Rallies 2009
                   Feb  Rally
Well what i can say... First Rally of the year and it had to be cancelled....
Due to the weather i had phoned the site to ask about conditions on the
Sunday 8th.
I was informed all was ok and there will be plenty of space for our 5 units.
Lucky for us Ken the chairman was in the area in Wed.11th and popped in to
see how the site was cooping with the weather.... He took various photographs
and came away..
A quick meeting was called for Wed evening when we viewed the photo's that
he had taken earlier in the day.
The site was Flooded....... and one part was still very deep in snow.
The manager or Warden told Ken he would call me without fail by 13.00 on
Thursday 12th. to inform us if we could still hold a rally on the site.
On Thursday evening i got a call from ken to say that Snow was falling very
heavily in the Huntingdon Area. and being as i had not heard from the site...the
rally was cancelled.
the meal that had been booked at a local restaurant was cancelled.
A new venue was scouted and thanks to Ben and Zoe we managed to get into
the Toby Carvery On London Road in Wooton.

Every one baring 1 couple  made it to the change of venue for the meal..
and a very good enjoyable night was had by all.
good food,good wine, good conversation and a nice easy relaxed night was
had by all.

not the best start to a new year of rallies but a very good start to a  year of
socialising.
WE arrived at Pelerine Caravan  site on Friday afternoon, thinking the view would be nothing
but poly tunnels and greenhouses. BUT once on site there was no sign of them.
The site was fabulous.  Nice and clean and tidy and staff were brilliant, So friendly and
helpful. The facilities were excellent. The  toilet and  wash-rooms were immaculate.  even
down to the point of having toiletries that you could use if you wished... and armchairs to
rest as well.

The Kitchen had a number of microwaves, a fridge , a freezer and washing machine for
every ones use. at no extra charge. and there was also a large family room for disabled
visitors and Families.

Friday night we had a get together and sank some beer and wine and had lots of cheese.
and a good chat about experiences..

A big welcome to our new members,  Ivan and Chris. who were on their first rally with the
TEC club.

Saturday  A trip to Gloucester and a very nice tour of the Folk Museum was a great
experience. Then  In the Afternoon a tour around the Forest of Dean was very nice.

The weather was very spring like and made the trips very pleasant  indeed.

Sunday we didn't have to rush off site. and it was warm enough to sit in the sunshine and
listen to the birds singing.

There were a lot of places nearby that would have been well worth a visit but 2 days is just
not long enough.
March Rally
Arriving on Friday 4 units on site and Janet and Paul got stuck in the mud. A big welcome to David and Margaret Valentine
on their first TEC rally.
Gazebbo's were put up and whilst it rained we all had a bit of a chat and drink and then all retired early.
Saturday as is the norm every one did their own thing,, the kids decided that it would be a good idea to go off and build a
den and ate Ice Creams.
A good social in the evening with the cheese and Port.
Sunday Rained again but the enthusiasm was high and the easter egg hunt went very well. Tanya and john with kids
joined us for the day, as did Ruth with Tony and then sally,ben and Zoe.
once the egg hunt was over and done with we had a nice convoy to Sturdies Castle where all 24 of us had a nice
meal,chat and social.
monday. well the normal frantic packing up and tea,coffee and cakes was had during the raffle.
This is was done in the sun..

many thanks to Janet ,Paul,Martin and Jacob for the write up.
5 Units turned up for the late May Bank Holiday weekend at the popular site in North Runction site near Kings Lynn. 1 of which
belongs to Tracy and Rod
on their first TEC Rally. A warm welcome to you both. Glad you enjoyed yourselves with us and look forward to your company
again.
Saturday was a do your own thing day with the last 2 units on site by lunchtime.The weather was brilliant sunshine and after
many hours basking in the
Norfolk sunshine several TEC'ys resembled lobsters!!! Aftersun being a close friend to those who suffered more than the
others. The day being completed with a barbeque and a group gathering for a social drink or 3.
Sunday was again very warm sunny with everyone again doing their own thing until 10 of us met up in Hunstanton to enjoy a
late afternoon drink followed by fish and chips on the prom. After a wander along the beach we headed back towards the site
via the country route to avoid the returning bank holiday traffic.  In Sandringham we found a nice looking pub. Thinking Her
Majesty and Prince Philip might have popped in for one we decided we might as well join them. They must have left before we
got there but never mind , we stopped to take advantage of the hospitality offered there and had a very pleasant drink
in the family garden where we were entertained by the children playing in the garden!!! The day being rounded of with a
gathering in the club gazebos for a social evening chat and a drink.
Monday Tracy and Rod had to leave but the rest of us headed for Denver Windmill. Having loaded up with a fine lunch and fresh
baked bread we headed back for a group barbeque and yet more to drink!!!
A very successful weekend with fine weather, good food, but most important of all, great company. Looking forward to the
next rally at the Gatehouse,  Cadeby near Nuneaton on 12-14 June.

