to dining out each evening.

On towards Cashel and our mission to find a shop selling Cashel Blue cheese. In 1978, Louis Grubb was milking 80 cows on his farm, when Jane, his wife, suggested that they should start making cheese with some of the milk. At the time, nobody else made blue cheese in Ireland so Jane and Louis called their cheese Cashel Blue. After some time, they added a small flock of milking sheep and they used this to create Crozier Blue. These cheeses are not the only foodie delights on offer in Cashel. Part of the Cashel Palace Hotel, Mikey Ryan's Bar and Kitchen, on Main Street is a distinctly Irish gastropub, with a ‘cooking from scratch’ ethos and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients; they offer guests a true ‘Taste of Tipperary’.

History

There is more than just good food in Cashel. Standing majestically above the vales of Tipperary and dominating the landscape, is a tight cluster of turrets and towers that are called the Rock of Cashel. This ecclesiastical ruin, dating back to the 4th century AD, knocks all the other royal and religious ruins into >>

Voyager Powerscourt Waterfall

Cote de Boeuf for two for Dinner at Mikey Ryans Bar & Kitchen

Hickeys Bakery

Louis Grubb

a cocked hat and is truly a sight to behold. The intriguing and complex story behind its history is best explained by a guide, but do take your time and a camera after the tour and linger longer to take in and capture its magnificence and the views.

We confess we are new converts to the concept of hiring tour guides, but having done so a year or so back, we are now great advocates of the practise and take advantage of guided tours whenever they are available. Seldom pricey, they offer real insight, not always obvious to a first-time sightseer and they truly enhance the visitor experience. So it was that we joined a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle, one of Ireland's top three historical sites. Built in 1195, it controlled the fording of the river Nore and the junction of several wagon routes across the county. It was a symbol of Norman occupation and formed an important element of the defences of the town, with its four large towers and a massive moat, part of which can still be seen today. In 1391, the castle became the seat to a very powerful family, the Butlers of Ormonde, who had arrived in Ireland with the Norman invasion. Their dynasty then ruled the surrounding area for centuries, growing rich on royal patronage and taxes they imposed on the sale of wine. The Butler family remained living in the castle until 1935, when it, and its contents, were sold for just £6,000, only to lay abandoned for the next thirty years. Now owned by

the people of Kilkenny, it has been restored and, full of stories, it is well worth visiting.

Parking a motor caravan in Kilkenny is not easy, but if you have been lucky enough to find a spot, still have time on the meter, and you like the taste of beer, then why not try the Smithwick Experience. In what was the original brewery on Parliament Square, the story of Ireland's oldest ale begins to unfold. Now more a tourist attraction than a brewery tour, the experience is led by a well scripted guide, who explains the history of the ale and introduces visitors to members of the Smithwick family, in what might best be described as the Harry Potter room, given its talking portraits! From there, the guide tours the building explaining what would have taken place using original machinery and clever modern representations. The visitor then finds themselves in a chemistry classroom setting, where the guide, in full secondary school teacher-mode, invites you, his pupils, to sample the ale in its raw, dry ingredient format. Inevitably and rather pleasingly, the tour

finishes in the bar with a glass or two of the finished products. The tour is expensive, but slickly presented rather like the Guinness Experience in Dublin. Little wonder really, when you learn Smithwicks sold out to Guinness in 1965.

Agood place for families with young children to base a van tour hereabouts is the Parsons Green Pet Farm, Caravan and Camping Park. Located in Clogheen, in a beautiful valley between the Knockmealdown and the Galtee mountains, it is possible to tour the area from there and allow small children to enjoy all the activities the park is famous for. The three-star resort is also within walking distance of lush pine forests.

Culture

Cork may well be the second largest city in Ireland, but it has a pleasing and welcoming large town feel about it. Because it is so widelyvisited, the city is well served when it comes to guided tours and we had a wide choice of options. So it was that Noel, a guide from Cork City

Kilkenny Castle

one of the founders of Cashel Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers

Entrance to Smithwicks Experience and our guide during the tour (right)

New motorhome park located on Ireland's Ancient East, boasting spectacular sea-views of both sites of the Norman invasion of Ireland. Fall asleep to the sound of the waves and awaken, refreshed, to the sun rising over the Saltee Islands. Open all year.

