Motor Caravanner - October 2022

Octoberalready, doesn’t the year fly by? We have had another successful year recruiting at the shows and I would like thank the team and all the members who have helped throughout the year. I would also like to thank the marshals who park up our members at these shows.

As mentioned last month it is the time for the AGMs to be held by Groups and would like to remind you that these Groups need volunteers both for committee and for hosting rallies, so if you are willing please approach your Group committee.

On a similar line rally hosts have often been waiting to book in a member who has said they were attending a rally only to find they were not coming. As a courtesy, if you have to change your plans please contact your Group to let them know. This also applies to members who have booked for the shows who have to change their plans, please let the head marshal know as the organisers do no always tell the marshals. The head marshal’s phone number is in the magazine (see p4) as are the Group secretaries contact details.

Please be aware that Mr Maurice Brooks is no longer a member of the Council of Management. In the meantime, should you have a query concerning Disability please contact Sue Pilkiw, Chair of Membership Services.

I hope you have all had a good season so far and still have some good events to look forward to.

Happy Motor Caravanning. Club Chairman the Chair

Club Contacts

MCC Sec & Administrator: Ron Harris

Wood Farm Estate, Marlbank Road, 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

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 (07399 552452) Mark Shreeve

E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

T: 01502 725839 Danny Lewis danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk

T: 01502 725862

Countrywide Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk

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

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

Secretary Telephone E-Mail

Heather Bubb 07817 916904

westcountry@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Carole Bennett 07769 944009 sussex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Janice Wellard 07831 659951 kent@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Barbara Mossman 07727 100456 essex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Derek Clarke 01473 620933 anglia@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Diane Milton 07971 888492 eastwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Steve Wynn 07399 552452 chiltern@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Sue Pilkiw 07562 324325 eastmidlands@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Amanda Windmill 07896 175860 severnvalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Penny Feeney 07518 271742 nwmidsnwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Barbara Hodgson 07951 090009 lancashire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Julie Broughton 07544 327193 yorkshire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Helen Edwards 07794 177410 northerncounties@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Aileen Clark 07771 845199 scotland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Alastair Bartlam 07754 131893 westwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Karen James 07971 540909 avon@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Barbara Noble 07722 885018 swpeninsula@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Pauline Greaves 01873 857542 swwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Peter Moore 07790 779024 nenevalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Heather Jennings 07875 191797 isleofwight@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Irene Hewitt 07880 736307 northernireland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

As N. Ireland Group

Andrea Barker 01914 104227 serg@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Wendy Jefferson 07714 616715 motorcycle@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

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 2009. 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.

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

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BECOME A SHOW VOLUNTEER

Do you enjoy coming to the Warners Shows? Ever thought of volunteering to Marshal? If your answer is yes, then we would love to hear from you.

We are a small team of willing volunteers, who work hard and have lots of fun and laughter. We are not paid for our work, but do receive a free pitch from Warners in return for volunteering to marshal. We meet and greet MCC members, making friends with people from all parts of the UK in the process. We are

looking for like-minded members who are prepared to give up some of their time to welcome and support those Club members who have booked to camp with the MCC at Warners Shows.

For more information on how to join our Show Marshalling Team please contact Sue Pilkiw: suep@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk or 07562 324 325. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Mick and Sue Pilkiw, MCC, Head Show Marshalls

GROUP TRANSFERS AND MEMBERSHIP CARDS

Following several requests from members to transfer Groups, we would like to clarify the steps you need to take to achieve this.

1. Firstly, all transfer requests must be made using the Transfer Group form, available from Group Secretaries. The request needs to be agreed by the “new” (receiving) Group Committee and the completed form needs to be signed by them and then submitted to Head Office.

2. If you are changing Groups at the point of renewing your subscription, provided Head Office receives your completed form one

month ahead of the renewal date, you will not be charged.

3. If you move house, once Head Office receives your completed form, there is no charge for the new card/s.

4. At any other time, and for any other reason (changing Group, lost card) there is a charge of £2.50 per card.

LOYALTY VOUCHERS

Please note the £5 loyalty voucher issued to members in March 2021 has now expired and can not be redeemed at future rallies.

CL SITES UPDATE

WORCESTERSHIRE

THE OLD ALLOTMENTS (CL94485)

Hanley Road, Upton on Severn WR8 0PA Lee Spackman 07487 511156 (9am-5pm)

email: leespackman@gmail.com

cost: £10 pupn. £15 pupn w/electric open: All year access: 4m

directions: From the A 38 take the A4104 to Upton on Severn after crossing bridge turn R at painted roundabout. Site is Quarter mile on RHS.

facilities: Water, Elsan, EHU, Dogs allowed. Short walk to all shops, pubs, bus route at Upton, River Severn walks.

places of interest: 3 Counties showground, Eastnor Castle, The Malvern Hills. Croom House & Park (N.T.)

HAMPSHIRE

NEWLANDS MEADOW (CL94346)

2022 Handbook p128

Price increase: £17 pupn incl. EHU and £15 pupn without EHU.

LINCOLNSHIRE

THE PADDOCK (CL94328)

Contact: Anne Nash 07906 176808 9am - 6 pm. Price now £17 MCC members and £20 Non members. Adult only site.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

BOURTON ROVERS FOOTBALL CLUB (CL94114)

Price now £20 pupn

EAST LOTHIAN, SCOTLAND ABERNATHY (CL94354)

Price now £21 inc EHU

Now only open 1st March - 31st October

MEMBERS’ STORY

AGM DATES

ISLE OF WIGHT

I am happy to say that the Isle of Wight have found an AGM venue. It will take place on 2 November at 6.30pm for 7pm at the Isobel Centre, Furrlongs, Newport, IoW. Heather Jennings, Isle of Wight Group Secretary

WEST WESSEX

Please note the West Wessex group AGM is at 10am on Sunday 30th October at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy (RWBA) and not Saturday 29th October as printed in last month’s magazine.

Ali Bartlam, WW Group Secretary

OBITUARIES

WENDY SHARP

N. COUNTIES TURN UP IN FRANCE

The Northern Counties rally to La Tranche-sur-Mer, France in June was a great success, with twenty vans from eight different groups attending. Viv and Baz Doveston, new members to the Yorkshire Group give their account:

“Baz and I joined the MCC specifically to go to France, so we decided to book the National Diamond Jubilee first on the way down. One of two of the French ‘gang’ were also going, so at least we knew a couple of faces!

Neil and Jo Huggon, the rally hosts, had certainly prepared things well – we all got a poster to display in our van window and they also set up a Facebook page a couple of months earlier, so we got to know the other travellers that way too!

Our Rally hosts also suggested we meet up at Canterbury P&R for the crossing. We found this very useful as we didn’t know about it, and quite a number of units got together there.

A site was already booked for our first night in France, followed by two weeks at Baie d’Unis camping. This was another friendly site,

Viv & Baz (foreground) with Tich & Sandra Stanley (East Mids Group)

handy for both the beach and town, with ample sized pitches and clean facilities.

Our first impressions of an MCC rally is of a very friendly and welcoming group. Plenty of ideas for what to do, and encouraging to anyone wanting to organise something themselves. We had quizzes, bike rides, a beach party, BYO Wetherspoons evening, coffee mornings, sing song, wine tasting, Chinese raffle and lots more. I would certainly recommend joining to any of my friends, and it’s a good way to get abroad for anyone a little nervous about going on their own. Well done Neil and Jo.”

Viv Doveston BLEU’

Anglia Group are sorry to announce the death of Wendy who died after a long illness on the 1st of September. Wendy, and her husband Ted supported the group for many years until her illness prevented them from rallying. Us older members often speak of them remembering happier times and extend our sympathies to Ted and his family. Derek Clarke, Anglia Group Secretary.

JOHN HALLGREN

It’s with great sadness I have to announce the passing of John in August. A member who served on the committee for a number of years. We send condolences to Joyce and her family. Ian Clark, Scottish Group, Vice Chairman

STAY IN TOUCH

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Ralliers gathered around the flag

CHRISTMAS CASUAL CAMPSITE

The final Members’ Casual Campsite of the year will be our Christmas Dinner weekend, which will see us returning to the venue of our first 2022 campsite at Croft Farm Water Park in Tewksbury.

Arrival will be from 12 noon on 8th December, departing 11th December. All pitches are hard standing with 10 amp hook ups and toilet and shower facilities. We have the use of the clubhouse on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with our four course Christmas meal on Saturday, 6.30pm for 7pm seated. Menu is as follows:

Starters: Vegetable soup & roll, pâté & toast, prawn cocktail.

Mains: Carvery with choice of turkey, beef or nut roast. Chef will

carve and serve meat, all vegetables will be self service.

Deserts: Christmas pudding &

custard, gateau, apple & cinnamon crumble & custard. Coffee & mince pies.

Cost for the meal is £25 per person, a £10 non refundable deposit per person on booking, balance by 14th November.

Pitches cost £20 per day inclusive, to be paid to MCC hosts in cash on arrival to site.

Please see your 2022 Handbook p46 with site and area information.

Booking is direct with Ann Bond, please have your names, membership number, motorhome registration and meal options ready as well as deposit payment, text 07805 795549 or email annbond83@ gmail.com

THE ROSES RALLY

Ijoined The Club in 1995 and attended my first Roses rally the following year, in Yorkshire. For as long as anyone can remember the (War of) the Roses was alternately hosted by the Yorkshire and Lancashire Groups and culminated in sports like Tug o War, Welly wanging and even sprint races! These games have now been toned down as we have all got older and we now play Kurling, Kubs and Boules, which are kinder to our aging joints and muscles.

In 2003 when I was Chairman of the Lancashire Group, Alma and I (with others) were heavily involved in the Roses rally which was held at Hamilton House Farm. Then, as in the years that have followed, we had many visitors from most M.C.C. groups. Two of them were Maureen and Peter Lawson (pictured top) from the Essex Group, one day they were going out on their pedal

bikes, with two other couples from Essex. They asked if there was a pub nearby that served food. We directed them to The Horns about half a mile away. When they returned they were really happy, having had a couple of drinks and a meal, and could not believe how little money they had spent compared to home.

A couple of years before the Pandemic hit us, the Yorkshire Group held a very successful Roses rally at Wetherby racecourse – I think the best Yorkshire Roses I attended –but they decided this would be the last for their Group, which was a great loss.

In 2015 the Lancashire Group had secured a superb venue at AKS school in Lytham, not far from Blackpool and held its Roses rallies there. Because of the location these rallies were more popular than ever and, after the demise of the Yorkshire Roses, this year Lancashire

changed the name to The Lancashire Red Rose Cabaret and Holiday rally. The rally was extended from ten to eleven nights so there was no need for people to travel on Bank Holiday Monday. Once again the rally was a huge success with the ralliers enjoying the nine professional acts which performed for them. Maureen and Peter were there of course, leading the dancing and when I asked why they returned year on year, they said they were always made to feel really welcome, they liked renewing friendships and ten nights parking, with nine nights entertainment, cost less than the the diesel from Essex to Lancashire.

The sports this year, instead of being the Wars of the Roses, was Lancashire versus the rest, with Lancashire being victorious. Long may it carry on so that Maureen and Peter can continue to return to enjoy the Lancashire hospitality.

Brian Herschell remembers this very special rally

Take two

There’s an old saying ‘two is company, three is a crowd’. Shane Malpass from We Buy Any Motorcaravan takes a look at motorhomes for couples.

Couples in the UK are opting for more budget-friendly holidays and among the options are motorhome holidays.

“There are a few motorhomes for couples on the market, from brand new to still great second-hand models. Here is my list of the best small motorhomes for couples that have something for everyone.”

AUTO SLEEPER NUEVO EK

This motorhome is what most people would classify as the traditional small 2-berth motorhome. It is low profile and the lounge area consists of two

long bench seats that can be folded out into a large double bed.

The ‘EK’ in the title stands for “End Kitchen”. It has an oven and grill, a fridge, and usually four hob burners. The rear of the kitchen also has a workspace and microwave.

In the back corner is a washroom with a toilet, sink and shower, making the Auto Sleeper Nuevo – in our opinion – one of the best 2-berth motorhomes with a shower and toilet available to buy in the UK. New price: around £60,000 Second-hand price: under £30,000 Berths: 2 Mass in running order: 2874kg

Max authorised mass: 3500kg Shipping length: 5.5m

ELDDIS ACCORDO PRESTIGE 135

The Elddis Accordo Prestige 135 is one of the best compact motorhomes on the market. It is a dealer special 3-berth and comes with four belted seats. At just under 6m, it’s the smallest model on the list. It’s nice and compact and can

Auto Sleeper Nuevo EK

be driven on a standard car licence – you should be able to slot it into a standard British parking space, length-wise at least. This model has two forward-facing seats (that can swivel around) with seatbelts at the front, along with a small table.

This model is popular with couples because there are essentially two lounge areas. The table at the front can be used as a lounge, and the same space can also be used as a single bed. The rear lounge area consists of two bench seats and a table.

In the middle of the motorhome is a fitted kitchen on one side, and a washroom with a shower and toilet on the other.

New price: around £45,000

Second-hand price: under £35,000 Berths: 3

Mass in running order: 2643kg

Max authorised mass: 3300kg

Shipping length: 5.9m

AUTOTRAIL TRACKER EKS

This beautiful 2 berth fixed bed motorhome has a similar layout to the Nuevo EK. For example, it has two front bench seats that form into a double bed, an end kitchen and a corner washroom.

The length of the model (just shy of 6.5m) makes it noticeably roomier in comparison to other similar 2-berth motorhomes.

New price: under £60,000

Second-hand price: under £35,000 Berths: 2

Mass in running order: 2950kg

Shipping length: 6.5m

AUTO-SLEEPER KINGHAM

The Auto-Sleeper Kingham is probably our favourite 2-person campervan motorhome. This model has a French bed at the rear, so there is no need to set one up every night.

There is also a lounge area at the front including a long bench seat –and two seats from the cab which can swivel around. There is a fitted kitchen area in the middle and in the far corner. And there is a washroom with a sink, toilet and shower. The Auto-Sleeper Kingham can

be driven on a regular driving licence and is built on the Peugeot Boxer 2.2 HDI engine.

