INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Bumper 3500th Rally Round Up • Back Chat ...

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together in a great battle (only joking!) This gives us all opportunities regardless of age, ability to try your hand at
Issue 36 December 2017 Winter Edition

INSIDE THIS ISSUE • Bumper 3500th Rally Round Up • Back Chat from the Youth Section • Rally Focus • Pauls Pitch • And More!

The regular newsletter for the West Hampshire Centre of the Caravan and Motorhome Club

ROOF - Rally Officers Open Forum – have you been to one yet? • Would you like to run a Rally but not sure what’s involved? • Do you run Rallies on a regular basis? • Are you a regular Rallier? • Do you want know first hand what’s happening during 2018 with our Rally Programme?

Well, our ROOF (Rally Officers Open Forum) is NOT just for our existing Rally Officers – all of our members are welcome to attend. Rally No. 1 for 2018 will see our next ROOF meeting being held at: The Copythorn Parish Hall in Pollards Moor Rd, Copythorne, Southampton SO40 2NZ on Sunday 21st January between 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm. This meeting will be a great way to: hear about the coming season’s events; review our Guidelines & Practices; give you an opportunity to share your thoughts with Committee & other members on how well you think your Centre is running Rallies. You can also debate & provide useful ideas / suggestions on how this could be improved. Representatives of our Youth Section will also be there so you can see how they can be involved with

your Rallies too. Please do come and see how ROOF can help improve your Rallying experience whether you are a prospective Rally Officer, Experienced Rally Officer or a Regular Rallier! Light refreshments will also be on offer.

Rally Books Don’t forget to buy a 2018 Rally Book, you can order it online, or just grab any of the committee as they all have a few copies handy for just this reason. Order on our website here,

whampshirecc.co.uk

Code of Practice Please note the Code of Practice in your Rally Book particularly the “Hints to Ralliers.” The speed limit is walking pace on all Centre rallies, please keep to the roadways and do not drive through the caravan lines. Please fill a fire bucket and place it in front of your unit. In the case of fire sound the alarm with a continuous blast of your car horn. Centre Equipment, Rally Officers are reminded that collection of equipment from the store is usually Wednesday evenings. Arrangements must be first confirmed with our Equipment Officer Brodie Hopkins. Brodie's contact details are in the Rally Book.

Welcome from the Editor! Well that sounds very grand and I can assure you it is not. I'm just one of the newest recruits to Paul's Committee who happens to have been given the task of creating a newsletter. I've never done anything like this before so I'm sure there will be a few blunders along the way, but having fun and (hopefully) being able to have a laugh them seems to be the style the current committee have adopted and suits me fine. Anyway, lets see how I get on.

quite by accident, with a £700 second hand caravan. (Yes, seven hundred pounds – it was not a typo!) but have never had any regrets ...and there is a story behind it, just not enough space here to recall it :-) We currently have a modest 4 berth 18 year old outfit that provides us with all the comfort we need. I refuse to have a TV in the caravan as the whole point, for us, is to getaway from technology and socialise with people. When the weather is being restrictive we play board and card games – the “old

I'm sure there are many of you who do not know me, so a brief introduction is in order. I rally with my wonderful wife Sarah and two beautiful girls Megan and Eleanor, both of whom are in officer roles on I cannot do this on my own! the Youth Section. Any submissions, notices, write ups and photos will all be greatly received and I've been considered for inclusion. caravanning for Just email them to approx 4 years. [email protected] We got into this “vanning” lark Thank you

Help!!

fashioned” way! Actually, it is the the games, silliness and socials that really appeal to me. So with this in mind I'm hoping to provide a light hearted approach to my editor role and with luck you will enjoy the fruits of my labour.

Next edition

If you have some interesting news, a rally report or something to celebrate, we’d love to hear from you. The closing date for articles for the next newsletter is March 2018

Centre Equipment Rally Officers are reminded that collection of equipment from the store is usually Wednesday evenings. Arrangements must be first confirmed with our Equipment Officer Brodie Hopkins Brodies contact details are in the Rally Book.

The Horse’s Mouth is the members’ newsletter of the West Hampshire Centre of the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Articles contained within do not necessarily represent the views of the Committee or the Caravan and Motorhome Club. The Editor retains the right to edit or exclude any article.

