The Camping and Caravanning Club
Greenfields House,
Westwood Way,
Coventry, CV4 8JH
Tel +44 (0)2476 694995
CORNSTALK
Published by the
SOUTH SUFFOLK DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
of
THE CAMPING AND CARAVANNING CLUB
To contact the DA Secretary or Website host please email cornstalk@johnbeales.co.uk
or write to
John Beales, 20 Church Close, Hepworth, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 2QF
June
2008
Issue No 128
To read the full version of Cornstalk click
on the link below - you will need Adobe Acrobat installed
Cornstalk 128
Jun 2008 Read Version
To download the
print version of Cornstalk right click on the link below,
then 'Save Target As...' and then save. The printed
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Cornstalk 128
Jun 2008 Print Version
The version below is a 'write up' version
only of the Cornstalk without crossword, jokes, photos, site list etc.
SSDA AGM 2008
Well what a weekend!
Firstly there was a panic on because of the state of the field, or should I say
lake? But not to worry as Ian expertly parked all of the 12 vans there, into
suitable spots. I must admit that I didn’t venture down to the caravan at all on
Friday because of the constant downpours, but I was lucky enough to have a
choice as I only live about 3 minutes drive away from Dan’s Meadow!
We missed most of the fun on the Friday night as we had a family party to go to
but we did manage to get to the hall for a quick ‘nightcap’ before it was closed
up for the evening.
Saturday morning was a busy time as we had to get everything set up and ready
for the AGM and as I was Secretary at the time, believe you me there was a lot
of paperwork to collate!
There were 53 members in the hall who were eligible SSDA voting members and 3
non-voting members of the Camping & Caravanning Club, so a fantastic turn out
for this AGM.
Just before the meeting started we had a sudden influx of people wanting to join
the committee; in all 7 people were nominated as prospective members to join the
committee for just 3 places, possibly an all time record for SSDA!
These people were Bill Ferguson, David Gooding, Brenda Ward, Paul Stokes,
Stephanie Farrow, John Ward & Wendy Ferguson and unfortunately for them they all
couldn’t come onto the committee because of a shortage of places available. So
the unusual took place! A ballot had to taken and the voting members in the
hall had to decide who they wanted to act as representatives of SSDA on the
committee. The lucky(?) 3 who got on were Bill, Wendy and Paul, so
congratulations to them!
After all of this excitement it was great to return to the hall for a necessary
drink and a bit of socialising – thanks must go to Eric for entertaining us in
more ways than one!
Anyway with the AGM over for another year we are now looking forward to a busy
and entertaining season out in the field.
Catherine Dance
AGM
Having returned from a week in Yorkshire we were unable to camp at the AGM so
unfortunately I missed out on an exciting meeting.
It seemed a great idea to come out for the evening to celebrate the start of a
new camping year with a new committee. It was a great atmosphere and everybody
seemed to be enjoying the music supplied free of charge by Eric.
This is a short note to say thanks to Eric for his entertainment and good luck
to the new committee and hope the DA can now move forward in a positive way.
Chris Firman
SSDA AGM Weekend
As Chris was one of the Regional Councillors designated to attend the SSDA AGM,
we decided to take the caravan and make a weekend of it. A very wise decision as
it turned out because much to our surprise we won the adult pitch prize at
coffee morning. What we had forgotten of course was your tradition that the
winner of the pitch prize does the write up for ‘Cornstalk’ – so here it is!
We were not too sure where Dan’s Meadow was, but luckily we met Steve and Hazel
at Wells Next the Sea the previous weekend and got directions from them. As soon
as they said it was off the road beside the Red Lion we knew exactly where to go
because that is one of our favourite places for a good meal out, discovered when
on the working party for the NFOL at Ipswich!
We arrived just as the light was fading on Friday night and quickly got pitched
with some help from Ian. The plan had been to set up and then head straight off
to the Red Lion for dinner, but then we looked at the programme Ian and Lois had
produced for the weekend and saw there was a social evening going to start
shortly. A rapid change of plan meant a stir fry being quickly cooked in the van
and then we headed off to the hall for Ian’s quiz.
