DAY MEET, 5^th.JAN 2012.

LYNROYS RESTAURANT

Area 6 is up and running for the 2012 season... For the second time we held the Day Meet at LynRoys Restaurant, Loughborough.  Despite the weather trying to put a damper on the proceeding over half the members that booked managed to make it. Even the lads Alan and Barry made it all the way from Wakefield.  Well done lads! 

We all woke up Sunday morning with between 6 to 8 inches of snow on the ground.  But the gritters had been out and the motorways and main roads were clear...  I had a bit of a problem as I live in an area with some of the steepest hills in the country and none of the roads are gritted. I would have had great difficulty in getting the car out and it would be impossible to get it back home... I can't afford a 4x4..... My son Dave came to the rescue and picked up Phyl and I in his 4x4. (Thank you son).

Everybody that made the effort to attend was rewarded with a great meal and best of all good company.  Debbie had arranged two arrival prize..... A free meal....  Dave Marshall and Debbie were winners; both had the price of the meal refunded.

I think everybody enjoyed the day out.  It was nice to see everyone and have a little natter.  Looking forward to the first rally at Donnington.

Metal Mickey

CHRISTMAS PARTY

HOSE VILLAGE HALL

DECEMBER 2011.

The Site	A drink before the party begins

The Christmas Party at Hose is one of the main events of the year, and with the biggest turn out. Hose is the perfect venue it is fairly central to the area and we have the full use of the hall for the whole weekend.  There is a large car park so every van has hard standing.  There are a couple of electric hook-up points and as a perk of the job the Organiser has always had one.  But not this year Debbie decided that she would give up that privilege and make a few pounds for the Club funds.  She raffled it off at a pound a ticket.  Ken and Ann won the hook-up. The things that lass will do for the club.

What a difference in the weather, last year we were knee deep in snow and not knowing if the party was on or not.  This year it was cold but we had blue skies and sunshine.  On the Friday Colin Hubbard had arrived very early he had parked all the vans as they came in then set out the chairs and tables.  It does make a big difference.

Phyl and I never get there very early as it takes me all of the morning loading the car and caravan with most of the food drinks and raffle prizes.  What we don't carry Debbie does.  On arrival at the hall there are always plenty of volunteers to give a hand to unload..

Not long after I arrived Debbie came towing the caravan.  No David!   Although she did have Steph and Shane to help her.  It would appear that Dave had been detained at work in Liverpool.  (The joys of senior management). 

Bar.B.Q.Club	Debbie and Mandy at the serving hatch

It has become tradition that the Bar.B.Q. Club meet at every rally, but on this occasion it was far to cold to stand outside so the ladies let us take over the kitchen for an hour. We cooked sausage and onion cobs, had a few drinks and put the world to rights.

Friday evening we congregated in the hall for a few more drinks and a game of bingo.  Debbie then set up a variation of the game of "Shove Ha'penny." to try and win a bottle of whisky.  You shoved a coin across the floor towards a bottle of whisky.  Five goes for a pound.  It created a lot of laughter and shouting and made a few Quid for the club. 

Stephanie won  by getting the coin to within an inch of the bottle.

Saturday morning, A very busy day, we were up with the lark and into the hall.  Debbie and Phyl  were in the kitchen with their crew of helpers and the rest of us were given the job of preparing the hall. 

One of the jobs was to suspend a balloon net across the room.  Three highly qualified engineers (One who had been a Works Manager for a very large international firm.) were given the job of assembling a collapsible ladder and hanging the net.  Talk about comedians it took them over half an hour to assemble the ladder, then none of them would go up it.  It took a retired Brickie to show them how to do it.  (See video clip on Area 6 facebook.).  Well-done lads!

2pm. everyone was in the hall for Mandy and Jane's Tombola, which makes a tidy sum for the club.  This was followed by a very young looking Santa Clause who gave a present to all members under 16 years old.

By this time it was full steam ahead in the kitchen the roasts were in and the veg was simmering away.

6pm. and everybody was returning to the hall in their Sunday best.  Many of the men wore evening suits and without exception all the ladies looked great in all their finery.  It was then time for the meal,  and what a meal!  We had a choice of starters, soup, pate or shrimp cocktail.  The main course was turkey, beef or salmon  with a fantastic array of vegetables.  This year Debbie had the great idea of putting all the veg in slow cook pots.  It kept it hot and we helped ourselves as in a carvery.  It worked perfect.  The afters consisted of numerous cold sweets and a cheese board.  Each table had at least three bottles of wine and the meal finished with mince pies and coffee from Jan and Ann.  What a fantastic meal.  

Equally important is the clearing away and pot washing.  As in previous years this task was carried out by the group lovingly known as the Leicester Crowd. Within a short space of time it was all washed and stored away. Without exception everybody does his or her bit.

