Rally Report from Rutland Caravan & Camping, Greetham - Feb 2020
We arrived at the Rutland campsite in glorious sunshine and were welcomed by Heather and Andy. Parked the van, hooked up and filled up with water. Time for a cuppa - looked out of the window and thought that dammed sat-nav has brought me wrong again, we were supposed to be in Rutland not the French Alps ski resort.
A sudden snowstorm had carpeted the whole area with snow. This was the start to the week of wind, storms and rain. Two major named storms in one week is unheard of in England, but us resilient campers were not deterred, just slightly disappointed.
Meet and Greet was instantly moved to the games-room and with a heater or two we were able to enjoy the lovely coffee and cakes made by Heather.
We finally got 15 vans on site, as several members had to cancel for various reasons, but not because of the weather.
We arrived at the Rutland campsite in glorious sunshine and were welcomed by Heather and Andy. Parked the van, hooked up and filled up with water. Time for a cuppa - looked out of the window and thought that dammed sat-nav has brought me wrong again, we were supposed to be in Rutland not the French Alps ski resort.
A sudden snowstorm had carpeted the whole area with snow. This was the start to the week of wind, storms and rain. Two major named storms in one week is unheard of in England, but us resilient campers were not deterred, just slightly disappointed.
Meet and Greet was instantly moved to the games-room and with a heater or two we were able to enjoy the lovely coffee and cakes made by Heather.
We finally got 15 vans on site, as several members had to cancel for various reasons, but not because of the weather.
On the Tuesday evening we all gathered at the local pub the Plough where Heather and Andy had arranged for us all to have a meal.
On the following days we all went our separate ways visiting by car or bus the surrounding areas. Barry, Jane, Robert and I took a bus ride to Oakham where we had an interesting look at the Horseshoes of Oakham Castle, as featured on Bargain Hunt a few weeks ago.
The castle was built in 1190, for centuries peers of the realm have presented horseshoes to the lord of the manor of Oakham. We were told the reason they all hang upside down are so the devil can’t build a nest inside.
The oldest surviving horseshoe is the one presented by Edward IV, in 1470 after his victory at the battle of Losecoat, the site of this battle just outside the village of Empingham is known as “Bloody Oaks”.
Thursday, Robert drove us around Rutland Water. Obviously as the weather and the time of year was against us it was very quiet, but definately a place to visit in the future.
Of course, you can’t come to this area without seeking out a locally made Melton Mowbray pork pie or two, which we purchased in the “Olde Pork Pie Shoppe”, Melton Mowbray, (Tip) buy the pork pie in the red wrapper, it’s a lot tastier.
SMOC decided to take part in the Plough quiz night. We entered three teams but our scores of 28, 27 and 14, (No names mentioned), failed to beat the local team who won with a triumphant 36 points. A very good time was had by all.
On the Saturday evening a get together was organised at the local community hall. Battling against wind and rain we all took along some food managing to create a wonderful selection of both savoury and sweet food to share. The Bar was supplied by the Community Hall at very reasonable prices.
During the evening the raffle was drawn which was organised by Val & David, some members was luckier than others, winning five draws, but they did give some of the raffle tickets to others to choose a prize, I believe over £90 was raised.
Saturday/Sunday morning was when the second storm “Storm Dennis” hit the campsite with a vengeance, I believe the quote is “When the van is Rocking”!
Sunday Morning, several vans left before lunch, sadly they missed out on the excellent lunch at Greetham Golf Club.
We had a choice of two or three courses, I chose the prawn cocktail followed by the carvery offering thick slices of Beef, Pork and Gammon, all followed by a dessert if desired. We were sat on three large round tables immaculately set out in white linen. Four more vans left after lunch leaving approximately eight vans to leave on the Monday Morning.
Again a big thank you to the Rally Marshals, Heather & Andy, for all their hard work organising all the entertainment and meals, making the whole week most enjoyable for all.
Bridget -- 3177
On the following days we all went our separate ways visiting by car or bus the surrounding areas. Barry, Jane, Robert and I took a bus ride to Oakham where we had an interesting look at the Horseshoes of Oakham Castle, as featured on Bargain Hunt a few weeks ago.
The castle was built in 1190, for centuries peers of the realm have presented horseshoes to the lord of the manor of Oakham. We were told the reason they all hang upside down are so the devil can’t build a nest inside.
The oldest surviving horseshoe is the one presented by Edward IV, in 1470 after his victory at the battle of Losecoat, the site of this battle just outside the village of Empingham is known as “Bloody Oaks”.
Thursday, Robert drove us around Rutland Water. Obviously as the weather and the time of year was against us it was very quiet, but definately a place to visit in the future.
Of course, you can’t come to this area without seeking out a locally made Melton Mowbray pork pie or two, which we purchased in the “Olde Pork Pie Shoppe”, Melton Mowbray, (Tip) buy the pork pie in the red wrapper, it’s a lot tastier.
SMOC decided to take part in the Plough quiz night. We entered three teams but our scores of 28, 27 and 14, (No names mentioned), failed to beat the local team who won with a triumphant 36 points. A very good time was had by all.
On the Saturday evening a get together was organised at the local community hall. Battling against wind and rain we all took along some food managing to create a wonderful selection of both savoury and sweet food to share. The Bar was supplied by the Community Hall at very reasonable prices.
During the evening the raffle was drawn which was organised by Val & David, some members was luckier than others, winning five draws, but they did give some of the raffle tickets to others to choose a prize, I believe over £90 was raised.
Saturday/Sunday morning was when the second storm “Storm Dennis” hit the campsite with a vengeance, I believe the quote is “When the van is Rocking”!
Sunday Morning, several vans left before lunch, sadly they missed out on the excellent lunch at Greetham Golf Club.
We had a choice of two or three courses, I chose the prawn cocktail followed by the carvery offering thick slices of Beef, Pork and Gammon, all followed by a dessert if desired. We were sat on three large round tables immaculately set out in white linen. Four more vans left after lunch leaving approximately eight vans to leave on the Monday Morning.
Again a big thank you to the Rally Marshals, Heather & Andy, for all their hard work organising all the entertainment and meals, making the whole week most enjoyable for all.
Bridget -- 3177