We were split into two teams and then had to answer nostalgia questions on
events and TV programmes from decades gone by, plus two table quizzes to puzzle
over throughout the evening. Everyone came away a winner because Bill’s team won
the nostalgia quiz and Lois’s team won the table quizzes. Each team then shared
their prize – a tube of Smarties!
Saturday was the day of the AGM of course, but not until the afternoon so in the
morning we drove to Orford and took a tour round the castle then walked down to
the tea room on the quay for coffee and cake. The castle is well worth a visit,
especially if you take up the offer of an audio guide to listen to as you go
round.
Back to the site, a quick bite of lunch and then time for the AGM. There was an
impressive attendance and after the usual reports on the year gone by there was
an election to appoint the new committee members, as South Suffolk DA was in the
envious position of having 7 nominations for just 3 vacancies. Congratulations
to Bill, Paul and Wendy, the successful candidates. There was an open meeting
following the AGM for anyone to ask any questions, the theme of Pub Signs was
chosen for the 2008 FOL and the East Anglian Air Ambulance was chosen as the
Charity to support in 2008. The hall was then cleared to allow the new committee
to have their first meeting and appoint its officers.
Still determined to get our meal out, we headed off to the Red Lion and enjoyed
an early dinner with plenty of time to get back in time for another evening
social. Eric from Mid Anglia DA volunteered his services as DJ and ran a disco
for us all. It was a disco with a difference because in between the music there
were two games and a karaoke session! Game one involved sitting in a big circle.
Each person had three 20p coins. They took turns to roll dice and follow the
directions on them to pass their coins to their left, to their right or put them
in a kitty. The last person left with a coin won the kitty. Game two raised £15
for the new charity by rolling coins at a bottle of wine. The person whose coin
ended up nearest the bottle won the wine and all the coins rolled went to the
charity. It made a very enjoyable evening and 11pm came round all too soon!
Sunday morning means coffee time, and Harry brought out a display stand to show
us all the good work being done at the Suffolk Punch Trust to try and save this
endangered breed. Then it was pitch prize time and that’s where this letter
began!
We had a lovely time camping with SSDA – thanks to you all for making us so
welcome and we look forward to seeing you again before too long
Chris & Jill Nursey
Eastern Region
Working weekend at Hallowtree.
Sadly, Chris or myself were at work most of the weekend. But, the time we did
spend at Hallowtree was very enjoyable. Shame there were only 10 units out, as
it was free to the workers!
We understand that a lot of work got done on Saturday - which I'm sure John
Brown is pleased about! Looking around at people, it was quite warm as a few
people looked a little red. (Paul slightly red on the head!!)
We had our fish & chip supper as arranged by Carol & Alan, as usual it was
lovely. A bonus they delivered an extra piece of fish - so this was given to
Harvey (he loved it, a real treat for him - thanks Carol).
Carol had done a quiz, which I think everyone found enjoyable & brain testing at
times! The winners were Andrew, Paul & Darin with 138 out of 150 - good going I
think for the men!!
It was early to bed for us, as Chris had to be at work for 7am for the Ipswich v
Norwich football game. Why I ask myself, I said I would take him to work at
6.30am!!
Thanks again to Carol, Alan, Tom & George for a lovely weekend.
Chris, Jackie & Harvey.
Working weekend at Hallowtree.
Shortly after we arrived we had four seasons weather all rolled into one
(sunshine, rain, hailstones and thunder with lightning), luckily the weather was
on our side on Saturday morning with a heavy shower in the afternoon, not that
it stopped the workers.
Saturday morning we met up with John at 10.00am for our instructions on work
that had to be done. Men went off to demolish an unwanted building, cleaning and
painting the old Toilet/Shower block and partitioning part off, pot holes in the
road filled and clearing all the rubble away. Two ladies set to work painting
outside of the Ravens Hut and 2 clearing a room inside of rubbish, painting the
ceiling and walls including any spiders that got in the way plus some of the
rabbit holes where filled on site. Robin kindly came over, though not camping
with us with his chainsaw and felled trees which needed attention.
At the end of the afternoon we were all shattered and welcomed not having to
cook a meal as Carol and Alan had Fish and Chips delivered which we pre-ordered
the evening before. This was followed by a Brain teaser of a Quiz.
To our surprise on Sunday morning John came round to each unit which had worked
and presented each person with a special Hallowtree Scouting Mug in appreciation
for their work.
