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2020-07MCNewsletter Flipbook PDF
2020-07MCNewsletter
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Motor Caravanneronline Caravanner online July 2020
From the Chair As I write this (12 June) Summer seems far off. The wind is blowing and temperatures are more like Autumn. We are still in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic and have no idea when we will see an end to it. There are rumours spreading on Facebook about when we, as a Club, will be able to resume our rallies but there has been no indication from our Government. Campsites are hoping to open in early July but, as yet (12th June, don’t forget) this date has not been confirmed, neither has it been said to what extent they will be open, be it just for owners of static vans or if self-contained motorhomes and caravans will be included. We must all be patient and wait for the guidance. I know of one Group which has prepared a list of safety measures which can be put in place as soon as the go ahead to rally is given. The Group has earmarked a large field where the units can be accommodated with the six metre spacing and no doors facing. There will be sanitizing wipes for taps, ralliers will be required to use (preferably disposable) gloves at the Elsan. There will also be a card payment facility, with cheques for back-up. No doubt
when we are allowed into buildings there will also be safety measures which we will have to adhered to. There is no problem in thinking ahead. We have been asked if members will be able to see the Club accounts and the answer is “Yes, eventually.” We are working on a ‘watered down’ version of the Blue book which we hope to get out to as many members as possible, to enable you to vote on the acceptance, or otherwise, of the accounts. The production of the book is made even more difficult because of the constraints of the lockdown. Several times I have asked all members to remain loyal to the Club in these difficult times to help us survive but, unfortunately 280 members found it necessary to not renew their membership. This resulted in an income loss of £10,290! – something the Club cannot sustain indefinitely. Please remember you can help by recruiting more members and you will receive a £10 voucher for each one recruited. Whatever you do, until next time, stay safe. Brian Herschell Club Chairman.
‘Return journey’ underway As the Covid 19 regulations are beginning to be relaxed and businesses are planning to return to work, I would like to give a big thank you to the people that have helped the Club to stay in touch with you all… Thank you everyone who has sent in material such as articles, stories, recipes to be used in our newsletter – your support has been greatly appreciated. Another thank you goes to our Editor, Simon Tooth, who has worked without our usual team and published our Newsletter – helping us to stay in touch with you all. A very grateful thank you to our Club Webmaster Peter Heale, for emailing members to inform them about the newsletter. And last, but by no means least, I thank all of you for your support and understanding over the temporary absence of your monthly magazine. I am very pleased to be able to say that normal service will be resumed in August as we welcome back Mark and Jade. The magazine will include the Group News section – though of course there will be very little to report about rallies! However, as the magazine goes out to everyone in The Motor Caravanners’ Club, Groups may like to send out a special message to their members. Please send your messages in to me at suep@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk Just for the August edition only the deadline for Group News will be extended to 10 July. We love to hear from individual members – so if you have an interesting or amusing story to tell, anything you feel members would like to know or read or photos to share – please sent them to me as well. Sue Pilkiw Membership Services/Handbook and Magazine
RALLYING
Anglia plans zoo rally Anglia Group has announced a replacement rally for August Bank Holiday: Banham Zoo NR16 2HE 5 nights from August 27-31. £15-00 p.u.p.n. Start time 1pm. Since it will be on the rally field there will only be water and elsan disposal. No toilets or showers so members must use their own on their vans. Please provide your own gloves and hand wash. There are no EHUs. There will be 7 metre spacing and NO door to door parking. Bookings will be taken for Anglia members only from 10am on August 1 by Teresa on 07739463321 or teresa. [email protected] until August 9 when other group members can book. Membership number and vehicle registration required. Further details may be in the August Newsletter and on Anglia web page / Facebook. This is subject to whatever restrictions are in place at the time.