Just for fun Something to keep you amused over the Winter months. There are 15 caravan manufactures names hidden in the letters .below. See if you can find them all.

S Z Z E E L D I S L B Z F V

D P Z A A E T B E G A O W H

V V R I O R C E R N I X E D

K X R I I A H Y P I L I K F

R D B G T W T F O L E N K Z

A O A M H E X R T R Y W X T

Word Search D O G F I X N K I U T S M F H S I U T I I T N A Y E R E R N G V L R E K Z Y R C T X Q G L K E V I Q Z E G C E T S M T G N G A A W R N A B N T D S B V Z A H J D V N C Z

G A P W P B R X W D O B G I

W P O J F M Y O Z A K N E H

S W D D H C O S A U D K I J

ADRIA BAILEY ELDIS ETERNITI FIFTHWHEEL GEIST KNAUS LUNAR POD RIMOR SPRITE STERCKEMAN STERLING TRIGANO VANROYCE

Paul's Pitch Well, as I enter my second year as Chairman, it doesn’t seem like yesterday since I took the big step up to your centre Chairman, in October 2016. I am really excited to be working with a great team, of which I am pleased to report is now a full committee. The team are all hard working, motivated and enthusiastic people, all offering a wide and varied expertise in their own areas for development of the centre. I am particularly keen to build upon and ensure a focus is had on what I believe and stand for. I believed in the focus being a fun, family atmosphere, creating memories for all ages whilst also bringing in new things where technology determines in line with modern day working. We are very fortunate to have a Youth section, and are envied by many centres for the spectacular commitment that they offer. Megan, our Youth Chairlady, is a very capable young lady, supported by her team and family. She has lots of great ideas, and can at times give me a run for my money- taking flagpole! Watch out, she will go far, she and her team are a real credit to us. Please support them, attend their great rallies, bring your family to join in the fun they provide, maybe it will entice more to aspire to be our future Youth team. 2018 will offer us the opportunity to gather together with other South West regional centres to compete together in a great battle (only joking!) This gives us all opportunities regardless of age, ability to try your hand at many of the activities/crafts/ games or shows for the benefit of all in attendance. It has been rumoured that this maybe the last WESSEX, of which have been happening bi-annually for over 50 years. So don’t miss

out, as it would be great to have a huge attendance and form memories to share with friends, families for many years to come….. We are very fortunate to have another programme due to be released for the new season of 2018. I would like to thank all the rally officers who come forward to volunteer to run these events/venues provide us with the pleasure of such a varied and comprehensive programme. It is hard work running rallies, but also very rewarding, so please if you have not run one before, or indeed perhaps wish to return to becoming a rally officer, Nick Blake (Rally Sec) is already compiling the programme for 2019. Ensure you thank your rally officers, as you leave, as without their hard work, you would not be able to be part of this amazing centre. It can be hard, and it means a lot to gain a little appreciation. I was delighted to attend and support, the return of the Children’s Christmas party, delivered so professionally, by Pete, Jen Lyon-Marrian, and the committee. It was great to see the children, enjoying themselves, all so polite and well mannered, following the directions by our visiting entertainer. I can still hear the children laughing now, at “Mr Tall” version of Rudolph the multi coloured reindeer!! All the children took home, lovely presents and a colour printed photograph, of their time with Santa, to form long term memories for them and their families. This leads me into the rapidly approaching festive season, with the upcoming Christmas and New Year Events. I am looking forward to the parties, and New Year rallies, of which I am hoping that I will see you in attendance. We have been very fortunate to have been one of few centres, to

offer a Christmas rally, with full programme and food. Ross and Cynthia Oliver have offered this rally for 15 years, and Helen and I have in the past attended some. They work tirelessly, for many months prior to this rally, to coordinate all the food, gifts and equipment. It will be shame that they have decided after all these years, that this year will be their last year. Whilst it be shame for us, as a centre, but completely applaud able for their huge commitment and dedication, for so many years. I am sure that many people have had some very special times at this popular rally. On behalf of the centre, committee and our members, I would like to thank both Ross and Cynthia, as well as the many teams of helpers that they have had to make this all possible. If you are on a rally for Christmas, or New Year , or perhaps spending time at home with family and friends, I wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas, and look forward to seeing you all again on the field in the new season of 2018. Festive wishes

Paul Hopkins Chairman.