Thank you to everyone who worked over the weekend and to John for all our Mugs.
Best Wishes Bill and Wendy
Weekend at Weeley
We arrived quite late but were made very welcome by the stewards who gave us a
nice letter of programme of events. We quickly set up and had tea with Lois and
Ian who had kindly offered to cook for us as we had to work. There was a big
entertainment tent which we all gathered in on Friday evening, there was a lot
of friendly chatter and lots of laughs too, it was nice to catch up on friends
old and new.
The weekend had a theme which was Mexican which we thought was a great idea,
something which we had never done before so a nice change. The children were
really well behaved and had a treat on Saturday when they were invited to help
knock down the Mexican wall of sweets, apparently it didn’t last long when all
the eager children set about it but it sounded great fun.
Lots of campers took advantage of the chance to view new caravans at Homestead
and I think one or two actually fell in love with one caravan or another, plus
the shop was well used for bits and pieces for camping. The site at Homestead is
really huge and ideal for camping.
In the evening on Saturday, the whole Walker family put on a fabulous Mexican
Chilli and rice with Martin being the main Chef, and ‘wow’ what a meal it was.
So thanks to you all it was a wonderful treat and at very little cost to us too.
After the meal we had the Mexican Fancy Dress Competition; lots of people
dressed up and I think the Judges found it hard to pick a winner but it was all
good fun and the children really enjoyed it.
The rest of the evening ‘young’ Eric supplied us with some background music
which was very listenable and we all had a sing along with the songs at some
point as he had a wide range of music to suit all tastes.
At Coffee Morning we won the pitch prize so here I am doing a ‘write up’ as
requested. After coffee a group of people helped take the tent down and the
weekend was over. Thanks so much to the Walkers for a lovely weekend.
Can I just say it was wonderful to see Kevin and Edna out and Edna looking so
well, what a lovely couple they are.
Hope to see you all again soon.
Hazel and Steve Thompson.
Homestead Caravan Park Weekend
What a brilliant weekend! For those of you who were there will know what a great
weekend it was, and those of you who weren't there; you don't know what you
missed!
First time to the rally field despite visiting Homestead many times over many
years. It is a lovely site in a lovely location. John & Kathy welcomed us
despite the chilly weather, having set up we drank tea with Bill & Wendy
watching everyone else arrive. Martin gathered all available bodies to help put
his party tent up which was greatly appreciated and used on Friday evening. Eric
kept the music going while the rest of us caught up with friends.
Saturday the weather wasn't much better, still a cold east coast wind but the
children were out playing until it was time to demolish the piñata and rescue
the sweets!
At 5.30 a lot of strange looking people with odd facial hair (and that was only
the ladies) made their way to the party tent to enjoy the wonderful chilli con
carne Martin had cooked.. Thank you to Martin and his helpers for a lovely meal
without any effort! We even had disposable dishes so we didn't have to wash up.
These strange looking people then paraded in front of us. Eric then started up
the music again for another evenings entertainment. There were some strange
bottles being passed round the tent with pieces of lemon and a salt cellar, you
had to be there!
A few bad heads in the morning was the result.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the weekend such a success.
Lois & Ian
Mexican Weekend at Weeley.
What a great weekend - so far best one this year we feel.
Friday evening - We all ventured over to the marquee (that Martin & helpers had
kindly put up). Eric was playing his background music, as we all caught up for a
good old chit chat. 11 o'clock was here before we knew it, so it was back to our
van for a night cap!
Saturday - We went into Clacton for a wander around, as we hadn't been there for
such a long time. I must say it was very windy!! We then went for ride through
Frinton & onto Walton. We couldn't go past the fish & chip shop without sampling
some for our lunch. We sat by the seafront in the car to eat them, with the sea
crashing over the sea wall. We then headed back to the site, for a wander around
the new caravans. I think Andrew got the keys to nearly every new van to look
inside (no purchases were made thankfully!!).
