Newsletter Autumn 2022
GREETINGS TO ALL OUR LUNAR OWNERS CLUB MEMBERS
The Committee have put together this Newsletter to keep you up to date as David is still recovering from his illness, we send him our best wishes for a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back at the helm. In the meantime Nigel Hitchen has offered to stand in for him on a tempory basis until he returns.
Members have had a good year with rallies and it was nice to see there were a number of you who made it to the AGM at lovely Lickhill Manor site near Stourport-on-Severn in October.
We still have some lovely forthcoming rallies for this year – have a look at our Remaining Rallies Listed below NOTE: There is at least 1 place available on the Christmas Rally at Cotswold Hills Country Park if you would like to attend you can book online or call our Club Line 0161 820 2466. There’s also plenty to look forward to in 2023, with our Rally Secretary, Caroline doing a super job in finding and booking a varied range of sites across the country. And we welcome a return to a nice warm site in the Dordogne in France during June 2023! Details can be found at the end of this Newsletter
Best wishes
David Cowan ~ Newsletter editor ~ 0161 820 2466
Email: newsletter@lunarownersclub.net
CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE
Hello members, The Club has recently had a very successful AGM in which our plans for the next 12 months were discussed. I am happy to report that the members who attended unanimously re-elected myself as Chairman together with all other committee members. Additionally, I would like to welcome to the committee a new memberLinda Dore, who was also unanimously elected by those present.
At the AGM, the proposal we set out in the last Newsletter for the Club to reimburse any member with lost deposits over £30 when booking a rally site through the Club (through illness, incapacitation etc) was narrowly defeated 12-13 with 6 abstentions This means those members who’ve booked on the Christmas rally – which has a 50% upfront deposit will not now be able to recover any lost deposits.
The evening social was slightly different from previous years, in that your committee decided that we should hire outside caterers to provide the buffet rather than as all attendees to bring a plate to share. This was a resounding success that will be repeated next year.
Your committee have also stepped up a promotional campaign for the Club and YOU can help with part of this! You’ll find with this Newsletter a “flyer” which you can print off (there’s 2 to a sheet so cut it in half) encouraging Lunar owners to join us. All we ask is that you have some with you in your ‘van and If you see a Lunar caravan have a chat with the owners and encourage them to join! We also suggest that next time you pop into your local caravan dealer, you give them some too and ask them to hand out to buyers of any second-hand Lunar stock they may have.
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Lunar Owners Club Newsletter Autumn 2022 – website: lunarownersclub.net – Club Help Line 0161 820 2466
As part of this increased promotional activity, the website is being updated as we speak and we’ve now got an Instagram account – lunar.owners.club – as well as our Facebook page “Lunar Owners Club”. “Like” and “Follow” us!
I can advise you all that Caroline the Rally Secretary has been very busy putting together a varied plan for next year’s rallies – take a look at the provisional 2023 schedule later in the Newsletter. Hopefully these will appeal to as many as possible as we are looking to not only extend these to 7 days but also offer “follow on” events to make both time and cost more economic.
I look forward to meeting as many members as possible at our rallies over the year.
John Kilby – Chair – 0161 820 2466
Email: chairman@lunarownersclub.net
MEMBERSHIP
It’s that time of year again! Membership renewal opens on the 1st November and closes on the 31st December
Please don’t forget to renew because your presence within the club is very important. Without members we do not have a Club. So, dig deep into your pockets and pull out £12 (£15 for postal members) and send it off using the usual payment methods:
Standing Order - set up a Standing Order with your Bank with sort code 30-95-45, account number 19620468 and schedule it to pay on November 1st each year. Make sure it quotes your name & membership number.
BACs – (online accounts) pay your subscription into Lloyds bank, sort code 30-95-45, account number 19620468 quoting your name & membership number. (You may be asked to confirm the Club's bank account name which is "Lunar Owner's Club")
PayPal - Log into your PayPal account and send your subscription to treasurerlunar80@gmail.com
Cheque - Make cheque payable to “Lunar Owners Club” and send to Mike Gyles (Treasurer), 11 Silverbirch Way, Loughborough, Leics, LE11 2DH
Membership cards and Inserts for your Folder will be posted out early in the new year for all Members who renew.
