Caravan Club WEST Kent Centre Newsletter Winter 2011
Welcome to this the Winter Newsletter. It seems such a short time ago we were basking in the sun with drinks in hand and BBQs going. Chatting with friends and loved ones. Time passes so quickly, it is so easy to lose touch.
I am sorry to let you all know that Roger Bunce has been in hospital and undergone surgery. Although he is now home Roger is unable to drive for 6 weeks, I am sure you will all join with us and wish him a speedy recovery. Roger and Pat had to cancel their Golden Wedding Party. It is such achievement congratulation from all us. Jane and Dave Harding have become proud grandparents again. Little Amber was born on 27 th September 2011 weighing 7lb 12oz. Congratulations Jane and Dave from all of us. Alas granddad Dave is awaiting surgery for a hernia early next year, again I am sure you all wish Dave a speedy recovery. Hope to see you both on the rally field next year
Janet Hill has received a very nice thank you letter from the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity thanking us for our support. They have now completed the Oak Centre for Children and Young People. This is Europe's leading centre for children and young people with cancer. An incredible sum of £16 million was needed to build this centre of which West Kent was one of the clubs which helped to raise these funds. I think you will all agree with me that this is something to be proud of, well done everyone.
You will all be aware that Ron has put together a great program of rallies for 2012. But it will need our members to make it all a success so please support these rallies as much as possible. If you have any ideas for 2013 rallies do not hesitate to contact Ron he will be only too happy to hear from you all.
MESSAGES FROM YOUR COMMITTEE
The committee would like to bring to remind our members the following: RULES of our CENTRE. Bicycles are not to be ridden between the caravans on the rally field. Also can members please remember their FIRE BUCKETS and fill them with water. We are not being kill joys just a matter of safety. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
The committee would also like to explain what the rally fee is spent on. The fee covers postage, ink jets, telephone calls, expenses incurred by having to visit rally site's (I would like to point out that the committee very often do not claim this). As those of you who have volunteered to Marshal Rallies know Ann Miller keeps the Tea & Coffee bag replenished so that you do not have
to bother. Marshals now only have to buy Milk, and Biscuits. Gas, for the Urn. (Could all marshals ensure the Urn is turned off when not in use, due to high cost of gas). Also all prizes for quizzes and raffles are taken out of this fee. Any profit made on a rally is ploughed back into centre funds to covering all replacement and repair to rally equipment. Children's Christmas Party
Now the matter of VAT, the Club HQ have issued a warning that if VAT is not charged when providing Food on a rally the club public liability insurance will be invalidated.
RALLY REPORTS
YALDING 45 TH BIRTHDAY RALY 17 TH - 19 TH JUNE 2011
A few of us arrived early on Friday morning to a dry sunny day, after setting up our vans we unloaded the party tent. There were just enough of us to erect the tent by the time the rally opened. The rally was well supported and it was nice to see Dawn Penfold back on the rally field helping the marshals. Friday night we had a get together, meeting friends old and new. Saturday evening Clair and Spike with help from friends cook us all a meal of Pie, Mash, Vegetables and Gravy, followed by Fruit Flan and cream. After the meal we all joined in a Chinese raffle and great fun was had by all. At Flag Pole we all enjoyed birthday cake and bubbly for the centre's 45 th Birthday. Afterwards many hands made light work of taking down the Party Tent and putting it back into the trailer, nice and dry. We thank our Marshals and helper for good food and a pleasant week-end.
BROADSTAIRS 23 RD -31 ST JULY 2011
Through Jane's eyes. Here I was driving into a school field in Broadstairs, having just got over my aversion to caravan toilets, I now faced a caravan shower. In two nights time my eight year old granddaughter was joining us, so now we had to put up a tent annex, (a first for Wilf) but he managed. Great anticipation how would and eight year old manage as she had never slept in a tent, or caravan before. First night OK except the sea gulls awoke her at the crack of dawn. She was given ear plugs and problem solved.
Within hours granddaughter Jazz, had settled in made friends amongst the other children and was loving the freedom and friendship of the other ralliers, joining in all the sports provided. Volleyball, lawn darts, bouls, horseshoes and all the races on sports day. Needless to say she was quite happy to stay for longer and has asked if she can come again next year. I don't think West Kent can get a better recommendation than that. Me I really enjoyed myself and as Wilf said I am a ralliers now. My thanks to all those that helped to make this a great holiday.
NEW PARK, BROCKENHURST, NEW FOREST 17 TH -30 TH AUGUST 2011-10-17
Heavy rain, thick rolling clouds, grey days, some sun and possibly even two bright days. Well, that describes the weather for the rally. But, despite all of that, the marshals gave everyone a very enjoyable 13 days in this lovely location in the heart of the New Forest. Fortunately, despite many fears, the swarms of ticks failed to materialise. This was due to Roy negotiating a different field to the one used two years ago.