Saturday Evening - Martin & helpers had laid on Chilli, rice & bread for all
those who had ordered it (bargain at £1). Very nice it was too, especially those
who got seconds!! We then went onto the Fancy Dress, a lot had made the effort
to dress up. The judges (all the way from Mexico) had a hard decision to make,
but they decided Andrew Dance was the winner for the adults & Josh Crawford was
the winner for the children. Martin came round with his tequila shots - some
enjoying it, some not (as you can tell by Donna's face in the photo). Eric
kindly played his music for the rest of the evening & 11o'clock came far too
quick yet again! So off to Paul's van for cake & a cuppa.
Coffee morning was upon us far too quickly, Wendy announced the winners for the
Bonus Ball (The Thompsons winning twice), but then you have to be in it to win
it!! As we all know Wendy is running the Charity for Air Ambulance - a very good
cause & we never know if someone close to us may need this service one day! So
hopefully everyone will support her efforts throughout the coming year.
A very big Thank You to John & Cath Walker for a fantastic weekend.
Chris & Jackie Firman
Thank You
I would like to say thank you to everyone who supported our Charity East Anglian
Air Ambulance as we raised £45.50 over the weekend at the Homestead Meet.
Wendy
WHITE HORSE - TATTINGSTONE
It was Friday the 25th of April with the promise of some good spring weather, so
we went along to a new site for the DA, something a lot of members have asked
for, changes and variety.
When I arrived I was greeted by Pauline and Dub who soon said the kettle was on,
so I quickly got set up and had a welcome cup of coffee, other units soon
arrived. The site was well looked after and it was soon clear that we where out
in the country with a number of wild birds in the hedgerow. The site has a bus
stop just outside the gate, also an old telephone box, not many of those around
now.
I soon collected Brenda and we went back to site just after some new members
from Felixstowe arrived and Dub soon had them settled in borrowing some of his
spare equipment. A number of us went across to the local co-op and tried some
Wherry Ale, which was very good and some tried the food, then it was time to
return to the vans for a quick nightcap.
Saturday we woke to glorious sunshine, yes Spring had come and after some quick
shopping, we were back on site finding out that the sun did really make you red
and sore. Mid afternoon decided it was time to go for a walk before the first
Bar-b-Que of the season, so down to Alton waters which was only about half a
mile from site. We passed some very nice houses, one had enough ground for a 5
van site. On the way back we went through the woods beside the water, some felt
the walk was that good they needed to visit the Co-op again just to make sure
the Wherry Ale was really as good as the night before. Then it was time for the
Bar-b-que, and the sun was still shining. It must be summer!!
It was soon Sunday morning and time for coffee where we found out where the
visitors came from. One from EEDA and one from Norfolk BCC, and the other six
units were SSDA. We were all asked would we like to return next year? This was
given a very positive “yes”.
Thank you Pauline and Dub for another good old fashioned weekend. Nothing
organised just plenty of sunshine and good company. No one wanted to leave
coffee morning, just wanted to sit and talk, but after a few spots of rain,
(well perhaps summer has not got here yet) it was time to leave this very nice
site
Melvin and Brenda
WHITE HORSE P.H. TATTINGSTONE WEEKEND
As you can see we won the pitch prize at the White Horse Pub. Friday and
Saturday the weather took a turn for the better especially Saturday as several
of us were sun burnt though there was a breeze.
Thank you Pauline and Dub for stewarding. Only 8 units in total so a little
disappointing for a new venue and at the back of a Pub. We believe they sold
Adams and Wherry Ales and some members sampled the food as well.
It is a pleasant site and quiet with easy access to Alton Water in either
direction from the site for those of us who enjoy a walk or maybe a bike ride,
and the local bus to Ipswich stops outside the gate. Useful for the members with
Motorhomes or bus passes which two couples made use of the service.
Wendy and Bill
Hollesley 16th -
18th May 2008
Unfortunately Jane and I couldn't camp but we went up for the day on Saturday to
lend a hand. There was only one unit there, Dub and Pauline, so again not a very
good turn out for Harry. Robin and Thelma also turned up. We cleaned one of the
carts ready for a show on Friday and a lot of brass. All done inside as the
weather was not too good. Later on we did some ragwort removing, an on going
job!!
Harry then took us on a little tour as there were two new foals, 7 and 10 days
old and another was due at any time.
I think there was going to be a little more work done Sunday morning.
We had a good day and thanks to Thelma for the cake and all the cups of tea and
coffee.
Carolyn and Jane.
