Well Easter over and gone for another year and I expect all those who went to the FDSG meet enjoyed themselves, albeit the weather could have been a bit kinder. Mind you here on the south coast we felt the fury of the wind, but at least there was little damage on the park home site where we live. The neighbours’ fence was leaning precariously but hadn’t completely fallen over. We’ve got bricks in our dustbins so they’re inclined to stay upright and not go on a rolling spree.
Our birthday meet in February (at Ibsley) was well attended, including a good few people who stayed for the duration of the weekend. We also had visitors on the Saturday for the tea and the ceilidh. The tea was good as usual and thanks to Sue for providing all the cupcakes, a change from the birthday cake. Auntie Jean (Phillips) joined us for a few hours on the Saturday. It was lovely to see her and admire her photo of her camping last year at a family do. In a tent with a full size bed and en-suite facilities. Well done Jean and family. We had to keep an eye on the New Forest ponies that frequent the village as they have learnt how to cross the cattle grid into the hall grounds. On Saturday we had a good view of a herd of young bucks in the field behind including a white hart.
Our next meet is at Awbridge for our AGM so a busy weekend and then at the end of April at Wildhern near Andover for the Maypole weekend and penny fair. Last year some locals came and joined us. A few tried their hands at the games but I don’t think we managed to get any of them to dance round the maypole. You’ll hear about these meets next newsletter. At the end of May we are at Alton Barnes near Devizes. Another site with the hall adjacent and not far from the pub, tearooms and the canal. Chippenham Folk Festival is on the same weekend if people wish to go. The local bus can be booked to stop in the village and will go into Devizes where you can connect with a bus for Chippenham. However the bus only runs on Saturday so other transport is needed for a Sunday or Monday visit.
Hope to see you at meets although we aren’t able to make the Wildhern one.
Pam