Stanhope July 2010

The first rally we attended with our group Northern Counties was held

at Stanhope Showground, County Durham.  As we arrived, we followed the 

instructions in the local rally booklet NOT to attempt the ford river crossing. 

Apparently cars keep on getting stuck there in fast moving waters and the 

local council have a planning application in to permanently close off the ford.

We arrived late as we had finished work at the usual 5pm and headed straight 

off to to find the rally.  We were met at the gate by someone who took down our

registration and looked at our new membership card, then then showed us where

the fresh water and elsan disposal point were located.  

We were given a sheet of A4 paper which when we parked up, we read brief 

details of the events of the weekend.  what caught our eye was the meeting 

in the hall on site where people were heading for and that we should take 

our own drinks.

We headed off armed with a couple of glasses and a bottle of wine, and gingerly 

stepped into the hall to see a bunch of strangers all looking at us. As we 

manoeuvred over to an empty table, a lady sitting by herself asked if we 

would like to sit with her.  We sat down and introduced ourselves as new 

members.  Shortly after her husband and another couple arrived at the table.  

We had a great night.  Possibly because the two Scottish couples really put us at 

ease, and possibly as we had drunk a bottle of red wine without having any tea!  

The next day members come over to introduce themselves and chat before we 

headed off to the village of Stanhope. The village is lovely as it has a visitor

arts and crafts centre and a heated open air swimming pool.  

Saturday evening was in the hall again with a quiz.  Sunday had a coffee morning

when we paid our fees.  I thought it really strange after being members of the 

Caravan Club and CCC that we were not asked for fees as we arrived and booked.

I was informed it was the trusting friendly nature of the Motor Caravanner's Club 

to take the rally fees at a Sunday coffee morning get together before everyone

headed off home after the weekend.

We were definitely enjoying the social side of the club and were looking forward 

to our next adventure out with the van.