Relaxing after a great meal	Dave has arrived

By now the Disco was in full swing.  At about 7.30pm, to Debbie's delight, Dave walked through the door.  After finishing work he had driven 90 miles to spend the evening with us.  But first thing Sunday morning he had to travel the 90-mile back.

(Well-done Dave your Dads proud of you)  He arrived just in time to assist Debbie with the raffle.  It gets bigger every year.  Mandy usually complains that she never wins.  This year she took nearly half the prizes; Colin had to make several trips to their van.  It is then back to the dancing.  Debbie and Paul did the rounds with the free drinks trolley, and what a trolley there was 4or 5 types of beer, bottles of Cognac, whisky, gin, rum, with all the mixers and the ladies consumed two large bottles of Baileys plus fruit juices for the none drinkers. She thinks of everything. 

The celebrating carried on until the early hours during which time we were entertained by Paul doing his Freddie Mercury impersonation and Paul and Phyl doing their Brotherhood of Man tribute. (See video clip on Area 6 facebook page.) It must have been well after 2am before Debbie managed to lock the door.

Sunday morning it was back in the hall for cleaning, tidying and putting things away. After which you can't tell that we have been.   It was then coffee and Christmas cake and a selection box for the Kiddies.   Debbie reminded that the Day meet was again at Lynroys for a Sunday Lunch.  You must book with Debbie.

That's it the last Rally of a great year of rallying.  Well-done Debbie I have enjoyed every one of them.  Looking forward to next year.   I wish all a Happy and trouble free New Year. 

 Mick & Phyl Bowmar  (Metal Mickey)

Many more photos on the Gallery page and video clips on Auto Camping Club Area 6 facebook page.

DONNINGTON FARM PARK
NOVEMBER 011

We made the ninth unit when Dave and I arrived Saturday morning for the penultimate rally of the year. Everyone had gone out for the day to explore the surrounding area, if not for shopping, definitely for a coffee or two in the local town.

Saturday and the wind got up, luckily we don't use the club tents this time of year, so we all congregated in the Oak Room Saturday night, the under floor heating makes it very cosy.  Just after we got in the room, we were joined by Mandy and Colin who had come for the evening. Ann and Jan were hosting this weekend and they got stuck in collecting the rally fee, then selling and calling the bingo. Prior to Jan calling the raffle, Phyl was the independent adjudicator and drew the raffle for the electric hook up at the Christmas party. Mick has put the clip on the club's Facebook page showing Ken & Ann won the hook up, well done! Dave set up the Wii and almost everyone had a go at one game or another. When we returned later in the evening the wind had become blustery and the BBQ gazebo was in danger of blowing away. Ken and the gang hastily dismantled it as I am sure it wouldn't have been there in the morning if left.

We don't have a coffee morning at Donnington as there is a large Sunday market that most had a walk around, the weather, although still windy was sunny at least. Another good weekend, even if we did miss the majority of it!

Won't be long before we all put on our glad rags for the Christmas Party, see you all there.

Debbie :0)

MARTON VILLAGE HALL

NOVEMBER 2011.

Coffee morning	Angie and Dave welcome weekend visitors

It has been a couple of years since we had a rally at Marton Village Hall.  The weather was reasonable, cloudy and overcast for most of the time but the sun came out both afternoons making it possible to sit out for half and hour.  We had a descent turn out including two ex-members, Dave and Angie Hodgson.  Dave and Angie were very regular attendees until about 4 years ago they left the area to run a private guesthouse in Bridlington.   It would appear that they had either got the wanderlust again or Dave wanted another project.  (Dave had always got a project on.)  Anyway they had brought a mobile home and wanted to try it out.  Whatever their reason it was great to see them both again.  After a few minutes with them it was as if they had never been away. 

The Bar.B.Q. was in full swing on both days, the weather was quite mild and encouraged nearly everyone to come out and have a drink with us.

Saturday afternoon was shopping day.  Most visited nearby Retford and by the time we got back it was still warm enough to sit outside and have a cuppa..

Saturday evening we all moved into a lovely warm hall.  Bingo was first on the agenda.  Janice and Ann sold the tickets and Janice started the calling.  Then Dave finished it off.  After the raffle Debbie had laid on a Cheese, crackers and pickles supper.  It was then a laughing and joking evening until quite late.

Sunday was Remembrance Day and Debbie timed the coffee morning to coincide with the 2 minutes silence. 

After coffee the ramblers congregated for an hours stroll through the fields and byways. Then back for another cuppa before we packed up and left.

The next rally at Castle Donnington is the last rally before the Christmas party.  There is electric Hook-up for everyone and a lovely warm room for Saturday evening Debbie and Dave have laid on fun and games with the Wii.  Lets make it a good turn out.

New Video clips on Area 6 facebook.