New price: around £68,000

Second-hand price: around £40,000 Berths: 2

Mass in running order: 3102kg

Max authorised mass: 3500kg

Shipping length: 6.4m

Max authorised mass: 3500 kg be driven on a regular driving licence

Autotrail Tracker EKS

Auto-Sleeper Kingham

SWIFT BOLERO 722 FB

The Swift Bolero 722 FB might be a 4-berth – but it’s just perfect for couples because of the layout. At the front of the motorhome are two belted swivel seats. Just behind the seats is a lounge area with two long bench seats, with space for a table.

In the middle of the motorhome is a fitted kitchen with an oven and grill, a four-hob burner, sink, microwave, and a large fridgefreezer. Towards the rear is a fixed French bed, and at the very back is a full-width bathroom with a toilet, sink and separate shower.

The Swift Bolero 722 FB is 7.71 metres in length and I think it is the ideal tourer for couples. Please note, however, that this model has a slightly heavier Maximum Authorised Mass – meaning you will need a Category C1 to drive it.

New price: around £55,000

Second-hand price: about £40,000 Berths: 4

Mass in running order: 3198kg

Max authorised mass: 4,250kg

Shipping length: 7.7m

CARTHAGO LINER

FOR TWO I53

The Carthago Liner I53 is a luxury 2-berth motorhome like no other. I’ve been careful so far to only mention models that are affordable to most people.

But this one is so gorgeous I couldn’t resist. If I had a spare £122,000 lying around, this is exactly what I would be spending

it on. (The price quickly jumps to £140,000 if you add any extras.)

As you’d expect with a Carthago, the build-quality is exceptional – and it looks stunning both inside and out. Storage-wise it’s impeccable. There’s a double floor with room for lots of additional storage options. Plus a lot of clever compartments are positioned throughout.

At the front, there is an electric drop-down bed just above the cab. And just behind that is a toilet area and a separate shower room with a beautiful waterfall shower.

Moving towards the rear there is a very spacious kitchen with lots of built-in extras available. The rear of the Carthago I53 has, for me, probably the most impressive lounge I have ever seen in a motorhome, it’s almost a full wrap-around lounge with a large flatscreen TV – and a part of the lounge also extends at the simple touch of a button!

Beyond this, at the very rear is a large garage underneath the lounge area.

New price: around £122,000 (without any extras)

Second-hand price: about £105,000 Berths: 2

Max authorised mass: 6,700kg

Shipping length: 7.8m

This article was kindly supplied by www.webuyanymotorcaravan.com

Ferry Good for Al-ko

SOLD THE OLDEST KNOWN CAMPERVAN IN THE WORLD

by Michael Howorth

Completely restored to its original specification in the early 1970s, a 1914 Ford Model T Campervan, said to be the oldest known example in the world, went under the hammer with Bonhams on 10th September at the Beaulieu Sale Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia auction at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

With a guide price of £30,000 the hammer finally went down at £55,000, (with a final price of £63,250 including the premium).

This unique vehicle was built in 1914, just before the outbreak of the First World War, for a member of the Bentall family, founders of the eponymous British department store chain.

It is based on a Ford Model T chassis, extended and strengthened by Baico, (British American Imports

Company) while the caravan body was built by Dunton of Reading, a company known for building traditional travellers’ caravans.

It is believed that the vehicle was sold in the 1920s and subsequently abandoned before being discovered derelict in Shepperton and restored in the 1970s by Mr Leo Smith with the help of his friend, Mr Robin Tanner, a cabinet maker.

Amazingly, more than 95% of the original body timbers were found to be reusable. After some four years work, the restoration was finished and the vehicle was entered in the 1976 HCVC London-Brighton Run, winning seven awards including the Concours. Since then, ‘CR 4314’ has taken part in many in more London-Brighton Runs.

In 1986 it was displayed at the Camping, Caravan and Holiday Show at Earls Court. It has participated in various other rallies

and historic vehicle shows and been featured on television with Royal visitors in attendance.

Its all-timber body means that the caravan is very well insulated, while the floor is polished pine. External storage lockers are located beneath the floor at either side and at the rear.

There are green velvet curtains to the windows, which can be drawn across the cab to ensure total privacy. The driver/passenger seat is a deep-buttoned leather bench with integral storage box, which can be turned around to serve as two additional seats in the living quarters.

There are four berths in the living

area, while behind the cab on the offside is a wood-burning stove that provides all heating and cooking facilities. A Welsh dresser-style piece of furniture provides ample additional interior storage space.

In 1987, ‘CR 4134’ featured in a lengthy article in Which Motorcaravan magazine (December issue). Their tester Bill Taylor was clearly impressed: “The quality of material and workmanship is superb in every way and the result of the restoration is a pleasing and comfortable motorcaravan, albeit that it is achieved by different means. However, I do not know of a modern design that provides such a volume of storage space.”

Hymer unveils 4 Wheel drive Venture S

Hymer claim to have reimagined motor homing from the ground up while drawing inspiration from the needs and ideas of the van-life community, with the release of their all new Venture S.

A fully equipped off-roader for two people, the Venture S promises freedom without compromise. With its compact vehicle length, narrow vehicle body and striking off-roader aesthetic, the van embodies an entirely new vehicle category.

Based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter featuring all-wheel drive and studded tyres, the eyecatching colour schemes in either Stone Grey or Sea Blue Metallic gives an unmistakable look.

The highlight in the loungelike rear area is the Infinity Screen made of real glass, which surrounds all three sides of the comfortable rear seating area and offers incredible views while flooding the interior with daylight. An open tailgate further expands the living space, opening up a private yacht-style sun deck for

an uninterrupted view of the countryside or a front row seat by the lake.

A pop-top roof fully inflates in less than three minutes to create a bedroom where the firmness of the mattress can even be individually adjusted using an app.

Illuminated stairs allows easy and safe ascent to the “upper floor”. Using a clever spaceutilisation concept, the van features two sanitary rooms in one. In a single movement, the bathroom – including the optional ceramic toilet, washbasin, mirror and built-in cupboards – can be transformed into an even larger washroom with a floor-level shower. A 120-litre fresh water tank lets you enjoy long showers or travel even further “off-grid”.

Renault launched a converted van built on the previous-generation Trafic base in Switzerland in 2020. Following positive feedback, Renault have now started marketing the All-new Trafic SpaceNomad, built on its iconic new-generation Trafic, in Europe.

Initially only available in France, Belgium and Switzerland, watch this space for a UK launch.

Volkswagen’s

LeoBay CampsiteLeoBay Campsite

A CAMPSITE WITH A DIFFERENCE...

LeoBay is quite unique as it is a campsite with fitting facilities, so if there’s that little something you need doing from replacing a bulb to a complete conversion we do it all. Our experience goes back 40 years. Our core experience is in auto electrics and vehicle security as well as vehicle diagnostics, we use factory diagnostic software to solve your problems. Trained in both vehicle and mains voltages we can also inspect and test your mains hook up too! Gas that’s no problem either! Now there’s a service that makes life simple, so next time you need help, come and stay at LeoBay, a nice cuppa on arrival, we will sort your problems while you relax on our 1st class site. There’s even a courtesy vehicle to use during your stay at LeoBay!

LeoBay is a site in a million, completely built us and independent, so all are

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.

Retrofestival

We’ve been going to music festivals for more than 50 years and enjoy the atmosphere, camaraderie – plus of course – the live performances. Retrofestival is a multi-stage weekend event focussed on music from the 1940’s up to the recent past, but it is also so much more, featuring all that it claims to [1] wings, wheels, speed, steam, music, and bands! There are two Retrofestivals every year, one in Newark and one in Newbury. The Newbury one is larger, though the Newark one is plenty ‘big enough’ as this photo report illustrates. Camping is usually available from the day before the festival opens.

Retrofestival hosted far too many bands and solo artists to mention them all, but our personal favourites were Alladin Sane [2] and Ska Brittania [3]. Their names are self-declarative regarding the type of music they play. There are someof music they play. There are some

rather embarrassing videos starring the author ‘throwing some shapes’, whilst over-refreshed. There weren’t too many casualties on the ‘dance floor’!

Fancy a fifties beehive hairdo? A bevvy of stylists was on hand 1

to help you achieve one, as well as period tearooms to keep you hydrated. There were some great retro-style ‘threads’ for sale. [4]. In addition, many stalls were selling ‘memorabilia’, located in the openair trade area and also in a huge marquee [5].

‘Wings’ featured several flypasts from the Battle of Britain memorial flight, whereas the majority of machinery for sale or on display had ‘wheels’. Everything from tiny matchbox die-cast cars [6] to mega-big American army trucks [7]. Steam provided the power for both full-size showman’s engines [8], as well as for fully functional scale models of steam lorries and traction engines [9]. The level of

Gentleman Jack spends a long weekend wallowing in nostalgia…

detail of the scale steamers was truly awesome.

Some ‘wheels’ that looked ‘period’ but were actually brandnew with electric motive power were these e-bikes [10] for sale from Retro-Rides.

No retro event would be complete without a few from the Motor City’s (Detroit) golden age. Photo [11] is of a 1955 Chevrolet Belair towing a classic Airstream

caravan and the pink Caddy [12] –actually a 1957 Cadillac Coupe de Ville – may have you singing ‘that’ song by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

One of the most evocative vehicles on display was ‘Thumper’ [13] a remanufactured 1955 Austin Loadstar in BBC O.B. livery (outside broadcast). Note the roof-mounted camera. Absolutely cutting-edge in

[13] a remanufactured 1955 Austin (outside its day.

We all share a common interest in motorcaravans so here are some ‘doozies’! Firstly, a lovely 1953 Chevy 3100 step-side pick-up with an attractive aged patina, plus an early 1950’s Travel Queen demountable motorcaravan body [14 & 15]. The latter is called a truck camper in the States. Sticking with Chevrolet, [16] shows a much

“Fancy a fifties beehive hairdo?

A bevvy of stylists was on hand to help you achieve one.”

later Van 20 high-top. There are quite a few of these ‘over here’, many were left behind by American Forces returning home after their tour of duty ended.

British coachbuilder Martin Walter revolutionised family holidays when he launched the Bedford CA Dormobile Caravan in 1956. Various upgrades, both to the base vehicle and conversion, ensured it remained top of the UK motorcaravan sales charts until production of the Bedford CA ceased in late 1968. Dormobile’s side-hinged elevating-roof with its

signature candystriped canvas made it instantly recognisable on-site [17]. It was back in 1960 when I first went away in a Bedford Dormobile. It was similar to the green example pictured, only in cream with a maroon side stripe. The latter was referred to by sales staff as a ‘side-flash’ and eulogised over! It was my immediate family’s first commercial motorcaran conversion, previously my Dad

owned (and built) folding and rigid trailer caravans. I’ve lusted after the Dormobile Romany De-Luxe version [18 & 19] for many decades.

Just ‘clock’ the moulded sun visor/ roof rack, louvered rear windows, and tail fins. With a nod to Johnny Tillotson…they were ’Poetry in Motion’

Coachbuilts on display and from the same era, included a much-loved 1963 Austin J2 [20] converted by the upmarket and highly-regarded company, Cotswold Coachcraft.

Finally, many recent(ish) motorcaravans are rapidly becoming classics. One such was an immaculate Karmann Colorado on VW Transporter T4 [21], spotted on the rally field.

GROUP NEWS & DIARIES

ANGLIA

21 vans came to Anglia’s first rally at Lingwood with three brand new members and first time ralliers who were made very welcome.

After a very bad start to the day with Teresa and Keith’s van breaking down three-quarter miles from their house, getting it uploaded to the garage they arrived in their car with the trailer, and just soldiered on with Jan Hague to run the rally. Jan and Keith took the fees on Friday night and then bingo was played with Glyn Bishop, (a first timer) winning twice.

Saturday morning, lots had a cooked full breakfast in the bar area after watching all the fit runners doing a 5k run around the field. The day was a very, so we all sheltered from the sun, Saturday night we were entertained by the lovely voice of Lucy Short, and with it being cocktail night, lots were consumed by the ladies and lots of dancing was done. Sunday morning it was breakfast bap time for those that were hungry.

Many thanks to Pete and Jan Watts for helping Jan Hague with the parking up before Keith and Teresa arrived, also Terry and Jackie Laws Randall for letting them sleep close to their van in a popup. Great time was had by all. Scribe Keith

49 vans come to Hunstanton for our August Bank Holiday rally including three first timers and visitors from other groups. Thursday, the arrival day, it rained, however, we got everyone onto the field with some members not knowing they had traction control fitted to their vans! Keith and Teresa, still vanless, came up by car to assist with everything as well as bringing equipment needed. However, the rain stopped, and Thursday evening was spent by members

around their vans.

Friday sunny, hot and all went into town or further afield. In the evening, we had the welcome speech and bingo which was enjoyed by all, especially the winners!

Saturday again was a scorcher and we all gathered in the hall in the evening to be entertained by Mark Steele who, as usual, had us all up dancing or singing. Sunday was tea, coffee, raffle, and dodgy dip until the evening when Derek set us a quiz which taxed the little grey cells. There were fewer of us on Monday and Paul Cook set us a musical quiz which was interesting how we knew the tune but couldn’t think of the title. This was followed by Bean Bag Boule’ which many had never played before and led to great fun. Tuesday home with thanks to Derek and Carol, Rex and Betty our stewards assisted by Keith, Tony and Paul Cook. Scribe Derek

Upcoming rallies: 13-16 October: Hoveton Village Hall, NR12 8DU. Start 1pm. Bookable to Teresa by emailing: teresa.poole@virginmedia.com. 28-30 October: Alderman Peel School, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1RB. Start 1pm. This is our AGM Rally which is bookable by emailing: dereksherman41@gmail.com or calling 01473 620933. Please would members let us know if they have to cancel Christmas or New Year as there is a waiting list.

