In what is believed to be a first for the WCCC two rallies were held back-to-back. This was because the Easter weekend was followed the next weekend by the Royal Wedding and Spring Bank Holiday. Change over day was the Wednesday, with those not having to be at work that week motored the few miles from Parley Glade to Edengate in Sway, a new and delightful site for the club.
 |
| Saturday evening barbecue at Parley Glade |
At Parley Glade, blessed with sunshine and warm weather, we welcomed new members, Peter, Jen and daughter Madison. In fact Madison has attended our rallies before with Grandma Lyn and Dave, but decided it was time mum and dad had their own van. The weather was so miraculous, we could have our barbecue meal outside on Saturday evening.
The rally was on the large field, which has plenty of electric points, but we were concerned about unwanted caravans joining us. A quick committee meeting agreed to buy a combination lock and chain, for about £2.70, to secure the gate. Should you arrive on a site and find the gate secured by a yellow plastic covered chain and combination lock the number to open is – and I’ll only write this once – 2151. The lock is stored in the fire extinguisher box.
The Edengate rally field is a 4 acre meadow, surrounded by mature oak trees and woods and set well away from the road. It has two hard core tracks, so even in wet weather access should be simple. We again welcomed two more new members, Ian and Maureen, who have sent a thank you card to members at the rally “for making us so welcome. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”
On the Friday afternoon there was a tea party to celebrate the Royal Wedding. In the morning the Sheilas had been watching the television that rally officers Lyn and Dave had set up in their awning while supping Pol Roger champagne provided by Ron and Peggy, while the chaps were in another van!
The weather continued warm and sunny and the barbecue on Saturday evening was enjoyed outside.
 |
| A breather on the walk back to Yarmouth |
The ralliers went overseas on Sunday – to the Isle of Wight. Chris and Lynda had organised a day out sailing as big families – which kept the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry price to a minimum. Arriving in Yarmouth we were due to take the bus to Totland – but the bus was full! No problem; a taxi took us in two parties of eight – which was cheaper and quicker than the bus – to The Waterfront bar and restaurant which had been booked for us by the party leaders. We couldn’t have been closer to the Solent without getting our feet wet and had spectacular views across the water to the mainland, and were able to watch a tall ship ghost past in the haze, square sails set and outward bound. While we eat a tern dived and dived again for its lunch right in front of us.
Well fed, with a great meal, and adequately watered, we set off along the coast path back to Yarmouth, stopping on the way for many a breather as the photo shows.
The site was voted as well worth visiting again. Don’t miss it next time.
