SCROLL DOWN TO READ ABOUT ALL OUT MEETS IN 2015
SHATTERFORD
6th - 8th MARCH 2015 Video
Thank you to everyone who turned out for the AGM at Shatterford 6-8/3/15. We were at maximum capacity with no room left on the car park. I was very worried when I arrived to set up and found a HGV broken down opposite the entrance and no doors on the hall. Thankfully, the artic was repaired and the doors replaced before most people turned up. It was a nice warm sunny dry day but the field was a little soft as Brian found. He came to a halt and slowly sank. mats and pushing would not move him so John Jackson hitched up his motorhome and gently, with the engine just ticking over, pulled Brian sideways out of the mud.
The next highlight was Bob & Noreen turning up in their new RV. After holding up the traffic while he did a 237 point turn, Bob managed to get it onto the site despite the conflicting directions coming from every corner of the motorhome.
After soup and rolls from Von and wine from Ivan and Shen we had a pleasant, if loud, evening.
Saturday started with a coffee and a chat. Many took advantage of the nice weather (hottest day of the year so far) and had a stroll down to the river or went to visit local attractions. There were guided tours of the new RV and no one was lost in the vast interior. On the afternoon we had a ukulele workshop and a music session.
The evening started with a cheese, wine, pate, bread and garlic bread supper plus the usual additions from everyone. Bill was MC for the evening of song and dance.
Sunday was the AGM and members meet. We have new committee members and all the roles have shuffled round. Please look at the list in the newsletter or on the website to see who is doing what.
Thank you to all who have helped and supported me for the past three years.
Don Wasdell (Chairman, from March 2012 till March 2015)
6th - 8th MARCH 2015 Video
Thank you to everyone who turned out for the AGM at Shatterford 6-8/3/15. We were at maximum capacity with no room left on the car park. I was very worried when I arrived to set up and found a HGV broken down opposite the entrance and no doors on the hall. Thankfully, the artic was repaired and the doors replaced before most people turned up. It was a nice warm sunny dry day but the field was a little soft as Brian found. He came to a halt and slowly sank. mats and pushing would not move him so John Jackson hitched up his motorhome and gently, with the engine just ticking over, pulled Brian sideways out of the mud.
The next highlight was Bob & Noreen turning up in their new RV. After holding up the traffic while he did a 237 point turn, Bob managed to get it onto the site despite the conflicting directions coming from every corner of the motorhome.
After soup and rolls from Von and wine from Ivan and Shen we had a pleasant, if loud, evening.
Saturday started with a coffee and a chat. Many took advantage of the nice weather (hottest day of the year so far) and had a stroll down to the river or went to visit local attractions. There were guided tours of the new RV and no one was lost in the vast interior. On the afternoon we had a ukulele workshop and a music session.
The evening started with a cheese, wine, pate, bread and garlic bread supper plus the usual additions from everyone. Bill was MC for the evening of song and dance.
Sunday was the AGM and members meet. We have new committee members and all the roles have shuffled round. Please look at the list in the newsletter or on the website to see who is doing what.
Thank you to all who have helped and supported me for the past three years.
Don Wasdell (Chairman, from March 2012 till March 2015)
BRAILES
20th - 22nd MARCH 2015
Our Stewards were Margaret and Mervyn and they brought with them home made soup from produce from their own garden for Friday night. Everyone was content to chat and unwind that night, catching up with old friends. Saturday was bitter but some brave souls took a walk into the village to see the new lambs and the extensive rookery. We had a music session in the hall in the afternoon with members swapping from one instrument to another. After a very welcome American Supper, we had an evening of social dance, song spots and poems hosted by John Jackson finished off with the Brailes Blarney Band – Irish music and Irish hats. There were eleven units out and several visitors so not a large gathering but very enjoyable.
20th - 22nd MARCH 2015
Our Stewards were Margaret and Mervyn and they brought with them home made soup from produce from their own garden for Friday night. Everyone was content to chat and unwind that night, catching up with old friends. Saturday was bitter but some brave souls took a walk into the village to see the new lambs and the extensive rookery. We had a music session in the hall in the afternoon with members swapping from one instrument to another. After a very welcome American Supper, we had an evening of social dance, song spots and poems hosted by John Jackson finished off with the Brailes Blarney Band – Irish music and Irish hats. There were eleven units out and several visitors so not a large gathering but very enjoyable.