Look forward to seeing you ALL on our extensive rally programme next year!
Keep safe and well
John Hammond ~ Membership Secretary ~ 0161 820 2466
email: membership@lunarownersclub.net
© - Lunar Owners Club Newsletter Autumn 2022 – website: lunarownersclub.net – Club Help Line 0161 820 2466
NEWBERRY VALLEY CARAVAN PARK – COMBE MARTIN -18 TH TO 25 TH MAY
We arrived in the sunshine which was very encouraging greeted by Caroline, Roger, Wendy & Derek. The site was large and secluded situated between hills and trees which opened out where we were sited.
We set up then gathered for a meet and greet with fellow ralliers for tea, coffee and Devon cream scones
On the site was a large pond which you could walk round or go fishing on which Derek and Roger did (How big were they !!!!!) The beach and town of Coombe Martin was just a short walk away across the road from the site and had a variety of shops and pubs, there were many places to visit in the area we weren’t very far from Ilfracombe where the fish and chips were very nice, we also went to Woolacombe which wasn’t too far away There were also some very pretty villages around the area and Lynton and Lynmouth a little further up the coast with its cliff railway.
We visited the Quince Honey Farm where you could have tours also a shop where you could buy gifts Bee related, there was also a large restaurant where we booked in for lunch which was very enjoyable.
One afternoon we all gathered for tea and coffee and a lovely assortment of cakes before having a game of Boules and silly skittles.
On the Monday evening at one of the pubs in Combe Martin we had an American supper and we were able to use their skittle alley ladies v men and the ladies beat the men!
We visited the National Trust Arlington Hall house and gardens which were nearby which also had an interesting carriage museum.
On the Tuesday evening we had a farewell meal at a pub nearby.
IT’S KENT FOR 10 DAYS!
“We’re all going on a late summer holiday” we joyfully sang as we motored down the M1 only to hit a wall of water as we got on to the M25 and on into Kent.
A text from our marshals said – “when you arrive sit in the field and we’ll come out and see you when the rain stops!”
Happily the rain eased and seven of our eight vans got set up, some damper than others.
The Meet & Greet welcomed us all with the most delicious cakes all baked by Katina but our joyful meeting was tempered as we returned to our vans to learn of the death of our Queen.
Ever Lunar resourceful a second flagpole at the side of the club flag enabled us to fly a Union Flag at half mast throughout the rally.
Our site – Hampton Park CP at Herne Bay was a large open field with superb views toward the hills surrounding Canterbury and with another rally on site as well it was a busy first weekend.
After a free and easy Friday and Saturday we gathered for a most delicious Ploughman’s Supper out in the field in glorious late sunshine until suddenly – it rained!! A quick rush into the awnings.
Out exploring on Sunday and Monday saw us all gather again on Monday evening for Hot Dogs and Doughnuts. The doughnuts were so tasty that three of the men had to change their shirts with doughnut jam all down their fronts.
This part of Eastern Kent with Herne bay, Whitstable, Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate all nearby and Canterbury even Dover and Deal only a little further offered everyone so much to do.
The coastal walks and beachside restaurants combined with the fascinating history of the whole area meant many a pleasant day out.
On Wednesday evening the marshals organised a Fish and Chips supper with fresh fish from local fisheries superbly cooked by a local frier – very yum yum. This was followed by the now famous Chinese Raffle with much hilarious prize swapping, and Judy announced the results of all her quizzes – the overall winners – Sonja and Paul.
The generally fine weather meant that on several evenings we were all able to sit out and enjoy the late sunshine even having games of boules and silly skittles (it’s actually “Molkky” a Finnish game)
Our Rally concluded with a meal in a local hostelry with thanks from all the ralliers to our Marshalls – Peter and Katina and Roy and Judy - who had worked so hard to see we had a most enjoyable time.
