The last weekend in September saw members of the group descending on the Pennine View Park in Kirkby Stephens for the 8th get together since the group was formed.
Members travelled from as far as Northern Ireland and Suffolk, all hoping for a great weekend.
A whole range of outfits were on display from self-build campervans, caravans, all the way up to huge A Class motorhomes at almost 8m long, but no matter what you turned up in, just being there was enough.
Friday night started with a Pie & Pea supper and a chance for people to reacquaint themselves with old friends and meet new ones, over a beer or three.
With slightly woolly heads, some of us headed off on a walk (with the dogs leading the way), exploring the local area which inevitably ended up in a pub for refreshments!
Saturday evening was the main event. More “refreshments” before a raffle and evening entertainment by a local singer.
The raffle has quickly become one of the highlights of the weekend, with Andy Powell being the hostess with the mostess.
This time round, we tried something different, a Facebook live event where those not at the gathering could join in and where we raffled off three specific prizes. The first two prizes (a whiskey set ammo box and a knitted corps clown) were won by people in attendance, however the third prize was won by Shirley Parker who had joined us online. Shirley then kindly accepted a cash offer for the prize which she subsequently donated to the charity.
After the remainder of the raffle, the evening’s entertainment got into full swing, which resulted in plenty of mum / dad dancing and peoples vocal chords being exercised (join the group and see the video evidence!). And by the way, who is Alice?
For those that still had some energy in the tank the next morning, the Nine Standards Rigg beckoned. A climb of 662m (with both groups heading up that way being geographically challenged along the way). Old hips, knees and other joints were tested to the max.
Of course, with any write up, there are a few special mentions;
Like, Wayne Martin and his services to energy conservation (otherwise known as not switching the power on to his van and wondering why he had not electric). And those (that shall not be named) and their activities which included blow up pigs and appelkorn.
A special mention to all involved in making the weekend what it was, from Andy & Maggie Powell who organised the event, to everyone who came along and made it a weekend to remember.
At the end of the weekend, the group were proud to announce that they were in a position to donate £1400.00 to the Royal Signals Charity.
Roll on May 2023 and our next together at Woodall Spa, Lincolnshire.
If you would like to join our branch, please take a look here
