Thorntons Holt, Stragglethorpe, Christmas Rally Report
We left home and travelled to within half an hour of our destination wearing sun glasses. Unfortunately the last half hour was dreary and drizzle, not a good omen you would think. But, as often happens, first impressions were not correct. The rain dried up soon after we had pitched and although it was seasonally chilly, the sun shone for the rest of the rally.
On arrival, it was a little disappointing to find that the new shower block was not yet complete but it looks as if the finished thing will be worth waiting for, hopefully, the next time that we are there.
We left home and travelled to within half an hour of our destination wearing sun glasses. Unfortunately the last half hour was dreary and drizzle, not a good omen you would think. But, as often happens, first impressions were not correct. The rain dried up soon after we had pitched and although it was seasonally chilly, the sun shone for the rest of the rally.
On arrival, it was a little disappointing to find that the new shower block was not yet complete but it looks as if the finished thing will be worth waiting for, hopefully, the next time that we are there.
The suggestion at the AGM of an early ‘meet and greet’ is proving a great success, Marilyn and David hosting on the first night. Although there were no ‘first timers’ it is enjoyable to meet together, chat and perhaps make arrangements for the evening or tomorrow. I think it will be even better on the warm, sunny evenings of summer.
Most ralliers used the excellent bus service and went into Nottingham on Thursday for some retail therapy although the main attraction for me is to walk around the Christmas Market and watch the ice skaters. Although I don’t usually like Christmas Markets (too commercial!) I always enjoy Nottingham – lovely aromas and a festive atmosphere. It was very disappointing that none of our party could be persuaded to try the ice skating or the helter skelter, but it was fun to watch everyone else. Others went further afield – up to the castle and searching for the caves, which unfortunately, by the time they were found on Saturday were closed. Those who went into town later were lucky enough to enjoy the Christmas Lights ‘switch on’ and a firework display. Thursday was rounded off by everyone meeting at the pub for a tasty meal.Friday was a lazy day for me and Bill but many energetic people went walking either to Cotgrave or along the canal. The lure of the pub meal enticed many back again in the evening. This, of course, was following our traditional “Hot Mulled Wine” so generously provided again by Stella Mary, with nibbles and hot mince pies to keep us warm on another gossipy get together around her ‘van’.
Most ralliers used the excellent bus service and went into Nottingham on Thursday for some retail therapy although the main attraction for me is to walk around the Christmas Market and watch the ice skaters. Although I don’t usually like Christmas Markets (too commercial!) I always enjoy Nottingham – lovely aromas and a festive atmosphere. It was very disappointing that none of our party could be persuaded to try the ice skating or the helter skelter, but it was fun to watch everyone else. Others went further afield – up to the castle and searching for the caves, which unfortunately, by the time they were found on Saturday were closed. Those who went into town later were lucky enough to enjoy the Christmas Lights ‘switch on’ and a firework display. Thursday was rounded off by everyone meeting at the pub for a tasty meal.Friday was a lazy day for me and Bill but many energetic people went walking either to Cotgrave or along the canal. The lure of the pub meal enticed many back again in the evening. This, of course, was following our traditional “Hot Mulled Wine” so generously provided again by Stella Mary, with nibbles and hot mince pies to keep us warm on another gossipy get together around her ‘van’.
Saturday, our Christmas Dinner, well it doesn’t take all day to make ourselves pretty does it? More retail therapy in Nottingham for some, whilst many either walked or took the bus into Cotgrave. A nice little village with a couple of shops and a hardware store that sell everything. However, more importantly, there is an excellent cafe ( “Grannies”) where we had a delicious lunch.
Our Christmas Dinner in the evening at the local pub with good food and free flowing wine, together with the disco, was a great success. I wonder, why can’t we persuade more men to dance? – thank you to those few who did-. Never mind, we “girls” always enjoy strutting our stuff!!!!!! And it helps the huge meal to go down, doesn’t it?Sunday dawned bright and sunny for the coffee morning and raffle after which we said goodbye to some of our friends, whilst the lure of Nottingham still called to some and the final grand prix of the year couldn’t be resisted by others.
By Monday when we all said ‘good bye’, I think we were unanimous in agreeing we had had another very successful Christmas Rally. Thank you again to Ray and Beryl for all the hard work which goes into finding the venue to suit all our needs and organising the meal and disco for our enjoyment.
It was a very cheery looking rally, with many of the motorhomes lit up and prettily decorated. Perhaps next year we could have a competition for the “best dressed van”!!!!!!!
Phyllis and Bill (1960)
Our Christmas Dinner in the evening at the local pub with good food and free flowing wine, together with the disco, was a great success. I wonder, why can’t we persuade more men to dance? – thank you to those few who did-. Never mind, we “girls” always enjoy strutting our stuff!!!!!! And it helps the huge meal to go down, doesn’t it?Sunday dawned bright and sunny for the coffee morning and raffle after which we said goodbye to some of our friends, whilst the lure of Nottingham still called to some and the final grand prix of the year couldn’t be resisted by others.
By Monday when we all said ‘good bye’, I think we were unanimous in agreeing we had had another very successful Christmas Rally. Thank you again to Ray and Beryl for all the hard work which goes into finding the venue to suit all our needs and organising the meal and disco for our enjoyment.
It was a very cheery looking rally, with many of the motorhomes lit up and prettily decorated. Perhaps next year we could have a competition for the “best dressed van”!!!!!!!
Phyllis and Bill (1960)