Mike and Ann Gyles
When I was Newsletter Editor people hated to be asked to write a rally report. I always said write as much or as little as you like. I had some brilliant reports (mainly because they were asked at the start of the rally to do it, and they made a few notes as the days went on rather than having it thrust upon them at the last minute.) Some reports were long and one said we arrived we stayed and we went home, I don't think they were asked again…..So here goes having been asked at the last minute..
We arrived at the site in glorious sunshine and were directed to our place by the site owner. We were all grouped together on a commercial site in woodland by the side of a river.
Once we got legs down and awning up it was time to join the rest of the "Lunatics" for a catch up, coffee, and cake.
Friday was "bikes and butties day"
We were split into two parties and enjoyed the Bikes of the Past. A Cycle museum in Llandrindod Wells with bikes going back to the Penny Farthing and others where you sat on a seat and propelled yourself with your feet, (just like the toddlers of today do). Even back as far as the 1700s! Then out of the Museum and across the road to the Metropole Hotel for a lovely cream tea.
On Saturday we had to starve ourselves before the wonderful dinner at the Severn Arms nearby. Roy being Roy got on well with the lady in charge/waitress and she also got his name wrong and called him RORY as a waitress had in the past, as some of you may remember. We were not disappointed with the food!!!!
On Sunday, we tried to complete the Quiz and the treasure hunt devised by Linda & Vic Dore. Well, I tell you, we found it so hard I think we should be put into Special Needs.
We did find a little piece of heaven at The Lakeside Cafe in Llandrindod Wells, so we had a coffee on the outside balcony then it stretched to lunch all in glorious sunshine. What a find, so we went back again another day!
All too soon it was time to pack up ready to leave the following morning, but one last treat, a Ploughman's Supper with a Chinese Raffle.
In total there were sixteen units at Lickhill Caravan Park on the banks of the River Severn. We had two rows of vans, facing one another, in the enormous rally field of this lovely dog-friendly site. This was our first time as
Rally Marshalls but we were ably assisted by Caroline and Roger Applegate and the lovely group of members who attended made it a real pleasure.
At this time of year, we were expecting mixed weather and indeed we had quite a few heavy showers. Nothing dampens the spirits of Lunar caravanners though, especially when cake is on offer.
The AGM in the afternoon was well attended with extra local members coming for the meeting and it produced some lively and productive discussion. Later on, the evening social flew by; Caroline had booked a wonderful local caterer for us who did us proud, and food was followed by a new twist on traditional games. It’s amazing what you learn about members at these events! Note to self and rookie Marshalls– best not to google “adult party games” for inspiration!
There was plenty of free time to explore the area if members were unfamiliar with the surroundings but as this was not our first visit to this site, many members had long wish lists of places to revisit from PYO farms to a plethora of Priest-holes.
We shared an enjoyable get-together on the last night for a meal at a local hostelry and, best of all, no washing up!
We arrived at The Millpond on the Sunday before the rally commenced as we often extend our break if we’re travelling any distance from home. This Camping and Caravanning Club site boasts a fishing lake, (the water level was down following a lack of rainfall this year), a variety of pitch options and during peak periods, an outside bar and food cabin. Concerns about noise from the adjacent railway line proved not to be too much of an issue as most trains passed by in the daytime; we got used to the occasional one passing by later in the evening and in the pre-breakfast hours! We understand the main reason this site had been selected as a rally venue was for some Lunar Owners Club Members to get involved in some serious fishing! We’re not sure how many fish were caught – or got away – but various breeds and sizes were reported on during our stay!
We joined the welcome meeting in the marshals’ awning/gazebo on Wednesday along with those there for the start of the rally. (Some arrived on Thursday and had theirs then). On Thursday evening we travelled to nearby Much Marcle for a meal out at a pub followed by a game of indoor skittles. This was only our second attempt at playing the game having joined in the fun on the Combe Martin rally in May this year. This time it was really hard work using heavy wooden balls instead of the previously used rubber ones; these wooden ones weren’t completely spherical which made bowling in a straight line very difficult! While the ladies had taken the lead in Combe Martin, they lost out to the men on this occasion!
