A friendly, relaxing weekend...
And we will be there again in September !
We
met up with Sheila and Joe, also Suffolk
members after lunch and made our way through
Colchester to Fen
Farm Caravan Site, East Mersea.
I had checked high tide times to
be sure that "The Strood" roadway onto the
island would not be flooded. We arrived at
Mersea around 4pm and to a very warm and
friendly welcome from the North Essex rally
marshals. They advised us that we were 2 of
4 Suffolk members this weekend and there was
approx 30 units on the rally. We immediately
felt at home and we were sited at the bottom
of the field with lots of space between the
units.
We admitted to the marshals that one reason
for coming, was to see the rally field and
plan our mid-week rally in September.
After
setting up in the warm sunshine, the beers
came out and the relaxing was a priority. We
had a bite to eat and then it was time for
Rummicub challenge. Boys against girls. The
girls were far better than the "fellas" so
we swiftly moved on to a quick game of UNO.
On Saturday, we continued with a very easy
day with plenty of time to walk the dogs and
investigate the local area. We were
surprised just how quiet and well kept the
site was. An excellent heated toilet and
shower block with piped music, a washing up
area and several well kept fields for
tourers. In some of the other areas, away
from the tents and caravans were some very
nice looking static vans too.
Just
through the next two fields was the beach.
Just a 5 minute walk away. It may have been
quicker, but we stopped to be amazed at just
how many fish were in the site pond. It was
a small ornamental pond, not suitable for
fishing and I am sure the goldfish and
resident moorhens would not be happy with
fishermen !
We had a long walk to the east and found the
Country Park. And back to the west, past a
very posh caravan site with static vans
overlooking the North Sea. We watched
jet-skis and yachts whilst walking and
eventually came to a small shop where we all
had an ice cream.
The evening barbeque by Joe was excellent
followed by cool beer and yet another
rummicub challenge.
On Sunday, the marshals and chairman welcomed visitors
(that was us) at flagpole and the usual
notices and chat was soon over. It was clear
to us that the North Essex ralliers were a
really friendly bunch and we thanked them
for making us so welcome.
The weather was good again, so we got into
the car and travelled 5 miles to the west
side of the island to walk the beach, see
the oyster beds and house boats. It was high
tide at about 2.30pm, so everywhere was
glistening in the sunshine.
It was time to pack up, and at about 4pm we
made our way off home.
What a great weekend. just what caravanning
is all about. Work has been so hectic lately
and our three days at Mersea has helped
recharge our batteries and we are ready for
the busy week ahead.
Thanks to marshals Derek and Doreen, Jackie
and Steve (and sally) at the North Essex
Centre for a lovely weekend.
Trev & Sue
Smith.
PS - Don't forget... if you
would like to join us at East Mersea, we are
holding a 3 night, mid-week rally from
Monday 1st September 2008, so send your
rally slip to Trevor Smith asap. There just
a few spaces left.
Photographs courtesy of Trevor Smith
Rally News
The 2008 and 2009 rally programme is online.
Places are being booked fast so check whether a rally has spaces or a waiting list before you
send a rally slip... more>>
Bromeswell
New Year Rally Cancelled
Due to low numbers, it is with regret that this rally has
been cancelled.
2009 Pre-National Rally
The Leicestershire Centre is running a pre-national rally for 1
night only aimed at "early birds"...
more>>
2009 National Rally
The Caravan Club are delighted to announce that the 82nd
National Rally will take place in the grounds of Prestwold
Hall, Loughborough, on the 22 - 26 May 2009...
more>>
Run out of
Rally Slips ? New rally slips now available on
line...
more>>
Other News
Day Trip to Thursford
Due to a late cancellation, four seats on the
coach with tickets to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular are
available on Sunday 7th December. Contact Mick & Eve Prentice or
email the
webmaster for details.
Congratulations
Ben and Eleanor
Ben Fitch and Eleanor Chipperfield were married
at St. Leonards Church, Lexden, Colchester on Saturday 18th
October 2008...
more>>
2009 Handbook Cover Competition
The cover competition has been won by Rosanna
Waterson and her picture of the lake at Thorpeness...
more>>
New Newsletter Online
The new Autumn version of Suffolk Lines is now available to
download...
more>>
