Newsletter time again, how time flies when you feel it should take a bit longer, especially with the weather we are experiencing at the moment.

I’m afraid I can’t report too much on our June meets at Scotts Haven and Breamore as Geordie and I didn’t make those. I should have contacted the stewards to get some feedback but sadly time has run out for me following a rather traumatic time with family matters. Any way I hope everyone who did attend had a good weekend although I know Breamore was very short of units as we did manage to get there for coffee morning on the Sunday.

Frogham was the next meet in early July and this may very well be the last time at that site. We had a good turn out and a very enjoyable communal BBQ under the event dome although we did cook outside of this. We had visitors from other DA’s etc including 2 huskies who ventured out every day with their owner to run the forest. He must be very fit, the owner,as they don’t come off their leads but just need to run. Saturday evening was good in the village hall and the weather blessed us.

This last weekend saw us at Awbridge just outside Romsey. It’s a nice site with hall adjacent and this year we managed to walk through the wild life sanctuary called Awbridge Hill sanctuary and spent time talking to the man who looks after it who is known as the Green Man according to the notices in the wood. What a mine of information about history of the surrounding area and beyond plus other ancient history information. He looks after it so well.

Our next meet sees us at Wallop school for the games weekend. Everyone seems to enjoy this weekend and hope we have a good input of games brought along by members. Then it’s Grove Lea at Titchfield with its fishing lakes and walks plus meals to be had at the nearby pub. I’ll tell you about those meets next time.

Come October we have our meet at Fort Widley up on Portsdown Hill. A site with fantastic views across Portsmouth and surroundings and on a good clear day across the Solent to the IOW. The hall is on site just down the steps but also one can get to it by car if necessary. As normal those of you who may have items for sell can set up and trade (will have to investigate the shed).

Following this we are back at Greatham for our harvest supper. We haven’t camped there for a few years but have decided to go back. The hall is on site and for those who are coming please let me know what ploughman’s you want – cheese or ham. Don’t forget the apple tasting at Blackmoor farm on the Sunday, pears and apples to taste plus an assortment of stalls including crafts. It’s free entry too!

Then a new site at the end of October for Hallowe’en at Blackfield school in the Waterside area not far from the New Forest. We have a large field but also plenty of hard-standing for those who prefer this and the use of a school gym (for the ceilidh). There is a bus stop outside for those who may want to explore further.

Pam