Oswestry Rally Report - October 2015
We left home a day early so that we could take two days to travel the 260 miles to the Rally. The skies were grey and we passed through some very heavy rain storms before arriving at the Football Club Site at Bourton on the Water, and met up with Bob and Pat who had arrived a day before us. We had a quiet evening in the Clubhouse as we were the only vans there, and the football team were away for a practice match at another club.
On Wednesday morning we set off towards Oswestry and the skies had changed to blue with white clouds and the dry weather stayed with us for the rest of the Rally.
When we arrived at the site we were guided into our place and were pleasantly surprised. The site was very well located with bus stops to Oswestry and Shrewsbury just outside the gates, and we had the use of the Clubhouse in evenings (and we could use the room during the day as well - there were many games and puzzles which we could use). It was also good that we could order our papers from the shop and could buy lovely fresh eggs and local sausages and bacon.
Thursday and Friday mornings found most of the SMOC members catching buses into the local towns where the little streets and shops could be explored at leisure, and the evenings were spent in the Clubhouse enjoying the company of friends.
On Friday evening the Fish and Chip van came into the site and I think everyone made the most of an evening without cooking. Sharon had kindly arranged a quiz which was very enjoyable (although most of us struggled with the questions - making guesses to most of the answers ) and caused much uncontrolled laughter.
Saturday morning saw us all by the Reception waiting for the mini bus which would take us for the trip on the Llangollen Canal which had been organised by Phyllis and Bill. We all eagerly climbed onto the canal boat ready to enjoy the 2 hour trip through the beautiful Vale of Llangollen and the crossing of the World Heritage Site the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The views were fantastic and this made the roast meal even more enjoyable. All the food was served up piping hot by very helpful staff..
Just as we reached the start of the aqueduct, there was a problem with the steering and the narrow boat banged into the side of the canal, much to the embarrassment of Carol who was in the toilet at the time and popped out very quickly.
The mini bus then took us into Llangollen to visit the town. It was very interesting watching the kayaks speeding along the river through the rapids, and window shopping in the various shops. then it was time to head back to the camp site, and the driver took us on the scenic route back, and we were all able to relax and enjoy the views.
On Sunday there were no buses running, so we decided to go off on a Geocaching search which took us along the footpath through the woods, but then the footpath diverted and we found ourselves walking through a head high sweetcorn field. Ted was lucky as he was tall enough to see over the top, but Pat and I had to make a path through with our hands above our heads. We found the geocaches we were looking for and walked through some quaint villages before making our way back, hoping to avoid the corn, but no such luck!
On Monday morning we all set off for home, after enjoying our time at Oswestry.
Thanks to Ray and Beryl for organising the site, Phyllis and Bill for the great day out, and Sharron for her quiz night.
Pat and Ted Stiles 1324
On Wednesday morning we set off towards Oswestry and the skies had changed to blue with white clouds and the dry weather stayed with us for the rest of the Rally.
When we arrived at the site we were guided into our place and were pleasantly surprised. The site was very well located with bus stops to Oswestry and Shrewsbury just outside the gates, and we had the use of the Clubhouse in evenings (and we could use the room during the day as well - there were many games and puzzles which we could use). It was also good that we could order our papers from the shop and could buy lovely fresh eggs and local sausages and bacon.
Thursday and Friday mornings found most of the SMOC members catching buses into the local towns where the little streets and shops could be explored at leisure, and the evenings were spent in the Clubhouse enjoying the company of friends.
On Friday evening the Fish and Chip van came into the site and I think everyone made the most of an evening without cooking. Sharon had kindly arranged a quiz which was very enjoyable (although most of us struggled with the questions - making guesses to most of the answers ) and caused much uncontrolled laughter.
Saturday morning saw us all by the Reception waiting for the mini bus which would take us for the trip on the Llangollen Canal which had been organised by Phyllis and Bill. We all eagerly climbed onto the canal boat ready to enjoy the 2 hour trip through the beautiful Vale of Llangollen and the crossing of the World Heritage Site the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The views were fantastic and this made the roast meal even more enjoyable. All the food was served up piping hot by very helpful staff..
Just as we reached the start of the aqueduct, there was a problem with the steering and the narrow boat banged into the side of the canal, much to the embarrassment of Carol who was in the toilet at the time and popped out very quickly.
The mini bus then took us into Llangollen to visit the town. It was very interesting watching the kayaks speeding along the river through the rapids, and window shopping in the various shops. then it was time to head back to the camp site, and the driver took us on the scenic route back, and we were all able to relax and enjoy the views.
On Sunday there were no buses running, so we decided to go off on a Geocaching search which took us along the footpath through the woods, but then the footpath diverted and we found ourselves walking through a head high sweetcorn field. Ted was lucky as he was tall enough to see over the top, but Pat and I had to make a path through with our hands above our heads. We found the geocaches we were looking for and walked through some quaint villages before making our way back, hoping to avoid the corn, but no such luck!
On Monday morning we all set off for home, after enjoying our time at Oswestry.
Thanks to Ray and Beryl for organising the site, Phyllis and Bill for the great day out, and Sharron for her quiz night.
Pat and Ted Stiles 1324