AGM–Manawatu Caravan Club Grounds, Foxton, 15-17 July 2016

The weekend long range forecast was not looking good.  It threatened rain, wind and cold temps.  Well we did not get much rain but we sure got wind mainly at night but the temperature was certainly cold with any breeze being lazy by going through you not around. However we survived.

This was our AGM rally and over the last few years it has been held at the Manawatu Caravan Club, simply as the weather can be inclement and they (MCC) allow us to use their hall. however this was not the case this year as the camp had a tornado through the grounds a couple of months ago and caused damage to some of the fences but to the hall as well, so we were not able to use it this year.  The Club (MCC) to their credit arranged for us to use the Bowling Club Rooms next door for our meeting, and this worked out very well.  we even had two interlopers but they did not say much.

There was to be a Birthday Party later on in this room – This was for Photos.

AGM in progress

We had a good turnout for the AGM with only one member unable to attend due to family duties overseas.

As there was no meeting hall for social functions we really indulged ourselves and had two meals out, Friday night at the bowling Club (would had been rude not to) and another meal out on the Saturday night at the Foxton RSA.  Both meals were not only enjoyable but economically priced as well.

The vans that braved the cold

I came across the following (Towing Guide) so thought that I would pass it on for those that tow, although you probably know the contents of this document it is a friendly refresher for us all.  I know it is Australian and some of the speed limits and weights are different but the basics are the same. If when you click on this link and it does not work because you do not have flash player loaded you can download  Adobe Flash Player for free from here. If you are using Google Chrome as your browser Flash Player is built in so should work.

Towing Guide  (Any problem please contact me – Robin)

Safe travels to all and see you at the next rally – Paekakariki Holiday Park, 12 – 14 August 2016

Mid-Year Luncheon–Fishermans Table, Paekakariki - 1 July 2016

As it seamed a long time between rallies it was decided to have a lunch organised for the club and the Fishmans Table was the most suitable for everyone.

There was a good turnout with only two members unable to attend due to being overseas or otherwise alredy booked up. It was thought that Bill & Barabara who are long standing members who we do not see much of these days should be invited.  It was very pleasing that they were able to attend. Therefore there was a lot of catching up done.

The group tucking in

The view out the front window of the restaurant

It was a good outing and thanks to Jenny who organised the lunch and the location, which was also a success.

See you at the AGM Rally at the Manawatu Caravan Club Campground on 15,16,17 July 2016.

Palmerston North Holiday Park, 13-15 May 2016

For this rally there was a very good turnout with 8 vans on site and one member in a motel unit. So 9 members out of a maximum of 11 is a good result. It was great to have Elaine & Peter our founding life members with us for the weekend, it was sure good to have you in our midst again. Hopefully you can do it again shortly.

Unfortunately because of the layout of the camp it was not possible to get photo of all the vans in one shot, but the following picture shows some of those who attended.

The most important function of the weekend was to have a Special General Meeting of the club to make some necessary changes to our rules. These changes were ensure the rules more accurately reflect the way the club now operates and to correct an anomaly that if not changed could of incurred additional expense for the club. The meeting went off very smoothly with all changes agreed too. The changes have now been submitted to the Incorporated Societies to be agreed to and approved.

Saturday afternoon we all went for a stroll through the gardens next door which had nice flat boardwalks, which were mobility scooter friendly, its just a pity some of the navigators did not know where they were going and took the long way around. We however did all end up at the café where some had ice creams (some made a mess of themselves), others coffee and cakes. There was also a major distraction for our vice president, see below.

 

That night we had a quiz which overall none of us did very well at, enough said. Sunday dawned fined and most  left before lunch, although a few did stay as they had other things to do while in the area.

A very good rally and hopefully we will see you at the next one at Himatangi Holiday Park on Queens Birthday weekend

Raumati Beach School, 22–25 April 2016

As it was school holidays we were able to start the rally a little earlier than normal when at a school.  So it was around about midday on Friday when most arrived.

Turnout was a bit smaller than the club would have liked for our first rally at a new venue but the six vans that did turn up had a great time. Those that could not come missed a good rally.

The Fabulous Six

We had the use of a huge hall, which was very useful as the nights are closing in a lot sooner now, and cooling down quicker as well.