SAWSTON VILLAGE COLLEGE
2nd - 7th APRIL
Easter Meet April 2015
The Easter Meet this year was quite early, from Thursday to Tuesday, April 2nd to 7th. The meet was hosted by Home Counties in Sawston Village College not far from Cambridge. There were twenty three units from Midland and we all had a very good time.
Midland members contributed to the workshop programme of the 2015 Easter Meet. Noreen, with help from Von, ran Button Necklaces, David B. ran International Music, Linda ran Encaustic Art, Peter and Hazel ran the Transatlantic Session, Peter and Moira led evening dance bands and the Playford Music session while Gay led a spoons workshop and one for New Callers. We also joined in both the Concert and the Variety Show.
Our thanks go to Alison and her team and all at Home Counties for a very enjoyable time.
We know how much work goes in to making "it happen".
2nd - 7th APRIL
Easter Meet April 2015
The Easter Meet this year was quite early, from Thursday to Tuesday, April 2nd to 7th. The meet was hosted by Home Counties in Sawston Village College not far from Cambridge. There were twenty three units from Midland and we all had a very good time.
Midland members contributed to the workshop programme of the 2015 Easter Meet. Noreen, with help from Von, ran Button Necklaces, David B. ran International Music, Linda ran Encaustic Art, Peter and Hazel ran the Transatlantic Session, Peter and Moira led evening dance bands and the Playford Music session while Gay led a spoons workshop and one for New Callers. We also joined in both the Concert and the Variety Show.
Our thanks go to Alison and her team and all at Home Counties for a very enjoyable time.
We know how much work goes in to making "it happen".
ROWINGTON
24th - 26th APRIL 2015 Photographs and some Video
Also Jo & John Jackson would like to thank everyone for making their Anniversary @ Rowington so pleasant & memorable.
Rowington is a new venue for us and must be the best site I have been to. The building was superb with a large hall (nice floor for dancing), rooms off, well equipped kitchen and a large stage. Outside it was all hard standing with room enough for many units. Opposite was a cricket club where we were welcome to use the bar and even bring back drinks to the hall. Just down the road were two canals to walk along, a National Trust wood not far away and Warwick and Leamington Spa were close. What a pity that only 12 units were able to come to the rally stewarded by Jo & John Jackson.
Friday, after setting up, started with an TIY afternoon tea. Jo & John provided tea cakes, crumpets, pancakes and scones for us to Toast It Yourself accompanied by jam and cream. Our evening meal was soup and rolls with wine from Diana to celebrate her birthday. She also gave us melon, grapes and strawberries for dessert. We had a sociable evening catching up on news, drinking the wine and enjoying being together. Although Mark, our new Vice Chairman and his two daughters, Amy and Molly, arrived late as Mark had to finish work, Jo and John were delighted to see them.
It was a surprise to see Kath and Mick Dawes parked up in their caravan. They were over to visit family and had come to spend the weekend with us. We really enjoyed their company.
Saturday, after morning coffee, there was a choice of a walk, crafts with Jill or visiting the local area. The walk was very pleasant down quiet country lanes and along the two canals. After lunch we had a beginner's ukulele workshop followed by a music session.
Our evening began with champagne from J&J to celebrate their 56th Wedding Anniversary. There were many toasts to congratulate them and wish them many more. The American Supper had, as usual, too much even for those of us who like 'seconds'. Wine was also provided by J&J. Desserts included John's famous alcohol with a bit of trifle thrown in, carefully decorated with the number 56 on top. The final course was a piece of Anniversary cake which tasted even better than it looked.
Jo's brother and sister in law were able to join them for their special celebration.
MC Don organised a varied programme of dance, song, music and dialogues. Nearly everyone took part. George came for the evening. Sad to say Brenda is not well, we send her our best wishes.
Stan & Judy arrived without Stan's music. He sang 'And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' to commemorate Anzac Day with Don hiding behind him with the words on his ipad to prompt him. Stan's music stand was found on Sunday morning and will be returned to him.