CONTACTING THE CLUB Please note that the head office team is working from home on normal office hours and hopefully will be maintaining normal service. Members can call the office on 01684311677 to renew their subscriptions and change details on their membership profiles etc Office opening hours Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm Friday 9am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday Closed
Groups 24 and 42 Groups 24 and 42 rally due to be held from 3-5 July at Newtownards has been cancelled. David Gilmore Secretary
When will we meet again? Avon Group’s planning for rallies post Covid-19 As we write this, there is no indication from Government relating to the easing of restrictions imposed due to the Coronavirus pandemic which currently prevents us from rallying. However, many Groups are beginning to think about what they will need to have in place to be in a position of readiness once we get the go ahead to gather at rallies again. With regards to this, the Avon Group Committee have formulated a number of changes for implementation at their rallies being especially mindful of the protection and safety of members. They have liaised with Council of Management and have kindly offered to share their plan with all Groups. It could prove to be a very useful tool for Groups planning rallies, once restrictions are relaxed. Avon Group are incorporating a number of changes and requirements at all future rallies in an attempt to protect members, as far as is possible, from contracting Covid-19. Social distancing of at least two metres must be observed at all times between people not travelling in the same motorhome when indoors & where in confined spaces. To avoid any possible transmission of the virus through the handling of cash we are adopting payment of rally fees by card payment. The system we will be using accepts many types of debit and credit cards including
Motorhomes will be parked six metres apart and habitation doors will not be allowed to face another van. Picture: Rodney Hutchinson / Shutterstock.com
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Diners Club, Discover and UnionPay. Payment may be made using chip and pin or contactless if the amount does not exceed the current limit of £45. Initially as a sensible precaution we are asking members to carry a cheque or sufficient cash to cover the amount of fees as back up. On arrival, to maximise distancing, the person making payment will be required to vacate their van and approach the hosts table to make payment. The payment card reader will be wiped with sanitizer after each use. Those making payment will be required to wear gloves and a facial covering as will the host. Disposable gloves/sanitized
gloves need to be worn when using the water fill and elsan points. Sanitizing wipes will be provided for use to clean the taps after use ready for the next person. Motorhomes will be parked six metres apart and habitation doors will not be allowed to face another van. These changes are being implemented to maximise the protection and safety of all members which is of paramount importance. Hopefully these measures will also promote some reassurance and increase your enjoyment of Avon Group rallies. Further changes may be necessary to comply with any future government guidelines relevant details will be publicized. Sue Turl Avon Group Chair
The FICC Rally for 2021 will now be in Spain at CAMPING SANTA TELCLA LAGUARDIA/GALICIA June 18 – 27 June 2021 More information will follow as soon as it is available. Les Kendrick
A CAT’SLIFE The first of a three-part series, by Graham Smith
T
here was a great deal of activity at home on 27 December 2018: the giant white box had been brought home and parked on the drive, I thought for some repair or service. How wrong could I be? My Servants started to load the box with all manner of things. I decided to block the entrance by a sit-in protest. I had heard about my French cousins protesting, doing this while wearing yellow vests. However, this did not work as my Servant no 1, the soft one with grey hair, called me in for
me – it did not work! The moving white box made a great deal of noise, rattles and the like, but this was nothing to the expletives from Servant no 1, the one with grey hair. This happened when, in his words, not mine: “ you ….. idiot”. (Apparently, you are not supposed to cut in from the left when joining the M25.) The rest of the journey, a total of four hours, to something called the tunnel, was uneventful. I have a tunnel to play with – it has a bell on it, it’s great fun to play with. I did wonder if this tunnel
food - my protest was speedily abandoned! The very next day, both Servants were up early – this is not usual for them as they like to rise late. Talk was of passports, including mine; I did not know I had one. Then I was captured and placed in the carrier, this normally means a trip to the vets. I used all four paws to resistr, but I lost to overpowering odds. Then into the white box I am placed, the engine started and the white box started moving. I screeched my most mournful meow, to no avail. Then Servant no 2, the female one who thinks she can train me to be an obedient cat, took me out and held me in a cuddle lock to calm
had a bell. How wrong could I be, for the second time on the same day. We were not allowed to board something called a train by a staff member who wished to stroke me, I was on my best behaviour and purred loudly to gain sympathy, to no avail. Escape plan no 1 foiled. Servant 1 then strangely drove the white box onto the train, much hissing of doors closing and we were moving. I must say it was quieter, no rattles or bangs but the windows went very dark. Then we came into the light again and the Servants announced that we were in France. We drove to Wissant in the dark, the first stop. Food was served, not very nice, I turned my nose up at it, this got the
The Chronicles of Raj Servants discussing my wellbeing. Then to bed, I disturbed them at about 3 o’clock in the morning for fun. Servant no 1 had driven 188 miles from Sixpenny Handley to Wissant and he said he was very tired. I do more running around chasing birds in my sleep! Well, my servants awoke with grumpy heads on the 29th, they both blamed the missing hour. I looked out at Wissant motorhome park, nothing to shout about. A place to stay before proceeding on your journey; lots of birds in the bushes, which I could not get to. Let me out you cruel Servants. Servant no 1 went out to empty the thunder box, whatever that is, he rinsed it with waste
water from the waste tank. Strange habits they have. I just do my business and somebody cleans up after me, an excellent arrangement. Then the engine started again. Again I was held in a cuddle lock, I meowed to no avail. The journey was a little better today, the roads seemed smoother so bangs and rattles lessened, I was getting used to it but I was not telling them. We drove to Nonancourt, a much better aire, clean and tidy, no water though. The Servants went for a walk around the town, left me in peace and quiet. They came back discussing all the old buildings that they had just seen, this was torture for me, I bet they are full of mice, lovely fat mice. Again,
the Servants retired early, tired from driving the 170 miles. They were up early, I could now read the signs that we would be soon on the move again, they have a routine of completing all the same little jobs. Yes, I was right, we are on
“
Strange habits they have. I just do my business and somebody cleans up after me, an excellent arrangement.