Metal Mickey

Copt Oak AGM October 2011

   Debbie has done it again. With a little help from Dave she has given us another great year of caravanning.  Not only has she arranged and supervised all the rallies, her and Dave have often provided the evening cabaret act, creating many memorable evenings of fun and laughter.  Laurel and Hardy often come to mind.

We usually have a good turnout for the AGM and this year was no exception including several day visitors.  The hall was full. Tea was served prior to the meeting which was opened by the Chairman Mick Bowmar at 3pm. After apologies from non-attendees Debbie gave her lengthy Organisers Report, which was received with spontaneous applause and calls of well done.  Phyl then gave her treasurers report pointing out that we had finished within a pound of last years balance.  This was after a considerable amount having been spent on free suppers and a replacement gazebo frame.  The site fees had been kept to a minimum.   They will no doubt have to be increased next year as site owners are increasing their fees and the price of halls are going up in leaps and bounds. Financially we are well on track for another bumper Christmas party and the price has still been kept the same as the previous years.

The next thing on the agenda was the election of official for the next 12 months. The only nominations were-:

Organiser..................Debbie Lee

Ass.Organiser...........Paul Gask

Treasure...................Phyl Bowmar

Committee................Colin Hubbard

                                  John Iliffe

                                  Ken Merricks

                                  Colin Jarvis.

These were elected into office. The meeting was then closed.

Debbie and Dave then spent the rest of the afternoon in the hall preparing for the evening's entertainment. A Race Night.

The Race night is in full swing	The rambling club congregate for the off

  7.30pm and everyone was back in the hall ready for the evenings entertainment, and Debbie together with her band of helpers was in the kitchen starting off the supper.

The host for the weekend were Ken and Colin they collected the site fees and ran the raffle then handed the rest of the evening over to the race night team. John and Debbie ran the bookies shop, Margaret kept a record of the betting and Dave did the race commentary.  He ran four races then called a break for the supper of hot pie and peas.

After which he carried on with another four races.  One or two made a few bob out of the evening; Joyce won on every race bar one.  I lost on every race bar one, I got a second.  It was money well spent on a terrific evening's entertainment, and the club funds made a bob or two out of it.  The evening then quietened down to a little drinking and a lot of talking until quite late.

Next morning Debbie was back in the hall cleaning up. That lass never stops.

11am. Was coffee morning and 11.30am saw the assembly of the rambling club and a hours walk round the highways and byways and back in time for lunch.  A very pleasant way to finish off another great rally.  I have put a video clip of one of the races on Area 6's facebook page so anyone can see what a fun night it was.  There are also many photos on area 6 web site.( www.acceastmidlands.com ).   Metal Mickey.

                                                    __________________________

A LETTER FROM AUNTY MAUREEN

To Debbie and the Committee.   

     I just wanted to say. "Thank you Debbie for all your  hard work this year. We have enjoyed some wonderful venues and look forward to next year."

    Once again Debbie and the Committee a big thank you and well done. 

Tony, Maureen and The Edwards Family

WESTERN ON TRENT

OCTOBER 2011

The Site	The Guests of Honour Paul and Sue

  "TARASIVKA" Youth Center I can spell it better than I can pronounce it.  This was a new venue and the first one were we use a hall instead of the club tents.  Nothing went smooth Colin Hubbard was the first to arrive to find that the big iron gates at the entrance to the site were still locked.  There was just enough room for him to park off road.  Within a few minutes another half dozen units arrived and had great difficulty in trying to keep the narrow winding road clear for normal traffic.  Despite numerous phone calls there was no official key holder.  It was only when two workmen arrived that the gates were opened.  I arrived a few minutes after; all had gone inside with the exception of John and Margaret and they were stuck in a narrow lane trying to back out onto the main road.  I gave them a hand to back out and that cleared the backlog.

Once inside it was fine there was plenty of room on a good size level playing field, but we did have to send scouts out to find the water and elsan disposal.  The site is in an ideal location on the border of all three counties, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire so no one had far to travel.   Despite the wobbly start we had a good turnout 18 units including one new member Dave and Sue.  Dave was again working away so him and Debbie didn't arrive until the Saturday morning.

The weather wasn't to bad a little windy a few showers and a little sunshine.  We still managed the obligatory Bar.B.Q. Club with an increase in the attendance. It is really only an excuse to stand about and have a drink.  It's 90% drinking and talking and 10% cooking.  But don't tell their wives they think they are working at a specialized job that only the men can do.

Saturday afternoon and it was the usual trip to the nearby towns for a little retail therapy. Phyl got the job of getting a few nuts, crisps and other nibbles for the evening get-together.