AVON

Hot air, hot air, everywhere, but not the type we need. It’s early in the morning, when most of us still sleep. The balloon extravaganza starts early every day, the sounds of fans and roaring gas inflation on its way. It won’t be long, let go the ropes and fly into the sky, if you’ve never been it’s a sight that’s pleasing to the eye. A gathering of coloured balloons

that slowly bob away. But sadly, as the day goes by, humidity increases, the sun had got its hat on and was really much too hot, with guests at the Avon rally all looking for that shady spot. A lone ice cream van just drove around the site and now he’s booked his flight to Spain! The sky now full of thermals, it’s just not safe to fly, so lots of balloons are tethered to light up the night-time sky. This they do to music, a sight you have to see, it’s not as good as years gone by, but still not bad for free! The day will come, I don’t know when, the weather will play the game, and let the poor old balloonists go up twice a day again. Roger

boules competition Saturday afternoon) and Prosecco (Fizz and Quiz night). There was plenty to do, with local pubs, the national herb center and NT Upton house nearby, all just north of Banbury. Or, you could just lie back and relax and enjoy the scenery, go to the onsite Falconry Centre, or a large farm machinery and tool outlet. So much to do so little time! Many thanks to Shirley and Peter for a very enjoyable memorable rally.

The rally at British Sugar Sports and Social Club, Bury St. Edmund’s, was hosted by our lovely Rally Officer, Sharon, and Paul, ably assisted by Pete and Shirley. Thursday arrived with rain, but it eased off during the afternoon while we pitched up and were given two quizzes. The rally shelters were raised in dry weather, which stayed fair for the rest of the weekend. Thursday evening,socialising in the shelters, with a game and a quiz. As the evening cooled, some of us moved into the clubhouse, but no-one braved the salsa and jive classes in the main hall.

Friday some people made the trip into town while others enjoyed the good weather playing kubb on the field. In the evening, Sharon arrived with lots of (closed) bottle bags and numbers for her version of a Chinese raffle. Again, some of us retired to the club.

CHILTERN

Three great rallies to report on this month. Thanks to Paul, Tina and Jane for their write-ups.

What a fantastic rally! A big thank you to Ros and Alan for hosting a great rally and making us all very welcome. We had nine Chiltern vans in a big circle making it very easy for all to join in. We played games of Molkkey and Boule in the sweltering weather but still a lot of fun and in the evening, we all met in the bar for drinks, chatting and a quiz. Del, our President, came to visit us on Saturday and it was really good to see him. He got really spoilt by Ros and Alan. We had a mini whirlwind with straw raining from the sky and later on, a Lancaster Bomber flew over and circled a few times. We had afternoon tea in the sunshine with a tea quiz from Ros with many interesting facts learnt. Sunday morning started with a 10K race which started and finished on the rugby field with the fastest runner under 34 minutes. We clapped and encouraged them on as they came past. We all declined to join in the race, wonder why?! Great place for relaxing, cycling or walking to the local pub which some members did. Definitely should book again.

After a dramatic start to the Fir Tree Farm rally involving two warring brothers and a ploughed rally field, nine vans (two visitors and one new Chiltern) eventually pitched at different angles and levels on the hillside near the fishing lake. We should have been on a level field, but it had been harrowed! Nevertheless, we had beautiful views and lovely weather. The farmer’s wife supplied cakes, (enjoyed before a

More good weather greeted us on Saturday morning and the day was again free to venture into Bury, join in the games or just enjoy the sunshine. A late arrival brought the total rally numbers to 19. (17 Chiltern and two visitors from Anglia and Essex). On Saturday evening, the social club had arranged live music from a talented trio, Around Midnight. The club was full of most of us joining the local dancers in a selection of popular music. The ralliers were rather successful in the social club’s raffle!

Another sunny Sunday morning heralded the arrival of our President, Derek, who joined us for a lovely Sunday lunch in the social club, at a very reasonable price, especially as it was subsidised by Chiltern. After lunch, Derek auctioned Bet’s “lucky chair” for Chiltern Club’s funds. Some of us worked off the lunch by walking in to Bury and more field games were enjoyed by others. A fun-and-games evening was held in the shelters. Monday morning it was coffee and biscuits in the shelters for thank you and goodbyes, All-in-all, a good time was had by all and we look forward to meeting again soon.

Upcoming rallies: 21-23 October: St. Peter’s School, Crimp Hill, Old Windsor, SL4 2QY (AGM). 4-6 November: Old Warden Village Hall, SG18 9HB. 25-27 November: Hurst Community College, Baughhurst, RG26 5NL (Xmas party).

EAST MIDLANDS

East Midlands Group AGM: Will be held at 10am on Saturday 22 October 2022. Wellingore Memorial Hall, Memorial Hall Drive, Wellingore, Lincs, LN5 0JA. Nominations for the East Midlands Committee are invited, to be received by Secretary by noon 1 October 2022. Nomination forms for the Committee are available from Sue Pilkiw, Group Secretary.

Likewise, nominations for the Hazel Turk Trophy for any member of our Group whose participation in Group activity is considered to be deserving of recognition. This award is not open to Members of the Committee. Nominations for the Group Charity for 2022/2023 are also invited. All nominations to be received in writing to the Secretary by noon on 1st October 2022.

Bookable rallies till the end of 2022 are as follows: 7-9 October: Beckingham. 4-6 November: Brownhills. 2-4 December: Springfields Dinner-Dance. 16-18 December: Christmas Party at Waddington. 30 December-2 January 2023: New Year at Ingoldmells.

Please note that there is a specific form for the dinnerdance or New Year rallies and full payment is required with the booking. All booking forms are available at rallies, though you can just text or email Anne to book Beckingham, Brownhills and Waddington. There is no need to book for any other rallies listed in our rally booklet. To book a rally, contact Anne Taylort by text or email anneeastmidlands@gmail.com.

Dunham-on-Trent Rally: Dunham-on-Trent is a small pretty village on the banks of the river Trent and welcoming us to the village hall were the stewards Dave, Bob and Mandy. 18 vans attended the rally in the sunshine. On Friday evening, the chairperson opened the rally and bingo followed. This was followed by a quiz link which was won by Brian’s team. Karaoke followed to close the evening. Saturday found members going for a walk by the river then calling at the village pub for refreshments and a meal. In the afternoon it was outside games followed by a barbecue. Saturday evening Bob prepared 60s quiz which was won by Jane’s team, followed by music and dancing. Sunday morning raffle was drawn, and the Chairperson closed the rally. Thanks to the stewards who made this small rally very enjoyable. Yvonne.

Bakewell Rally: Beautiful sunny weather welcomed 62 vans some of which were visitors from other groups. Friday evening the Chairperson welcomed the new members and visitors. We then gathered to play bingo and get raffle tickets from Jane, sat and chatted the night away. Saturday was a free day to visit Bakewell or walk or bike on the Monsal Trial. In the evening we met, and Joyce had prepared a quiz which was won by Bob and Tom and then played the dice game. Sunday morning the ralliers met for a coffee morning and the raffle was drawn by Jane and Paul. In the evening there was another general knowledge quiz won by Robin followed by singalong entertainment by Eddie and Rob. The evening ended by members sat drinking and having a chat. Monday morning members went into Bakewell to look around the market and shops. Thanks to the stewards Les, Joyce, Ken, Liz, Stan and Pauline who helped to make it a good weekend. Yvonne.

Upcoming rallies: 7-9 October: Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Beckingham, Notts, DN10 4QA. 21-23 October: AGM: Wellingore Memorial Hall, Lincolnshire, LN5 0JA. 4-6 November: Brownhills, A1/A46 junction, Newark, Notts,

NG24 2EA. 18-20 November: Collingham Cricket Club, Dale Field, Collingham, Notts, NG23 7RF. 2-4 December: Springfields, Spalding, PE12 6ET. 16-18 December: Waddington Village Hall, Mere Road, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9NX. 30 December-2 January 2023: The Royal Arthur Centre, Ingoldmells, PE25 1NP.

EAST WESSEX

Hello everyone. At the time of writing, it hardly seems possible that the glorious summer is finally coming to an end as summer warmth gives way to autumn rains. Still, it was great while it lasted.

There were nine vans at Tadley on a very hot weekend, but we had a good time. Val and her assistant Mitch did the activities brilliantly. We had a film quiz, scattergories and card bingo, with Chris calling the cards. The prizes for the quizzes were shared around and everyone won a prize in the raffle.

It was hot again at Hayling Island with 13 vans. The quiz masters were in action again with different scattergories topics, right, left and centre with 10p coins and more card bingo, by popular request. Allen and Val (with Steve) were the callers and did the raffle. West Wessex visitors also collected the fish and chip supper, thanks to them. Thank you Sandra for these rally reports.

Some of you may already know that several members of our committee will be standing down at the AGM and not seeking re-election. They all deserve a big thank you for stepping forward when the group was in trouble and so enabling all of us to enjoy a full rally programme over the year. However, this will leave the group in a precarious position once again unless we can form a committee. Joining the committee is a good way to get to know other members and gives you a chance to influence what the group does and how we do it. New ideas are always welcome. Committee members are elected for just a year, so if that is all you are able or want to do, then that is fine. On the other hand, if you want to carry on for longer the opportunity is there too. Without enough volunteers to run our group, it will not be able to continue. Please, please show your support for the East Wessex group by coming on the committee now. Diane will be delighted to let you have a nomination form if you are interested.

Upcoming rallies: 21-23 October: Weeke Primary School, Stoney Lane, Weeke, Winchester, SO22 6DR. Bookable. Food and entertainment with French theme on Saturday. AGM on Sunday 23 October at 11am. (Note change of venue.) Fixed weekend cost £32 (£28 singles). Bookings: Tony 01962 865522. Arrivals after 5pm. 4-6 November: Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth, PO6 3LS. Halloween and bonfire night rally with use of heated room. Fancy dress optional. Great elevated position to view fireworks across the city. Entertainment by a Sea Shanty Group followed by Pete’s music. Hot dogs provided. Cost £15 pupn (£14 singles). Arrivals after 1pm.

ESSEX

19-21 August, Homestead Lakes, Weeley: This was well attended for the time of year which included two from Anglia. It was expected to be a smaller rally as we knew many members would be elsewhere, so we decided on a quiet, chilled weekend. And so, it began. The weather was kind and Friday we sat out in the evening sunshine answering a couple of quizzes and chatting, with background music. Saturday saw a couple of early birds off to the local boot sale but most chose to have a relaxed day, visiting the camping shop (the 10% discount always encourages), the cafe or a cycle ride. Several members wandered down to the local pub for lunch and again it was warm and sunny.

However, so much for quiet! Saturday evening, Pat and Dave from Anglia very kindly offered to set up their karaoke equipment for our entertainment. Folk were a bit reticent to join in at first as Pat and Dave were clearly professionals at this, but once someone braved it, and a few drinks oiled the vocal cords, we were off with gusto. Pop, country, old and new, we “sang” (I use the term loosely) it all. It’s a wonder the RSPCA wasn’t called out as the end of Summer Nights sounded like screeching cats. Thanks again, Pat and Dave.

Sunday was more sedate with a morning get-together, again in the sunshine, before departing later on. A good time was had by all. Chris

What a brilliant weekend we had at Pleshey. Thank you, Jan and Pete, for hosting, Friday night was bingo and a picture quiz theme being name the beer. Well done, Chris, John, Gill and Dave, who got all 24 names. Saturday was a chill out day with a game of Kub in the afternoon girls versus boy, and yes, the girls won, well done. The evening was a game of Blankety Blank. Four contestants John and Shirley, then Pam and Malcolm. With our panel which consisted of Nigel, Nick, Alan, Tina Sue and Janet. Following all the blanks being filled the overall winner was Shirley, with Pam a close second both Winning some chocolates, and Malcom and John both getting a pen in a trophy (no cheque books available lol). This was followed with some music and bit of dancing. Would also like to thank Malcolm for supplying some wine and beer in early celebration of his upcoming 80th birthday, have a great day. Also, we did a roll a pound coin for bottle whisky, which Nigel won, the money raised of £36 goes to Air Ambulance Essex and Herts while on that subject Richard has been selected to run this year marathon to raise money for the same charity See you all again soon.

Can I thank Barbara for this write up as I didn’t attend due to van out of action, no gear box,, also Jan & Pete for running the week-end

Can I thank Chris and Gerry and friends for hosting this week-end and for doing the write up.

By the time you are reading this, it will be our AGM weekend. Can I thank the retiring Committee for their hardwork during 21/22. Reminder, we do need people on Committee No Committee, no group. Bob

Upcoming rallies: 7-9 October: Chelmer Valley School,

CM1 7ER. Start time 6pm (bookable due to catering requirements). 25-27 November: Mayflower School, CM12 ORT. Start time 5pm.

KENT

5-7 August: Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway: CANCELLED. Replaced by Headcorn Airfield: Well, what an entertaining weekend. 20 vans representing Lancashire, NW Mids and NW, Essex, Sussex and Kent, enjoyed wall to wall sunshine and non-stop entertainment with the aircraft. We had the iconic Spitfire both single and double seaters taking off and landing throughout the day, together with a Harvard, biplanes with wing walkers, light aircraft, helicopters, parachutists, and a naval helicopter which gave an unexpected appearance on exercise. When the airfield closed for the evening and early morning Saturday and Sunday, hot air balloons arrived and departed. Sunday also saw a very large gathering of retro cars. On Saturday evening, we even managed to play some garden games. Headcorn also has a small museum and restaurant/bar which was well attended. A very big thank you to our Hosts Fil and Jan.

Group Diaries, Kent 2022: 25-29 August: Dane Court School, Broadstairs, CANCELLED DUE TO NO HOSTS. 9-11 September: Bridge Farm, Appledore. 23-25 September: Hole Park, Rolvenden. 14-16 October: Oasis Academy, Sheerness AGM. Please support your group and committee by attending this rally. Reservations are not required as there is plenty of room for parking. 9-11 December: Greatstone Primary School, Greatstone. 30 December-2 January 2023: St. Richard’s School, Bexhillon-Sea.

COMMITTEE: A number of committee members have decided to step down this year after serving this group for several years. It is therefore essential that a new committee is found. If you’d like to find out more about what’s involved, please feel free to speak to a committee member. If you’re interested in joining, please submit your

Kent group: Elmer, the Patchwork Air Balloon >>

nomination by 14 October.