On Saturday a few on the rally became a private group on a 90-minute guided walking tour of Hereford. It can be so easy to miss points of interest in any city so we appreciated the information shared by the knowledgeable guide who provided a potted history of Hereford as a settlement on the Welsh border. We had previously spotted the former city wall and an old river crossing on a supermarket visit, but wouldn’t have known about the location of the long-gone castle without the tour or the medieval street plan. We started out and finished at the cathedral which dates from the 11th century which houses amongst other things, a map of the world as it was considered to be in 1290 – the Mappi Mundi. In the grounds we saw a sculpture of composer Edward Elgar with his bicycle. Being a keen cyclist, he was often seen cycling around the area when he and his wife lived in Hereford between 1904 and 1912.
On Sunday we joined fellow ralliers and enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Trumpet Inn, one of many black and white buildings seen around Herefordshire. Like Hereford, Ledbury also boasts many fine old black and white buildings including The Feathers Hotel, a 16th century coaching inn while of particular note is the 400-year-old Market House. Apparently on some days it still hosts a market underneath while the upstairs can be booked for special events. It was also impossible to miss the imposing building on a street corner, i.e. the BarrettBrowning Clock Tower, a Grade II listed building built in 1895 by public subscription. Originally built as a memorial to the poet Elizabeth Barrwtt-Browning who lived in in Ledbury, it is now the venue of the Ledbury Pottery Festival
We didn’t venture into Ledbury until the day after the ‘Mop Fair’ had taken place. Back in the day, farm workers, labourers and servants worked for an employer on an annual ‘October to October’ contract and at the end of their employment would attend their local Mop Fair carrying an item signifying their trade. A servant with no particular trade carried a mop head, hence the phrase ‘mop’ fair. Employers would recruit workers at these fairs and give the new employee a small token of money to spend at the stalls set up at the fair. They date from the 12th century and from the 18th century have taken place on 10th October, ‘Old Michaelmas Day’. Modern day Mop Fairs boast fairground attractions and associated stalls as did the one we missed in Ledbury.
For the most part of our stay, the weather was fine and we took ourselves off on a few walks from the campsite which provided route information using local footpaths. There are many orchards in the county and on one walk we came across a box outside a house in a nearby village containing a variety of ‘free’ apples. These were later utilised to make an apple crumble! Apples are also used to make cider and on one visit into Hereford we called in at the Cider Museum situated on part of the former Bulmer’s cider factory. Samples at the end of the visit were poured for us sparingly – but we did at least get to taste ciders we might not otherwise have tried!
Towards the end of our stay the weather became cooler with a noticeable ‘nip’ in the autumn air and on a couple of mornings, a foggy start. But this didn’t detract from the beautiful colours of the trees on the campsite and in the surrounding rolling hills of the Herefordshire countryside. It didn’t put the fishermen off either! (No women spotted with fishing rods on this particular break!) The weather forecast changed several times and fortunately we were able to take awnings down in dry weather where previously rain had been predicted!
On Monday afternoon it was time for the farewell gathering as some were leaving the rally early: more refreshments, the raffle and also the announcement of the quiz results. In addition to our prize for winning the main quiz, we were also given the honour of writing the rally report you are now reading!
We really enjoyed our stay on this site and would have no hesitation in returning at some point in the future or recommending to others that they give it a try. It was undoubtedly made more enjoyable due to the programme and arrangements made by the Marshals Caroline and Roger and their Co-marshals, Wendy and Derek. We thank them for hosting us and also our fellow ralliers for their company – we hope to see you all again on a rally at some point next year!
FORTHCOMING RALLIES
THE SOMERSET CARNIVAL RALLY
We will start with the usual meet and greet and tea & coffee and cake in the Site Lodge at 4pm.