Saturday evening we had the use of a hall, not the best we have used but certainly one of the most expensive at twenty pounds  per hour and it wasn't until after the key holder had left that we realised that there were no toilet facilities.  The men managed ok but not very convenient for the ladies.  The evening was a very special occasion.  The Assistant Organiser Paul had chosen it to celebrate his retirement from the Police Force after 30 years service.   I am sure that this was the main reason for the better that usual attendance.  Together with his wife Sue, Paul had provided all the drinks for the evening, and I don't mean just a few.  It was a bar to be proud off there was beer, lager, cider, wine and just about every spirit you could think of.  There was far more than we could possibly drink in the night.  The hosts for the weekend were Brian, John and myself or as Debbie referred to us as Foggy, Clegg and Compo.  Paul helped out over the evening and called the bingo, he's very good at it.

Debbie gives Paul a little gift	Carpet slippers.  (Wot no Pipe) I don't think he is quite ready for these just yet

Just before the raffle was held Debbie called Paul to the floor and gave him a card wishing all the very best in his retirement. (Although on the following Monday he was retuning to the same job, but as a civilian).  Then with tongue in cheek Debbie gave him a pair of carpet slippers.  I don't think Paul will be taking that kind of retirement just yet.

The evening went very well with lots of banter and laughter.  All too soon it was time to call it a night.  Everyone had plenty to drink and it showed, but there was still plenty left indicating just how generous Paul and Sue had been.  Their generosity didn't end there. All the spirits that were left, and there was quite a lot, was given away.  It was a great evening thank you Paul and Sue.

At Coffee morning Debbie thanked Paul and Sue for their generosity and for making it such a great evening.  This caused great applause and a spontaneous rendition of "For he's a jolly good fellow".  Debbie also welcomed new members Dave and Sue and hoped that they had enjoyed their first rally.  She discovered that it was Dave's birthday and he was given a rendition of Happy Birthday to you.

It was then rambling time.  It was only a short one this week about half an hour over flat level countryside, so again we had a better than average turn out.

It was a great rally that ended all too soon.  They say that time flies when you are having fun.  We had a great time and the time certainly flew.

Metal Mickey.

There are a couple of video clips on the Auto Camping Club Area 6 facebook page.

Thorsby Park
23rd to 25th September 2011

Thorsby Park Hotel	Afternoon in the sun

By the time we arrived Friday evening it was dark. It's getting to the time of year when the nights draw in and the rest of the year we enter civilisation and hold our socials in halls.

The weather on Saturday was warm and sunny, which for the end of September was a bonus. Dave and I didn't venture far, whilst some visited nearby Retford for a little shopping and the obligatory coffee.

Just before putting the gazebos up for the evening social, I gathered them together for a little maintenance, as this was the last rally they would be used at before they are put into winter storage. There was no shortage of volunteers with spanners and screwdrivers to help.

John & Margaret were hosting this weekend and after the bingo and raffle, John provided a quiz, to say it was a brain teaser was an understatement. There were 25 questions and we were asked to complete the quiz alone, as there was only one prize! Jane had the winning score with 10 and I was very proud of myself, scoring 8!  Later, Mandy entertained us with an explanation of why she was walking like John Wayne for most of the weekend. Metal Mickey and Maureen also had us in hysterics reminiscing about the good old days, we all had a good laugh.

Sunday, it was a dull start to the day and it didn't get much better. We held coffee morning in the club tents, Helena supplied cake for everyone, which was gratefully received by all. I had a bodyguard of six when taking the rally fee to the office, we all stopped off for another cuppa at the coffee shop after having a stroll around the gardens.

When we got back to the site it was trying to rain, so all hands were on deck to take the tents down. Then the rain came, it was the fine rain that "wets ya", mind you by the time it came to us packing up it was heavy rain that really wets ya!

We were last off the field, setting off at 3.30pm. Another good weekend and only two weeks until we do it again!

See you then,

Debbie

SWEETHEDGES

9^TH.TO 11^TH. Sept. 2011

The Site	Evening drink by candle light

The weather forecast for our rally at Sweethedges was not very promising, rain and gale force winds.  That didn't put us off.  Phyl and I together with John and Margaret arrived on the Thursday and the weather was fine. It was a little breezy but dry and very warm. It was like this for the rest of the weekend.  Howard arrived early evening intending to make the most of the fishing facilities.  

Friday morning we visited Uppingham for a couple of hours and by the time we got back the site was filling quite nicely.  Sweethedges is a lovely site but has one big drawback.  It slopes in all directions and we had run out of packing material to level the vans, but we managed.

The club tents were erected Just in case anybody wanted to use them for a get-together Friday evening.  It was such a warm evening that everyone sat outside till nearly midnight.

Saturday morning many of us visited Corby for a little retail shopping therapy and then wished that we hadn't bothered.  I have never seen such dull uninspiring town in my life.

Paul and Sue were hosts for the weekend.  At the evening get together Sue sold the tickets and Paul called the bingo and dealt with the raffle.   Paul then read out what can only be described as a marathon quiz and Sue was the adjudicator.  It was a laugh a minute.  In the end Phyls team won it by half a point.  The prize was a large tin of chocolates which were shared between everyone.  It was a great night full of laughs and banter and was superbly hosted by Paul and Sue. 