the road again, travelling from Nonancourt to Chezelles on 30 December, a journey of 185.7 miles. I failed to escape again today. When the Servants shower in the morning they leave the bathroom window open. This
morning, Servant No 1 went to work outside, while Servant No 2 put me in the bathroom, for my own safe keeping. I spied the open window, upon investigation Servant No 1 spied me and gave a loud shriek. I was captured, no doubt they will give me many more opportunities. What a surprise, today I was not held in a cuddle lock, but allowed to lay on the floor between the front seats, with a harness and lead on my delicate self. I still thought this was restrictive for a cat of my status. I must admit it was better for me and Servant No 2, though I would not tell them this, you have keep them on their toes and let them fret about your well-being.
LOCKDOWN LIFE
ON THE ROAD
Men, lockdown and home science
Take the High Road!
Maurice Brooks (CoM) takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the stresses and strains of life under lockdown First of all the most problematic thing with this transcript was a title that covered this wide subject. As men, our main role has always been the breadwinner. (We’ll put all gender bias behind us at this point). So during March 2020 as we all know we were thrust into the position of being at our place of residence 24/7. This also threw up a major problem with our other halves, owing to the fact we were on alert all the time with very little else to do. Our toys had been taken from us by law and movements restricted to our piece of rest. S... fatal questions!! “Can I help with anything?” “Pardon?!” “Can I help with anything?” “Like what??” “Well...that basket looks heavy - perhaps I can take it out and hang the clothes out for you.” A cryptic remark follows: “Do you know where the washing line is?” “Of course I do - in the garden.” “Pegs?” “In the peg bag.” (At this point he has passed that one hurdle) “OK” she says, slamming down the basket and breaking another
plastic rung in the side. “Make sure you don’t mix yours and mine.” He thinks, what difference can it possibly make? So off he goes, with a hop, skip and jump and yes... a job at last! Just going to put the first peg in her frilly knickers and his mate next door is on the same mission. They furtively look over their shoulders to see if there is anybody listening and prepare to compare notes on the correct regime for hanging clothes out. They both pull a beautiful dress out of the basket; one pegs from the bottom and the other from the top. On seeing each other’s method they proceed to call a board meeting with a couple of cans and after half an hour not much else has been done. On hearing footsteps behind them, they quickly resume the
task at hand not caring how the washing is being hung. “Well fancy that! Give you boys one task and look at the mess!” Both partners proceed to unpeg and repeg the whole line while the men look on in astonishment. But luck has it. Their little grey cells are working overtime and they have learnt that if you do it wrong, you take the punishment and you’ll never be asked again. So, a few weeks down the line. No golf. No interaction with his office staff on long lunch breaks. He decides to rekindle his daily pursuit of carnal needs around lunchtime. He finds the smoked salmon and Crawfords Creme Crackers, a bottle of pop and proceeds to usher her up to the bedroom. “It’s 12pm, what do you think you are doing?” At this point, he pleads, he read
a story in the Mail on Sunday and was just being nice. She then proceeds to berate his timing by saying, “You slept all through Midsomer last night and didn’t bother then so why now?” And so the day went downhill with explaining debits on his credit card etc. Moving on and two months lockdown. A bunch of flowers arrived addressed to himself. A card, “missing you” (Interflora). He quickly disguises the flowers as a prank by his work colleagues and presents them to his beloved. “WHAT YOU DONE WRONG?” “Nothing dear. It is just an appreciation of the hard work you have put in looking after me.“ “No I’m looking after myself, but add a bit extra for you.“ So, from pegging out the wash to divorce can be a short step in this very exacting time.