New Year rally, Bexhill: Please note this is a bookable rally as we are restricted to the number of vans in attendance. Please contact the Group Secretary Jan Wellard of the Kent group, to reserve your place. Please remember to visit our Facebook page, Kent Group of the Motor Caravanners’ Club or kentgroupmcc.weebly. com for the latest updates and further information. If you are aware of someone who does not have internet access, please consider calling them to keep them updated.

LANCASHIRE

My report on the one rally we had in August, The Red Rose Holiday and Cabaret Rally could not possibly cover everything that took place. (There will be more elsewhere such as this publication or social media).

Day 1: The Motorhomes started to be booked in at exactly 2pm on Friday 19th just as a light drizzle started, but it soon cleared. There was a welcome cuppa for everyone in the hall and it was so good to meet old friends again! 68 ‘vans on site. Days 2 and 3: Many went into Lytham to enjoy the forties weekend. Good music and parade of wartime uniforms and vehicles. The weather was ideal for a look at Fairhaven Lake as well. There are now 85 ‘vans on site and the professional artists have entertained us. Jeff Lee captured the audience with songs mainly from the 60s to 80s. Days 4 and 5: Now had 119’ vans book in but some have moved on and may return. The artist, Sheila Diamond, a lovely little lady with a strong Lancashire accent, gave a very strong performance and the floor was full all night! Another good performer on Tuesday in Dave Brooklyn who had lots of knowledge about songs and singers.

Day 6: Awoke to heavy rain which cleared leaving a warm overcast day. Today we had an afternoon tea dance with scones and drinks. President Jack (not Kennedy) was the DJ. Tim James was the artist that night with songs, stories and jokes. Days 7 and 8: An old favourite and friend, Damon Noon with daughter Britany doing filming. He didn’t disappoint doing a song for Cathy as well as including young Kieran singing one of his favourites. 170 ‘vans. Next night it was We 3 who entertained. Most of us remember the young son who sang, now he’s a young man with a good strong voice. So good! So good! Day 9: Was a tabletop sale followed by a fun dog show. Evening comes with Nashville Angels and much line dancing with lots dressed in the Western theme. Take Your Pick in the interval. Day 10: Sports Day. 11am Kurling in the hall, Lancs won. 1pm Boules which Lancs won, then Kubs, won by the rest! Entertained by the last of our professional artists Back-toBack who were absolutely excellent! Now stats, 180 ‘vans from 17 groups of the MCC plus three former Chairmen of the Club. Representation from England Ireland Scotland and Wales. Last day number 11: Tea and coffee. Results (Lancs won!) and raffle then all joined in singing Best of Friends. And so, the goodbyes to the workers and that means most of the committee, but they know us old timers will finish this

last night with a flourish and do a good clear up!

Upcoming rallies: 7-9 October: (two nights) Warren Farm Equestrian Centre, via Formby Bypass, Lancashire, L37 0AN. Own drinks. AGM, membership cards required. 28-30 October: (2 nights) Whittingham and Goosnargh, Whittingham Lane, Lancashire, PR3 2JE. Halloween costume competition on Saturday. Bar drinks only.

MOTORCYCLE

Just got home from another 17 days out with the Motorcycle group and what a great time we all had. Our travels began on 5 August at Tuckers Grave Inn, hosted by Keith and Tina. We were nestled together in the lower end of the field away from the noisy pub and showers. As we settled in, the rest of the site filled up with tents and caravans. The site was full that weekend and we were in for a treat of two nights of live music and a good bar selling local ciders. On Saturday, we had a ride-out to Woodhenge and stopped briefly near Stonehenge for views and photos. Phew! That was a hot day. That evening we all went to see the band, ‘The Easy Riders’ and had a great time, drinking cider and dancing.

On Sunday, a group of us walked into the local village for further refreshments at the local pub.

Our next ride out was to The Cheddar Gorge. We left site earlier to avoid the heat of the day and were able to drive down the gorge in one sweep as very little traffic about. We stopped for a couple of hours to enjoy the area. As we left, Jane recorded the bikes going up through the Gorge. (See Facebook) Great views of the cliffs from this angle too.

We travelled to the Balloon Fiesta camp site on 10 August, run by the Avon Group. The motorcycle group were placed together in one end of the campsite and this was much appreciated. Thank you to the Avon group. It enabled

Lancashire group: Lytham St. Anne’s - Essex Dancers

us to gather together easily for ride outs and the large Oak tree became our shelter from the very hot sun. We went on ride-outs to Clevedon by the Sea, taking in the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Fowlers in Bristol. We watched balloons fly every morning but not evenings as it was too hot to fly safely. But we all enjoyed the night glow and got some great pictures.

Our final rally was at Brassknocker Basin, run by Keith and Tina. This was a lovely quiet site between the canal and the River Avon. However, our first two days were blighted by rain. So, we used the time to take the free shuttle to Bath or walk around the local area. In the evenings we used three gazebos together and gathered for chatting and quizzes. Our rideouts went to the flight of locks at Devizes and Chew Valley Lake. We also surprised Jane with an American supper for her birthday. We all had a lot of fun and created great memories.

NENE VALLEY

Stoke Bruerne Rally, 5-8 August: We were delighted to welcome visitors from Anglia, East Midlands, Chiltern, Severn Valley, Essex and East Wessex which, with the host group, made a total of 27 vans on site. We enjoyed wall-to-wall sunshine throughout which gave a relaxing four days. We started by waiting for our fish and chips from the van that had been booked to call in the field on Friday evening, very good they were too. The two local pubs picked up a lot of trade from us, with some members returning from them quite early in the morning, having just consumed the full English breakfast. Trips on the canal through the second longest tunnel on the canal network were enjoyed by some, and it was quickly worked out that the ice creams were better on one side of the canal than the opposite side. The Museum Cafe was a nice spot for coffee and cake, as well as canal history. Our thanks to the stewards Mick, Kathleen and Tony for their efforts. All in all, a very good rally with great company.

Rutland Water rally, 19-21 August: Second good turnout in a row. 20 vans for our weekend at Edith Weston. Nine vans from the host group, visitors from Northern Counties one, Chiltern one, Anglia four, East Midlands three and Essex two. We thank them all for their support.

The start of the weekend was in sunshine again, some members took their dogs for a walk by the reservoir after the long drive, whilst others found the pub. We had a get-

together later in the event shelter, with a general knowledge quiz: Seven was the winning score. Pat was selling the raffle tickets and Jane asked if anyone would like to join in with the weekend’s lucky dip. Saturday was sunny again and we had a coffee/tea morning. Nearly all went off again in different directions to explore the area, including the cafe and balcony overlooking the boats at the Sailing Club, whilst Jane and Denis worked on the preparations for Jane’s Birthday Celebration, (70) but she doesn’t look it, lucky girl. In the afternoon, we asked everyone to join us for cheese and wine with a slice of cake, I nearly forgot the wine! Music was playing and we all had a good night. Part two of the quiz was about events that happened in the last 70 years, nine was the winning score, and Mick’s team won the quiz and the prize. Our friends from Anglia walked off with most of the raffle prizes. Sunday morning was coffee/tea and finishing off the cake and biscuits. Tony, our Chairman, thanked all for attending the meet and handed out a few tokens to first timers. Jane had the number picked out for the lucky dip and Alan from Nene Valley won the cash.

A big thanks from me to all who helped to put up and take down the shelters, and everybody’s involvement in making a good weekend. Denis.

Upcoming rallies: 10-13 October: AGM rally, Barnstones C&C Site, Gt. Bourton, OX17 1QU. £12 pupn (incl electric) + rally fee. Please remember to bring your membership card. You won’t be able to attend the AGM without it. 4-6 November: Cogenhoe Bowls Club, York Avenue, Cogenhoe, NN7 1NB. £12 pupn.

NORTHERN COUNTIES

As promised in last month’s issue, a report on our fivenight 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Rally held at Braithwaite Memorial Hall near Keswick in the Lake District. A lovely venue which was attended by 55 vans, 41 Northern Counties, four Yorkshire, four Lancashire, three East Midlands and one from NWM/NW, SWP, and SW Wales respectively, the weather was good apart from a very wet Saturday, hosted by Mark and Sue Lang, and Pam and Dave Barack. The rally was celebrated with the usual games, quizzes, music, dancing, entertainment and competitions and a walk on Sunday for those who wished. We had three nights of live entertainment over the rally period, from Mark Thomas, a guitarist and singer, The Maverick playing an amplified modern double bass performing tunes from the 1950’s up to the present day, and lastly Cindy Hoten who entertained us with songs from the 50’s onward. Saturday evening was fancy dress 1960’s (optional), and a complimentary buffet and wine. Thank you to all those who hosted and assisted with the celebrations. Mr Les Kendrick (a longstanding Council of Management member of the MCC) made a presentation to our Chairman Dave Hird of a 60th Anniversary plaque for the group. There were two follow-on rallies after Braithwaite, both were hosted by Susan and Stuart Collingwood, at Kendal and Stanhope. Thank you both for hosting and entertaining our members and visitors.

Motorcycle group

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The to enjoymentstarts

GROUP

The attendance at Kendal was 16 vans including members from Yorkshire, Lancashire, SWP and Severn Valley groups. Attendance at Stanhope was 31 vans including members from Severn Valley, Yorkshire, SWP and East Midlands groups. We also would like to welcome new member Susan Leonard to the Northern Counties group. Paula and Tony Edwards

Upcoming rallies: 14-17 October: Brunton Tractor Rally. 28-30 October: Guisborough Prior Pursglove College. Our AGM will now be held at Guisborough on the Saturday morning. Please see our website for more information.

NORTHERN IRELAND

16-21 August 2022: Portrush temporary campsite: We had all looked forward to this special rally all summer during a prolonged heatwave only to be told by our weather forecasters that the good weather was over on the very day before our start date. Isn’t it as well sometimes they get it wrong. The heatwave might have been over, but by and large we got some pretty good weather. The main hosts were Gary, Peter and Yvonne Little assisted by Enda and Flo, Martin and Winnie, Norman and Cynthia, Ellie Robinson, Billy Little and David and Thelma. Over the five days, we had a total of 72 vans through the gates. Which was an excellent support and turnout.

Gary had set out a daily quiz which was to be judged daily. This would have taken some time and effort to design and print but I suspect Yvonne and Peter may well have been recruited to assist in this task.

Gary had a dome erected at the entrance which proved to be an excellent innovation providing a seat of learning, discussion and shelter for the morning coffee and croissants provided, brewed and heated by Yvonne.

Tuesday night started with a welcoming by Gary and Yvonne who met us with selection of wines and beer which made for a great opening to get this party started. Daily quiz winner for Tuesday: Cynthia Willis.

Wednesday night was tabletop quiz which quickly showed us just how clever or maybe not so clever we all are but in any case, it was the “Weekenders” comprising of Harry, Arlene, Harry, Frances, Tommy and Diane who showed superior knowledge and beat the “Pepperpots” into second place. Daily quiz winner for Wednesday: Arlene Campbell.

Thursday night bingo was compared by Harry Aston and Tommy Wade who performed clearly and professional making it a great night for all. Daily quiz winner for Thursday: Martin Murphy.

Friday night was ‘Blankety Blank’ with Gary again being compare for the night and after some surprisingly good answers and even some bad it was Hayley Warnock who beat Florence McClune into second place. Well done ladies. Daily quiz winner for Friday: Billy Little.

Now all this time during the week, with a mixed bag of weather, (generally good) Portrush had many attractions from shopping (well the White House and that great

hardware store) to bars, pubs, and restaurants and of course the beach. Yes, on most days a group of courageous souls braved the raging surf and let us know what tough means, but you can see by their vitality they were the winners and the rest of us wimps lost out. There was also a daily quiz carefully set again by Gary, but I suspect Yvonne played a part to some extent in the design and preparation of five separate quizzes. Not an easy task. Daily quiz winner for Saturday: Andy Clark.

Saturday Night: The highlight of the week: CLUB TROPICANA. What a night. All the tables were decorated in the best tropical fashion which included proper drinks like Pina Colada and Mia Tia with all the trimmings. The ladies went to special lengths and were resplendent in all manners of South Sea dress. The gents were adorned with a dazzling array of colourful shirts. Gary was playing an assortment of suitable music and at one stage Harry Campbell opened the windows and I kid you not, the soft breezes which floated through had the soft feel and smells of the South Seas. The dance floor was filled with colourful undulating bodies, grass skirts and hula hoops. Gary Little and Flo Carolan judged the best dress to be Arlene Campbell and best shirt to be Richard Ellis. It was a truly smashing night.

Sunday morning and a short address by our Chairman, Joe McClune followed by a round-up of various winners by Gary.

Number plate draw: 1. Jean Currie. 2 Evelyn Brennan. 3. Debbie Tinsley. New vans: Billy Little, John and Joyce McMillen. Health to drive for many years. Birthdays: Sam Arlow, Joyce McMillen and John McClune. Many happy returns of the day. Anniversary: Our esteemed Secretary Irene Hewitt and Robbie. 25 years and may you have many more. Welcome to new members: Stephen McMillen, Richard and Helen Ellis, Kieran and Carol McKillop and Tammy Ann Moore.

What a fabulous week and again. Huge thanks to Gary, Peter and Yvonne Little. We appreciate the massive effort you put into this event. We all know it could not have easy. Looking forward to seeing you all at Hillsborough on 2-4 September. Please note start time of 5pm. Enda and Flo Carolan

Unfortunately, the Royal Hillsborough Oyster Festival was cancelled, but our party went on!

On Friday evening, new hosts Roy and Jenny Dowie were ably shown the ropes by Elmer and Sel-ma McMullan and were soon into the swing booking in and parking up 28 vans with ease. Later, the bingo was well supported which reflected on the generous prize money.

Saturday dawned very wet, but most people managed to get out for a while either to nearby Sprucefield Shopping Centre or into Hillsborough itself with its beautiful castle and gardens and a very interesting WW1 mini museum where local volunteers had plenty of knowledge to impart. Saturday evening entertainment had a delicious supper kindly provided by some of the ladies and it was greatly

appreciated. This was followed by music from Gary to work the extra pounds back off. The floor was as full as our tummies!