Thanks to Ken for the write up.
Easter Rally April.
Whitsun Bank Holiday.. Kings Lynn

                                        CANCELLED..
last year when i spoke to the people on site they said they were going to have a toilet/shower
built and it would be ready by the start of the season..

I have had  text/emails from Club members who say there is no toilet or shower.
so after a quick discussion the rally was cancelled..

Have phoned camp site 6 times and can only get an answer phone. so can't get confirmation on
there being a toilet block or not.
                    Holt  Farm  Southam..  10th - 12th July

On Friday with the weather being nice and warm every one arrived during the day and evening.
once all was set up and settled down we all had a cosy comfortable evening in Mark and Hilary's
Van. doing Catch up.

Saturday some shot off to Leamington Spa,some into Southam and Napton and some went over to
the wet market at Wellesbourne. Then back and took the dog for a walk along the canal tow path.

We all met up again at 3.30 at the site and went and enjoyed a fabulous Cream Tea.
then back to the vans to rest up till the barby at 7 and just as everyone was clearing up it started to
rain so we all went into Ken and Helen's van for drinks and nibbles..

Sunday woke up to sunshine.
some shot off to Leamington Spa for the car boot and others shot off for a nice walk along the
canals taking the dog for a walk.
There was no great rush to get off the site so time was taken and we left at our own pace.
                                     Alton Rally August 2009.
                                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                          Due to
an unfortunate mix up, the original rally site was moved to Hales Hall Caravan & Camping Park.     After
many phone calls Bill managed to secure 6 pitches for our August Bank Holiday rally there, so well done
Bill for your determination.

The site has a steep slope which caused several problems when setting up & to add insult to injury
everything seemed to cost £4.00 a night extra. Electric hook up, awnings, gazebos & even roll outs
where all items that attracted the extra charges. On the positive side the shower blocks were kept
clean with constant cleaning.   
Despite this & the rash of tents, we all managed to have a great weekend with visits to Alton Towers,
Blackbrook Zoological Park, the beautiful Derbyshire Dales & The Heights of Abraham in Matlock, even
Monkey Forest near Stoke was a popular choice. This area has a wealth of attractions and beautiful
scenery, certainly worth another visit in the future. The weather was a bit changeable but we managed
to squeeze in a barbecue on Saturday night.           
But once again the weekend was over and it was time to hitch up and head for home. We had all left site
by 12.00 and all had a safe journey home looking forward to our next outing, which for some of us will be
the A.G.M. at Barnstones.   See you then.

Thanks Ken for the Write up.
                                  Little Staunton Rally  16th - 18th Oct. 2009
Not only another successful rally but we were graced with excellent weather too!  There were 5 vans in
attendance, all set up by Friday evening.
Saturday found us all independently exploring  S’t  Neot’s , taking in lunch on a favourable establishment on the  
river bridge  Coincidently we were all there at the same time.
Saturday afternoon / evening was spent with a communal  BBQ, utilising the gazebo as a canteen. Whilst the wine
flowed freely the piece de resistance was the champers used to toast Ken and Helen on their wedding
anniversary. Congratulations to them both on achieving 22 years of wedded bliss.  I have to say I like your style
Ken, champers and diamonds!  Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend.
Sunday, coffee morning included a brunch of sausages, burgers, ratatouille and tear n share bread.  A slight
deviation from the run of the mill coffee and biscuits!  None the less, very enjoyable.  There was the traditional
raffle to follow, this, as always, helped raise a pound or two for the club funds.
Some of us then headed off for home while others took a leisurely stroll around the site shop, and setting off later.