The ramblers gather	They search for the treasure

After Sunday coffee, the group lovingly known as the Leicester crowd,   (even though more than half the members come from Leicester).    Gave Debbie a break and organised the ramble in the guise of a treasure hunt.  It was supposed to be about two and a half. Kilometres. It turned out to be more like 5 miles.  Only the elite few actually found the treasure but the walk was great fun.

Another successful fun loving rally and the weather was far better than forecast.  I think that if we paid to much attention to the weather forecasts we would never go anywhere.

Metal Mickey. 

The site	The rambling club set off

Phyl and I were late getting to the rally at Lyndon Top and by the time we arrived it was early evening and everybody had congregated under Colin and Mandy's gazebo and making quite a party of it.  Phyl and I quickly set up our caravan and with bottle in hand  joined them.  Just as I sat down the biggest, blackest cloud floated over head.  Fearing a sudden downpour we decided to erect the club tents just in case.  Within 15 minutes the tents were up and sides on, but by this time the cloud had gone and no rain so it was back to Colin's side less gazebo.  Everyone stayed there until midnight.  It was of those warm balmy evenings when nobody wanted to go to bed.  There was plenty of drinking, joking and a lot of laughter.  You can never plan that type of evening, they just happen. 

First thing Saturday morning Debbie arrived alone with the two dogs, Dave is still in Australia but should be back by the next rally. I must complement Debbie on how proficient she has become in towing and setting up that big new caravan on her own.  I'm proud of you, but I know that she can't wait to hand it all over to Dave when he gets home. (As I write this I have just heard that he is on the plane on his way home.)  

Lovely views	Walking by Rutland Water

Lyndon Top is one of the more popular venues with its lovely views over Rutland water, resulting in a better turn-out than of late.  I think most just wanted to sit and relax on site but not me, together with John and Brian,  had to make the customary visit to Oakham for a walk round the shops and a cup of coffee.  We did manage to get back in time to spend a little time relaxing and a trip to a nearby field to see a Virgin hot air balloon take off, before it was Bar.B.Q time and the compulsory bottle or two. Although it was cloudy for most of the time it was very warm and most had their evening meal outside.

Paul and Sue were hosts for the weekend and by 7.30pm we had all gathered in the club tents for the evenings entertainments. They sold the tickets but Howard called the bingo in his very profesional manner.

After the raffle Sue and Paul presented a very long, but enjoyable quiz, with a prize of a box of chocolates won by the Leicester team.  Sue and Paul kept us entertained all evening, with the little interjection now and again from Mandy.  It was a great evening.

After Sunday coffee morning Debbie mustered the rambling club for a steady walk down to the water and back stopping halfway for an ice cream break.  I'm sure everybody had a great weekend and the weather was good too.

The next rally is the Bank holiday weekend at Holt, another new venue, I have a feeling it will be quite a big turn-out.

Metal Mickey.

Uppertown Farm, Carsington Water

July 2011

Fantastic view from the site	Debbie  meets new  day visitors

I was shocked that the Thursday Club convened this rally, we didn't get home from ten days in Devon until Sunday. I mean, all the chores that needed to be done before the rally, I thought they would be far too busy to arrive Thursday.

Dave took the caravan to Carsington on Thursday night for me as I had a bad back and was worried about setting it up. We didn't stay the night though as Dave was flying to Australia on Friday, so I was on my own this weekend. I wouldn't have been able to go without his help and the help of all the others when I arrived on Friday. They fetched my water, emptied the van and Mandy even made my bed for me. By the time I had arrived the gazebos had been erected, so there was nothing for me to do.

Saturday and the sun was shining, Edwards family jumped on their bikes for a ride around the reservoir. Although it wasn't long before Lindsey came back with broken brakes on her bike, a "who's been framed" moment apparently whilst riding down a hill. Others headed for a stroll around the visitors centre and some went to Ashbourne for a stroll around the shops.

The BBQ's were lit in the afternoon sunshine with some friendly banter over the introduction of another gas bbq. Everyone was dining outside and after the washing up was done, we all gathered in the club tents for a game of bingo. Aunty Maureen and gang were late, as usual, once a Bowmar, always a Bowmar!

Colin and Mandy were hosting this weekend and a fine job they did. Colin set to selling the tickets and Mandy called the bingo. That was in between telling us all about her recent holiday to Cyprus without Colin. We had a great night which was rounded off with a game of "Pictionary", although most took a little gentle persuasion, we had a laugh.

Elaine shows off her artistic talent	John's struggling to start.

Sunday, the weather was again fabulous. After coffee the Edwards family went off around the reservoir again, minus Lindsey who followed walking the dog this time. I wasn't able to lead the rambling club as I couldn't walk. Everyone stayed until lunch time, packed away slowly and then headed off from a successful rally with the best turnout for a long time.

