SCROLL DOWN TO READ ABOUT ALL OUT MEETS IN 2018
EVESHAM - The De Montfort School
16th - 18th MARCH 2018 Photographs by Liz Bloomer
Despite the amber weather warning there was a good turn out for the Evesham Meet. Our first meet of the year at Shatterford had to be cancelled due to the 'Beast from the East' so everyone was ready for a great get together after the long winter break. It was lovely to meet up again with old friends and new members Beth and Bill.
Snow on nearby Bredon Hill foretold bitter cold winds and snow but it didn't dampen the Saint Patrick’s Night Party as Leprechaun, Guinness hats and green wigs were popular. Shamrock green sun glasses and sparkling green tinsel hair were modelled by Hazel. After a shared supper, dancers were in full swing to a live band interspersed with beautiful Irish ballads and amusing song spots. Gay did a brilliant job organising it all with the assistance of Mervyn and Margaret on the arrival gate in the freezing cold. Next morning snow lay over our vans and car park with a strong wind blowing the snow around but it soon started to thaw and we were all able to get off OK. Looking forward to a warm armchair to reflect on our memories of a great weekend.
Pauline
16th - 18th MARCH 2018 Photographs by Liz Bloomer
Despite the amber weather warning there was a good turn out for the Evesham Meet. Our first meet of the year at Shatterford had to be cancelled due to the 'Beast from the East' so everyone was ready for a great get together after the long winter break. It was lovely to meet up again with old friends and new members Beth and Bill.
Snow on nearby Bredon Hill foretold bitter cold winds and snow but it didn't dampen the Saint Patrick’s Night Party as Leprechaun, Guinness hats and green wigs were popular. Shamrock green sun glasses and sparkling green tinsel hair were modelled by Hazel. After a shared supper, dancers were in full swing to a live band interspersed with beautiful Irish ballads and amusing song spots. Gay did a brilliant job organising it all with the assistance of Mervyn and Margaret on the arrival gate in the freezing cold. Next morning snow lay over our vans and car park with a strong wind blowing the snow around but it soon started to thaw and we were all able to get off OK. Looking forward to a warm armchair to reflect on our memories of a great weekend.
Pauline
ASTLEY
13th - 15th APRIL 2018 Photographs and some Video
What a lovely weekend we had at Astley for our AGM. Judy and Stan were our stewards and we provided soup rolls and cake to all on Friday night. We had nineteen units during the meet and a few visitors popped in during the day on Saturday including our young camping family.
It was a wonderful spread for our shared supper in the evening and then a wide variety of acts and dances followed on. Our MCs on Friday and Saturday were Liz, an old hand at the job and Chris, new to it. We had a music session on Friday afternoon and again on Saturday morning.
ome members went off to Alveley Country Park in the afternoon, some did craft and some sat about chatting in the sunshine. On Saturday night we had some additions to the band, Alison from HC and a very young Alex on cabassa. We were also delighted to see Lance, Janet and Wayne. To the enjoyment of all Lance proved he hasn't lost his talent for poetry. We had our AGM on Sunday with Alan Ross as the Council Representative.
Thanks again to Stan and Judy for without stewards these meets could not take place.
13th - 15th APRIL 2018 Photographs and some Video
What a lovely weekend we had at Astley for our AGM. Judy and Stan were our stewards and we provided soup rolls and cake to all on Friday night. We had nineteen units during the meet and a few visitors popped in during the day on Saturday including our young camping family.
It was a wonderful spread for our shared supper in the evening and then a wide variety of acts and dances followed on. Our MCs on Friday and Saturday were Liz, an old hand at the job and Chris, new to it. We had a music session on Friday afternoon and again on Saturday morning.
ome members went off to Alveley Country Park in the afternoon, some did craft and some sat about chatting in the sunshine. On Saturday night we had some additions to the band, Alison from HC and a very young Alex on cabassa. We were also delighted to see Lance, Janet and Wayne. To the enjoyment of all Lance proved he hasn't lost his talent for poetry. We had our AGM on Sunday with Alan Ross as the Council Representative.
Thanks again to Stan and Judy for without stewards these meets could not take place.
HANBURY
4th - 7th MAY 2018 Photographs and some Video
Hanbury Village Hall provided a lovely setting for our May Bank Holiday Meet. The weather was perfect (although some might have found it a bit too hot), our stewards Chris and Jenny, were fantastic and did far and above what they needed to do. Although we had been informed earlier in the week that the ground was firm, I think that only applied to the first 10 metres from the gate. Not only did the stewards get stuck, but so did many of the other vans. Thanks to the Midland Folk Group spirit, everyone got in.