On Friday it will be a free day, but for those who are going to Wells Carnival it will be a 5.30p.m. start. If you would like the transport we are providing at £2 a head be sure to book your place with Phil Butterworth, 07850 361 171. The bar will be open in the evening.
Saturday is another free day, but if you missed Wells Carnival there will be another good one at Glastonbury, again leaving in your own transport at 5.30p.m. The Bar will be open in the Lodge.
Sunday is a free day, but from 7p.m. we are providing some entertainment for you at the Lodge. If you know what it is keep it to yourselves, we want it to be a surprise to as many as possible.
Monday is a completely free day, so lets hope it’s dry and you can all get out and see the beautiful countryside and sea-side resorts, which unfortunately have muddy seas but some wonderful long sandy beaches (and a little mud).
As it is winter, and people are less inclined to want to go out in he evenings we have arranged a lunchtime meal at a local hostelry, starting at 12.30p.m. and finishing eventually.
Wednesday we have organised a visit to a working flour mill with a tour, at a small cost and tea, coffee, cake and biscuits at a cost. Starting at 7p.m. we will have our ‘au revoir’ in the bar with games and chat and nibbles.
We know everyone will have a very enjoyable time!
CHRISTMAS RALLY, COTSWOLD HILLS COUNTRY PARK, CHIPPING NORTON – 2ND TO 7TH DECEMBER
We will have our usual Christmas meal at a local hostelry and an evening social to enjoy as well as the opportunity to visit many interesting & pretty villages and NT locations in the area. We’ll also ask you to decorate your ‘van for Christmas – if you’re coming, start planning your decoration scheme now and bring your Christmas cards for fellow caravanners!
Hosts Cathy and Phil would be pleased to give you more details if you contact them via our ClubLine 0161 820 2466 or at www.lunarownersclub.net.
© - Lunar Owners Club Newsletter Autumn 2022 – website: lunarownersclub.net – Club Help Line 0161 820 2466
Linda and Vic Dore BUCKLEGROVE CARAVAN PARK – RODNEY STOKE, NEAR CHEDDAR – 17 – 24 NOVEMBERNEW YEAR RALLY, DODWELL PARK, STRATFORD ON AVON – 29TH DECEMBER TO JANUARY 2ND
Post Christmas blues? Need a complete change ? Fed up with the same old....why not join us for 5 nights of caravanning pleasure? (steady on….Ed)
We are gathering at Dodwell Park caravan site near Stratford on Avon, a lovely small site with excellent facilities and no mud ! Only £30 per night if there is 10 vans or more, £33 if less . There will be a meal out, maybe two and a "bit of a do" on new years eve and bacon rolls on new years day to start 2023 off. For the new years eve event we have a nearby hall so there will be an American supper , games and quizzes to pass the evening before bubbly at midnight .
This is always an enjoyable rally and the attractions of the area will certainly add to its appeal !
If you need more convincing please contact Caroline and Roger for more details on 01275 874594 or call the Clubline on 0161 820 2466
REMAINING 2022 RALLY SCHEDULE
You can book online at www.lunarownersclub.net, or call the Club Line 0161 820 2466 or send in a Rally Booking Slip found in your Handbook
Dates Where Postcode
November 17 – 24
December 2-7
December 29 – Jan 2
Bucklegrove CP, Rodney Stoke (nr Cheddar), (Somerset Carnivals) BS27 3UZ
Cotswold Hills Country Park (Xmas rally)
OX7 5TC
Dodwell Park, Stratford on Avon CV37 9SR
2023 PLANNED RALLY SCHEDULE
Here’s our PROVISIONAL 2023 Rally schedule Caroline has organised, so far. You can’t book any of the sites yet, but you can start planning your 2023 touring now! Please note that an increasing number of sites are now requesting deposits when booking in 2023.