See you at Rutland in two weeks,

Debbie :0)

More photos on Area 6 web site and video clips on Area 6 facebook page

Lovely Site	A walk through the trees.

It was our first rally at Clumber Park and as I arrived onsite, I wondered why I had never made the effort to visit before - it's a beautiful location. I arrived in sun shine, with a car and van covered in mud from the down pours I had driven through.

Three units had arrived Thursday and had made our new member, Helena welcome when she arrived on Friday. Helena joined Area6 last year, but has just got around to coming out with us. I think she felt welcome and we hope to see her again soon.

A little later Lindsey, Richard, Lucy & Joe arrived with another new member - Bobby, a Shih-Tzu cross Bichon Frise puppy, he soon joined the ranks with Doris, Pippa, Jed & Fudge in a run around the field. I think we have more dogs than kids in the club at the moment!

Friday night a few went into the club tents for a chat and a drink or two. I spent most of the night waiting for Dave to turn up with my dinner. He finally rang at 9.10pm asking for the code for the gate, when I said "what gate?" he started to worry.  I had no idea what it was as we hadn't been told, luckily there was another rally on the other field so I managed to get it so he could get in.

Jamie & Kay were hosting this weekend and we were lucky that they turned up. Jamie had a mishap with a garage door earlier in the day, ending up with a gash on his leg and a blow to the chest. Apparently laughing and breathing were painful, so later he visited the local A&E for a little advice and reassurance.

Saturday, the weather was warm with the occasional shower. Some ventured to Nottingham and Retford, but Dave & I took the dogs for a walk around Clumber Park. We had a cuppa in the cafe and then wandered back to the van. For our evening meal we managed to eat outside for the first time in a long while. The evening sun was shining, so we took advantage and had outdoor bingo, perfectly delivered by Charles and his glamorous assistant, Emily. What a fantastic job they did! We retired into the tents for the raffle and then settled down for a chat and drink.

Sunday morning coffee was followed by a "ramble" around the park that I had downloaded from the Clumber Park website. There was a coffee shop three quarters of the way around, so we stopped for a cuppa on the way. When we got back we had some lunch and just managed to pack away before it started to rain.

The rally was small with only nine units, but there was plenty of sunshine and laughter with friends, which is what rallying is all about.

Hope to see you at Carsington Water in a few weeks,

Debbie. 

What a great job they did . Bichon Frise Cross Shih TzuBichon Frise Cross Shih Tzu

Ingles Hill Farm -Ashby

June 2011

The site	A select few in the club tent

Three units arrived for the "Thursday Club", Mandy & Colin were bought on as subs for Pauline & Brian, who were absent as Pauline had been in hospital for surgery. It won't be long before they are back though I am sure.

Friday, when we arrived it was throwing it down with rain, and when you are trying to put an awning up it is not fun!  We eventually finished around 9pm, so jumped back in the car to fetch some supper from nearby Ashby. We sat in the awning to eat, by which time everyone had snuggled up in their vans and it didn't look like anyone was coming out to play, so we turned in for the night.

Saturday and the weather was unsettled. The site was a new one and I wasn't aware that there were 6 hook ups available, so with we all got one. Mike and Nina went home to fetch the kids electrical gadgets, well the weather wasn't up to much! Despite the weather, the bbq club convened, Colin joined in with his latest purchase, a cadac gas bbq, it looked weird though, bbq food without black bits on it!

We later gathered in the club tents for a game of bingo, we only had a small turnout but managed £3.50 a house! We settled down to have a few laughs as Mandy was in great form and kept us entertained.

Sunday and the sun came out with a vengeance, it was 30 degrees by midday, most made the best of it and stayed until mid afternoon. Dave took the coffee morning as, like Jed I wasn’t feeling very well. 

Although there was a disappointing turnout, I think all that attended had a good weekend.

Debbie

 See Video clips on Auto Camping Club Area 6 facebook page.

The Site	Part of the Thursday Club by the camp fire

The "Thursday Club" was assembling, so I put in a holiday and joined them. Dave had got to work on Friday, so dropped me off, helped set up and left me to it.

We arrived about 8pm to what looked like a scene from a western, they were all sitting around John's BBQ, and it was loaded with wood that was causing smoke signals you could see for miles! The ladies had been on the wine and were giggling like girls. They all looked like they were having fun, until the next night when we sat in the gazebo that stunk of wood smoke. I had to reprimand them for being naughty with club property.

Friday, and the weather was okay, I decided to do nothing. Mick took the rest on a trip to Tesco Direct. I think they were intrigued as Metal Mickey is always going on about the bargains! I had just put the kettle on when Ken, Ann, Jan & Col arrived, so I made them all a cuppa whilst they set up. I then realised I had to post a birthday card for the following day, so took a trip to the post office. 