Thanks to Leslie for the write up   
On the Friday 5 units arrived and set up all rushing to do their thing as the heavens opened.
As the sun rose on the Saturday morning the skies were clear and the sun was shining however, it was
typical autumnal temperatures. The morning and early afternoon was spent decorating the room and
preparing the food ready for an evening full of fun and frolics so the men could sit and watch the rugby
where England sadly lost.
The start of the evening went off with a ‘bang!’ as Diamond Farm put on a spectacular firework show and
homemade vegetable soup, when they were all over everyone went off to their caravans to get dressed up.
When everyone was all dressed up as ghosts ghoul’s witches and vampires, they all headed off to the
decorated bar for scary sausages, batty burgers and blood red soup all cooked by Mr. vice chairman Tony
and entertainments co-ordinator Helen which all went down like a treat not a trick.
A raffle then took place followed by some chatting and VERY bad dancing a good night was had by all. A few
people were up at the crack of dawn cleaning up the bar and taking down the decorations whilst the bacon
was being cooked ready for the butties at flag.
A big thank you to Jackie and John of Diamond Farm for their kind donation of a free weekend to our raffle
and we look forward to seeing them at our next rally which is a New Years celebration .

Thanks go to Zoe for the write up.
                             AGM   Barnstones   25th-27th Sept
once again welcome and hope you enjoy future rallies with us.
A warm welcome also to Ray the Founder member who came to see us. and to make sure we hadn't messed his club
up...(LOL)
The AGM was held in the village hall after a fish and chip supper.

We were sorry to see Carol and Tania leave the committee but a warm welcome to both Zoe who took over from Carol
and a warm welcome to Ben who took over from Tania.
the meeting was  fast and loud at times but all got sorted and everyone went away happy with the results.

Looking forward to the next rally at Little Staughton.

New Year Rally  2009/2010
The first wave of  vans arrived on the 29th. with the second arriving on the 30th and the last wave arriving on the 31st.
Weather was not as good as we would all have liked but as per usual every one made of the best of it..
Tuesday night we had a good gathering in the bar for a chat and catch up, and again on the Wednesday.
Thursday night was new years eve.  During the day's every one did there own thing and went off travelling out and about, We  
met up in the bar with other people who were on site. the night seemed to go very quick, but there was plenty of food
provided by Jackie of Diamond Farm, lots of raffle prizes once again provided by John and Jackie.
By the time every one was going to leave after the fireworks and champagne, there was quite a bit of mess.
Friday morning saw the committee up bright and early and the bar and games room was cleaned up and made ready for the
morning raffle and bacon butties. Then in the afternoon/evening, we all left in convoy and had a great meal at Sturdies castle.

A very big thanks from us all goes to John and Jackie Diamond farm managers who were most accommodating and as per
usual very helpful which helped a great deal in the event going as well as it did.
Also thanks must go to those committee members who helped out and did more than there fair share of work to make sure
everything ran smoothly  even tho feeling poorly. A big welcome goes out to the new members Chris and Morag  who we
managed to talk into joining the club. We look forward to seeing you on the rallies which you have booked with us through
2010
Saturday morning everyone was going about cleaning up and packing up their van ready for the trip home.
By 13.00 everyone was off site . The managers said they are looking forward to our next rally with them in June,
as we are a great crowd of people and they enjoy having us there.
I hope and trust every one had a pleasant  and safe trip home.
With 2009 now so last year, we are looking forward to an exciting program of
rallies for 2010. Our New Year Rally  was one of the best supported for sometime,
but unfortunately we have to advise you all that we have  received a number of
complaints made to the site managers from several guests who were not members
of the club. The complaints was concerning children being left to run around
unsupervised by their parents, resulting in drinks being spilt and tables being
disrupted. As a result of this behaviour we, the club, have been told that if this
behaviour happens again, we will be asked to exclude those concerned  from any
future rallies at Diamond Farm. This we do not want to have to do, so we, the
committee, respectfully ask that members with children supervise their children to
prevent this unfortunate circumstance occurring again.
We actively encourage families to the club as we believe that this is the right way
forward for the owners club. Help us to keep it that way by respecting those who
also enjoy our  passion for caravanning but do not have children and probably do
not appreciate the energy children have when they come out to enjoy themselves
too.
Thank you for your understanding and help to prevent this happening again in the
future and lets look forward to a fantastic 2010 season.
Happy New Year to you all.
Ken Platt. Club Chairman.