Sunday, after morning coffee and fees, people began to go home although there was no rush. The sun was shining and we could stay until 4.00pm. It takes a big crowd of people to guide out the large RVs especially when everyone is pointing in a different direction.
So, to sum up, a good weekend, excellent site which we will have to use again and surprise visitors to help celebrate Diana's Birthday and Jo & Johns' Anniversary.
Don Wasdell
24th - 26th APRIL 2015 Photographs and some Video
Also Jo & John Jackson would like to thank everyone for making their Anniversary @ Rowington so pleasant & memorable.
Rowington is a new venue for us and must be the best site I have been to. The building was superb with a large hall (nice floor for dancing), rooms off, well equipped kitchen and a large stage. Outside it was all hard standing with room enough for many units. Opposite was a cricket club where we were welcome to use the bar and even bring back drinks to the hall. Just down the road were two canals to walk along, a National Trust wood not far away and Warwick and Leamington Spa were close. What a pity that only 12 units were able to come to the rally stewarded by Jo & John Jackson.
Friday, after setting up, started with an TIY afternoon tea. Jo & John provided tea cakes, crumpets, pancakes and scones for us to Toast It Yourself accompanied by jam and cream. Our evening meal was soup and rolls with wine from Diana to celebrate her birthday. She also gave us melon, grapes and strawberries for dessert. We had a sociable evening catching up on news, drinking the wine and enjoying being together. Although Mark, our new Vice Chairman and his two daughters, Amy and Molly, arrived late as Mark had to finish work, Jo and John were delighted to see them.
It was a surprise to see Kath and Mick Dawes parked up in their caravan. They were over to visit family and had come to spend the weekend with us. We really enjoyed their company.
Saturday, after morning coffee, there was a choice of a walk, crafts with Jill or visiting the local area. The walk was very pleasant down quiet country lanes and along the two canals. After lunch we had a beginner's ukulele workshop followed by a music session.
Our evening began with champagne from J&J to celebrate their 56th Wedding Anniversary. There were many toasts to congratulate them and wish them many more. The American Supper had, as usual, too much even for those of us who like 'seconds'. Wine was also provided by J&J. Desserts included John's famous alcohol with a bit of trifle thrown in, carefully decorated with the number 56 on top. The final course was a piece of Anniversary cake which tasted even better than it looked.
Jo's brother and sister in law were able to join them for their special celebration.
MC Don organised a varied programme of dance, song, music and dialogues. Nearly everyone took part. George came for the evening. Sad to say Brenda is not well, we send her our best wishes.
Stan & Judy arrived without Stan's music. He sang 'And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' to commemorate Anzac Day with Don hiding behind him with the words on his ipad to prompt him. Stan's music stand was found on Sunday morning and will be returned to him.
Sunday, after morning coffee and fees, people began to go home although there was no rush. The sun was shining and we could stay until 4.00pm. It takes a big crowd of people to guide out the large RVs especially when everyone is pointing in a different direction.
So, to sum up, a good weekend, excellent site which we will have to use again and surprise visitors to help celebrate Diana's Birthday and Jo & Johns' Anniversary.
Don Wasdell
ASTLEY
1st - 5th MAY 2015 Photographs and some Video
Jo & John Jackson would like to thank everyone for the "80th Birthday" Party @ Astley!
This was a three day meet stewarded by Brian and Liz. We had nineteen units out, including members from HC and SW and, after soup and rolls on Friday we had a very relaxed circle of entertainment with songs, stories, jokes and poems. Mick was MC – well, he had the video camera and when he faced it towards you – it was your turn!
During Saturday our members took advantage of going to Worcester, Stourport and Upton for the Folk Festival while others stayed for a music session in the hall. Our guests began arriving as the afternoon drew on because we were celebrating four eightieth birthdays, - Shirley, Malcolm, Shen and John, and friends had come to join in the festivities. After the American Supper, we toasted them and wished them lots more birthdays and, thanks to Liz, we had a substantial piece of cake.
I was MC for the evening and the acts were varied and great fun with lots of members taking part. We ended the night with Devil’s Dream, a great favourite, followed by a skiffle session, with everybody playing something.