About 7 vans attended the whole rally. However, the actual total was nearer 20 as some people arrived after the start and left before the Tuesday end date. We received visitors from Bedfordshire, East Dorset (one even leaving and returning and then leaving again!). West Hants and Wiltshire. They embellished the evening entertainment with new opinions, views and some different ideals. Thus providing the feeling that this rally was a holiday rally where one could visit different places and meet new people.
We had three great evenings. Two laid on by our marshals, with delicious soup and a roll (with this type of weather, we needed it!!) and some easy and mind bending quizzes. Especially challenging was the quiz made up of magazine cuttings hung on the tent walls, this required people and items to be identified. Clearly a lot of cutting out acquisition of old magazines had taken place. At least the walking around kept everyone warm.
The middle evening started out as and idea for an American Supper, but by the completion of the planning by Barbara Forman and Ann Miller, it had been decided to lay on a full cold buffet. This was well supported, and proved to be an extremely enjoyable meal with lots of goodies for a very modest sum.
On the afternoon of the Bank Holiday Friday, we were all invited by Mike and Linda Reading to partake in a glass of wine and a piece of delicious chocolate cake. This in order to celebrate Mike's 65 th Birthday (surely not he looks much younger). This was a much appreciated gestured gesture and was enjoyed by everyone.
The final soiree was a cream tea on the Bank Holiday Sunday afternoon, laid on by Ann Miller (yes again) This delicious spread consisted of her home made scones made on site that morning, jam, cream and three large strawberries. It was great unless you were on a diet.
On the sporting field, there was great interest in the boules competition played under the West Kent rules. This took place in the centre of the field on a carefully prepared grass pitch. (I think a herd of cows had trampled over it to get the levels right!!) After several close battles, the final was fought between Roy, our illustrious Chairman, and Gabriel Batt our visitor from Wiltshire Centre. Sadly, Roy came second, but in his defence he was distracted during the final by the site owner's representative moaning to Ann about problems with the locking of the gates. Steve Bruty did a great job in officiating throughout the competition, always ready with the tape measure to make those millimetre close decisions without fear or favour.
The quiz about the New Forest was won by the Child and Forman entry.
In summary, the marshals Roy and Ann, Pip and Janet, Graham and Ann with supporting assistance from Steve and Margaret provided everyone with a most enjoyable holiday rally d4espite the worst efforts of the weather. Steve should also be thanked for spoiling us all with daily paper deliveries to individual's caravans, whatever the weather.
46 TH AGM RALLY WEST KENT CENTRE.
The rally for the 46 th A.G.M. of West Kent Centre was held at Nightingale Farm Yalding. There was a good attendance with 17 vans, with more members (a total of 50 in all) at the Village Hall where the A.G.M. was held. The meeting went well with the minutes of the last A.G.M. were duly accepted. Roy Miller was pleased to announce and introduce our new Chairman Mrs Ann Scott.
A tasty buffet lunch was enjoyed by all. The evening a=entertainment began with an excellent meal of ham, egg, jacket potatoes and peas, followed by Blackberry, Apple Crumble, and custard. There was a good raffle and the music was provided by "Our Sid".
Very many thanks to all concerned for providing us with such wonderful spreads, lunchtime and evening. These people work very hard and give up a lot of their time to make our rallies so enjoyable.
KNOLE PARK SEVENOAKS -7 TH - 9 TH OCTOBER 2011
The weather at Knole Park could not have been better. A total of 20 vans attended this rally. The marshals really had their work cut out for them, due to there being a security lock on the gate requiring it to be manned until all vans were sited. Thankfully for the marshals Frank Forman and Chris Charles volunteered to help out to give Steve and Ron a break. Roy Miller helped site the vans on the field. Also there was a school doing a cross country run just at the end of the vans which required a bit of problem solving on Roys part. Although the ground was uneven Roy did a great job sighting all the vans and everyone had plenty of room. Friday night it was all hands on deck to erect the party tent. This done we all retired to our vans for well deserved rest.
Saturday the party tent was put to good use as Margaret and Steve treated us all to assorted Birthday Cake's to celebrate MORGAN's 10 TH BIRTHDAY . Ann Miller made Coffee and Chocolate Cakes, especially for her. (And very nice they were) There was also a proper birthday cake. These were washed down with tea and coffee. The rest of the day we were all free to go off and do our own thing.
Saturday evening saw us all back at the party tent for jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings, Cheese, Baked Beans or Chicken Curry. The Curry was by far the most popular. This was followed by various cheesecakes and cream. Ron Norfolk then did a music quiz which was very entertaining, but Ron had to call a halt to it as we were bombarded by Hornets. Apart from that the evening was very entertaining, and we all had a marvellous time.
Sunday dawned bright and sunny after rain during the night. At flag pole our new chairman Ann Scott presented Steve & Margaret Bruty with their 300 th rally plaque . Well done you two. Ann also presented Graham and Sue Bale with their special 1st Rallier plaque, we hope we will see you on the rally field in near future.