Ramble, met us at the tourist office and began an hour-long walking tour of the city. A former journalist with the city’s daily newspapers, Noel saw things with his reporter’s eye and brought the city’s history to light in a way that only a good storyteller can. The city is known as the culinary capital of Ireland, where you are actively encouraged to gorge. And there is no better introduction to Cork's foodie scene than the fantastic English Market dating back to the 18th century. Little wonder that Noel ended his tour there and left us to wander the covered market and marvel at the stores.

This food emporium is a place where local and exotic coexist, creating both a tourist destination and a shopping experience alike. On offer are; cheeses, pasta, olives and cured meats; sauces, oils, sausages and sushi; exotic spices, herbs and an abundance of beans and rice. The market takes on the ambitious

role of meeting the culinary tastes of a modern and diverse new audience. It has deliberately married all of these things with local and traditional fare.

Showcasing local and traditional produce on critically acclaimed plates of food, the Farmgate Restaurant in the upstairs gallery opened in 1994. Shaping its menu using produce on sale from the stalls below, the Farmgate encapsulates the very essence of the values that have sustained the English Market across four centuries.

Not so very far away, lies the town of Cobh built on Great Island in Cork city’s harbour. Originally

named Queenstown after the visit of Queen Victoria in 1849, the town is famous as the last port of call for RMS Titanic. It was from, here in 1912 that she sailed, setting out on her maiden and ultimately only ocean voyage. Equally tragic, Cobh is where the survivors of Lusitania were brought ashore after the liner was torpedoed 11 miles off the Irish coast by an enemy submarine in World War One. Of the 1,962 passengers and crew on board at the time, 1,198 lost their lives. In the hours after the sinking, acts of heroism amongst both the survivors and the Irish rescuers responding to distress signals brought the survivor count to 764, three of whom later died.

Michael Martin, the founder of Titanic Trail, a daily guided walking tour of Cobh, met us outside the Commodore Hotel and as we walked, we learned all there was to know about these stories and how Cobh played its part in their making. It was fascinating!

What's in a name?

The name Waterford comes from an old Norse word Vedrarfjordr and can be traced back to the 9th century. Vedrarfjordr is believed to come from either 'ford of the rams' which could refer to the export of sheep from the area, or 'windy fjord' because Waterford was considered safe harbour by them. “It is not,”

There is no better introduction to Cork's foodie scene than the fantastic English Market dating back to the 18th century

Bogacki

Cobh town harbour

Bank of the river Lee in Cork shutterstock.com/Madrugada Verde

Noel, our guide in Cork

crinkled and said, “I kid you not! Most of my American customers think it was!” We are quite sure that Jack has kissed the famous stone at Blarney Castle, about 5 miles away from Cork, because his well

you want to hear the gift of the gab first-hand, as he describes the rogues, rakes, rascals, reprobates, and revolutionaries who made up Waterford’s history, then Jack is your man!

The Complete Conversion Company

Our lightening tour of this, the land of saints and scholars, was just about over. We drove to Ferrybank, spent the night in a caravan park that overlooks the stunningly Wexford Bay and, in the early light of dawn drove into Rosslare, where our Irish Ferry was docked, waiting to whisk us to Pembroke in Wales. As we passed through Wales, rumbling over the Severn Bridge entering England, we commented on the fact that inside just five hours we had driven in three different countries without even crossing the English Channel.

Freelance travel journalists and MCC members, Frances and Michael Howorth, tour in their own custombuilt campervan. Converted from a LWB Fiat Ducato Maxi, Voyager is their pride and joy, come mobile office and home from home.

CONVERSION - MOTORHOME SALES

• All motorhome conversions sold with one year warranty, full years MOT and fully serviced

• Any new and used vans supplied for conversion e.g. SWB transit/LWB transit/VW T4

• Part exchange on motorhomes and cars

Essential for the ongoing safety & condition of your motorhome, annual checks are a must if you want to avoid future problems. Our mobile habitation service comes with a full set of approved workshop service sheets including dated service sticker. Our services cover ALL manufacturer warranty requirements.