We were delighted to welcome a new family Peter, Claire, George and Freya. Also Claire’s mother and sister, Pat and Juliette. We hope to see them again soon. Thanks also to members of North Central and South West who joined us. Friday night got off to a great start with soup and rolls followed by cake and a quiz about musicals, which was the theme for the meet. We then moved into the hall where we had a sing around and some dances.
Saturday saw many people lounging around the site looking for shade whilst some people visited the nearby Jinny Ring craft centre or Hanbury Hall, a National Trust property, both within walking distance. Some tried to do a longer walk but failed due to the heat.
On Saturday evening we had our usual delicious shared supper, with wine supplied by Christine Anderson for her birthday. This was followed by a very enjoyable evening MC’d by our steward Chris. Some people dressed up as characters from Musicals and 2 of our visitors from North Central, Pat and Paul won the prizes. The room was decorated with posters advertising Musicals. We enjoyed dancing to live music.
Sunday dawned even hotter and although some people went to Upton Folk Festival the rest of us played a lively game (organised by Chris and Jenny) of throwing horseshoes at a post. John Owen won a resounding victory. Bob set up an impromptu barbeque in the evening and did a great job cooking the food to perfection. He also MC’d another great evening with Chris doing another Musical quiz and more live music. Our M.F.G. spirit came into its own again as we prepared to leave on Monday. The ground hadn’t dried out very much, but working as a team everyone got off the field.
Judy Witton
4th - 7th MAY 2018 Photographs and some Video
Hanbury Village Hall provided a lovely setting for our May Bank Holiday Meet. The weather was perfect (although some might have found it a bit too hot), our stewards Chris and Jenny, were fantastic and did far and above what they needed to do. Although we had been informed earlier in the week that the ground was firm, I think that only applied to the first 10 metres from the gate. Not only did the stewards get stuck, but so did many of the other vans. Thanks to the Midland Folk Group spirit, everyone got in.
We were delighted to welcome a new family Peter, Claire, George and Freya. Also Claire’s mother and sister, Pat and Juliette. We hope to see them again soon. Thanks also to members of North Central and South West who joined us. Friday night got off to a great start with soup and rolls followed by cake and a quiz about musicals, which was the theme for the meet. We then moved into the hall where we had a sing around and some dances.
Saturday saw many people lounging around the site looking for shade whilst some people visited the nearby Jinny Ring craft centre or Hanbury Hall, a National Trust property, both within walking distance. Some tried to do a longer walk but failed due to the heat.
On Saturday evening we had our usual delicious shared supper, with wine supplied by Christine Anderson for her birthday. This was followed by a very enjoyable evening MC’d by our steward Chris. Some people dressed up as characters from Musicals and 2 of our visitors from North Central, Pat and Paul won the prizes. The room was decorated with posters advertising Musicals. We enjoyed dancing to live music.
Sunday dawned even hotter and although some people went to Upton Folk Festival the rest of us played a lively game (organised by Chris and Jenny) of throwing horseshoes at a post. John Owen won a resounding victory. Bob set up an impromptu barbeque in the evening and did a great job cooking the food to perfection. He also MC’d another great evening with Chris doing another Musical quiz and more live music. Our M.F.G. spirit came into its own again as we prepared to leave on Monday. The ground hadn’t dried out very much, but working as a team everyone got off the field.
Judy Witton
FILLONGLEY
15th - 17th JUNE 2018 Photographs by Mark Burton
We had a lovely welcome from Mervyn and Margaret, stewards for Midland Folk group at the Annual Boules weekend. We had eight units for the weekend plus day visitors on both Friday and Saturday. A family from Derbyshire DA joined us for their first folk meet.
It was lovely to see George, a long-time member who recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He ran a free raffle for two bottles of wine which was greatly appreciated. The weekend followed the usual format with soup and rolls on the Friday night and a shared supper on the Saturday. The Boules tournament started at 2.30pm and went on until a shower forced an early tea break on competitors. John Jackson and Gaynor Butler were deserved winners.
Other activities included a two hour walk along the foot paths through some lovely countryside and card making in the hall. Saturday evening was a lovely blend of songs, poems, tunes and dances. Sunday morning was spent enjoying a coffee break and biscuits on the field.