3500 Celebration Rally Day one

Thursday 20th July. For me this was day 2, my work commitments fortunately allowed me to assist the dedicated Committee team setting up the marquees, tents, pitching vans etc. prior to the main influx of vans. Teas and coffees were apparently flowing in the site office all day. When the social arrived that evening it was a pleasant break from the constant rain. While it was an informal affair as many people had either not yet arrived or had just setup the marquee was perfect and the carpet was a really nice touch. Bingo was the order of the day and the callers were our very own Ross, Jen and Nick who did a mighty fine job with their little helper Madison

Day two

In addition to the still being on most of the time for casual social drinks in the marquee, the Youth Section very kindly laid on their own disco in their own marquee at the far end of the main tend. This was attended well by our younger vanners who were wobbling and throwing shapes like the best of us. After our welcome from Paul the real fun began with a Barn

very good – to the point that I actually got up and joined in! Quite an achievement for any group I can assure you!

Day Three

Saturday 22nd started with a breakfast club for the children, kindly provided and funded by our Youth Section. I, stupidly, had agreed to be Nicks “stooge” which it turned out required me to to be able to perform a “magic” trick with a coin and a cup. I had only been told this the day before. After some practice I was able to perform it successfully from a seated position 3 time out of 5 attempts. At The Barn dance- Even I got up! Breakfast Club Nick announced to Dance by “The Old Pull and every one that I am not only Push”. Despite my going to do the trick from reservations the quartet were standing but then show

3500 Celebration Rally everyone how to do it, afterwards.. I was petrified! I'm not good with the spotlight on me. After three or four failed attempts I finally succeeded to great applause from the youngsters. Nick had not finished though, because I had “failed” I had to pay a forfeit. This involved putting a ridiculous amount of marshmallows in my mouth at

one

enjoyed adding more and more until my due was paid. (I'm now on a strict diet to lose those pounds I was fed.) Mid morning and the West Hampshire Cake Off Live! took place. This was an amazing event where contestants were making cakes under our scrutiny Paul, our Chairman and xxxx cutting for us to enjoy later. the celebration cake There were some VERY stressed cooks around. Needless to say, it was an Straight after the cake entertaining afternoon, but off the West the fun did not stop there, Hampshire Fête no, the second part of the kicked off. Matt and West Hampshire Cake Off his team provided a Live! Part II was just starting, superb have-a-go with the final preparations of archery stand along the baked cakes, judging and with a craft Fair in the EATING – accompanied with a the Youth Section nice cup of tea or coffee. Marquee, a display of No sooner than the winners of our West Hants the cake off had been History, a Youth announced, it was time for Section treasure hunt, the next item on the very face painting and busy schedule - The cutting of The children making me pay walking football to the celebration cake, that name just a few. was kindly donated by Sarah time. The children

3500 Celebration Rally Roberts. Paul, our Chairman, and Jan Moore, Vice Chair of the Caravan & Motorhome Club performed the task perfectly after which the cake was sliced and diced and distributed to all who wanted some. To say there was a packed programme would be an understatement. At 16:30 we had the Cycle Challenge perfect for burning off those calories consumed a moment before! A brief interlude in activities for some proper food and the doors to marquee opened at 18:45. Once everyone was

The Committee Entertain

seated and comfy the dancing until the plug was evenings entertainment began pulled. with a short sketch called “Caravanning from all walks of life”, performed by our very own committee, which was immensely entertaining, and very cleverly written. My hat The dog show had an excellent turn out goes off to them. Day four Once we had recovered from Another lie in for the grown the warm up act the headline ups as the Youth Section were act appeared – Abba's Angels. running the very popular Well, to say they were good Breakfast Club feeding our would be an future committee members. understatement. The Flagpole was a mammoth dance floor was full from affair the Role of Thanks was the first chord they struck. huge, showing everyone just Even the band commented how many people had afterwards they had never contributed to making this had a response like that amazing event happen. As a before! Once people centre, we are very lucky to started it was non stop