We had a Committee meeting on Sunday morning and then sat sunning ourselves until it was time for another music session in the hall. Later we had a BBQ followed by Tony our MC for the first time. He did a good job – we’ll ask him again! Once again we had many varied acts, just look at the photos and a skiffle session to finish. My highlight was the piece played by Jackie, spoken by Mary just as the night was falling – Erev Ba.
We had a relaxed coffee break after clearing away on Sunday morning. We had some super comments as people were leaving. “Midland are so welcoming.” and “ I loved the hugs when we arrived.” So come on and give us a try. We are looking forward to welcoming Home Counties to Shipston- on - Stour, the weekend of 24th to 26th of June and thank you to Liz and Brian for all your hard work, making the weekend so enjoyable.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
1st - 5th MAY 2015 Photographs and some Video
Jo & John Jackson would like to thank everyone for the "80th Birthday" Party @ Astley!
This was a three day meet stewarded by Brian and Liz. We had nineteen units out, including members from HC and SW and, after soup and rolls on Friday we had a very relaxed circle of entertainment with songs, stories, jokes and poems. Mick was MC – well, he had the video camera and when he faced it towards you – it was your turn!
During Saturday our members took advantage of going to Worcester, Stourport and Upton for the Folk Festival while others stayed for a music session in the hall. Our guests began arriving as the afternoon drew on because we were celebrating four eightieth birthdays, - Shirley, Malcolm, Shen and John, and friends had come to join in the festivities. After the American Supper, we toasted them and wished them lots more birthdays and, thanks to Liz, we had a substantial piece of cake.
I was MC for the evening and the acts were varied and great fun with lots of members taking part. We ended the night with Devil’s Dream, a great favourite, followed by a skiffle session, with everybody playing something.
We had a Committee meeting on Sunday morning and then sat sunning ourselves until it was time for another music session in the hall. Later we had a BBQ followed by Tony our MC for the first time. He did a good job – we’ll ask him again! Once again we had many varied acts, just look at the photos and a skiffle session to finish. My highlight was the piece played by Jackie, spoken by Mary just as the night was falling – Erev Ba.
We had a relaxed coffee break after clearing away on Sunday morning. We had some super comments as people were leaving. “Midland are so welcoming.” and “ I loved the hugs when we arrived.” So come on and give us a try. We are looking forward to welcoming Home Counties to Shipston- on - Stour, the weekend of 24th to 26th of June and thank you to Liz and Brian for all your hard work, making the weekend so enjoyable.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
CHIPPENHAM
22nd - 26th MAY 2015
This was the Chippenham folk meet, and an invite to Midland from the Wessex group.
This was a new venue for this meet, quite different from the other site that we knew. The field is very uneven and the access is not to great for big units, but there is space at the front of the hall. The hall is a traditional type of village hall with a good kitchen, serving areas, a stage and toilets by the main door.
There is a bus service from the site to Devizies although you do have to phone a number to let them know that you will need picking up, best thing to do is see the stewards first. You can then get a bus to Chippenham.
We did not get there till 8:30 pm and by the time we finished setting up,we just had time to get the last of the tea in the hall, they were having a music sing round on the Friday.
Saturday everyone just did there own thing till 7:30 pm that's when the evening began, with Mark as MC,there was a good amount of dancing with plenty of dancers and solo acts were very good too. In the tea break I thanked the Wessex group for the invite for the Midland group.
Sunday there was a coffee morning, it was going to be out side by the stewards caravan, but as it was very overcast, it was held in the hall with a music session afterwards. We did not attend this as we and quite a few others went to Chippenham's folk festival for the day.
Sunday evening started about 7:45 with Mike as MC, again some very good dances by Rosemary, Mark and myself to name but a few.
The acts were very good too what with David singing funny songs, Amy performing a dance to the modern folk group "The 3 Daft Monkeys", and a good trio of musicians performing two tunes with Anna on violin Caroline on the tin whistle and Mark with his mandolin.
The night finished at 10:30 on the dot, but not before we all danced Devil's Dream, a great end to a great evening.
Monday was the day we had to go back home, work for me Tuesday!
All in all a very good bank holiday weekend, thank you to Pam and Geordie the stewards for the weekend, and thanks to everyone else from Wessex group.