Many thanks to Mervyn and Margaret for their hard work and dedication as without volunteer stewards there would be no meetings.
15th - 17th JUNE 2018 Photographs by Mark Burton
We had a lovely welcome from Mervyn and Margaret, stewards for Midland Folk group at the Annual Boules weekend. We had eight units for the weekend plus day visitors on both Friday and Saturday. A family from Derbyshire DA joined us for their first folk meet.
It was lovely to see George, a long-time member who recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He ran a free raffle for two bottles of wine which was greatly appreciated. The weekend followed the usual format with soup and rolls on the Friday night and a shared supper on the Saturday. The Boules tournament started at 2.30pm and went on until a shower forced an early tea break on competitors. John Jackson and Gaynor Butler were deserved winners.
Other activities included a two hour walk along the foot paths through some lovely countryside and card making in the hall. Saturday evening was a lovely blend of songs, poems, tunes and dances. Sunday morning was spent enjoying a coffee break and biscuits on the field.
Many thanks to Mervyn and Margaret for their hard work and dedication as without volunteer stewards there would be no meetings.
SHATTERFORD
20th - 22nd JULY 2018 Photographs
Our hosts at this popular venue were Bob and Noreen and they made a wonderful job of organising the Medieval themed weekend. After 6 weeks of drought the heavens opened just as Bob was about to light the BBQ. This didn’t deter him and he did it under Kevin and Hilda’s awning. The grateful campers ate their delicious supper in the Hall.
The evening was very enjoyable and all participated including our 3 new units. The hot weather returned on Saturday morning but the committee were shut inside for their meeting. They eventually moved into Mark s huge event tent. In the afternoon some of us walked to the beautiful Bodenham Arboretum and enjoyed refreshments by the lake. ( This will be a new venue in 2019). The American tea lived up to the Midland high standard. Several members dressed up in Medieval costume making a wonderful atmosphere. It was a close call but Bob and Noreen won the prizes for the best costumes.
The evening went with a swing with Mark as MC and several spots and dances followed the weekend theme. During the day we were delighted to have a visit from Shirley Bird brought by her son David. It was lovely to see John and Barbara Mitchell in the evening.
On Sunday there was a coffee morning. Another successful and super weekend.
Judy Witton
20th - 22nd JULY 2018 Photographs
Our hosts at this popular venue were Bob and Noreen and they made a wonderful job of organising the Medieval themed weekend. After 6 weeks of drought the heavens opened just as Bob was about to light the BBQ. This didn’t deter him and he did it under Kevin and Hilda’s awning. The grateful campers ate their delicious supper in the Hall.
The evening was very enjoyable and all participated including our 3 new units. The hot weather returned on Saturday morning but the committee were shut inside for their meeting. They eventually moved into Mark s huge event tent. In the afternoon some of us walked to the beautiful Bodenham Arboretum and enjoyed refreshments by the lake. ( This will be a new venue in 2019). The American tea lived up to the Midland high standard. Several members dressed up in Medieval costume making a wonderful atmosphere. It was a close call but Bob and Noreen won the prizes for the best costumes.
The evening went with a swing with Mark as MC and several spots and dances followed the weekend theme. During the day we were delighted to have a visit from Shirley Bird brought by her son David. It was lovely to see John and Barbara Mitchell in the evening.
On Sunday there was a coffee morning. Another successful and super weekend.
Judy Witton
NETHER WHITACRE
10th - 12 AUGUST 2018
This was a new venue for most of us. It has a super hall with plenty of hard standing. Friday evening began with some lovely home-made soup expertly made by TC which was followed by various cakes. Mark was MC for the evening and we had a variety of spots including funny poems from Judy, Molly reading some of her own stories and an informal sing around. Thank you to Vera and Peter from Home Counties who introduced us to some new dances accompanied by our new sound system.
After coffee morning on Saturday TC held a Decopatch workshop, which was great fun. Judy organised a walk in the morning to avoid predicted rain later. TC continued with the workshop in the afternoon so that the walkers didn’t miss out. It was a summer themed weekend and Mark donned his yellow Hawaii 5-O shirt! It was lovely to see George who joined us for our shared supper.
Rob was MC on Saturday evening and it was great to see Jill and Richard. George called a couple of dances and Richard sang some great songs. It rained heavily during the night, but we still managed to have coffee together before heading home.
Although there weren’t many units at Nether Whitacre it certainly didn’t deter us from having a splendid time. Many thanks to Mark, TC, Amy and Molly for hosting the weekend.