- FULL ANNUAL SERVICE £140

- FULL DAMP INSPECTION £60

- FULL GAS SAFETY TEST £60

- 230V ELECTRICAL P.I.R £160

- APPLIANCE SERVICING FROM £80

- PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION FROM £60

- ALDE GLYCOL CHANGE £200

- FLOOR DELAMINATION FROM £200

English Market in Prince's Street

Campsite Directory

Camping Los Gallardos

R.T.A: AL- 4-04-0017

In sunny Almería, Spain - It’s Europe’s sunniest spot!

• Family run, category 2 peaceful, community campsite in the south of Spain - near Mojácar

• Bowling greens

• Busy bar, restaurant & shop

• Full services (Inc: UKTV hookup & much more)

• Full service pitches available

+ (34) 950 528 324

www.campinglosgallardos.com

“Possibly the friendliest adult only caravan site in Suffolk”

“Possibly the friendliest adult only caravan site in Suffolk”

www.runcottage.co.uk Call 01394 411 309 info@runcottage.co.uk

Whether you love the seaside or want to explore the Lakes, Stanwix park is the place!

Self Catering Apartments and Caravans to hire for 3, 4 and 7 night breaks. Camping Pods and fully serviced pitches for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes.

www.stanwix.com / Tel: 01697332666

7 DAY SPECIALS FOR OVER 50S

Riverside is a quiet, secluded countryside park. Convenient for easy access to the beautiful South Hams’ beaches, Dartmoor National Park, Cornwall and Brittany Ferries port.

T: 01752 344 122

E: office@riversidecaravanpark.com www.riversidecaravanpark.co.uk

Family-run park overlooking Port-Eynon Bay. Pitches for motorcaravans, tourers and glamping pods, as well as self-catering bungalows. Within walking-distance of the beach. Clubhouse with licensed bar, serving meals. WiFi. Grocery shop & laundrette. Outdoor heated swimming pool. Children’s play area. Tennis court. Booking advised for bank/school holidays. Open 1st March until New Years Day. 01792 687205 www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk

TECH TALK with Gentleman Jack

In this series of Tech Talk we will be looking at various sub-groups of fascinating motorcaravans and at some of their design features, all from an historical perspective. This month:

TALL TALES part 1

An early DIY ‘Bancroft’ motorcaravan had a standard-height roof, because I couldn’t afford an afterfit high-top or an elevating-roof. The club chairman at the time commented (rather mischievously) that, “Every time I banged my head, I should remind myself how much money I’d saved”. That ‘throw-away’ comment sums-up the principal advantage of elevatingroofs, which is that they offer standing room when in residential mode, but add little height to the base vehicle when the roof is

lowered. This aids fuel economy and allows access to many, but not all, multi-storey and underground carparks, plus to areas with ‘the dreaded’ height barriers. [1] shows a rear-hinged roof on a ‘Westie’ (1981 Westfalia conversion, photographed in 2018). It represents what most folk think of as a typical elevatingroof campervan. However, [2] shows a much earlier first generation

of Westfalia campervan, the ‘Camping-Box’ on a VW ‘Splitty’. Interestingly, the elevating-roof didn’t have any sides, hence its nickname ‘the submarine hatch’. Elevating-roofs and their aperture frames are not cheap because they must be well-engineered using quality materials, and – as a result - fulfil the requirement of buildingin the same amount (or more) strength that has been cut-away. Important when making large holes in the main structure! As stated last month, it is always

a hostage to fortune to claim anything to be ‘the first’, though here we go again! The earliest easily deployed/retracted elevating-roof motorcaravan (I can trace) was designed and owned by a dentist based in California during the midto-late 1920’s. ‘Based’ because his Dodge motorcaravan was also a mobile dentist surgery. He went away for weeks at a time living and working in it, in his quest to reach the rural poor. An early example of ‘care in the community’. Also ‘over the pond’ is this wonderful streamlined camping-car [3] hand-fettled on a 1933 Studebaker chassis. It isn’t clear who built this (and three others), but it was designed by the pictured example’s

first owner, a watchmaker named Walter J Thompson. It is now in preservation after a light restoration, and is fully functional.