Mark Burton
22nd - 26th MAY 2015
This was the Chippenham folk meet, and an invite to Midland from the Wessex group.
This was a new venue for this meet, quite different from the other site that we knew. The field is very uneven and the access is not to great for big units, but there is space at the front of the hall. The hall is a traditional type of village hall with a good kitchen, serving areas, a stage and toilets by the main door.
There is a bus service from the site to Devizies although you do have to phone a number to let them know that you will need picking up, best thing to do is see the stewards first. You can then get a bus to Chippenham.
We did not get there till 8:30 pm and by the time we finished setting up,we just had time to get the last of the tea in the hall, they were having a music sing round on the Friday.
Saturday everyone just did there own thing till 7:30 pm that's when the evening began, with Mark as MC,there was a good amount of dancing with plenty of dancers and solo acts were very good too. In the tea break I thanked the Wessex group for the invite for the Midland group.
Sunday there was a coffee morning, it was going to be out side by the stewards caravan, but as it was very overcast, it was held in the hall with a music session afterwards. We did not attend this as we and quite a few others went to Chippenham's folk festival for the day.
Sunday evening started about 7:45 with Mike as MC, again some very good dances by Rosemary, Mark and myself to name but a few.
The acts were very good too what with David singing funny songs, Amy performing a dance to the modern folk group "The 3 Daft Monkeys", and a good trio of musicians performing two tunes with Anna on violin Caroline on the tin whistle and Mark with his mandolin.
The night finished at 10:30 on the dot, but not before we all danced Devil's Dream, a great end to a great evening.
Monday was the day we had to go back home, work for me Tuesday!
All in all a very good bank holiday weekend, thank you to Pam and Geordie the stewards for the weekend, and thanks to everyone else from Wessex group.
Mark Burton
WILMCOTE, The Holding Stables
12th - 14th JUNE 2015 Photographs and some Video
Wilmcote is a beautiful site with almost manicured grass all units were able to get on to the site without too much trouble. The weather didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the 11 units who attended the meet at Wilmcote. Gay and Jim were our stewards for the weekend and, thankfully they bought a small party tent so that we could gather together in the evening.
Later on the Friday night we had thunder and lightening and Bill woke up to a crash as his awning collapsed onto his motorhome! Quite a bit of damage was done making him wonder if it was the lightening.
Saturday saw another rainy day but, fortunately the club next to the site had a coffee morning with a few stalls. The most popular stall was selling homegrown bedding plants, hanging baskets and house plants, many of which were bought by the Midland Folk Group. They certainly brightened up the field for the rest of the weekend!
Tea was served in the party tent in the afternoon and the room in the neighbouring club was used for the entertainment for the Saturday evening.
12th - 14th JUNE 2015 Photographs and some Video
Wilmcote is a beautiful site with almost manicured grass all units were able to get on to the site without too much trouble. The weather didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the 11 units who attended the meet at Wilmcote. Gay and Jim were our stewards for the weekend and, thankfully they bought a small party tent so that we could gather together in the evening.
Later on the Friday night we had thunder and lightening and Bill woke up to a crash as his awning collapsed onto his motorhome! Quite a bit of damage was done making him wonder if it was the lightening.
Saturday saw another rainy day but, fortunately the club next to the site had a coffee morning with a few stalls. The most popular stall was selling homegrown bedding plants, hanging baskets and house plants, many of which were bought by the Midland Folk Group. They certainly brightened up the field for the rest of the weekend!
Tea was served in the party tent in the afternoon and the room in the neighbouring club was used for the entertainment for the Saturday evening.
UPTON ON SEVERN
3rd - 5th JULY 2015 Photographs and some Video
The site is a lovely open ground used for sporting activities. This is an annual visit and we had sixteen units out, which included four visiting vans. Our Stewards, Noreen and Bob, collected the fish and chip order and we all congregated around communal tables under gazebos and Jo and John’s awning. George joined us for the day. It was a beautiful evening and soon the ukuleles came out and we took it in turn to lead a song or play a tune.
Next day was also bright but with a strong gusty wind so the wind breaks were put away. Some went walking, some geocaching and some site seeing in Upton.