During Sunday coffee morning the chairman brought us up to date with club news. We welcomed new members Brian and Karen Hannigan and gave birthday wishes to Joy Coulter on her special birthday. Quiz winner: Irene Hewitt (Are you sure you handed ours in Irene?)

Number plate winners: Jim Douglas and Ivan Mellon. Well done to the winners and again to the new hosts. You did a great job. Thank you. Arlene Campbell

NWM&NW

What a fantastic rally we had at Riverside Campsite Bridgnorth. The field was firm and flat with easy access to a walk along the River Severn to the town. The weather was glorious. There was a total of 26 vans with visitors from Severn Valley and South and West Wales. Bridgnorth has many attractions to keep everyone busy. A good selection of market stalls along the high street or the castle with a tower leaning at a greater angle than the Tower of Pisa. Some took a trip along the Severn Gorge by steam train whilst others enjoyed refreshments in the good variety of pubs and cafes.

Friday evening there was Irish Bingo with much standing up and sitting down. Laughter was much to the fore. The winners were some new members and some we hadn’t seen for some time. (Just bring the money back on your next visit). It was games afternoon on Saturday with Kubb/ Kings, Boules and a new game (corn-hole) throwing bean bags at a sloping target. There were further games in the evening with horse racing and snail racing. Peter, with his home-made megaphone, took charge of the two courses making sure all the runners were sticking to the rules, though some horses were reluctant to leave the safety of the stables. Many thanks to all for joining in the spirit of the whole weekend.

The Bank Holiday at Llangollen was another wonderful rally with even more sunny weather. There was much to enjoy in town from shopping, eating or just sitting watching the river. A few went to marvel at Horse-Shoe Falls either on foot or by steam train. In the evenings we had our usual bingo and again some of the new members and visitors won the money. A whisky roll in memory of Billy Johnston raised £100 for the Parkinson Charity. Sunday was games day/evening. A big thank you to Shirley and Darren for setting up the games- hoopla, boules, badminton etc. and to Beverley for an amusing game of Dipsticks in the evening which had us all laughing. The raffle was draw during Monday’s coffee morning when Butch was a lucky winner several times. A total of 36 vans attended including visitors from South and West Wales, Severn Valley, Lancashire and Essex. Many thanks to everyone for coming and making it enjoyable.

Following on to Salford Children’s Holiday Camp where

Ken and Ineke Green booked us in, many thanks. The weather once again was exceedingly kind. 24 vans attended with visitors from South and West Wales, East Midlands and Essex. We were able to join in with the activities at the centre. Many savoured tea and cakes on Wednesday and then, on Saturday breakfasts and lunches were available at the Open Day. On Thursday was horse race night using dice. A big thank you to everyone who entered into the spirit as jockeys or as punters helping to make it an interesting and entertaining evening. Once again thank you to everyone who came and supported the rally. Eileen Harvey is now taking bookings for our Christmas Party 01902 743089 or 07932 651196.

Upcoming rallies: 15-18 September: Eccleshall Castle, Newcastle Road, Eccleshall, Staffs, ST21 6LS. Short walk into town. £10 pupn. 30 September-2 October: Bickerton Village Hall, Long Lane, Bickerton, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8AU. Hard standing. Please book with Mike and Linda 07756 074777 or 01785 223382. £12 pupn. 14-16

October: Whitley Village Hall, Higher Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 4EJ. AGM on Saturday at 10:30am. Bring your membership card. Hard standing. Please book with Mike and Linda 077560 74777 or 01785 223382 if staying for the weekend. £12pupn. 28-30 October: Chester Racecourse, CH1 2LY. Easy access to town for Christmas shopping. Grass parking. Chemical waste disposal and water. £15 pupn.

SCOTTISH

Hello fellow members, I hope you are well. By the time you read this, the AGM will soon be upon us.

I sincerely hope we can come up with a new committee and carry the group forward into 2023. Only six Scottish members attended the Brodie Castle rally due to a couple of late call offs. As often happens with a small turnout, this meet was pleasant and everyone mixed. Bill and I put up our pop-up pro 4 tents with the entrance doors facing at an angle. This gave us an area to gather and socialise for evenings and coffee. Thanks to Keith and Mary Smith Dutton for coming up with entertainment on the Saturday and Sunday evenings. Everyone took part and we got to know one another more and had a laugh at times I will say no more. The dates for meet 17 at Foresterseat have been changed. It is now one week earlier from 20-24 October for four nights. This was done when it became apparent it clashed with the Aberdeen Caravan and Motorhome show. If the dates were left as they were, a poor turnout or cancellation was a possibility. Those who will be hosting or on committee couldn’t be at both, hence the decision. Aileen (our Secretary) has contacted all members who had already booked. Regards Squeezebox

SEVERN VALLEY

Hello everyone. Before the rally reports, some important changes to Severn Valleys AGM. The date remains the

same 28-30 October, but the venue has changed to Alveley Sports and Social Club, WV15 6LN, £12 pupn. The AGM is on Saturday 29. Doors close at 10:30am, with no further entry without committee approval. Entertainment for the weekend: Friday skittles night while on the Saturday evening there will be a Halloween fancy dress party with prizes for best costumes and best dressed tables. All the details can be found on the Severn Valley website.

There are two rallies to report on this month:

15-18 August: 38 vans attended the rally at Newland Meadow, Malvern which was the pre Warner’s Motorhome and Campervan Show. We had visitors from several groups, some had travelled from as far afield as Scotland and one member attended from Ireland.

Our hosts for the week were Bobbie and Mick Moloney which was their first-time hosting, but they had help from experienced hosts Janet and Mike Emeney, thank you all, for such a successful rally. The weather was warm and sunny over the course of the five days, with some members just choosing to stop one night, while others stopped all four, before moving on to The Three Counties Showground on the Thursday morning. During the rally some members visited the local pub The Swan Inn, which is only 300 yards away from the site, a real ale pub, offering home cooked food. Malvern retail park is also less than a mile away offering stores such as Morrison’s, Boots, M&S to name a few. Some members choose to catch the bus into the city of Worcester to wonder round the beautiful Cathedral, local shops and restaurants, while others decided to just chill out by the van relaxing, enjoying the weather. There was the usual coffee morning with raffle on the Friday morning.

26-29 August Bank Holiday: Hereford Rowing Club: 50 vans attended; four first timers were welcomed. Thanks to Janet and Mick Emeney and Dave Blissett for hosting such a great rally.

Lovely flat field next to the river Wye, with use of the club house facilities, serving a full English breakfast daily, what more could you want.

Over the weekend Hereford River Carnival made a welcome return, a free outdoor spectacular event taking place on and off the river. Teams were invited to make and enter floats in the river carnival (maybe next year), on the Friday evening the floats lit up the river Wye, some also set sail on the Saturday afternoon .There was a street carnival, with a seaside theme through the city finishing in Bishops Meadow Park .Throughout the weekend there was so much to see and do, from a food festival, to groups performing, craft stalls and plenty more activities to participate in .

Considering it was a bank holiday weekend, the sun shone throughout. On the Saturday evening the club held a sausage and cider night, which was well attended, everyone enjoyed the event (hopefully).

Sunday afternoon Hereford city Rotary charity held a duck race, tickets were £2 to purchase a duck, most ducks went the wrong way when released from the Hunderton Bridge needless to say the race was very slow, but eventually there was a winner (think mine is still swimming).

Coffee morning and raffle was held on the Monday bringing the rally to a close. Another great weekend, well done to all involved and thank you to everyone who attended.

Upcoming rallies: AGM change of venue details above. Christmas Dinner, Royal Oak, Much Marcle HR8 2ND change of date to 2-4 December, bookable with a £20 deposit, payable to the rally officer Chris Windmill (07976 351265). All rallies start at 12 noon, updates can be found on the Severn Valley Website. We hope to see you soon.

SW PENINSULA

AGM 2022 rally details: 13-16 October (four nights), Trevarrian Holiday Park, TR8 4AQ. £15 pupn incl EHU Ten pin bowling meal deal (£9 per person) Thursday evening: AGM Friday evening at 8pm (please remember to have your membership card with you), followed by music. Saturday evening entertainment with Arthur.

There were two rallies in August, the first at Mount Edgcumbe Country Estate (5-8 August) hosted by Margaret and Bob Phillimore. They welcomed 23 vans with an assortment of visiting group members, first timers and SWPG members. The perfect summer weather was ideal for cycling, walking and boat trips across to Plymouth, followed by evening BBQ meals while looking out over the sea and Plymouth. Friday afternoon, everyone got together for a meet and greet for a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Saturday evening there was the ‘13 Card Game’, and a boys vs girls quiz in the evening on Sunday, this time won by the girls. Sunday coffee morning took place at 10am with chair, Ray, thanking Margaret and Bob for hosting, followed by the quiz answers and raffle before going off to the vintage car rally. Everyone agreed it had been a perfect summer rally.

Our second rally was a return to Sthithian’s Steam Fair, hosted by Mel and Pete Maddocks. 13 vans, including one from West Country, took advantage of the special entry deal Mel managed to get and wander around the show, enjoying the attractions including the many fairground organs, local male voice choirs, one of which sang the Cornish Anthem (Trelawny, The Song of Western Men) to a backdrop of Steam Engines, plus meeting up with West Country members Julie and Alan Newbury at their craft stall and our SWP member, Graham Morris, lighting up the evening sky with his model airplane along with his colleagues from RC Cornwall Flyers. There was also great live entertainment to listen and dance to on Friday and Saturday evenings around the Beer Tent. Back at base the Coleman shelter was well used, including a Meet and Greet on Thursday evening, with fellow rallier, Rod, finishing off a great evening with his guitar and singing. Early Saturday evening we all met for a Pimm’s or two and drew the raffle. Most agreed there was not as many exhibitors as in the past, however Covid remains a factor to contend with. Thanks go to Margaret, Bob, Mel and Pete for being great hosts.

Upcoming rallies: 13-17 October: Trevarrian Holiday

Park, TR8 4AQ, bookings start 13 September, £16 pupn incl. EHU, AGM Friday 14 at 8pm. 17-19 November: Fox and Hounds, EX20 4HF, £15 pupn, no EHU, £20 pupn with EHU. Christmas shopping rally, use of skittle alley. Bookings start 18th October. 2-4 December: Cofton Holiday Park, Christmas dinner rally, £20 pupn, incl EHU and hardstand, Christmas dinner party on Saturday 3 December, £32 per person, breakfast meet on Sunday 4 December, bookings start 2 November.

S&W WALES

Hello again, by the time you read this it will be autumn, but the memories of the amazingly hot and dry summer of 2022 will remain with us for a long time. It has been a summer perfect for motorhoming, although at times perhaps too hot!

12-15 August: Brecon Sports Field for the Jazz Festival: There is one word that sums up the weather in Brecon, and its scorchio, so it’s a very big thank you to the hosts Gail, Kath, Keith, and Peter who worked so hard in the blistering heat to get everybody parked up. There were 39 vans at the rally including new members Wendy and Peter Hawkins, Carol and Will Jeffries, Jan and Tony Howe and visitors Marian and Olive from Mid and North Wales.

The Brecon Jazz Festival is not exclusively for jazz fans as lots of other types of music could be heard all over the town including rock, country, and disco, so there was something for everyone. It’s a nice walk from the site into the town centre along the canal and there is an Aldi store on the way so not too far to carry the beer. Having been up in the town most of the day drifting around listening to music it was a relief to sit out in the cool evening air and once again thank you to Keith Yandell for providing the music. He has a fantastic selection of music on his tablet and was taking requests and came up with the goods every time. At the coffee morning, our chair Betty passed around a letter from the Wales Air Ambulance charity acknowledging the £500 donation to them for the last raffle for the quilt that was made and donated by Mel. Thanks to Muriel for this report.

23-30 August: Greenhills School, Tenby: Here the hosting was down to our committee, and a good job they did of it too. They welcomed 50 vans including four from Severn Valley, two from Chiltern, one from N&WM, one from Anglia, two from S&W Peninsular and one from East Midlands. The weather was initially rather chilly in the evenings but soon became perfect by day and for evening get togethers. The programme included a very popular cheese and wine on Thursday evening (thanks to the committee ladies), a hog roast on Friday which was decided was “the best ever!” and a game of ‘Scuttles’ on Saturday (this was organised by Tom with a very annoying Gerald!). Sunday saw the usual coffee morning with the remaining weekend free for visits to Tenby for the ‘Tenby Extravaganza’. A popular feature of this rally was the free raffle organised on the mornings of Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Thanks to the committee and

everyone who joined in to make this rally a great success. Upcoming rallies: 7-10 October: Hi Tide Inn Sandy Bay, Porthcawl, CF36 5PW. New venue. Book with Keith Howard (see below) for electric hookup, £18 per night with electric or £14 without. Entertainment and meals available at the Hi Tide site next to the beach with easy short walk to town, starts 2pm. 3-5 November: AGM at Ysgol Cymraeg, Caerphilly. Coincides with the magnificent fireworks display at Caerphilly Castle. There will be a meal with live entertainment on Friday with the AGM and fireworks on Saturday, bookable for catering with Betty. 9-11 December: Christmas Party at Baskerville Hall. Now full, but book for reserve list now with Keith Howard our rally officer 07791 524227.

SUSSEX

Our first rally for the end of July/beginning of August was very ably hosted by Chris and Jan Tree at Oakside Farm, Ringmer. It was well attended, and everyone was welcomed by the lovely owners. The weather was so fine all weekend that no one went to the local pub, but enjoyed a sociable time together, with a fish and chip supper, hot dogs and quiz night. The venue offered country walks, spectacular views and a variety of wildlife, including deer, red kites and the hum of bees. Thanks to the amazing hosts.

The next rally was a special favourite of the Sussex group which we have been going to for 54 years! The South Harting Memorial Field included the Annual Village Horticultural and Craft Fair, hosted by Kim and Martin Remnant. Contributions to the show were of superb quality, so many beautiful flowers and fantastic craft ideas and items. Our own Ann Edwards entered her recycled item of clothing in the form of Rick’s polo shirt beautifully made into a cushion. Phil Gilliat-Smith topped the bill with his recycled wooden key rack that even encompassed some piano keys. There were several craft stalls to tempt us to spend our money. The only raffle prize for us went to Maggie Bartlett, who won an amazing box of veg too big for her to carry! I’m sure she enjoyed them.