Hello Pip here,
Due to the current financial situation we have decided to form a committee for
cost cutting and fundraising towards our keep. It will be known as the South
Suffolk Dogs Association - SSDA in short.
I suggested we should decide who should hold what position on that committee and
that’s when the trouble started. Who should be ‘Chairdog’?. Missie said it
should be her cos she’s the oldest, I said it should be me cos I’ve been here
the longest. Billy thought it should be him cos he’s got a tail (personally I
think that’s where his brains are !!) Abbi thought it should be her cos she
thinks she’s the prettiest. Molly thought that it should be her cos she’s also
got a tail (need I say more??) We decided to take a vote, Billy voted for me
(mates you see) Abbi voted for Missie, this left Molly who voted for both me and
Missie – oh well!
Abbi suggested that the girls have puppies which could be sold – (well she
actually suggested Molly have them as she didn’t want to ruin her figure) with
maybe Billy being the father as this would save on stud fees. The chair pointed
out that this would be difficult as they had both been ‘snipped and chipped’.
Billy suggested that he got a job as a rovering reporter as he had done last
month’s Cornstalk write up. He was going to send out his experience so far
(Cornstalk write up) to different publications to see if he could get a job. The
Chair suggested that he start learning to spell while he waited for replies.
Molly said that if we got some bones, she would strip the meat off them so we
could use it their dinner. (I think the only thing left would be the bones!!)
Missie suggested she tried a job as a professional ‘taster’ for a dog food
company. Now this one did sound feasible as Missie is a great connoisseur of her
likes and dislikes. So she was going to enquire into this but said she would
need Margs help on the computer.
Abbi suggested that the dog ‘exhaust’ that Marg was always collecting from the
garden should be re-cycled for manure and sold – she’d noticed there was some
for sale down the road at 50p per bag and that was only horse exhaust. - ‘Nuff
said.
Billy said he’d been watching cricket and he thought he would make a
professional fielder as he was good at running after a ball and picking it up.
The chair pointed out that he was great at running after the ball but not so hot
at bringing it back and suggested he had a bit more practice before applying.
Molly said she had been rehearsing in front of the mirror and thinks she might
get a job in the TV commercials – she’s a great fan of that dog Churchill – Oh
Yes!!!!
Abbi suggested that we make a recording as she was very good at singing and with
the backing of the others they could all make a ‘Yap dancing record’.
Pip and Missie said they would take all ideas into consideration and call
another meeting (well Pip suggested that he and Missie have another meeting and
forget the others!!!)
Happy Camping,
Pip and pals
LETTER
The following is a copy of a letter sent to HQ regarding recent changes to 'Out
and About' from South Suffolk DA.
Dear Sir
OUT AND ABOUT
I am writing to you with regard the recent changes to the way DA events and
meets are dealt with since the system was changed.
Members have said to us that they cannot find out about DA or Group meets as
there is no simple pull out supplement any more which can easily be referred to.
The current system of only allowing so many entries per year by each group means
that we are unable to publish to the wider membership what is happening
throughout the country by the various DA’s and other groups throughout the club.
We fully understand that The Club, like all organisations, need to make changes
to deal with circumstances, but changes that do not properly provide for members
is a retrograde step.
We would ask that you review the current procedures in respect of Out and About
with some urgency in order that member’s dissatisfaction and fears can be
allayed.
Yours sincerely
Ian Roberts
Secretary’ South Suffolk District Association
If individual members feel the same then they should write and complain.
Regional AGM – Hallowtree
I arrived at Hallowtree just after mid day to be greeted by Bill and Wendy, who
kindly offered to steward the Regional AGM. It was nice to set up early and
watch the others as they arrived.
On Friday night we went into the hall for a get together and it was nice to meet
some old faces from the past.
Saturday morning soon arrived and at 10.30 am the Regional AGM started we were
joined by the Director General – Robert Louden who also camped for the weekend.
Following on from the morning’s formalities the afternoon left some to do some
craft work in the hall and some to play games outside.
The evening soon arrived with the entertainment by the “HAS BEENS” who put on an
excellent evening.
Sunday morning soon arrived with coffee morning, with prize giving, and a cake
stall raising money for the eastern region youth.