Grandfather Bob celebrated his birthday with his family and Roger and Mon visited John and Jo. In the evening we went to the Church Rooms across the way and Don as MC did a good job of keeping the evening flowing with dances and spots. Malcolm, a visiting caller from Didcot called some new dances. Some of us had to leave early on Sunday and hopefully everyone had packed up before the storms later in the afternoon.
3rd - 5th JULY 2015 Photographs and some Video
The site is a lovely open ground used for sporting activities. This is an annual visit and we had sixteen units out, which included four visiting vans. Our Stewards, Noreen and Bob, collected the fish and chip order and we all congregated around communal tables under gazebos and Jo and John’s awning. George joined us for the day. It was a beautiful evening and soon the ukuleles came out and we took it in turn to lead a song or play a tune.
Next day was also bright but with a strong gusty wind so the wind breaks were put away. Some went walking, some geocaching and some site seeing in Upton.
Grandfather Bob celebrated his birthday with his family and Roger and Mon visited John and Jo. In the evening we went to the Church Rooms across the way and Don as MC did a good job of keeping the evening flowing with dances and spots. Malcolm, a visiting caller from Didcot called some new dances. Some of us had to leave early on Sunday and hopefully everyone had packed up before the storms later in the afternoon.
SHIPSTON ON STOUR
24th - 26th JULY 2015 Photographs and some Video
"Tony and Barbara thank all those who attended particularly as some travelled quite a long way to the meet. Special thanks got to those who helped in the smooth running of the event in providing entertainment, advice or tea. We couldn't have done it without you."
The site at Shipston is large flat and attached to the bowling club. There were 27 units out including Home Counties whom we had invited plus visitors from SE, SW and Wessex. We were very pleased to see all of them especially Nicole and Pete as he hasn't been well.
It rained on Friday but we all gathered in the hall for coffee and cakes made by Barbara and an evening of entertainment. Saturday was a lovely day so some went walking, some site seeing but others had a Committee Meeting. There was a music session in the morning and the afternoon and after tea, mostly of Chinese, we had yet another very enjoyable evening of dancing and spots culminating in the MUG Ukulele Band all MC'd by Liz.
On Sunday - it rained. The hall was in use by the Baptist Church so after paying our dues many of us were on our way by lunchtime. It was a fabulous weekend seeing all our friends again and our thanks go to Barbara and Tony who were stewarding for the first time. Our thanks again to Pete for leading the band both nights and to everyone who came and made it so special.
The photographs include a selection from our junior photographer Katie
24th - 26th JULY 2015 Photographs and some Video
"Tony and Barbara thank all those who attended particularly as some travelled quite a long way to the meet. Special thanks got to those who helped in the smooth running of the event in providing entertainment, advice or tea. We couldn't have done it without you."
The site at Shipston is large flat and attached to the bowling club. There were 27 units out including Home Counties whom we had invited plus visitors from SE, SW and Wessex. We were very pleased to see all of them especially Nicole and Pete as he hasn't been well.
It rained on Friday but we all gathered in the hall for coffee and cakes made by Barbara and an evening of entertainment. Saturday was a lovely day so some went walking, some site seeing but others had a Committee Meeting. There was a music session in the morning and the afternoon and after tea, mostly of Chinese, we had yet another very enjoyable evening of dancing and spots culminating in the MUG Ukulele Band all MC'd by Liz.
On Sunday - it rained. The hall was in use by the Baptist Church so after paying our dues many of us were on our way by lunchtime. It was a fabulous weekend seeing all our friends again and our thanks go to Barbara and Tony who were stewarding for the first time. Our thanks again to Pete for leading the band both nights and to everyone who came and made it so special.
The photographs include a selection from our junior photographer Katie
HANLEY SWAN
7th - 9th AUGUST 2015 Photographs
We had eleven units out to Hanley Swan, including one from HC and two sets of visitors. We had beautiful views of the Malvern Hills.
John F knocked his coffee cup over his foot while tryingto close a window in his van. The resulting scald quickly began to blister so thanks to John C he was whisked off to hospital...and was cycling the next day! Later, on Friday, we had a "spot" around as it contained songs, poems and stories. Saturday's weather was warm and sunny and members cycled, walked and generally sat about chatting. Some visited the local butcher/ greengrocer who had some really tasty stuff on offer.