I recall that the first elevatingroof motorcaravan from a British volume converter was by Maurice Calthorpe. This photo of a later Calthorpe [4] on Thames (Ford) van is from an early 1960’s club magazine. However, the design of the roof was basically unchanged from his 1950’s original. The bowed roof top was pulled-down inside the `van for travel. Martin Walter of Folkestone, Kent, popularised their candy-striped canvas-sided hinged rising-roof after fitting it to their Bedford CA Dormobile Caravan [5]

A glazed GRP roof cap was designed and moulded in-house. The pictured example is an early ‘porthole’ model, later examples had a longer cap, which included the cab area. More of these CA’s were produced than any other motorcaravan from a UK based manufacturer…to this day! In addition, they sold the roofs to other UK converters including J P White (Devon).

A short distance away from the Martin Walter factory was Doverbased Kennex Coachworks. The 1960 Standard Atlas based Carefree [6] features a vertical extending roof, which offered the biggest possible area with full standingheight. Price for the Carefree was

continued on p56

continued from p55

from £800, though this was for the spectacularly-underpowered version with the 948cc engine pinched from the Triumph Herald. Also from that saloon car range was the optional extra-cost, just-about-adequate, 1147cc engine. A year later the Atlas Major version was launched with a Standard Ensign 1670cc engine, which was the power plant it should have been fitted with from launch. Note the one-piece sidehinged rear door, a design signature of the Atlas.

Nearly all motorcaravans were/ are converted by companies other than the base vehicle manufacturer. An exception was Commer’s own Caravan [7], which was affectionately known by club members as the ‘Commer Commer’. These appealing `vans were

conversions of the multi-window de-luxe specification minibus derivative, rather than of the basic panel van. Commer was a frequent advertiser in the club magazine, in which their artwork was in black and white, whereas this one from Motor magazine archives, was ‘tinted’.

Next up is the Bedmobile Ranger [8], an oddity from Taylor Motor Bodies of Sedgeford (nr Kings Lynn). Question: “What is better than a campervan with an elevating-roof?” Answer: A campervan with two elevating-roofs. Blue-skies thinking by the talented designers suggested the system of mounting the elevating roof(s) on a demountable rack above the original roof. The latter had an access hatch cut into it, and was fitted with a concertina fabric cover, similar to period sunroofs. Decades

later, Motorhomes International of Berkhampsted designed and patented their Spacemaker roof [9]. This extended sideways as well as upwards, facilitating a full-size double-bed in the roof of a `van of very modest dimensions. Pictured example is on a compact Mitsubishi L 300, although it was available throughout the MI range, including on the diminutive rear-engine Fiat 850/900T.

Recently, elevating-roofs have been added to the crown of hightop motorcaravans, such as on this 2023 Auto-Trail Adventure [10]. This allows the deployment of a huge ‘attic’ bedroom without compromising the main salon. Junior club members and/or stargazers, will love it up there in a world of their own!

More Tall Tales next month…

twenty ve

Frances & Michael Howorth look back at 25 years of the insurance and security market for motorcaravans and asks what will it be like 25 years from now?

In the last 25 years a great deal has changed. Look back and think about 1998, a full two years before we began to panic about the year 2K and what would happen to computers when 1999 turned into the year 2000. Back then, campervans and motorhomes were a lot less complex than they are today and, if truth were known, a little less well thought of.

Back in 1998 an Auto-Sleeper Symphony 270M, based on a

Peugeot Boxer with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, would have cost £25,368. In the late 90s, we were still being told that diesel fuel was a cleaner, cheaper, alternative to petrol and many buyers shelled out an extra £3,777 to buy the 350M, a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel version. Today a similar van costs around £73,000. Campervan costs have substantially increased to the point that insuring them and keeping them safe has become an important

segment in the industry.

Twenty-five years ago, campervan theft was almost unheard of and security devices were rather basic. No one had conceived of electronic immobilisers or GPS trackers and insurance companies seldom enquired about the security arrangements of vehicles when they were parked overnight in your driveway.

Insurance premiums 25 years ago were also somewhat different.