Noreen Small
10th - 12 AUGUST 2018
This was a new venue for most of us. It has a super hall with plenty of hard standing. Friday evening began with some lovely home-made soup expertly made by TC which was followed by various cakes. Mark was MC for the evening and we had a variety of spots including funny poems from Judy, Molly reading some of her own stories and an informal sing around. Thank you to Vera and Peter from Home Counties who introduced us to some new dances accompanied by our new sound system.
After coffee morning on Saturday TC held a Decopatch workshop, which was great fun. Judy organised a walk in the morning to avoid predicted rain later. TC continued with the workshop in the afternoon so that the walkers didn’t miss out. It was a summer themed weekend and Mark donned his yellow Hawaii 5-O shirt! It was lovely to see George who joined us for our shared supper.
Rob was MC on Saturday evening and it was great to see Jill and Richard. George called a couple of dances and Richard sang some great songs. It rained heavily during the night, but we still managed to have coffee together before heading home.
Although there weren’t many units at Nether Whitacre it certainly didn’t deter us from having a splendid time. Many thanks to Mark, TC, Amy and Molly for hosting the weekend.
Noreen Small
SINTON GREEN
14th - 16th SEPTEMBER 2018
What a wonderful site. Members were soon at work picking damsons, blackberries and even a few apples. The taller you were the better! On Friday we had soup and rolls and some rather special biscuits which definitely needed eating up!
On Saturday Rosemary and Dave set up all kinds of competitive games, including crossbows, Connect Four, Skittles, Golf Balls and Shove Ha'penny. Some used the afternoon to cycle or wander through the village and Judy and Stan led a five mile ramble. In the evening we had our usual shared supper including an enormous damson crumble brought by Shen. Our band was led by John and Allan and our callers were Rosemary, Stan and me. Almost everyone played, sang or related poems, jokes and stories. I'd like to say a really big thank you to Rosemary and Dave for stewarding this meet. Two meets to go before Christmas!!!
Gaynor Butler
14th - 16th SEPTEMBER 2018
What a wonderful site. Members were soon at work picking damsons, blackberries and even a few apples. The taller you were the better! On Friday we had soup and rolls and some rather special biscuits which definitely needed eating up!
On Saturday Rosemary and Dave set up all kinds of competitive games, including crossbows, Connect Four, Skittles, Golf Balls and Shove Ha'penny. Some used the afternoon to cycle or wander through the village and Judy and Stan led a five mile ramble. In the evening we had our usual shared supper including an enormous damson crumble brought by Shen. Our band was led by John and Allan and our callers were Rosemary, Stan and me. Almost everyone played, sang or related poems, jokes and stories. I'd like to say a really big thank you to Rosemary and Dave for stewarding this meet. Two meets to go before Christmas!!!
Gaynor Butler
ALVELEY
12th - 14th OCTOBER 2018
This was a new site for us and despite its restrictions we managed to have an enjoyable meet. The field was flat which helped in all that rain. We had ten units out, with members from HC and NC joining us. Some members travelled by bus to Kidderminster to the carpet museum. Some of us stayed put for a craft and natter! On both evenings we had an enjoyable sing-around interspersed with dancing, and a very substantial bring and share Saturday supper. John Jackson had made a special trifle for Don's birthday.
Thank you to Jim and Gay, our stewards for the weekend.
Gaynor Butler
12th - 14th OCTOBER 2018
This was a new site for us and despite its restrictions we managed to have an enjoyable meet. The field was flat which helped in all that rain. We had ten units out, with members from HC and NC joining us. Some members travelled by bus to Kidderminster to the carpet museum. Some of us stayed put for a craft and natter! On both evenings we had an enjoyable sing-around interspersed with dancing, and a very substantial bring and share Saturday supper. John Jackson had made a special trifle for Don's birthday.
Thank you to Jim and Gay, our stewards for the weekend.
Gaynor Butler
ASTLEY
2nd - 4th NOVEMBER 2018 Photographs
A total of 13 units arrived on a cold November day, for our Country and Western themed meet.
We were all warmly welcomed by Chris and Jenny, dressed in stunning Country and Western outfits. Supper was good campfire food, soup and jacket potatoes and beans!! This was followed by a lovely sing around and catch up on everyone’s news.