The prospect of holidaying in the UK is probably at the forefront of most people’s mind once travel restrictions are lifted, we settle down to the new normal and social distancing becomes a way of life. Predictions are that campsites will be extremely busy as all those who usually go abroad are resigned to a ‘Staycation’ at least for this year. The wide-open space of Scotland will appeal to many with its big skies, ancient architecture, spectacular wildlife, superb seafood and hospitable, down-to-
earth people. If Scotland is a destination you are considering, you will be interested to know that the MCC Scottish group has just launched its new website. Detailing all of their rallies for the reminder of the year, its a great way of finding out what’s on north of the border. Visit the website at www. mccscottishgroup.co.uk. Please remember that all rallies are subject to cancellation for the foreseeable future, so please check that rallies are actually taking place before you travel.
OBITUARY
FOR SALE
Brian Smith
Maxview satellite spares – Top Plastic Cover; LNB Holder; Cable Entry Duct. Please call for prices. Can arrange delivery to mainland UK. Snow chains to fit 215/70-15 - £60. Includes delivery to mainland UK (surcharge for offshore islands, N. Ireland & Scottish Highlands). Tel: 07903 468903 (Cambs)
Anglia Group are sorry to announce the death of Brian Smith who was well known for his two gun dogs which always came on rallies. He died in May unexpectedly and his funeral was on 16 June, Anglia Group offer our deepest sympathy to Aileen and their families.
RECIPES
FUNDRAISER
Put the sizzle back into summer with our bbq double bill
Utilities provider can help raise funds for club
BBQ prawns with lime Makes 8 1 red chilli, chopped finely 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger 2 cloves garlic, crushed Zest and juice of one lime 1 tbsp brown sugar Salt and pepper 24 large raw prawns, tails on 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in cold water for 30 minutes Lemon or lime wedges to serve Method: Preheat barbecue to medium heat. In a small bowl combine chilli, soy, ginger, garlic, lime and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Marinate the prawns for 30 minutes. Thread 3 prawns on each skewer. Cook skewers on the barbecue’s open flame for 3 or 4 minutes each side. Remove and serve hot with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
BBQ pork belly tortillas Makes 10-12 Pork belly 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 red chilli, chopped finely ½ tsp cumin 1 tbsp oil ½ tsp salt ¼ cup lemon juice 750g piece pork belly To serve Corn tortillas Extra coriander to garnish For tomato salsa Combine 2 chopped tomatoes, ¼ red onion sliced, 2 tbsp chopped coriander, ½ tsp sugar, salt and pepper to taste. For guacamole: Mash 1 ripe avocado, 2 cloves garlic, ½ chopped green chilli, juice of 1 lime, salt and pepper to taste.
Method: In a small bowl combine garlic, chilli, cumin, oil, salt and lemon juice. Remove skin from the pork belly. Rub the meat with marinade and leave for at least 4 hours or overnight. Preheat a barbecue to low. Remove the pork reserving the marinade for basting. Cook pork, covered, on hot plate for 2 hours, turning once every 30 minutes. If you find it getting too dark, place it on a sheet of tinfoil. While it is cooking make tomato salsa and guacamole. When the pork is cooked and tender let it sit for 10 minutes. Heat tortilla on barbecue for 30 seconds each side. Serve the pork sliced on the tortilla with a dollop each of tomato salsa and guacamole. Garnish with coriander.