Our Annual Boules competition run by Stan, brought more afternoon visitors and caused tense moments as distances were measured with line and tape. It was ably won by Judy and Phil.
Later we went in to the village hall and Allan, our MC for the night kept things rolling along with dances, poems and song spots.
There was no rush to get off the site on Sunday so we had a leisurely coffee break and then once again some walked, some cycled and some chatted. Thanks again to Janet, Lance and Wayne for stewarding the weekend.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
7th - 9th AUGUST 2015 Photographs
We had eleven units out to Hanley Swan, including one from HC and two sets of visitors. We had beautiful views of the Malvern Hills.
John F knocked his coffee cup over his foot while tryingto close a window in his van. The resulting scald quickly began to blister so thanks to John C he was whisked off to hospital...and was cycling the next day! Later, on Friday, we had a "spot" around as it contained songs, poems and stories. Saturday's weather was warm and sunny and members cycled, walked and generally sat about chatting. Some visited the local butcher/ greengrocer who had some really tasty stuff on offer.
Our Annual Boules competition run by Stan, brought more afternoon visitors and caused tense moments as distances were measured with line and tape. It was ably won by Judy and Phil.
Later we went in to the village hall and Allan, our MC for the night kept things rolling along with dances, poems and song spots.
There was no rush to get off the site on Sunday so we had a leisurely coffee break and then once again some walked, some cycled and some chatted. Thanks again to Janet, Lance and Wayne for stewarding the weekend.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
SINTON GREEN
4th - 6th SEPTEMBER 2015 Sorry - no Photographs at present
We had a lovely weekend at Sinton Green at the beginning of September. It was called Damson Time and the site provided us with Worcestershire pears, apples, blackberries and damsons. The village also sent us bags of cooking apples so it was a great harvest! We had visitors from HC and Wessex. We also had day visitors - Jim and Nadine on Friday and then John and Jo bringing with them the usual boozy trifle and some celebratory bottles to open the American Supper on Saturday. We had Judy and Stan whom we are pleased to note is recovering well after a spell in hospital and then Mike and Hilary who have sold their van but popped in to see us on Saturday afternoon. On Friday we had a social with singing, poems and dances. Next day, some went out and some walked to the local hostelry - the one that sold cider! The band practiced, among other tunes, a couple of Israeli dances led later by Freda. Well done Chris for sight reading on your concertina. Thanks to Lance for MCing on Saturday and to Margaret and Mervyn for providing soup for Friday and stewarding such a friendly weekend.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
4th - 6th SEPTEMBER 2015 Sorry - no Photographs at present
We had a lovely weekend at Sinton Green at the beginning of September. It was called Damson Time and the site provided us with Worcestershire pears, apples, blackberries and damsons. The village also sent us bags of cooking apples so it was a great harvest! We had visitors from HC and Wessex. We also had day visitors - Jim and Nadine on Friday and then John and Jo bringing with them the usual boozy trifle and some celebratory bottles to open the American Supper on Saturday. We had Judy and Stan whom we are pleased to note is recovering well after a spell in hospital and then Mike and Hilary who have sold their van but popped in to see us on Saturday afternoon. On Friday we had a social with singing, poems and dances. Next day, some went out and some walked to the local hostelry - the one that sold cider! The band practiced, among other tunes, a couple of Israeli dances led later by Freda. Well done Chris for sight reading on your concertina. Thanks to Lance for MCing on Saturday and to Margaret and Mervyn for providing soup for Friday and stewarding such a friendly weekend.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
HANBURY
2nd - 4th OCTOBER 2015 Photographs and some Video
There was a good turn out of units, I counted approximately 15, and a first for me on this site. This weekend has been stewarded by Stan and Judy.
Friday evening we had soup and rolls provided by John and Judy also extra soup provided by Chris and John, and very good it was too and plenty of it, for entertainment we sat around and took turns to play, sing and tell jokes and poem's.
Saturday there was a coffee morning outside the steward's motorhome, after, some people went to the Jinny Ring which was just up the road from the site. At 6:30 there was an American supper, with plenty of food and there were drinks provided by Barbara and John for their wedding anniversary. Bob was MC for the night, we saw a variety of entertainment including singing, dancing , instrumental and poetry.