Afternoon coffee	In the club tent

Paul & Sue were setting up and the Tesco shoppers had got back. We managed to sit out and have a cuppa before it started to rain. The shower soon cleared off for the BBQ gazebo to be erected. Well I have never seen anything like it in my life. It was like a keystone cops sketch, we were all in stitches watching them. Every time they added a piece, they would touch it and another bit at the other end would fall off.  As Dave was still on his way back from London at 5pm, Mick cooked my steak for me. Friday night and the majority of us gathered in the club tents for a drink or two. Dave didn't get back until midnight.

Saturday morning and the sun was shining, but there was a threat of showers looking at the clouds. We were last to head off, going to take back a recent purchase of an awning. At the social evening we decided to have a cheese and wine night, there were plenty of both, a game of bingo, raffle and a lot of laughs. Especially when Ken who had "misplaced" his BBQ tong's, was pointing the finger at everyone for the crime. Poor Ken was beside himself, if it wasn't raining on Sunday after coffee morning, I think we would have been there till tea time doing a finger tip search of the field.

Sunday and the weather let itself down as it was chucking it down with rain. We managed to have coffee morning and get the gazebos put away before it started though.

At coffee morning we welcomed newly joined members Tracey & Jay. I also mentioned the sad news that Mitch, Mandy's dad had passed away. Although I didn't really know Mitch, he was well known to the older members of the club and was a member of the club for many years. We wish Judy, Mandy & Colin our sincere condolences.

Debbie.

See video clips on ACC Area 6 facebook

STOCKING FARM, DERBYSHIRE

26^TH.TO 30^TH.MAY 2011.

A bridge over the River Derwent	Relaxing with the Bar.B.Q Club

  COW PAT FARM! … It certainly lived up to its reputation.  To give it its correct name, Stocking Farm, Calver, in the Peak district of Derbyshire.  The site had been booked for the full five days of the spring bank holiday but nobody stopped longer than four.  The farmer had contacted Debbie informing her that we could not arrive before 1pm on the Thursday.  On arrival we understood why. The field was full of cattle and the ground was scattered with fresh cow pats.  It was very difficult to find a reasonably clear spot to park the caravan and even more difficult if you wanted to erect an awning and it rained most of the time keeping the cow pats nice and moist.   Having said that the site was in an exceptionally beautiful area by an old mill race and the scenery was second to none.

Friday wasn't too bad mainly sunshine and showers and I think that, like me, most spent the day shopping in nearby Bakewell.  Back at the site Debbie and Steph had arrived and they were in the process of erecting their new Ebay purchased awning.  Debbie wasn't very pleased with it, it wasn't as advertised, but before the weekend was over she had bought another one from Jamie.  Debbie must have hundreds of awnings stored away somewhere.

Saturday was another shopping day, this time it was Chesterfield, then it was back to the site to erect the club tents ready for the social evening. That was a real challenge to find an area clear of cow pats. You couldn't shovel them up as that made them worse.  Then Dave had the brilliant idea of digging up the complete grass sod and turning it over, it worked perfect and kept the groundsheet clean.    After the usual Saturday evening game of Bingo called by Dave we wondered what surprise Debbie had in store to finish the evening.  She and Dave always have something new for us to do.  This time it was it was a type of charades.  Instead of acting out the details you drew pictures on a board depicting a film.  Jane got the worst of the bunch, how do you draw something to depict "Shawshank redemption? "  She did very well but one person guessed it. Brian got another stinker, "Mission Impossible "  No one guessed that one. It was another good night finishing well after midnight.

Part of the Rambling Club	Have little rest in the village

Sunday morning saw the re-assembling of the rambling club.  Even Phyl turned out the first time since she had her new knees fitted.  The weather was fine, just about the best day of the weekend.  Debbie had sorted out a lovely walk up either side of the River Derwent with some beautiful scenery.  The entire walk lasted about an hour and a half.  Timed to perfection.   We just had time to help Dave and Debbie erect their second awning of the weekend before the meeting of the Bar.B.Q club.  The weather was still fine resulting in a larger turn out than usual.  We had a second evening in the club tent with the compulsory game of Bingo and an impromptu quiz read out by Debbie and Emily. It was nice to see Mandy and Colin who visited for the day and managed to stop till after the bingo.

On the Monday morning it was raining quite heavy and it was obviously set in for the day. So everyone decided to call it a day and pack up.   Everything, all the awnings and club tents had to be packed away wet.   Despite the cow pats and not very nice weather it was a good rally and just about everybody enjoyed it.  It would be nice to go back to the area but not Cow Pat Farm.

Metal Mickey

Quorn Lodge   May 2011

The Site	Coffee Morning

Four units arrived for the first of this year's "Thursday Club" outings, I'm sure there will be many more throughout the rest of the season. 

After a few laps of the field, Dave finally decided where to set up the van and we settled down for the night. Metal Mickey was all for putting up the club tents and getting together, but it was decided that the weather was too damp and windy, so everyone tucked up in their vans.