Hurley Riverside Park
We arrived at this very pleasant venue on the Sunday, the day after the rally opening. We were welcomed by our marshals Ann, Graham and Jane Scott. Ann brought us over a very welcome cup of tea once we had the steadies down, Once we were completely set up and sat down outside (nice sunny weather) for another cuppa when we joined by Fred and Phyllis Newman who very kindly brought over some biscuits. Imagine the scene sitting in the fresh air watching the Red Kite's flying over head. What a magnificent site they were. Then watching the planes coming into Heathrow Airport.
Monday dawn still lovely weather when Roy and Ann Miller suggested a walk along the river to Marlow. Janet, Pip and Bradley came with us, Janet in her mobility scooter which had to be dismantled as we crossed several bridges on route. Roy and Ann were surprised how far it was but admitted it was about nine years ago they did it last. They were probably a lot fitter then. Upon arrival at Marlow we made our way to The George and Dragon for a well deserved drink. Once inside we were told the second drink would be half priced, so you see it was not our fault that we yielded to temptation. They also pointed out their very reasonable lunch time menu the upshot being we succumbed to a three course meal. Well after that none of us felt like walking all the way back so Pip came to our rescue with his mobile phone and telephoned for a taxi. Once back on site Steve and Margaret Bruty had arrived with the party tent. So it was time for all hands on deck to erect it. I am happy to report that there many helping hands. John Taylor although unable to help manual gave much practical advice. In next to no time the tent had been erected ready for breakfast the following morning. Tuesday dawn still good weather and cooked breakfast consisting of egg and bacon muffin cook and served by Ann and Jane Scott and you guessed it Ann and Roy Miller with Graham helping. And very nice it was most enjoyable.
Back at the vans many of us struggled with the quiz which was not multiple choice. All too soon it Thursday and time for us to make our way home. We were unable to take part in the decorated window which I understand was won by Steve and Margaret Bruty. I must say having seen how gifted Steve is in putting together the most amazing things made from things the rest of us just put in the bin, well done Steve.
We had two lots of visitors attending the rally one family were from Bristol.Many thanks to our marshals for giving up their time to come out to make sure we have a lovely time.
It just remains for me to thank our hard working marshals and their helpers for a lovely rally.
FORTH COMING RALLIES
YALDING, NIGHTINGALE FARM 9 TH -11 TH DECEMBER 2012 CHRISTMAS PARTY RALLY
Where has the time gone Christmas is just around the corner. Those of you who have attended this rally in the past will already know what a fantastic job Ann Miller does organising the menu, and how her willing band of helpers make this such a success. ALL CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN ATTEND THE CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY FREE OF CHARGE THIS INCLUDES FOOD AND A PRESENT FROM SANTA. That is what I call a bargain. Sorry the evening party you all have to pay. You would have received the special booking form by now if not contact Roy and Ann Miller and they will send one to you if you send SAE.
HAYESBROOK SCHOOL TONBRIDGE 30 TH DECEMBER 2011 - 2 ND January 2012 NEW YEAR
As you can see this Rally has been moved from Benedon Village Hall. This is due to concerns from members concerning the location and fear of bad weather. The committee decided it was prudent to relocate to HAYESBROOK SCHOOL TONBRIDGE. As this is a more accessible site being in easy reach of A roads and motorway's. Ann Miller awaits your bookings she has a special booking form which Ron has circulated via the E mail system. I do now that numbers are limited so DO NOT DELAY BOOK TODAY to avoid disappointment.
RECIPE
SPAM SAVORY
INGREDIENTS
LINE A LARGE FLAN DISH WITH SHORTCRUST PASTRY (EITHER PACKET OR FROZEN)
LARGE TIN OF SPAM or SAINSBURY'S CHOPPED HAM & PORT
1 ONION
CHEESE (AMOUNT TO TASTE)
2 EGGS
SPLASH OF MILK
METHOD
LINE FLAN DISH WITH PASTRY
CHOP MEAT INTO SMALL PIECES AND PLACE ON TOP OF PASTRY
CHOP ONION INTO SMALL PIECES AND PLACE ONTO PASTRY
MIX EGGS AND MILK TOGETHER AND POUR OVER FLAN ADD SEASONING TO TASTE.
PLACE INTO OVEN AT APPROXAMATELY GAS MARK 5-6
COOK SLOWLY UNTIL NICE AND GOLDEN BROWN IN COLOUR. APPROXAMATELY 30 MINS. SERVE WITH SALAD.
My thanks to following for their contributions for this newsletter:
Barbara Forman, Margaret Hughes, Frank Forman, Janet Hills, Roy Miller and Jane Larkin
ALL OF THE COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL MEMBERS OF WEST KENT CARAVAN CENTRE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
And remember it is all of you that make this centre what it is, thank you all.