On Saturday the Hurricanes were playing the Chiefs at the Westpac Stadium so Bill and Val, Glenys and Dennis, Lorraine and Charlie, and Robin all armed with “Gold Cards” took the train into Wellington and then walked up to the stadium. Dennis and Glenys managed to score two free tickets so that was them organised, Robin nearly got a free ticket to the corporate area but that was given to someone else when the giver realised Robin was part of a group. It was a great night out and the trip both ways in the train was very entertaining. Pity the Hurricanes lost by one point.

Just before Kick Off

The local Kapa Haka group were using the hall on Sunday afternoon and some went for a listen. Otherwise we did what we usually do and sat around in the sun and talked. It is amazing what we can talk about.

Sunday was completed by all wandering along the road to the Local Bar “The Boundary” for an evening meal. It just so happens they had roast pork on the menu and the Heretaunga Caravan Club finished the pork off as after our last meal was brought out they rubbed the pork entry off the blackboard. It was yum and good value at $16 each.

Come Monday morning no one went to the dawn service and we all departed before lunch for home.

Kahutara School, 9–11 April, Joint Rally

This rally was hosted by the Wairarapa Caravan Club and although it would seem we have been to this site twice in a row, I have missed out on reporting of two other rallies we have had in the mean time. more on them later.

A very low key rally with 6 vans from each of Wairarapa and Heretaunga Clubs and one from Wainuiomata Caravan Club. The visitor from Wainuiomata was Lynn and Derek Keatley. Derek is the Central Region Rep on the CCNZ Council and he joined us to catch up on any matters that were concerning us and to report back on happenings at the CCNZ.

The vans

The rally followed the normal well proven formula of morning tea and 4zzzes. The rally was very relaxing and a lot of talking, catching up and reminiscing.

The only formal event was a game of disc bowls on Saturday afternoon, which Wairarapa won handsomely. They have obviously had more practise than the rest of us.

Selwyn, Robin and Harry(Wairarapa) – Disc thrown by Robin well short!

It can not go unreported that there were a number, oops and bugger, that happened over the weekend. First Dot and Derek had no house power in their van all weekend, except for a jury rig that Don was able to concoct. So they had at least two lights to see by, but no water pump (so no showers), fortunately the fridge was not effected. Next was Geoff and Eileen lost the use of their automatic satellite dome and in trying rig up an alternative signal, the cable was attached to the wrong terminal which had the effect of disabling half of their lights and short circuiting the power supply for the dome (a replacement dome had already been ordered). Then on the way to the Rally Jenny and Robin had the spat (plastic extension) over the right hand front wheel arch become dislodged by the wind on the Rimutaka Hill road (it had been previously damaged) which had to be removed to prevent further damage.

Robin removing the wheel arch spat before it gets ripped off

The outcome is that Derek sought advice and then remembered how to reset the house power supply, so all is good again in their van. On investigation Geoff found that a fuse had blown and when replaced suddenly there was light but the power supply is beyond repair. Robin is waiting for the panel beater to repair the mudguard under insurance.

A report on the rally at Lutz farm and the Easter rallies are posted below

NZMCA Rally & Levin Holiday Park–Easter 24–29 March 2016

The club had two rallies over the Easter break with three of the club attending the NZMCA Easter AGM rally at the Levin A&P showground's and the rest of the club attending the other rally at the Levin Holiday Park.

I unfortunately do not have any photos from the rally at the holiday park, so can only report that they went for a meal on the Saturday night at the Levin Cosmopolitan Club, They visited the NZMCA rally and vice versa.

The NZMCA Rally had approx 650 vans in attendance and was extremely well run, with seating for everyone for the entertainment every night, trade displays, raffles, courtesay coaches, pet parades and childrens programmes all being provided.

  Just one of our vans – we were too spread out to capture altogether.

The NZMCA rally impressed one or two other of our members they are planning to attend the next one in Nelson which will be at the end of February next year.

Our Speeders at the trade display, NZMCA Rally

Golf Cake–Lutz Farm Rally

Glenyis provided a very nice fruit cake at this rally and a number wanted to know the recipe. Well here it is:

1kg mixed dried fruit
2 cups of orange juice

Mix and leave 3 – 4 hours

Then stir in:

2 cups of S.R. flour
1tspn cinnamon

Bake 180 degrees for 1hr 20mins, then reduce to 160 degrees for 30mins