Our last rally in August wars the spectacular 60th Sussex MCC Anniversary meet, held at St. Richard’s Catholic College in Bexhill-on-Sea. This was an addition to the calendar, announced earlier in the year and was tirelessly hosted by the committee, with additional help from Kim, Martin, Claire and Ian Stoner. As well as many Sussex members, we were joined by members from Chiltern, West Country, both East and West Wessex, Avon and Kent groups. New members, both MCC and Sussex, were welcomed and rally plaques given. All attendees also received commemorative plaques to record the momentous occasion. A lovely memory to keep long into the future.

The rally included a presentation of a plaque, commemorating 60 years in the MCC, to Kim Remnant, as Sussex president, and Gordon Bennett, as Sussex chairman, from Kate Jones, chairperson of the National MCC. Gordon was also presented with a special gold tie pin as longest

serving chairman of our group. Well done to all!

The fun began from the start, with professional entertainment each night… 1st with Mel, well known amongst us as the the pocket rocket, including her magnificent rendition of ‘Barcelona’, 2nd night with DJ Tom, always catering to our diverse musical tastes, then Keith Ryder with Visage to end the musical extravaganza on the 3rd evening. These acts are regulars with our group, and it was fitting that they could celebrate with us. We also enjoyed a historical quiz based on 1962, won by Robert and Penny Morris, a free prize draw with lots of prizes, arranged by Linda Reading, and two bonus balls. Guy and Zena Hammond, new members, kindly donated their winnings to CLAPA, our chosen charity.

A special mention should be made for the excellent hog roast meal, eagerly received by all on Sunday teatime. The weather guaranteed alfresco dining, with roast pork in buns and accompanying salads, eaten together in the playground. Yummy!

The next rally is at Willingdon Community School, Eastbourne, BN20 9QX on 28-30 October, with the AGM at 10:30am on Saturday 29th October.

Linda and Michael Reading will be standing down from the committee after several years of service. We are all grateful for their contributions and hard work. This means that there will be vacancies. Please consider joining the committee, in specified or general roles. Volunteers will be given every help by both existing and previous committee members. Or volunteer to host a rally. Remember, in order for the club to continue so successfully, we all have a responsibility to participate in any way we can, to both keep the club running and maintain our enjoyment. The club is run by members, for members. It can only continue to run so well with your support. Scribe Jo Smaje

WEST COUNTRY

West Country held their annual holiday rally from 26-31 July at the Rugby Club in Exmouth. A total of 66 vans attended. 30 vans from West Country. 18 Avon, eight SWP, five West Wessex, five Severn Valley, four Chiltern, two East Wessex, and one from each of East Midlands, Lancashire, S&WW, and Sussex.

On Tuesday evening we held a meet and greet in the clubhouse, followed by a game of bingo which was enjoyed by all, and then a musical evening by our resident entertainment’s member Ken.

Wednesday everyone took advantage of the good weather to take either the bus or train to venture other places or just enjoyed going into Exmouth. During the evening everyone gather round to enjoy a game of Motorhome Racing and then followed by a music quiz.

Thursday another very hot day, and in the evening, bingo followed by a sing along and dancing. On Friday a Tabletop sale was held including being able to buy a tot of vintage rum supplied by one of the members. All proceeds of the money raised went to our children’s charity. Ann was also selling her knitted dogs to boost the charity as well.

Friday afternoon a boule’s competition was held, and the final was down to three ladies and the winner was Linda Shaw. Friday evening saw a large group go to the railway club where a karaoke was taking place.

Saturday was a lovely day and on Sunday we held our Coffee Morning and raffle.

A big thankyou to everyone who attended the rally and special thanks to the Committee for all their effort to give everyone a good time.

Our next rally was held at Newton Abbott Rugby Club from 10-14 August. A good turnout of 24 vans attended and the weather remained fine and very hot for the whole rally. This was the first time back to this venue for several years and were able to use the clubhouse for three nights. A meet and greet on the first night, bingo on the second night and two quizzes by Bob our chairman on the third night. On Thursday afternoon an afternoon tea was held with cakes made by Kate, jenny and Angela, and the money raised was for our charity.

On Saturday afternoon we held our first outdoor skittles competition, followed by the raffle which was attended by all, and in the evening, there was a comedy night organised by the Rugby Club with a BBQ for those who wanted to go. A big thank you to the hosts Bob and Helena Bawden and Jim and Jenny Ten-Bokkel.

Our next rally was held at Bude Rugby Club with a huge attendance over the five days of 90 vans, our best turnout since Covid. There was a full programme of events which included bingo, Play your Cards right, Boules and Table tennis competitions, Karaoke, and Ann Russell from (WC) gave another demonstration of Middle Eastern Dancing, a big thank you Ann from everyone for such a super show.

On Sunday night we held the raffle followed by Ken’s Special Night which was an old time musical and Last

Sussex group: Presentation

Night at The Proms singalong. It was also the annual RNLI weekend and jazz festival in Bude organised by the Council and on Monday night there was a firework display which rounded the weekend nicely. A big thankyou to Ken for all the entertainment and the Committee for all their hard work.

Our AGM is at Riverside South Molton from 6-10 October 2022. Come along and see what entertainment we have in store for you there. For all West Country Members attending and staying all four nights, you can get a special discount. Stay for four nights and only pay for three, a 25% discount. Put the discount code of ‘25WCAGM2022’ on your envelope on arrival. Please try and make the AGM and we look forward to seeing everyone.

WEST WESSEX

Well, if nothing else, it was hot, hot, hot at Brassknocker Basin! Temperatures were in the 30°s when the hosts, Linda and Doug, began to park up the first arrivals at this favourite spot beside the Kennet and Avon canal. 39 motorhomes arrived altogether and we were delighted to welcome visitors from Chiltern, Nene Valley, Lancashire, East Wessex, Southwest Peninsula, South and West Wales, Avon and West Country Groups, along with 24 of our own West Wessex members.

Roger and Katherine, from Avon Group, set up some music for us to enjoy on the first couple of evenings, thank you to them! They even encouraged a bit of audience participation, which was a lot of fun. The brave ones amongst us ventured out each day, despite the heat, to explore the many foot and cycle paths in the area, the nearby Dundas Aqueduct and the Canal itself, shop in Bath or just enjoyed a leisurely stroll to the delights of a refreshing ice cream at the Angel Fish Café. Thank you to the 18 pairs who took up the Lawn Darts Challenge on Saturday evening. It was hard-fought, but the triumphant winners were first-timer Dean and his “stand-in Sandra” playing partner (aka Brian from SWP!) Well done to all who joined in or spectated! Some clever quiz answers gave the adjudicator some fun marking them, congratulations to everyone who took part! Our Chairman, Maria, squeaked a narrow victory, no fix, honest!! It was a great few days! Rumour has it, the two hosts are still sleeping it off! Many thanks to Linda for this report.

Ten members travelled on to The Stables at Britton for a relaxed, social gathering with Andy and Gill hosting. Andy and Gill also hosted the TCS at Salisbury Rugby Club. 29 motorhomes from West Wessex were joined by two from East Wessex, one from Avon, one from West Country and we all enjoyed a ‘Meet and Greet’ with nibbles on Thursday evening. On Friday evening the hilarious charity auction saw many of us spending a lot of money on things we could easily live without, and even buying back things we had donated! I am pleased to say I have found homes for most of my purchases but still have the snow chains! Many thanks to Chum and Ali for making this such an

entertaining event. Thanks also to Sue for raising over £100 on her tombola. Along with the club raffle profits, £751 was raised for the Dorset branch of the Teenage Cancer Trust. We also presented almost £1,200 to John Rust from Tyler’s Friends, last year’s charity, on Saturday afternoon. Saturday evening’s delicious hog roast was followed by a night of dancing and singing along with the excellent Pop Pickers group on Sunday. Beautiful weather made walking into town, or up to Old Sarum Castle, a real pleasure on this brilliant TCS weekend.

Our AGM will be held at the TCS at Royal Wootton Basset Academy on 27-30 October, please book with Dawn on 07889 998080. We are negotiating a Christmas Party weekend at Herston Farm, Swanage. Please keep an eye on the website and Facebook page.

YORKSHIRE

Our rally at the Derwent Arms, Osbaldwick near York attracted 22 units on a lovely sunny weekend. The three-day rally started on Thursday and many of us gathered around the host’s van having a drink while he booked in. Friday was a good day to visit York either on foot or by bus as there was horse racing on Saturday and it was very busy. There are lovely walks around the village and a fish and chip shop just around the corner which came in very handy. Saturday evening saw many of us booking into the pub for a meal and others just calling in for a drink to listen to the country and western group laid on by the pub. A very good evening. Our thanks must go to David and Janet for hosting and to Steve and Ann for assisting.

Kay’s Barn: 18 vans attended this rally over the bank holiday weekend. Ten from Yorkshire, four from East Midlands, three from Northern Counties and one from Anglia. On the first night, there were a couple of gentle quizzes to get us in the mood. On the Saturday, there was a buffet plus a celebration cake with some people dressed in 60’s outfits. Sue Pilkiw on behalf of the Club presented the Group Chairman with a plaque to recognise 60 years of the Yorkshire Group. Live entertainment completed the evening. Sunday evening had a game based on What’s my Line plus a sixties theme tune quiz. The weather being kind during the daytime on Saturday and Sunday some people took the opportunity to go into York/Pocklington. Quite a few vans had to leave on the Monday, so the evening was completed with 60’s music and chatting amongst friends.

14 vans attended our rally at Lockside Caravan Park We had three visiting vans from Kent. Most of our members walked into Ripon along the canal path, visiting the local shops, pubs and cafes. At night-time most of us enjoyed catching up over a drink in the room, having a good laugh and enjoying each other company. Thank you to Gary and Chrissie for hosting.

Upcoming rallies: 14-17 October: AGM, Wetherby Racecourse, LS22 5EJ. 11-13 November: Rolls Royce Club, BB18 6HJ. 25-27 November: Hawes Auction Mart, DL8 2NP.

OUT WALES

A whale of a time in wonderful Wales

No one can deny that Wales offers motor caravaners plenty of stunning opportunities to enjoy. With magnificent scenery around almost every bend, it has some of the most scenic drives in Britain. With a fantastic selection of different campsites, often set against dramatic, panoramic, and downright spectacular backdrops, motorhomers are, when confronted with a map of the Principality, almost spoilt for choice on where to go. This was indeed the case for us when the editor gave us the brief to cover Wales in a feature. We love Wales for its rugged coastline, mountainous

national parks, distinctive Welsh language and Celtic culture. We love Cardiff, its capital. We always enjoy a trip to Snowdonia National Park for the lakes, glacial landforms, hiking trails and its narrow-gauge railway line leading up to the peak of Snowdon. Most of all, we love the people who live and work there and seem to go out of their way to make visitors like us feel welcome. So, for us it was a hard job narrowing down our touring choice, but in the end, it was Carmarthenshire that won the day.

The county boasts diverse landscapes, from breath-taking mountains to serene beaches,

enchanting green valleys and bustling market towns. We chose to stay at Brynhyfryd Farm, a quiet and peaceful Club CL with 5 pitches, surrounded by rolling hills and miles of verdant fields just outside the rural town of Llandeilo. It is ideal for exploring the beauty of this stunning area of west Wales. There are fewer towns in the Principality more attractive than Llandeilo, sitting proudly, as it does, on a hill above the river Tywi. This quiet, quaint town is rich in heritage and history and the campsite is only a stone’s throw away from a 12th century castle and the Roman town centre.

Dinefwr Castle occupies a place

Frances and Michael Howorth take to the trails of Wales and search out the gastronomic delights on offer in the larders of Carmarthenshire

of great affection in the minds and traditions of the Welsh people, given it was once the centre of the Kingdom of Deheubarth. Although now a ruin, in its heyday, it must have been spectacular lying, as it does, along a ridge on the northern bank of the river Tywi, with a steep drop of one hundred feet to the rushing waters below. The castle was abandoned in the 15th century in favour of Newton House and both are now surrounded by a National Nature Reserve and 18th century landscaped Deer Park. Climbing to the top of the castle we were rewarded with stunning views

across the incredible parkland. Newton House, now in the care of the National Trust, is a relaxed and informal Welsh country house with rooms to discover and tales to tell; the legend of the Lady of the Lake being just one of them. The parkland is home to a herd of White Cattle, a breed so rare that today there are only around a thousand breeding females left in the world, that’s less than the rare Giant Panda!

Llandeilo was one of the main centres of Christianity and was responsible for its spread throughout the country. St Teilo, from whom the town’s name derives, lived here in about 550 AD and was a cousin and contemporary of St David, the patron saint of Wales. It is a town best seen by foot and a splendid way to do this is to first visit the town’s

excellent website and download and print out the walking tour. Round off your walk at Flows on Market Street, a great café come tapas bar in the heart of town, serving delicious food and drink.

While the scenery changed as we travelled around Carmarthenshire, we found that what always stayed the same wherever we went, was the ‘croeso cynnes’ (warm welcome). As we toured the county, we became aware that the welcome was genuinely handed out by locals who were really pleased to see us touring their neighbourhood.

Laugharne on the coast and to the south of us, was our next destination. The poet, writer, and broadcaster Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) lived and worked here for the last four years of his tragically short life. The building most closely associated with him is the Boathouse and it is a truly remarkable place to visit. He worked in the Writing Shed above the Boathouse, and it is easy to see where he got his inspiration with its inspiring views across three estuaries. It was from here that

“Dinefwr Castle occupies a place of great affection in the minds of the Welsh people given it was once the centre of the Kingdom of Deheubarth”

Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse

Dinefwr Castle

Llandeilo

Dylan made the fateful journey to New York where he died in 1953 aged 39; an early death that turned a talent into a legend. Due to its size only 12 visitors are allowed inside the house at any one time. Access is down 40 steps to the house and a further 24 steps to the patio area.