Saturday morning and the sun was shining, well at 6.30am when I was walking to dogs. Although, during the day it started to cloud over a little and the wind was blowing, again.

Saturday, most ventured to Loughborough for a little bit of shopping. It was Rhys's 12^th birthday, so granddad Marshall took the family for a celebration meal at a nearby carvery.  

Later, a decision needed to be made about where the tents would be put as it was still windy. I had been around the field a few times looking for the most sheltered spot, eventually it was decided to put them at the bottom of the field, a little further to walk, but there was hardly any wind at all. It was Eurovision this weekend, so after bingo and the raffle, Emily helped me read out a Eurovision quiz which Phyl and her team won by one point.

Sunday, it started to rain just before coffee morning, I rounded up the troops to take down the tents before they got too wet. We had coffee morning and Rhys handed out biscuits that he had bought for everyone. Most, packed up and went before lunch, Dave and I were last to leave around 4pm, but at least the rain had stopped and the awning had dried.

Next rally is Calver for the bank holiday, starts on Thursday, see you there.

Debbie

Eighteen Vans and the weather just like mid summer

I have just returned home after attending two very enjoyable back to back rallies, Easter and Mayday.  Debbie had arranged it so that those who were able could turn it into a ten day holiday. Quite a few of us managed to do this and had a great time.   I know that Debbie was a little concerned as to how many would be able to attend with both rallies being so close together.  All her hard work paid off and a total of 28 units attended over the ten days.

Easter was spent at the Tall Trees site near Wisbech.  I was first to arrive at this new venue and what a beautiful site she had found for us.  It was a lovely flat field with closely cut grass situated in an orchard with the apple blossom in full bloom. A really nice setting and the weather was perfect, wall to wall sunshine with the temperature in the 70's.  It was great to see two old members, Karl and Debbie Farrington. Karl's firm "WEBNET 2000"has sponsored Area 6 web site for a great many years.  Friday was spent sitting in the sun and dining alfresco which carried on till quite late. 

Dining alfresco	The lads get together for an afternoon drink

Saturday and out came several English flags to celebrate St. Georges Day.  It was then a quick visit to Wisbech a little shopping then back to make the most of the warm weather.  The Bar.B.Q's were out.  A few bottles and again outside dining. 

The evening was spent socialising in the Pack Room.  For the first time Howard called the Bingo and what a great job he made of it, He had everyone screaming with laughter at some of his bingo terms, especially Debbie.  It would appear that he now works for Age Concern and it showed.

Sunday was Easter Egg day, coffee morning and the judging of the decorated eggs.

Charles and Emily were joint winners with eggs in the Royal Wedding coach. Each of the others received runners –up prize. Nobody loses.  All the children then took part in the Easter egg hunt; each found several eggs and finished up with three cream eggs and a large Easter egg.   The rest of the afternoon was spent mingling and sitting in the sun.  The evening was again spent in the Pack Room.  The site owner had set up a couple of simple games of getting the bull ring onto the hook.  I have never seen such a simple game create so much interest.  Debbie ran a couple of quizzes.  It was then a little drinking and a lot of good humored banter, mainly at Dave's expense, but as usual he took it in good heart. 

Monday was again glorious weather. At Coffee morning we celebrated Emily's 8^th Birthday and we all had a slice of cake with our coffee.   We no longer had the use of the pack room so we erected a couple of the club tents for the evening.  I set up a TV and played a couple DVD's.   One of last years Christmas Party and one of the Karaoke night, this created quite a laugh. 

Emily's 8th. Birthday	Watching the Royal Wedding

Tuesday and only those who were doing the full ten days were left. Thursday morning

And we set off for the second rally, Mayday at Chestnut Farm just outside Boston. 

The weather was fine and dry but the wind was very strong and the field was very open and exposed.  We had to be very careful where we erected the club tents which were decorated with flags and buntings both inside and out ready for the Royal wedding on Friday morning.  Dave fitted a large screen and speakers in one corner of the tents and Debbie got on the internet and ordered eats and drinks to be delivered by Tesco's for the afternoon communal Bar.B.Q. and party.  We all congregated in the tents ready for the Royal Wedding.  Tea and coffee was served and in the afternoon the bar.B.Q's were lit and we all sat down to beef burger cobs, sausages, pork steaks, crisps and salad all washed down with beer and wine.  We finished of with tea and cake.  Debbie certainly knows how to put on a party.

The last few days were a little subdued, although the weather was still fine and dry the very strong wind made it difficult to sit about outside.  Monday morning we all made our way home after what can only be described as a fantastically organised ten day rally.  Debbie you are a star.    

Metal Mickey.

There are plenty of Photos on our web site   www.acceastmidlands.com.uk   and video clips on Auto Camping club Area 6 facebook page.