Spring 2011 adventures

NEC, Birmingham

Off to the Motorhome and Camping show at the NEC.  Our daughter was meeting us there so they could check out the new caravans as they had deciuded from upgrade from a tent.  We had a great time parked up on the camping and caravan site, although we didnt go into the evening entertainments.  Mostly as we were too tired after climbing in and out of caravans and motor homes all day.  We visited the Adria stand again  with Chelstons where we bought our van.  Chris the salesman made us a coffee and even threw in a chocolate biscuit.  As it was our daughter decided on an Adria Caravan but it would have to wait until they got some finances sorted out.

Whitburn Lodge 

Located at a pub car park, this was not one of our favourite venues as the music was loud and even the car park seemed busy and noisy.  We did meet other people at this event though and it was nice to get to know other members and couples.  It was at Whitburn Lodge we made friends with Walt and Em and Keith and Lynne. We know others walked along the promenade but after a hard week at work, we just relaxed and chilled out.

Croft Social Club, Darlington 

Our first time at Croft the Motor Caravanner's Club affiliated site was a bit of an eye opener.  Set next to the Social club is a large camping area with caravans located.  The site boasts electric hook up and showers but I would definitely avoid the public showers, and the electric hook up looked as though a visit from health and safety would close it down.  It was probably the large attendance of rock and roll Country and Western event which seemed to have people arriving all day and night.  It would appear that people can come to the club for the entertainment and then 'rent' the caravans for the night to recover before leaving the next day.  It was interesting to people watch the regular attendees at the Croft social club.  The cowboy outfits complete with guns were interesting, and that was just the ladies.  But the drinks were very reasonable and the game of bingo profitable for some.

Morpeth County Hall

Was a beautiful venue for a rally.  A very large car park, we were given access to the staff canteen area for the evenings and the resident caretaker allowed us to have a look at the council chambers and the fantastic artwork carved by local ex miners.  On the Saturday, we headed off into town on the bus and later, we have local family visit us in the van.  On the evening a faith supper was well provided by everyone but best of all was Jo Maine's coconut cakes.  She even brought a few extras to take back to the van.