In 1998 a male driver aged 60, with a good no claims discount and no driving convictions could expect to pay £200 for a fully comprehensive policy that offered an excess of £100 with full NCD protection. The conditions included an 8,000mile per annum limit and that the van had to have a Thatcham approved alarm and a factory-fitted immobiliser. Today, that same policy is likely to cost in the region of £360, but it will include a Green Card for Europe and Bail Bond for Spain. The excess will be dependent on the postcode where the vehicle is normally parked.

Motorcaravans were never the subject of their own specialist clauses, in what was basically a commercial vehicle insurance contract back then. Today, large insurance companies have entire divisions specifically

created to handle insurance policies for motorhomes and campervans.

When it comes to physical and visual deterrents, Milenco have a strong presence in the marketplace. Makers of the Wraith 2 motorhome wheel lock and the compact wheel clamp, the company also make a series of pedal locks, steering locks, van alarms and a variety of door locks. David Johnston of Milenco Limited says, “Our steering Lock has been very popular since its launch, the pedal lock is also very popular. But the steering lock’s is our best seller. It is the most compact Secure Gold and Police Recommended steering

wheel Lock on the market, and it is extremely easy to fit.” steering

GPS tracking systems, security posts, steering wheel locks and wheel clamps. Ian Jordan, the company’s managing director says, “Our Bulldog EM4x4SS Euroclamp and the Bulldog BW600 Steering Wheel Lock are the best sellers.”

Disklok also make a range of steering wheel locks that are suitable for use on campervans and motorhomes. Available in three sizes for different sized steering wheels, generally, the small size fits most modern vans but some, and a few older models, still require the medium size. “Steering wheel sizes became standardised around the time vans began to have power steering twenty-five years or so ago,” says Matt Higginson, sales director at Disklok. He adds, “Throughout the years, the silver colour outsells the bright yellow by 10-1 which you’d think is counterintuitive for a security product.”

medium size. “Steering wheel sizes

GPS tracking systems, security posts,

Bulldog BW600 Steering Wheel Lock

Ashton and Ashley Clarke who own ATE, a steel fabrication and welding company, purchased a motorhome in 2020. Shortly after that, Ashley designed a pedal lock security device to put under the clutch and brake or accelerator and brake pedals to stop them being engaged and his van driven away. Ashton says, “After selling them to friends and family it soon became clear we had designed something which people wanted.” She adds, “We decided to start selling them as part of our business. We now cover over 30 different vans and this range is forever expanding.”

Their innovation did not just stop there, Ashley said; “As we have two young children, I never slept well in our motorhome. I was always aware the children might open the door and get out of the van. So, I designed what we now call our habitation door security locks. We quickly realised the habitation door lock had two purposes. Designed originally as a child lock we realised that if no-one can get out of the van, no-one could get into the van as well.

“With motorhome and van thefts on the rise people want to protect their purchases. We sell our pedal lock for £60 and a habitation door lock for £20. That’s such a small outlay for people who want to stop the thieves in their tracks and ultimately protect their pride and joy.”

Over the last 25 years, insurance companies have responded to the increase in coachbuilders building luxury motorhomes and campervans. They have seen the number of motorhomes registered on UK roads soar by 30% between 2000 and 2017. They suggest that the pandemic resulted in uncertainty for holidaymakers. Motorcaravans became the obvious solution to holiday safely, whilst confined to the UK. Thus, from an insurance company point of view, a broader market was attracted.

Michael Payne of Whittlesey Insurance says they provide a personal service to clients and claims to be 'Pretty competitive, pretty often!' “We have been able to arrange cover for clients who have been frantic with worry about how they would get their vehicle insured; we have been able to save clients money, sometimes hundreds of pounds; we have also been able to negotiate on their behalf increased claim settlements and to mediate in the settlement of claims", he says.

Tom Walker (pictured left), head of new business at One Sure Insurance, told us, “We’ve noticed an increase in motorhome enquiries since the pandemic and the last few years. A lot more insurers are now venturing into this market due to the boom in motorhome sales, and it is now widely available.

“As a broker, we now have more schemes than we’ve ever had for

this product and we even have our own team at Staveley Head, who specialise in motorhome insurance. He explained further, “Many schemes now cater for motorhomes and their equipment. These policies offer additional features and benefits which can cover awning equipment, camping equipment and personal belongings.”