Sunday was a beautiful day the sun was out from the start, we all gathered around outside Stan and Judy's motorhome for coffee and tea. A very good weekend.
Mark Burton
2nd - 4th OCTOBER 2015 Photographs and some Video
There was a good turn out of units, I counted approximately 15, and a first for me on this site. This weekend has been stewarded by Stan and Judy.
Friday evening we had soup and rolls provided by John and Judy also extra soup provided by Chris and John, and very good it was too and plenty of it, for entertainment we sat around and took turns to play, sing and tell jokes and poem's.
Saturday there was a coffee morning outside the steward's motorhome, after, some people went to the Jinny Ring which was just up the road from the site. At 6:30 there was an American supper, with plenty of food and there were drinks provided by Barbara and John for their wedding anniversary. Bob was MC for the night, we saw a variety of entertainment including singing, dancing , instrumental and poetry.
Sunday was a beautiful day the sun was out from the start, we all gathered around outside Stan and Judy's motorhome for coffee and tea. A very good weekend.
Mark Burton
BRAILES
30th OCTOBER - 1st NOVEMBER 2015 Photographs
Another fantastic meet to finish this year’s calendar. We had a good turn out with fifteen units. Gay and Allan did an excellent job stewarding and making everyone welcome.
Mervyn and Margaret grew a stupendous pumpkin, which made delicious soup for Friday evening and a lovely centrepiece for the table. Gay also made minestrone soup which was also very tasty. The rest of Friday evening was an enjoyable informal social gathering consisting of singing, poems, story-telling and interspersed with a few dodgy jokes from Martin. Hopefully he’ll be getting some fresh material from this year’s Christmas crackers.
The weather was excellent over the weekend which encouraged some to go for walks on Saturday morning whilst others spent the day participating in crafts, costume making and playing music, including band practice.
Saturday evening was a splendid occasion. Dave did a good job of decorating the hall with creepy scenes. Virtually everyone dressed up in Halloween costume and they all looked absolutely fantastic. Thank you for making the effort, you created a fantastic atmosphere. The evening started with an American supper and then Allan had the difficult task of picking the best costumes from such an excellent group. Mark was MC and organised the remainder of the evening with a mixture of dances, poems and song spots.
Allan led a small band and we managed a couple of dances to live music. We also celebrated a couple of birthdays with wine and cake from TC and Shen. We managed to squeeze a lot into the evening.
Sunday’s weather continued to be sunny and individuals were spotted sun bathing whilst their better halves were in a committee meeting in Judy’s van. A delightful end to our year and I look forward to seeing you all next year.
30th OCTOBER - 1st NOVEMBER 2015 Photographs
Another fantastic meet to finish this year’s calendar. We had a good turn out with fifteen units. Gay and Allan did an excellent job stewarding and making everyone welcome.
Mervyn and Margaret grew a stupendous pumpkin, which made delicious soup for Friday evening and a lovely centrepiece for the table. Gay also made minestrone soup which was also very tasty. The rest of Friday evening was an enjoyable informal social gathering consisting of singing, poems, story-telling and interspersed with a few dodgy jokes from Martin. Hopefully he’ll be getting some fresh material from this year’s Christmas crackers.
The weather was excellent over the weekend which encouraged some to go for walks on Saturday morning whilst others spent the day participating in crafts, costume making and playing music, including band practice.
Saturday evening was a splendid occasion. Dave did a good job of decorating the hall with creepy scenes. Virtually everyone dressed up in Halloween costume and they all looked absolutely fantastic. Thank you for making the effort, you created a fantastic atmosphere. The evening started with an American supper and then Allan had the difficult task of picking the best costumes from such an excellent group. Mark was MC and organised the remainder of the evening with a mixture of dances, poems and song spots.
Allan led a small band and we managed a couple of dances to live music. We also celebrated a couple of birthdays with wine and cake from TC and Shen. We managed to squeeze a lot into the evening.
Sunday’s weather continued to be sunny and individuals were spotted sun bathing whilst their better halves were in a committee meeting in Judy’s van. A delightful end to our year and I look forward to seeing you all next year.