Nearby, Pendine Sands has been the location for numerous attempts at the land speed record, this famous eight-mile sandy beach has a unique selling point of still being able to drive onto the beach with Top Gear and various other car companies, filming here on the sands.

Today you can still experience the thrill of speed by trying out land yachting, kite buggying and power kiting. Water babies like us, who like to take things a little more slowly, can explore the waves on a sea kayak or our stand up paddleboards. Romantics, on the other hand, can gallop along the beach at sunset on

a horse-riding tour.

Looping back towards our campsite, we stopped in Y Polyn where we were the guests of owners Mark and Sue Mason for an evening meal. This small, family-owned restaurant is tucked away in the verdant Towy valley, between the county town of Carmarthen and Llandeilo, and is a fabulous place that is very well known. Locals say it just gets better and better and who are we to argue? If you are looking for cutting edge or post-modern cuisine, then here is not the place for you. What you will find however,

is beautiful produce, cooked simply and with respect; saltmarsh lamb, Welsh beef and free range, rare breed pork are menu highlights. Mark and Sue are very keen to avoid pretension here! Tables are mismatching bare wood, tablecloths are banished, staff wear jeans, and you even get to pour your own wine.

Carmarthenshire’s ancient agricultural heritage means the county is an ideal base for those, who like us, want to enjoy and savour the taste of authentic local produce as we travel. There are local farms that can deliver the best pork >>

Pendine Sands

sausages to your doorstep, and a growing trend for milk vending machines that brings Towy Valley cow juice straight into your van’s kitchen. But today we are on a mission to meet Anthony Rees and David Thomas who are renowned locally as distillers of an organic botanical Jin. And no, we have not hit the wrong key on the keyboard, because that is how you spell Gin in Wales! Anthony and David are two Welsh boys who moved to London, spent too long in the corporate world but made good. They returned home to get their hands dirty and produce something tangible from their labour, raising rare Balwen breed sheep and making gin. They set themselves the task of producing Jin Talog an organic London Dry Gin that truly embraces Juniper. They have, without doubt, succeeded and are the only Welsh gin, to date, to have won three stars at the Great Taste Awards. This classically elegant and simple gin is clean, bright, fresh, breezy, and very outdoorsy! Rather

like the readers of this magazine!

In Carmarthen’s town centre there are several butchers selling centuries-old ham recipes but Rogers & Sons, located on Lammas Street, sell beef uniquely aged in a salt chamber and to us that sounded too good to miss out on. Since opening in June 2012, Chris Rogers has sold beef from local farms. Beef born and reared here, benefits from a fertile landscape that has been blessed with the purest of natural ingredients: clean Atlantic air, spring water and fresh grass; coupled with traditional farming practices to produce a world class quality beef. But it is Chris’s Chamber of Secrets we are here to test out. In 2018, keen to get an edge on competition, Chris purchased more than 300 Himalayan salt blocks and lined the walls of his beef hanging room with it.

Salt blocks are essential for dry-ageing and aids tenderisation of the meat texture. This maturing process enhances the concentration

and saturation of the natural flavour of each animal. It adds a delicious nutty flavour to the meat that grows with complexity over time. Oh boy can you tell the difference! Trust us –it is well worth the extra cost.

The covered Carmarthen market is home to many good stalls and, in particular, Albert Rees who sells Carmarthen Ham and Etta’s Cake. Before he ascended the throne, the Prince of Wales kept a private Welsh residence here, in Carmarthenshire, and we have it on good authority that in 2004, during one of his many visits to Carmarthen, he fell in love with the fruit cake baked by Welsh grandmother Etta Richardson. After trying Etta’s secret recipe and having been mesmerised by it, he then asked her to bake 20 cakes which he served at his second wedding. Sadly Etta has since retired and her recipe with her but clearly Carmarthen’s market still retains its royal seal of approval! In 2019, the then Prince of Wales visited with his wife who was photographed at one >>

Photo credit: Jade Braham Photography

Photo credit: Jade Braham Photography

Carmarthen Ham

Albert Rees’stall

Rogers & Sons salt chamber

of the bakery shops there enjoying Welsh Cakes.

After all this time talking about food, we were hungry and headed for The Warren a family run eatery with a big focus on local produce and sustainability. Using 100% renewable energy, the team serve simple, honest, wholesome food made from seasonal and organic produce. Just what we needed for a light lunch. We were, after all, looking forward to eating our salt-aged steak cooked on our BBQ back at the campsite that evening.

With 400 acres of flower-rich meadows, evocative woodlands, waterfalls and cascades, the National Botanic Garden of Wales is a site not to be missed. Sadly, we had just an afternoon in which to enjoy its delights. Yet it is clear

we could have spent much longer exploring this restored landscape with its historic features that have been unearthed and renewed. Pathways, bridges, and lakes have been reinstated as have the stunning Regency gardens. They are all truly enchanting and should not be missed.

Wool was historically the most important and widespread of Wales’s industries. The picturesque

village of Dre-fach Felindre in the beautiful Teifi valley, was once the centre of this thriving industry, earning it the nickname ‘The Huddersfield of Wales’. Located 4 miles east of Newcastle Emlyn, and 16 miles west of Carmarthen off the A484, the free to enter National Wool Museum was our next destination. Before it closed down in 1912 the Cambrian Mills made shirts and shawls, blankets and bedcovers, woollen stockings and socks that sold throughout the world. Now, in the sympathetically restored listed mill buildings, there are displays that tell the story of the Woollen Industry from fleece to fabric bringing it alive using working machinery, archive material, and hands-on displays. The textile gallery is just stunning.

Just north of Newcastle Emlyn, >>

National Botanic Garden of Wales

STAY WITH THE CLUB

Anglesey

Ty Newydd Green Cottage is a club CL in Llanfachraeth, close by Holyhead, in Anglesey. Run by Gareth and Nia Jones. Handy for those seeking to catch the ferry from Holyhead the site is open year-round and has 5 hard standing pitches with a toilet, fresh water tap, rubbish bins and a chemical disposal point. Dogs are allowed on leads.

Denbighshire

Located a 10-minute walk away from the town of Ruthin. The Centre is a club CL site set up inside a sports and activities centre with football fields, floodlit tennis courts golf driving ranges and much more. A café on site is open to those who stay at this CL which lists among its facilities:

is the village of Glyneithinog home to Caws Cenarth, probably one of Wales best known cheeses. Gwynfor and Thelma Adams started making cheeses in 1987 in response to milk quotas. Now their artisan cheeses are among the most respected in the UK. Gwynfor and Thelma drew on six generations of traditional cheesemaking and rapidly established a reputation for their creamy, fresh-flavoured Caerffili. These days, Gwynfor and Thelma take a back seat, allowing son Carwyn to run the business and indulge his passion for creating new cheeses. As well as traditional Caerffili, Caws Cenarth also produces other varieties of this Welsh cheese, garlic, and herb Caerffili and smoked Caerffili. More recently, Carwyn has developed new cheeses, including the Brie-like Perl Wen, a creamy blue Perl Las, and Golden Cenarth, a washed-rind cheese with a powerful flavour – and winner of the Supreme Champion accolade at the British Cheese Awards 2010.

One great way to explore the Welsh countryside is to hitch a

ride on Gwili Railway, one of the UK’s most picturesque, preserved lines. Just a ten-minute drive from Newcastle Emlyn and set in beautiful countryside with abundant wildlife, the line follows the River Gwili on a steadily uphill journey through farmland and wooded hillsides.

Beyond the locomotives, history and scenery, the railway’s appeal lies in the friendliness and enthusiasm of the volunteers who maintain it and operate its services. They are justly proud of the part they play in recreating the golden age of steam and their love of the railway is infectious – they’ll be happy to regale you with stories about Gwili and its historic locomotives.

There is one other stop that foodies like us cannot give a miss. Wright’s Emporium, run by Maryann and Simon Wright, is as incredible as are the cakes and bread baked at

the shop. The Pork Cubana sandwich is legendary and given its proximity to the M4 motorway it mades a great place for us to enjoy our last lunch in Wales and to stock up on goodies on our way home.

Having eaten our way through Wales we know that we will be back to follow yet another of the Carmarthenshire Larder Trails. They lead to the tastiest addresses in the county, from coffee roasters to cheese producers, vineyards, bottle shops, butchers, delis and more.

Freelance travel journalists

Frances and Michael Howorth and club members since 2020, tour in their own custom-built campervan. Converted from a LWB Fiat Ducato Maxi, Voyager is their pride and joy, come mobile office and home from home. Sterling, their maine coon, campervan cat is their constant companion.

“Glyneithinog is home to Caws Cenarth, probably one of Wales best known cheeses.”

Wright’s Pork Cubana sandwich

National Wool Museum

Gwili Steam Railway

Golden Cenarth cheese

water, chemical disposal, rubbish bins, and toilet facilities. Disabled access. No dogs allowed.

Powys

Leave the modest fee in the honesty box when you stay at The Mill Leisure Holiday Cottage & Campsite at Manafon near Welshpool. You will find you can use the freshwater tap, rubbish bins, chemical disposal point, and dispose of your grey wastewater here. The site is well located for visits to the Llanfair Welshpool Stream railway, the Montgomery Canal, and Offa’s Dyke.

Carmarthanshire

Brynhyfryd Farm is a new CL Site in Carmarthenshire within two miles of Llandeilo where a wide range of shops, garages are available. Close to the National Botanical Gardens of Wales and

Aberglasney Gardens the hard standing pitches on this site have electric hook-ups, freshwater tap, an elsan point, and rubbish bins. Dogs are allowed on leads.

Carmarthanshire

Between Llandeilo and Carrnarthen Mrs Annaly Tyler allows club members to stay overnight in the car park of Railway Hotel in Nantgaredig. Located 3 miles away from the botanic gardens, 5 miles from Aberglasney gardens, 10 miles from the seaside and 6 miles to Carmarthen it is open year-round on a turn up and pay basis. Larger RVs should phone ahead.

Swansea

In Broadacre the Dunvant RFC is a CL that is open to club members the year round. Suitable for even the largest of RVs the club offers

hardstanding pitches with water, chemical disposal, toilet, washroom, showers, rubbish bins and special showers and toilets that are disabled friendly. Dogs are allowed.

Ceredigion

David and Jill Chisholm extend a warm welcome to their pub The Penrhiwgaled Arms in Llandysul. The name means “Head of a Hard Hill” in Welsh even though the pub lies in a valley. The car park slopes slightly but not enough to complicate an overnight stay which is free if you eat in their restaurant.

Pembrokeshire

The Seaview Hotel on the front at Fishguard allows members who use some of the hotel’s facilities to stay overnight in their car park. Very handy if you are catching a ferry to Rosslare Cork or Dublin.

Spanning 11 halls of Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, the Motorhome and Caravan Show is set to run there from 18-23 October. This must-see event is huge. It is the UK motorcaravan industry’s most important national show –it is the only place where you can explore, in person, the new 2023 motorhome and campervan models from the leading UK and European manufacturers and dealers together in one day.

We will be there, reporting for this magazine, and here’s why you will not want to miss it either. Everyone, it seems, likes to step inside and compare new motor caravans to compare different layouts, finishes, fittings, and specifications of newly

The exhibition might well be the country’s biggest showcase of leisure vehicles, but for many of us, the show is just as important for its displays of awnings, porches, accessories, and gadgets. The show great opportunity Michael Howorth Motorhome Caravan Show

launched model ranges – hot off the production line. And we are no exception; even though we love our own van and have no desire to change. But seeing what is coming to market is, nevertheless, always exciting.

A whole hall is set aside to display Campervans and nothing else! Here, you can check-out the manufacturers who, using a variety of base vehicles, have converted vans into leisure vehicles. Names of exhibitors include Bilbos, Bespoke NI, CMC Reimo, Devon Conversions, Hillside Leisure, Jerba Campervans, Murvi, Redline Campers, RP Motorhomes, Vantage Motorhomes, Vanworx, WildAx, Westfalia and more! If you are into Motorhomes and want the opportunity to

crawl all over Adria, Auto-Trail, Auto-Sleepers, Bailey, Brownhills, Carthago, Chausson, Coachman, Compass, Elddis, Knaus, Lowdhams, Morelo, Pilote, Rapido, and Swift models, then this is the place to be!

If you have questions or queries, get them answered here by speaking directly to the manufacturers and dealers. Only the foolish ones will snub a sensible or legitimate enquiry. To put it simply, stock is in short supply and dealers are, as a consequence, more intent on making your acquaintance and building on a relationship for the future than selling you a box that is quite unsuitable for your needs.

Vanworx

Carthago

to get free expert help, advice, and information on all aspects of touring – in the UK and Europe. Use the show to gather holiday ideas and book your pitch from a choice of new campsites, staycation, and European destinations. If it is inspiration you are after, then book yourself into one of the talks, tips and Q&A sessions given by experts and celebrities. There are even competitions to enter and all the benefits of “show-only” offers.

Parking and a show guide with map are included in the cost of entry, but make sure you buy online before you go, because tickets will not be available on the door. Children get in for free when accompanied by a paying adult, but

limited, so you need to buy tickets for the day you intend to visit.

Campervans

When it comes to campervans, there is a lot to see. Adria will be bringing their new Twin Supreme 600 SBX – a great multipurpose, flexible camper for two. At just 6m overall in length, the model features a flexible day/night living space, with a rear electrical bed or rear sofa and table set up. Their Twin Supreme and Sports 600 SX is another new layout offering pleasing flexibility. The crossways electrical bed and low cabinet combination allows you to have a daytime sofa/bedroom and a useful and flexible garage space.

Auto-Sleepers will be displaying their all-new model range of coach-built and van-conversion with increased specifications for the new season.

If you want to drool over a top end campervan, then head over to stand 145 in Hall 12. RP Motorhomes will have four of their Mercedes Benz panel van conversions on display. Based a stone’s throw away from the Yorkshire Dales the company has been busy producing luxury off-

road conversions that include the Rebel AWD, the Rebellion 4 and the Rebel RWD Slide with its slide out bathroom pod. The Rebellion 2 which is also on display, is based on the Mercedes Benz new 4Matics and is one of the very few in the country.