As insurance brokers specialising in motorhome insurance, Staveley Head also saw a record number of requests for motorhome and campervan insurance following the pandemic. Sean McNally (pictured above), the company sales manager, said “Where there is demand, there will always be competition in the insurance market. The market is new for some, while Staveley Head has been writing and developing motorhome insurance with a wide panel of providers for 25 years. With technology rapidly moving forward, almost all cover types are now available at the push of a button, and our rates can be found on most insurance aggregators. We also have a team of highly experienced motorhome insurance experts on hand to guide those who may be new to motorhomes.”

Habitation door lock

ANTI THEFT PEDAL LOCKING DEVICE

This security pedal lock is made and designed from laser cut 8mm steel components with radius cornering and interlocking design. It gives a strong, storable product with no sharp edges and a powder coated finish in blue. All our locks come complete with a padlock and two keys.

We are a UK-based manufacturer who has designed and tailor made each lock for every vehicle with outstanding customer reviews.

AUTOMATIC

INTERNAL HABITATION

DOOR SECURITY LOCK

Suitable for MOST motorhomes. Our habitation door lock is that extra bit of security added from the inside for when you are sleeping or away from your motorhome. Taking less than 2 seconds to fit and remove will make entry through the habitation door from the outside difficult for intruders. Laser cut and powder coated giving a top quality product and accurate fit for ease of use.

We also (as motorhomers owners) have included a FREE complimentary ATE bottle & ring pull opener as we all know how we love little gadgets.

IF YOU’RE UNSURE IF THIS WILL FIT YOUR MOTORHOME, PLEASE CONTACT US

INCLUDING: FREE window warning stickers and FREE postage (mainland UK only) when purchased on our website or telephone orders

And in the year 2048?

Looking into our crystal ball, we wonder how insurance policies or security products will have changed in 25 years’ time.

Michael Payne of Whittlesey Insurance thinks, “Much of the innovation will have to be in response to new technology in vehicles, there are many insurers who still have not grasped the nettle over electric cars and still refuse to insure them.” He adds, “Probably any real changes will be computerled involving delivery of product and claim settlement.”

With motor manufacturers continuously developing vehicles and climate change impacting how we look to fuel vehicles, vehicles on our UK roads will continue to evolve. This will occur in the same

way modern cars evolved from vehicles we now consider to be classics. Cars are becoming safer, with autonomous braking systems, 360-degree parking cameras and some even self-parking and selfdriving.

Sean McNally, sales manager at Staveley Head believes that “Vehicles are also becoming more efficient, with hybrid and electric vehicles now a common choice – which did not exist 25 years ago! Insurance will continue to compensate for loss, but the development of vehicles, particularly in safety and security, will impact the frequency of loss occurring.

“From an operational perspective, development in how customers obtain insurance will continue to move with technology. Phonebased apps and aggregators have really developed over the last 25 years; I really can’t predict what new technology will be available in the future. However, I can be sure that insurance companies and brokers will identify technological opportunities and move with the times. The benefit of speaking with an insurance professional will always be crucial in finding the right coverage and premium!”

And what of products in the next 25 years? Aston Clarke of ATE says,

>>

Are driverless vehicles powered by hydrogen or solar power the future?

“Who knows, people have some fantastic ideas, and it only takes one that may grow from nothing into something so successful. Thieves are always looking at new ways to bypass a vehicle's security. The use of computer software to bypass keyless entry being a prime example of this.

David Johnston at Milenco says, “We are always trying to be proactive in bringing new security products to market. Being a UKbased design and manufacturing company, we can also react quickly, in getting new products to market to help protect vehicles from any future theft types, even in 25 years, whatever that might be.”

Matt Higginson, sales director at Disklok, says, “Although we’d like to think that the Disklok would still be selling in 25 years, I personally think that no one will own a car. Instead, we will simply have an app to call a

driverless car for any journey. These would be hydrogen or solar powered and will not feature steering wheels. Fortunately for us, those lucky enough to have mothballed petroldriven super cars, will still require a Disklok for sure.”