Utility Warehouse (UW) is a discount club, based in Edgware Road, UK. They are members of FTSE 250 and offer all of your utilities in one single monthly bill. The more services you take, the cheaper the package becomes. At the 2019 AGM and Members meeting, held a Norwich, Malcolm Baxter, of Severn Valley Group, proposed UW as a way of raising funds for the club. He has been with them for over 10 years, has never had a problem with them and he is very happy with the services they provide. Martin Remnant, of the Sussex Group has been a member since 2003 and highly recommends them. He is now a distributor for the company. Council of Management looked into this product and are now distributors for UW for which we receive a residual commission based on each member’s usaged. UW have been recommended by Which magazine, for the last 13 or more years, for their excellent Customer Service, best Mobile Provider, best Broadband Provider and, for Electricity and Gas, they beat all other providers in Customer Service polls, they now also offer Home insurance. Another great advantage of UW is their Cashback card, when you shop, you get cashback off your utility bill. The partners offer from 3% to 8%, and all other shops you use, you will receive 1%. There are over 2000 online shops you can save money on.
Depending on the services you sign up for you could have all of your household bulbs changed for LEDs, fitted by one of UW’s experts, and also replaced when they stop working, adding an additional 15% saving Per Year. For more details of Utility
Warehouse log on to: www.utilitywarehouse.org.uk/ L75914 Martin Remnant has agreed to answer any questions. His contact details are: mgremnant@uwclub. net Please put UW MCC Question in the subject line.
Club Contacts www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk
COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT Chairman: Brian Herschell (07985 380705) Vice Chairman: Petula Heal (07808 089829)
CLUB OFFICIALS
Members: Carol Biggs (07711 866936) Ann Bond (07805 795549) Tina Botterill (07946 596059) Maurice Brooks (07956 814339) Derek Clarke (07931 733656) Graham Durkee (07931 527691) Jacci Durkee (07931 527691) Tony Heal (07808 089829) Kate Jones (07747 000587 or 01935 863815) Les Kendrick (07860 286561) Selma McMullan (07752 678454) Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325) Anne Taylor (07414 852497)
GROUP SECRETARIES CONTACT LIST Secretary 1 West Country 2 Sussex 4 Kent 6 Essex 7 Anglia 8 East Wessex 9 Chiltern 10 East Midlands 11 Severn Valley 12 NW Mids & NW 13 Lancashire 14 Yorkshire 15 N. Counties 16 Scotland 17 West Wessex 18 Avon 20 SWP 21 S.& W.Wales 22 Nene Valley 23 Isle of Wight 24 N. Ireland 40 The rest of Europe 42 Ireland 43 Spanish 53 SERG 54 Motorcycle
Heather Bubb Carole Bennett Janice Wellard Barbara Mossman Derek Clarke Deborah Marsh Wendy Jefferson Sue Pilkiw Liz Harrison Penny Feeney Marie Moran Julie Broughton Tony Edwards Aileen Clark Alastair Bartlam Katherine Clark Barbs Noble Peter Heale Peter Moore Andrea Gardner David Gilmore
MCC Sec & Administrator: Ron Harris Wood Farm Estate, Marlbank Road, Welland, Malvern WR13 6NA T: 01684 311677 E: [email protected] Office opening: Mon-Thu 9-5pm Fri 9-2pm MCC Office Administration: Julie Stanbridge
Insignia: Marion Brooks (07956 138318) [email protected] Internet: Peter Heale [email protected] Safety officer: Tony Heal [email protected] Financial officer: Paul Maguire (07973 827506) Junior Leaders: Maria Hill, Gill Crosby [email protected] Disability advisor: Maurice Brooks [email protected] Homecraft co-ordinator: Kim McKelvie [email protected] Magazine/Handbook: Sue Pilkiw [email protected] Exhibition team: Jacci & Graham Durkee (07931 527 691) [email protected] Show Head Marshal: Sue Pilkiw (07562 324325) CL Sites & Night Stops: David Denham [email protected]
Please note that Secretary details may change due to AGMs.
Telephone E-Mail 07817 916904 [email protected]
07769 944009 07831 659951 07727 100456 01473 620933 07717 662239 07714 616715 07562 324325 07710 668715 07518 271742 07869 403936 07544 327193 07976 235365 07771 845199 07754 131893 01179 324942 07722 885018 07894 583520 07790 779024 01983 209483 07740 187820
As N. Ireland Group Lou Hanson 07751 157181 Andrea Barker 0191 4104227 Pat Kirby 07826 080304
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
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