Dates Where
March 9-14
April 6-11 (Easter)
Fish & Anchor, Evesham, Worcs
Ingfield Farm, Sheffield Yorks
April 27- May 2 (May Day) Midway CP, Lower Micklin CP, Uttoxeter Staffs
May 25 – 30
June 3 – 18
June 15-20
July 6-11
July 27 – Aug 2
Aug 16 -23
August 24-29 (Aug BH)
Colchester Country Park, Colchester
Moulin de Bel Air, St Germain du Bel Air, Dordogne, France
Top End Farm, Bedford
Duke of York Pub, Buxton, Derbyshire
Blacklands, Calne, Wiltshire
Anchor, Arundel
Waiting to hear back from 2 possible sites
Sept 21 – 26 (AGM Rally) Cottage of Content, Alcester, Warks
Oct 26 – Nov 2
Slimbridge, Glos
Dec 7-12 Somerswood, Meriden
New year 2023 No rally planned yet
© - Lunar Owners Club Newsletter Autumn 2022 – website: lunarownersclub.net – Club Help Line 0161 820 2466
RALLY IN FRANCE 2023
Alan Rogers Rallies have offered us 2 sites in the Dordogne near Sarlat-la-Caneda and we’ve chosen oneincidentally a C’est Si Bon site – called Camping Moulin du Bel Air at St. Germain du Bel Air for 14 nights starting Saturday 3rd June 2023. The site is about 40 minutes south of Sarlat-la-Caneda.
Distance from Calais to Camping Moulin de Bel Air – 525 miles (approx 8hrs 30mins)
Distance from Caen to Camping Moulin de Bel Air – 405 miles (approx 7hrs)
On the banks of the River Ceou, built around an 18th Century mill.
A small site with 90 lovely grassy pitches, 68 for touring (16A)
On-site: an outdoor swimming-pool, bicycle hire, a cosy indoor lounge, and an outdoor terrace/restaurant
Just at the entrance, there is a small fishing lake where you can stroll past it, up to the local village
Indicative pricing for 14 nights, which Alan Rogers can’t confirm until the Ferries publish their 2023 prices, are:
Via Dover-Calais
o Around £634 for a caravan
o Approx £504 for a motorhome
Via Portsmouth-Caen
o Approx £765 for a caravan
o Approx £686 for a motorhome
We’ll know more and get a firm price by the end of November and you’ll be able to book direct with Alan Rogers on their website from January. They’ll want an £150 deposit with the booking.
Cathy & Phil Butterworth have offered to host this rally in one of the most beautiful areas of France. What a treat! (….that’s the beautiful area of France, not Cathy & Phil…..Ed)
CLUB TREASURER – CAN YOU HELP?
Our Treasurer, Mike Gyles, tells us that, with advancing years, he feels it time to ask a younger member of the Club take on the care of our finances.
Mike is happy to complete the finances for this year and would assist in the handover during the Autumn. The Club Accounts are now almost entirely on-line so online facilities are a necessity and some online banking experience would be valuable.
If any member feels they could take on this responsibility, please contact Mike by calling our Club Line 0161 820 2466 or emailing him at treasurer@lunarownersclub.net and he will arrange a nomination and proposal for our AGM.
© - Lunar Owners Club Newsletter Autumn 2022 – website: lunarownersclub.net – Club Help Line 0161 820 2466
BARBARA ASHWORTH – AN OBITUARY
It is with great sadness I must report the sudden and unexpected death of Barbara Ashworth who passed away on Sunday 9th October 2022.
Barbara and her husband Barry have been members since April 2016 and during their membership have attended 14 rallies including 4 on the continent. Those of you who met her will remember her as a quiet but very friendly lady who was quick witted and very knowledgeable. She will be greatly missed.
John Hammond Membership Secretary- Lunar Owners Club Newsletter Autumn 2022 – website: lunarownersclub.net – Club Help Line 0161 820 2466
AND FINALLY!
Retired member Peter Kerins is selling off his surplus caravan kit. Make him an offer!
Lunar Owners Club Newsletter Autumn 2022 – website: lunarownersclub.net – Club Help Line 0161 820 2466