3500 Celebration Rally have such dedicated people grabs – even if you had been who give up their time for less than average in the earlier the benefit of others; I rounds – brilliant fun! applaud them all. Doors opened at 18:45 again Not wishing to encroach on the Church Service the raffle was postponed until afterwards. The Raffle will go down in history, it was nothing short of massive! There were £1000s worth of prizes to be won and loads of them, giving everyone a fantastic Jane and Tony hosted an excellent quiz chance of getting something. for the evenings main event – a After the raffle... the Dog 60's Disco, complete with Show started. It was very dodgy doormen in even more well supported and I'm sure dodgy tuxes. Yet again, the the dogs loved it almost as dance floor took a pounding as much as those proud owners! most people danced and had a Jane Mabbot and her husband wonderful time. very kindly laid on Jane's Pub Quiz, which was superb, I love the twist at the end Day Five where everything is up for A quieter day planned. Tea and

coffee were served in the marquee from 10:00 followed by a leisurely walk to the pub. Most people had lunch at the Three Legged Cross and then the crowd dispersed to pursue their own entertainment. Many people had left by now but for those remaining, a Tea Dance was on the schedule. I'm still uncertain what a “Tea Dance” actually is, we had “I'm a little tea pot” sung by Helen Hopkins, our Chairman's wife, acapella no less, that was very good, but it still did not reveal what we were to expect. Doors opened at 19:15 and for all intents and purposes a very laid back disco was provided by our music maestros AV Imagineers, who had provided the sound and lighting for the whole event.

Back Chat from the you th Hello ralliers! It’s Megan here, on behalf of the Youth Section. With this being the first Horse’s Mouth since the AGM, I’d like to take some time to let you in on some of what the YS are planning and what we’ve done so far. We have got a brand-new, shiny team full of amazing personalities and hard workers, with each and every one of us excited and looking forward to heaps of fun. And it’s already started! At the fantastically spooky Wareham rally we have already made £24.04 for charity, through an afternoon of scary face painting.

This year we have decided to stick with the 4Louis (http://www.4louis.co.uk) charity, which supports families suffering from the heart-wrenching chaos of stillbirths and neonatal deaths. We would really appreciate it if you could do everything in your power to help us support this meaningful cause and make a difference in hearts and homes all over the country. As a Youth Section, we run three rallies - Valentine’s at Copythorne in February, Little Metlands in May and Oliver’s Battery in September. We won’t reveal all now, but we’ll give you a clue… let’s just say it’s going to be a little bit

creative, a little bit puzzling, a little bit active and SUPER fun! Better get booked on soon because spaces will be going fast as word spreads that the Youth Section has a lot in store for you! If you see us on the rally field, wearing our red jumpers, do say hello and if you need a hand, we’re happy to help! Look out for tuck shop, discos and 4Louis collecting tins as they seem to be what gives away the fact the Youth Section has been there, spreading their happiness and innovation around the rallies! Have a brilliant year of rallying!

News and Announcements Dangerous Dave allowed to book FREE of charge, for the use of hits the road! meetings. This means the

Yes, against all odds, Elysha Tracey has successfully passed her driving test.

Well done Elysha!

Next step... …...the towing course! :-)

Committee save Centre money A decision was recently made by the committee to save Centre Funds. The cost of hiring a venue for the monthly committee meetings was running into the 100's of pounds and the meetings were regularly going on well into the night, particularly with the 3500 plans. A simple solution to to both the financial outlay for the centre and the unsociable time for conclusion of the meeting was to have the meeting at a venue with a fixed closing time and ideally with no charge. The Southampton Arms in West End lent itself nicely to this challenge – it has a conservatory that the West Hants Centre has been

meetings cannot continue beyond closing time and the cost has been reduced to nothing. Some of the committee attend straight from work so take the opportunity to buy their evening meal prior to the meeting and needless to say, any refreshments are covered personally and do not come out of centre funds. A great result all round!

Chairman Digs in!

I'd heard rumours that our normally laid back Chairman, Paul, could be come stubborn and refuse to move, but this seemed to be going too far. Paul was clearly having a fine time at the Marwell Rally and obviously decided to “dig in” despite being on the alleged “hard standing”!