On Saturday there was an opportunity to visit nearby Stourport, take a cycle ride or join a jamming session in the hall and lovely cakes, made by Angie, were available for our afternoon tea. After a shared meal together with a birthday cake to celebrate 3 of our members recent birthdays, Beth was our MC for the evening. Once again Chris and Jenny wore some beautiful outfits and also set up a display of some of the guns and other items that they had collected over the years. We were treated to some wonderful entertainment, music, dance and stories all showcasing the wonderful talent amongst our members. A highlight was Molly calling her very first dance and demonstrating that she is definitely following in her father's and sister's footsteps! Well done Molly! Thanks to Chris and Jenny for all their hard work. All in all what a wonderful way to spend a dark and dismal November evening – who needs fireworks?!!!
Liz Bloomer
2nd - 4th NOVEMBER 2018 Photographs
A total of 13 units arrived on a cold November day, for our Country and Western themed meet.
We were all warmly welcomed by Chris and Jenny, dressed in stunning Country and Western outfits. Supper was good campfire food, soup and jacket potatoes and beans!! This was followed by a lovely sing around and catch up on everyone’s news.
On Saturday there was an opportunity to visit nearby Stourport, take a cycle ride or join a jamming session in the hall and lovely cakes, made by Angie, were available for our afternoon tea. After a shared meal together with a birthday cake to celebrate 3 of our members recent birthdays, Beth was our MC for the evening. Once again Chris and Jenny wore some beautiful outfits and also set up a display of some of the guns and other items that they had collected over the years. We were treated to some wonderful entertainment, music, dance and stories all showcasing the wonderful talent amongst our members. A highlight was Molly calling her very first dance and demonstrating that she is definitely following in her father's and sister's footsteps! Well done Molly! Thanks to Chris and Jenny for all their hard work. All in all what a wonderful way to spend a dark and dismal November evening – who needs fireworks?!!!
Liz Bloomer
SHATTERFORD
23rd - 25th NOVEMBER 2018 Photographs and a Video
Once again we were at Shatterford, a firm favourite with everyone. The car park steadily filled without incident until Bob and Noreen arrived. Many will remember Bob's record attempt for the number of shunts to get on site with his RV. It looked as if he was trying to beat the record with his caravan as it slowly edged back and forth. Luckily the road was quiet as we all stood around waving our arms and shouting encouragement.
We welcomed Sue and Mike who had travelled from Surrey to spend the weekend with us. Friday night began with a choice of soup, made by Von, with rolls and followed by tea and cake. Our entertainment started with a skiffle session which was very popular with lots of things to rattle and bang if you didn't have an instrument to play. The usual singing and dancing rounded off the evening.
Saturday, after morning tea and coffee, there were a number of choices. Noreen led a craft workshop making origami Christmas trees. Others caught the bus to either Bridgnorth or Kidderminster or travelled on the Severn Valley Railway. Games and music filled the afternoon for those of us who stayed on site.
The evening began with a shared supper accompanied by a choice of red or white wine from John Jackson to celebrate his Birthday. Mark was the MC for the evening of dance and entertainment.
Sunday we chatted over tea until it was time to leave and make our way home. Time to think about our next meet which is again at Shatterford in March 2019.
Don Wasdell
23rd - 25th NOVEMBER 2018 Photographs and a Video
Once again we were at Shatterford, a firm favourite with everyone. The car park steadily filled without incident until Bob and Noreen arrived. Many will remember Bob's record attempt for the number of shunts to get on site with his RV. It looked as if he was trying to beat the record with his caravan as it slowly edged back and forth. Luckily the road was quiet as we all stood around waving our arms and shouting encouragement.
We welcomed Sue and Mike who had travelled from Surrey to spend the weekend with us. Friday night began with a choice of soup, made by Von, with rolls and followed by tea and cake. Our entertainment started with a skiffle session which was very popular with lots of things to rattle and bang if you didn't have an instrument to play. The usual singing and dancing rounded off the evening.
Saturday, after morning tea and coffee, there were a number of choices. Noreen led a craft workshop making origami Christmas trees. Others caught the bus to either Bridgnorth or Kidderminster or travelled on the Severn Valley Railway. Games and music filled the afternoon for those of us who stayed on site.
The evening began with a shared supper accompanied by a choice of red or white wine from John Jackson to celebrate his Birthday. Mark was the MC for the evening of dance and entertainment.
Sunday we chatted over tea until it was time to leave and make our way home. Time to think about our next meet which is again at Shatterford in March 2019.
Don Wasdell