37 units attended the weekend of which 11 were South Suffolk. It was good to see
the majority of SSDA Committee members supported the regional AGM whether
camping or coming out for the meeting.
Chris Firman
CHAIRMAN'S NEWS
Firstly I wish to say thank you to David (Dub) for all the years he served on
the D.A. Committee and thank you Pauline for covering as Minutes Secretary on
varying occasions at the meetings. Welcome to Chris Firman as our Minutes
Secretary (a non committee post).
The Charity for 2008 is East Anglian Air Ambulance, being organised by Wendy who
will be selling Walt Disney Beanies and books to raise money.
Our theme for the FOL at Stonham Barns on 12th -14th September is Pubs/Pub
Signs, so I am hoping to see many decorated units there. Plus we have lots of
entertainment planned for the weekend with a Skiffle Band on Saturday evening.
At Hallowtree working weekend in April, a large amount of work was completed
including the drive down to Ravens Hut field so no more potholes to avoid. Thank
you to all who worked so hard. Homestead Mexican weekend was well supported and
the children enjoyed the Piñata never seen such a scramble for the sweets when
they dropped out of the paper mache head. In the evening we all enjoyed the
Chilli and Rice plus the Fancy Dress Parade which created a carnival atmosphere.
Tattingstone meet at the White Horse PH was a new venue being ideal for
discovering Alton Water with footpaths and cycle routes around the Waters.
We at last have the sunny weather with us, so I hope to see many of you out now
in the Summer months supporting our Stewards who do a great job and without out
them we would have no Meets. If any of you are interested in Stewarding please
do not hesitate in contacting Catherine our Sites Secretary.
Best Wishes Bill
CONGRATULATIONS
Well done Chris on your appointment as Regional Sites Liaison Officer at this
weekends Regional AGM.
Best Wishes from The Chairman and the Committee.
Recipe for the Denman Tea Bread served at
the AGM
Lois Roberts
This recipe makes 3 x 1lb loaves
750g (1 1/2lb ) mixed fruit
400ml cold tea (2/3 tea bags)
450g ( 1 lb) self raising flour
60g (2oz) ground almonds
4 fl oz milk (approx)
1/2 teasp bicarb
1/2 teasp mixed spice
180g (6 oz) sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Method
1. Soak the fruit overnight in the tea
2. Grease loaf tins & line with greaseproof (or use ready made liners)
3. Mix flour, sugar, spice & almonds
4. Add fruit, eggs, tea & enough milk for a dropping consistency
5. Divide equally into 3 tins
6. Cook at 160*C for about 50 minutes
From the Editor
Lois has suggested we try for a recipe page within Cornstalk! I think its a good
idea how about you? Perhaps we could possibly produce an SSDA cookbook. Further
details will follow but if you have any suggestions in the meantime please
contact me at cornstalk@johnbeales.co.uk
John
Recipe for a Coarse Liver Pate
John Beales
2 rashers of bacon cut into small pieces
1 onion finely chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed or very finely chopped
50g butter
500g of chicken or pigs liver (or a mixture of both). Trim out any sinew and cut
the liver into small pieces to allow it to cook quicker.
2 heaped tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley
2-3 tablespoons of port or sherry
Salt and Pepper
Fry off the pieces of bacon in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes keeping the pieces
separate as much as possible.
Add the onion, garlic and butter and gently fry for a few minutes until the
onion goes soft and translucent and just starting to take on a colour.
Add the livers and fry for about 7-10 minutes stirring occasionally. Try not to
overcook the liver, better slightly underdone than dried up. Its good idea to
cook it with a lid on the pan.
Remove from the heat and add salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black
pepper.
Add the sherry or port and the parsley. Give a good stir and transfer to a food
processor and give a few pulses to chop the mixture up. Don’t overdo it or the
pate will not be coarse.
Put the mixture into 3 ramekin dishes, cover with cling film and when cool it
will freeze for a couple of months or keep around 3 days in the fridge.
Of course for a dinner party it can be put in one large dish, then decorated on
the top with cranberries and a few bay leaves, and ’sealed’ with a thin layer of
clarified butter on top.
The Camping and Caravanning Club
Greenfields House,
Westwood Way,
Coventry, CV4 8JH
Tel +44 (0)2476 694995