Pets in Socials Due to the rise in the use of non-centre equipment for socials the committee have consulted advice from CAMH with respect to dogs in halls or other facilities. Advice given is that pets are not permitted in PODS which are classed as facilities, therefore they will not be allowed in socials or in any area there is food/preparation be this in a hall or a POD. However, if a rally officer used a single POD for a rally office (keeping it separate from socials) then pets may be allowed inside at the rally officers discretion.

Website

For all of the latest news, information and gallery photos check out the Centre website www.whampshirecc.co.uk Or our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/g roups/WestHampshireCC/ Search for WestHampshireCC and see what we have been up to.

Visitors to Rallies

The CaMC have advised that visitors to the rally field need to “sign in” with the rally officers. The ROs now need to keep a record of who has visited the rally. Please help us help you by notifying any friends and family who may visit to register with the Rally Officers on their arrival.

Rally Round up

A brief overview of some of our recent rallies Pie Eyed at Pyemead Farm Friday 7th - Sunday 9th July saw us "Pie Eyed" at Pyesmead Farm, Plaitford near Romsey. This was a new fresh rally added to the rally programme this year and proved an ideal base to visit the surrounding attractions in Romsey, Southampton or Salisbury. Close by too were Paultons Park (and Carlos Ice Cream Parlour ... yes..family related to long-standing West Hants member Carlo Donnarumma). Even closer by was the New Forest Folk Festival taking place in some fields in the

vicinity of our Rally. In actual fact, this provided some very unobtrusive and pleasant background music during the day which finished promptly by eleven each night. The various motor home & caravanners camped in a field nearby behaved exemplary .. I 'm sure we generated more noise than they did and in particular, felt obliged to finish our Saturday evening social promptly to avoid disturbing THEM! During our rally we enjoyed - for a nominal charge - the use of a large fishing lake and in particular, the indoor swimming pool proved very appealing to many ralliers given the very hot weather we experienced. Our main social on Saturday

night followed through the Pie Eyed idea with a sweet & savoury pie American Supper, some pie themed music, picture and question quizzes. Of course there had to be some activities to help get us a bit pie-eyed too, so a few activities were based around a couple of alcoholic drinking competitions for the adults and not forgetting the children, some soft drinking fun for them too. The feed back from the ralliers was excellent and it looks like we may well be return next year... watch out for details in the 2018 Rally Book.. and we look forward to welcoming you back... And PS don’t forget your fishing rods and swimming costumes too! From your Rally Officers: Matt & Alison Tracey and Clive & Kate Dupont.

Rally Round up

A brief overview of some of our recent rallies scare'em at wareham! Friday 20th October - Sunday 29th October and it was spooky fun all the way! We were lucky to to get back onto this very popular rally. Family commitments had meant we had missed out on earlier years so our return was quite a treat for us. The week started a little blowy, it seemed only one person was brave enough to put up their awning before Sunday, which meant Mr Tarrant and family were hosts for the first evening and apparently it was quite a “fluid” night :-) Sarah was just a tad apprehensive with the tow to Wareham as there were some serious gusts of wind but we arrived on the Saturday all in one piece. That evening was

the first of the socials in the sites hall, a relaxed and quiet affair perfect for catching up with those people you have not seen since for a while. Breakfast club was run every morning to get those youngsters out of their beds and ready for the day. A fantastic service provided by the Rally Officers and greatly appreciated. Sunday morning had a visit to Tyneham village – the 1943 WWII ghost town with a wonderful walk down to the coast a wonderful day out every time. Monday morning and we were all treated to bacon rolls after the breakfast club, now who can say no a bacon roll? That evening was another social in the hall. Fun and frolics were provided by Paul and Shaun. Wednesday evenings social was a disco hosted by the Youth Section and I must say, they did

an awesome job, at one point I'm sure everyone was up dancing. Friday came around too soon, but with it was the “Fancy Dress Halloween Parrrtttyyyy” with all sorts of prizes and entertainment. A few people were a little unsure of which class to be judged in and Paul Worley got a very respectable 2nd in the ladies class! Finally, on Saturday was the Trick or Treating for the children, the awning decoration, hot dogs and the Spooky Walk. Some of the awnings were nothing short of superb; hours of work and preparation had clearly gone into them; well done everyone. Yet again the spooky walk was a huge success and despite most people claiming they were not scared, I saw and heard them on the walk and know different!