In Hall 11, stand number 1140, Redline Campers will have four vans on display, a SWB Sport, two SWB Sport+ models and a LWB Sport XS.

Vantage Motorhomes will be launching their brand-new range of four berth campervans. Built on the 5m Transit Custom and to Vantage’s award-winning quality standards, the new pop-top campervans will have five belted travel seats and can sleep four. Perfect as everyday vehicles, they’re easy to park in town or on supermarket visits.

Elddis Navigator

Rebellion 4

Adria Twin Supreme

Martin Peach the Group Sales Manager of VanWorx in Portland, Dorset tells us the company have been converting Volkswagens now for 15 years. To mark and celebrate that occasion, the first of just 15 special edition vehicles will be unveiled and launched at the show.

The Knaus Tabbert’s brands will occupy stand 1732 in Hall 17, with what will be their largest representation ever at a UK leisure vehicle show. Knaus will display, amongst others, their new VW T6 chassis tourer van, their 600 XL and 680 ME BoxDrive panel vans from Man, while Weinsberg will display the Fiat CaraCompact 600 MEG Pepper, the new T6 chassis X-Cursion from VW and the new Pepper 640 MEG from Mercedes.

Also on display will be the new convertible campervan Bürstner Playa, based on a Renault Trafic, available only as a Limited-Edition model. To begin with, it aims to be comfortable and cosy on holiday, and as convenient to use as an everyday transport.

Finally in our round up of campervans, WildAx will have seven on display including one brand new model.

Motorhomes

Even if we prefer the simple lines a campervan has to offer, when space is the issue, it seems that motorhomes have the edge. Proving that point, Adria will display the allnew Supersonic, a range of A Class motorhomes on a Mercedes-Benz base vehicle. Offered in four layouts, the Supersonic is driven by design, and for those with a passion for

sophisticated refinement and luxury it is probably the pinnacle of the Adria motorhome ranges, offering the best in design, performance, innovation, and experience.

Meanwhile, Bailey of Bristol will be displaying their innovative Adamo range with exciting brandnew layouts to view for the first time, and Carthago will display their updated A-Class liner-for-two motorhome with rear lounge seating area and unique four-room concept. The exterior graphics and interior design have been comprehensively upgraded. Also, for the first time, Carthago has extended the model range of the chic c-line T with a model on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis with an AL-KO low frame.

Coachman will have the brandnew Travel Master motorhome, offering a level of quality and comfort that is synonymous with the name Coachman. Boasting a class leading level of specification as standard, the Mercedes-Benz base provides a luxurious driving experience while the interior function and design will ensure you can relax and unwind wherever the road takes you.

While not exhibiting any of their campervans at the show, Elddis are nevertheless bringing a slew of motorhomes which means you are going to be spoiled for choice between the Autoquest, Accordo, Avantegarde and Navigator models. In each of those there are several >>

Burstner Playa

Bailey Adamo

Adria Supersonic

variants to choose from and all will be on display.

Marquis will be launching new motorhomes from Benimar, Benivan and Mobilvetta – all with enhanced UK specification for the new season.

For 2023, Malibu’s model range consists of seven basic layouts with numerous variants and special equipment. The Malibu T coach built, consists of four models and the A-Class Malibu I group consists of five models. The Malibu Touring models with opulent equipment and an impressive price advantage are also worth a special mention.

Morelo will premiere the new Empire Liner, bringing it up another level with a Mercedes-Benz Atego 1230 L including a redesigned front that incorporates striking design elements from its ‘big brother’, the Morelo Grande Empire.

The new-look Niesmann+Bischoff Flair will make its UK debut at the

Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld stand. The 2023 model has a completely new interior as well as revamped front and rear exterior panels.

Roller Team will have a great selection of new motorhomes on show including the latest Zefiro, T-Line and Pegaso models and the new 2023 Auto-Roller Ford based vehicle range. Roller Team motorhomes feature stylish Italian interiors and perfectly finished exteriors. Based on the Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato chassis, models vary from four to six berth, in low profile, and feature a spacious over cab bed.

Swift will be showing their new 2023 line-up with stylish exteriors and welcoming interiors. Swift has dedicated countless hours of research and development to ensure that every detail of the new range is built to last and is luxuriously comfortable.

Autoquest

Niesmann+Bischoff

Elddis

Accessories

If you are after awnings, bike racks, ladders, roof bars, roof boxes, or anything else with a Thule Brand name upon it, then head over to Hall 12, Stand 246, beside the shop and drop area where Hill View Awnings will have all sorts of accessories on display, many of which will be available to take away at special show prices.

Making it possible for active campervanners to safely carry their bulky sports and leisure equipment on the rear of their vehicle, the all

new Bürstner Backrack+ system can be seen at the show for the first time.

If you have read this far and are still wondering why we have not highlighted the must-see vehicle that is likely to be the star of the show, that is because there is not going to be one this year. At least not unless the manufacturers have got a big top hat, a magic wand and are keeping their white rabbits a closely guarded secret. Having said that, one other standout feature of this year’s show is likely to be the absence of sales pressure.

Yet despite all of the above this is shaping up to be a great show. And, whatever your preference or budget, there will undoubtably be something at the show for everyone, even if it is nothing more than a nosey around someone else’s dream machine That’s what we will be doing, so see you there!

Autoquest 185

Hill View Awnings

Bürstner Backrack+

AVON

M&D SERVICES LTD

Unit 1 Balaclava Rd Ind Est, Bristol, BS16 3LJ

T: 01179 651900

E: tony@mdservicesltd.co.uk

BRISTOL

CHIPPING SODBURY CARAVANS

Badminton Rd, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, BS37 6LH

T: 01454 318374

E: sales@chippingsodburycaravans.co.uk

W: www.chippingsodburycaravans.co.uk

CAMBS

PIONEER CARAVANS LIMITED

Thorney Rd, Eye, Peterborough, Cambs, PE6 7UB

T: 01733 222244

E: reception2@pioneercaravans.co.uk

CHESHIRE

A&E LEISURE LTD

Unit 51/56 Cosgrove Business Park, Daisy Bank Lane, Anderton, Northwich, CW9 6FY

T: 01606 973005

E: service@aeleisure.co.uk

W: www.aeleisure.co.uk

NORTH WESTERN CARAVANS LTD

Earl Rd, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK86 QE

T: 01614866055

E: info@northwesterncaravans.co.uk

DEVON

DEVON & CORNWALL MOTORHOME & CARAVAN SERVICE REPAIR CENTRE

Unit K&M, Boringdon Mill Business Park, Galileo Close, Plympton, PL7 4JW

T: 01752 717750

E: service@dandcmotorhomes.co.uk

W: www.dandcmotorhomes.co.uk

ESSEX

SG SERVICING

Saffron Walden, CB11 3UG

T: 01799 541642 or 07875 260862

E: steve@sgservicing.co.uk

WINSOR GARAGES LTD

Ford Rd, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 3DS

T: 01255 222110

E: winsorgaragesltd@btconnect.com

W: www.winsorgaragesltd.co.uk

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

NEWENT AUTO CENTRE

Newent Business Park, Newent, GL18 1HP

T: 01531 828001

E: newentauto@yahoo.co.uk

W: www.newentauto.co.uk

HAMPSHIRE

ADAMS MOREY LTD

Third Avenue, Millbrook, Southampton, SO15 0LD

T: 023 8079 9550

E: gary.morrison@adamsmorey.com

W: www.amvans.co.uk

CS&R Ltd

Unit 4, Woolmer Trading Est, Woolmer Way, Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 9QE

T: 01483 906435

M: 07979 386780

E: csrcaravanserviceandrepairs@gmail.com

W: www.repairscaravan.co.uk

YEW TREE WORKSHOPS

Fawley, Southampton, SO45 1BX

T: 023 8001 0029

E: stuart.yewtree@outlook.com

W: www.badminstongroup.co.uk

HERTFORDSHIRE

HITCHIN LEISURE SERVICING

The Rose Garden, Cambridge Rd, Hitchin, SG4 0JX

T: 01462 421443

E: hitchinleisure@yahoo.co.uk

W: www.hitchinleisure.co.uk

IRELAND

DONAGHEY MOTORHOMES

Drumnahoe, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland

T: 00353 7491 29235

E: info@irishmotorhomes.com

W: www.donagheymotorhomes.ie

KENT

MOTORHOMES REPAIRED

Unit 26, Lamberhurst Farm, Dargate, Nr Faversham, ME13 9EP

T: 01227 751300

E: info@motorhomesrepaired.com

W: www.motorhomesrepaired.com

TOMSETT KENT

Church Farm, Church Lane, Stockbury, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 7RD

T: 01795 841007

E: admin@tomsettkent.com

W: www.tomsettkent.com

MERSEYSIDE

SPENCER & GILBERT

3 St. Luke’s Rd, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0SH

T: 01704 531398

E: spencerandgilbert@gmail.com

NORFOLK

CROWN GARAGE

Newton St. Faith, Norwich, NR10 3LG

T: 01603 898253

E: enquiry@thecrowngarage.com

W: www.thecrowngarage.com

MOTORHOMES OF EXCELLENCE DIRECTORY IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SIMPSONS GARAGE

(GT YARMOUTH) LTD

Suffolk Rd, Gt Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 0LN

E: service@simpsons-skoda.com

W: www.simpsonsmotorhomes.co.uk

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

ROCKINGHAM CARS FIAT

Cockerell Rd, Phoenix Parkway, Corby, NN17 5DU

T: 01536 268991

E: phil@rockinghamcars.co.uk

W: www.rockinghamcars.co.uk

WHITE ARCHES MOTORHOMES

A45, Higham Rd, Little Irchester, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 2DU.

T: 01933 277303

E: info@white-arches.co.uk

SCOTLAND

CULLODEN SERVICE STATION LTD

Barn Church Rd, Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland, IV2 7WB

T: 01463 792979

E: cullodenservicestation@gmail.com

DONALD MACKENZIE LTD

Authorised Fiat dealer. 62 Seafield Rd, Inverness, Inverness-shire, IV1 1SG

T: 01463 235777

E: dmaftersales@dmmotorgroup.co.uk

THE MOTORHOME REPAIR CENTRE

253 Blairtummock Rd, Glasgow, G33 4ED

T: 0141 773 1212

F: 0141 771 1999

E: info@motorhomerepaircentre.com

NEWTON GARAGE LTD

14 The Wisp, Edinburgh, EH16 4SQ

T: 0131 669 6336

E: newtongarage@aol.com

NORTH ROAD GARAGE

Great North Rd, Kelty, Fife, KY4 0HW

T: 01383 830404

E: sales@northroadgarage.co.uk

W: www.northroadgarage.co.uk

SHERIFFMILL MOTOR COMPANY LTD

Sheriffmill Rd, Elgin, Moray, IV30 6UH

T: 01343 547121 or 01343 547378

E: info@sheriffmill.co.uk

SOMERSET

CARAVAN & MOTORHOME

SOLUTIONS

Littlecombe Garage, Touches Lane, Chaffcombe Rd, Chard, TA20 1RY

T: 01460 63320

E: caravanmotorhome@btconnect.com

W: caravanmotorhomesolutions.co.uk

SOUTHWEST MOTORHOMES

Southfields Enterprise Park, Unit 1, Jordans Rd, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 9FF

T: 01460 57524

E: service@southwestmotorhomes.co.uk

W: www.southwestmotorhomes.co.uk

STOCKPORT

PINNACLE MOTOR ENGINEERING

Gordon Street, Stockport, SK4 1RS

T: 0161 480 0397

E: info@pinnaclemotors.net

W: www.pinnacle-motors.co.uk

SUFFOLK

SHARMAN CARAVANS

Habitation services to all motorhomes and campervans – AWS approved workshops. Colchester Rd, Ipswich, IP4 4RU

T: 01473 713284

E: sales@sharmancaravans.co.uk

W: www.sharmancaravans.co.uk

Auto-Sleepers

SURREY

ELMWOOD VEHICLES LTD

Motorhome Servicing & MOTs

278 Kingston Rd (rear of petrol station), Epsom, Surrey, KT19 0SH

T: 0208 394 2847

E: info@elmwoodvehicles.co.uk

W: www.elmwoodvehicles.co.uk

SUSSEX

CARAVAN TECH SERVICES LTD

(Bailey, Swift and Adria) London Rd, Hurst Green, East Sussex, TN19 7PN

T: 01580 860260

E: shop@caravantech.co.uk

W: www.caravantech.co.uk

JC LEISURE

Lifestyle Park, Harbour Rd, Rye, TN31 7TE

T: 01797 227337

E: service@jcleisure.co.uk

W: www.jcleisure.co.uk

PREMIER MOTORHOMES

Premier Business Park, Main Rd, Birdham, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7BU

T: 01243 511189

E: service@premiermotorhomes.com

W: www.premiermotorhomes.uk

RELIANCE CARAVAN & MOTORHOME SERVICES

Units D1-D3, New Barn Offices, Funtington, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 9DA

T: 01243 940050

E: enquiries@reliancecms.uk

W: www.reliancecms.uk

WORCESTERSHIRE

AUTO-SLEEPERS LTD

Orchard Works, Willersey, Nr Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7QF

T: 01386 853338

W: www.auto-sleepers.co.uk

Private sale advertisements

ACCESSORIES

AUTO CRUISE STARFIRE motorhome towbar complete with all fixings £175. Collection from Bromsgrove Worcestershire or possibly meet up. Tel: Andy 07739 043496

WANTED

MIRROR GUARDS for broad single stem Fiat Ducato 56 plate MH. (No indicators). Tel: 07923 067706 or email mbgspencer@ yahoo.co.uk

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.

Name: Address: Postcode:

Telephone: Club membership number:

Please indicate whether your item is: FOR SALE WANTED

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

That’s what people tell us when t h e y ’ v e h a d a l i t h i u m b a t t e r y installed. And it doesn’t matter what type of motorhome you’ve got: big, small, old or new, if you like staying off-grid, a lithium battery can make a huge difference to the way you use your motorhome. us what sort of motorhome you have and how you want to use it and we’ll explain exactly what you need. we can a system for you to help you and your