Brett Tinkley, marketing manager at Lexham Insurance says, “The big topic over the next 25 years is likely to centre on fuel types. Cars and motorcycles are already heading towards electric, biofuels and hydrogen. It will be interesting to see how motorhome

be powered, and quite what the how the motorhome and campervan

and campervans of the future will be powered, and quite what the consequences will be. Range, battery development and electricity costs are all big variables and could affect the way an electric motor caravan develops. It will be interesting to see how the motorhome and campervan insurance market alters as these fuel types are introduced.”

Ian Jordan, the managing director of Bulldog Security Products, suggests that in 25 years’ time, “The market will be for a GPS Tracker on an all-electric, zero emission, self-driving motorhome that today would not be out of place on The Jetsons.”

Times change, ideas move on, and practices evolve. In 25 years, a lot can happen. In 2048 the Motor Caravanners Club will be planning its bi-centenary celebrations and those will be something to look forward to!

How will future technology shape insurance and security?"

Tea break teasers

See page 68 for solutions

Codeword

Crack the code and fill in the grid. Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a number from 1-26. Two letters are given as a starter, can you decipher the rest of the code to discover all the words?

Sudoku

The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the digits from 1 to 9. A cell is the smallest block in the game. A row, column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells.

Wordsearch

Can you find all the

SPRING-THEMED words listed below

Airy

Anew

Awake

Bee

Bikes

Bud

Bulb

Clean

Dart

Eggs

Grow

Hat

Iris

June

Kid

Kites

Lamb

May

Crossword Puzzle

Across

1 Masked (9)

6 Mexican money (5)

9 Diving bird (5)

10 Life story (9)

11 Yorkshire town on the Wharfe (5)

12 Commonplace (8)

Melt

Nest

Rainy

Romp

Seeds

Sky

Soft

Sower

Stem

Sun

Sweet Swim Teem

Thaw

Twigs

Warming

Wet Wind

Down

1 Stalks (4)

2 Protected from the weather (9)

3 No good (7)

4 Weeps (4)

5 Pair (3)

6 Incomplete (7)

7 Above (5)

8 Cunningly (5)

13 Rural (6)

14 Scrutinize (4)

15 Inclined (6)

18 Nonsense (9)

19 Regretted (4)

21 Wave riders (7)

23 Stage (7)

24 Capital of Morocco (5)

25 Valleys (5)

27 Extent of space (4)

28 Quick sharp bark (4)

30 Step in ballet (3)

Bazaar

Private sale advertisements

ACCESSORIES

MILENCO BC LOCK locks brake and clutch pedals. Fits Fiat Ducato, Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer. Manual gearbox. 206 onwards. As new condition. Original box, £50. Tel: 07806 288204 (Durham)

OUTDOOR REVOLUTION MOVELITE

T2 HIGH LINE AWNING complete with Outdoor Revolution oxygen modelite 2x3 duo canopy. Three years old. Cost £690, selling for £350. Tel: 07812 948136

FIAMMA CARRY-BIKE 3 rail, removed from AutoSleeper Symbol. No body mountings (still on rear door). £25. Buyer

collects or by arrangement. Tel: 01274 305742/07443 933554 (Bradford)

100W SOLAR PANEL PLUS 1000W INVERTER £250. Pick up only. Tel: 07414 852497 (Lincoln)

TWO DUVALAY TOPPERS 26" x 64" clean condition, ideal for motorhomes or caravans. £25 each. Tel: 0789 109924 (Gr Manchester)

WANTED

EXTERNAL WINDSCREEN side door windows insulated cover. For Fiat Ducato Tracker SE 2005 model. Tel: 07812 948136 (West Dorset)

Members'private sale advertisements

Club members are entitled to a FREE classified lineage advertisement of up to 30 words. To be included, please send your listing along with this form to: Motor Caravanner, Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk, IP18 6DH or email: bazaar@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

If you wish to include a photograph, please enclose a cheque for £12 inc vat payable to Countrywide Publications.

Please indicate whether your item is: FOR SALE WANTED

FREE ADVERT ADVERT WITH PHOTOGRAPH (£12 inc. VAT)

I enclose my cheque payable to Countrywide Publications (please write name and address on back of cheque)

PLEASE NOTE:

• Advertisements will be placed in the next available issue.

• Emailed listings that include photos will not be used until the cheque is received.

• Listings will not be used unless a valid membership number is provided

Name: Address:

Telephone:

Club membership number:

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