Benimar Owners’ Club Magazine Issue No. 6 July 2002
EDITORS COLUMN MEMBERS’ LETTERS ACCEO MATTERS STEVES TIPS BENIMAR TAKEOVER MEMBERSHIP A PARROT JOKE THOUGHTS ON IRELAND CHAIRMANS CHAT RALLY REPORT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY ADVERTS
Having survived a very wet and windy 3 weeks in Ireland, and 2 weeks hard walking in Andorra with Ramblers Holidays things are getting back to normal (whatever that is).
Judy and I returned from Andorra late Saturday night and drove over (in the car) to the Lincoln Show to catch up with a few members. We had 26 vans rallying and they seemed to be having a great time despite the weather doing its usual. Many people said what a great job Graham and Chris did marshalling - well done to both of you.
The big story of the moment is the takeover of Benimar by Trigano - see elsewhere in this issue.
Celia tells me she has had calls from members from all over Europe (mainly because they have forgotten their membership numbers and want to re-insure their ‘van.) If you travelling to interesting places - why not write to the editor and share your experiences with your fellow members?
We have one or two rallies being organised by members. We should be looking ahead to 2003. Do you know of a suitable site that you would be willing to marshal? If so let Roy know to slot it in the Diary.
That reminds me that I am intending to send out issue 2 of the Handbook with this Magazine and that includes Rally rules and what is expected of marshals.
The next issue is due out by the end of September, so input to me by 20th September please.
RonSmith
Thanks
and Sorry
Moya & Dave Warner
We would like to say “Thankyou” to Geoff and Jane Perry, for their warm
welcome they extended to us at the Peterborough Show. Thanks also to the two
Pauls from BCS in Herne Bay for telling us about the club when we put our
order in for our Benimar, and for pointing us in the right direction at the
Show. We felt quite privileged to have celebrated the Club’s 1st birthday
with you all. Sorry that we couldn’t join you for the BBQ. Despite the
weather we enjoyed our day and managed to make a few purchases for our new
home when it is ready - can’t wait. Hope to catch up with some more of you
in the near future.
Diodes
Abroad
Chris Mellor
Congratulations on issues 4 and 5 of the Newsletter, the breadth and depth
of the various features improves with each issue.
We purchased our Anthus LG in May 2001, our first motorhome after a trailer
tent and folding camper. Overall we have been very pleased with the service
provided by the team at RDH.
“More J4 recollections” reminded me of our most severe test so far which
was last summer in Koblenz when the red battery warning light came on,
indicating no charge to the vehicle battery. At first the fault was
intermittent and did not appear when the squeaky clean German mechanic
(courtesy of AA Safeguard) arrived in his squeaky clean Mercedes Van full of
high tech kit. “If is not broken, I cannot fix” was his parting message.
We contacted RDH and Steve said that he was aware of some recent problems
with the connection to the diode between the starter motor and the split
charge unit beneath the vehicle (a Benimar modification). Two days later,
driving from Germany through Luxemburg into France, the red light
reappeared, this time permanently. After a brief stop for fuel, the engine
started fine so we pressed on, thinking that when we stopped for lunch, we
could make it to France (our French is better than our German) and to a
service station on the autoroute with a cafe and shops etc (thinking that
this was a better place to be stranded than by the roadside).
Of course after lunch near Metz, Beni would not start so we called the AA.
After about 90 minutes a stocky French mechanic in a Renault appeared with
jump leads in hand, refusing to listen to anything we offered in French,
English or in diagramatic form. He did agree to speak to Steve who, together
with others at RDH, attempted to get the mechanic to understand diodes, etc.
The last straw was the mechanic wielding his club hammer at the starter
motor (to no effect). In the end we all gave up and the mechanic jump
started the vehicle. At least we were able to move on to our next campsite
near Paris. On the following day (a Saturday) Steve made himself available
again but was not needed as a 2nd French mechanic diagnosed the problem as a
broken diode (current passed both ways), which he removed and then connected
the vehicle battery directly to the alternator (ie disconnecting various
leads from the split charge unit and leaving the leisure battery to be
charged from the solar panel and/or mains charger). We lost the 12volt
operation of the fridge as a result of the modification, but at least we
could now get on with our holiday .
RDH replaced the diode and rewired the electrics on our return to the UK. I
subsequently learned from the AA that the last place to breakdown in France
is at a Service Station on the autoroute as the mechanics who attend are
apparently financially motivated to get you off their patch as quickly as
possible - they get a much better hourly rate from the French Police than
they get from the motoring organisations!
We are really grateful for the support from RDH and particularly Steve who
was particularly helpful.
More
on Tyres and Locker Doors
- Chris Mellor
The Fiat campaign note on tyre pressures was an excellent item to include in
the Newsletter. It should be noted that the pressures quoted do not apply to
all Maxi chassis vehicles. Our Anthus is uprated to 3850kg and has 215/75
R16C tyres rated at 5.5BAR in the Fiat handbook and on the door pillar, but
with no mention of this tyre size in the Benimar instruction manual (section
19). RDH may have amended this in later manuals as I did inform them.
In response to Graham Lewis (Issue 5) we have had one overhead locker door
break at the bend in Germany (is that the bend as you come out of Frankfurt,
just before the airport? - ed) last summer (after 2 months)
. A temporary fix with a steel bracket was fine and RDH replaced the door.
The other doors are fine.
La Manga Update
Harry & Dinah Wakerley
Great to see the mag going from strength to strength. Glad to read that all
of you who made it to Peterborough had what appears to have been a great
time, but as usual it seems that Peterborough was not uneventful.
We could not attend unfortunately due to pressures of w... wo..wor. work
(got it out eventually).
Anne and Ian Robb’s email brought a smile to our faces, I am sure if
anybody was observing them cycling frantically waving their arms at a
receding motorhome they would have probably thought the worst - “Have they
had their motorhome nicked and are giving chase? - glad to say that was not
the case. But back to the email, sorry Anne and Ian it was not us (FE51YEB)
although we wish it were - sunshine, blue skies, traffic free roads, ah
well. No, unfortunately I was at w... wo.. oh what the hell WORK.
Hope we run into you at La Manga, or anywhere else for that matter, perhaps
next year, but we will keep our eyes peeled for waving cyclists.
We did make it to Spalding for the flower festival, staying at the Gleed
Girls School field. Met Brian (sorry Bry didn’t get your surname) in the
only other Benimar in attendance. Brian has had his van for 2 years and
joined the club at Peterborough. Can we say a big welcome to him and all new
and future members. (We have 5 Brians in the Club so I can’t surmise who
it was - Ed)
We like the Members Letters letting us know all about the mods/alterations
that they have carried out on their vans. Thanks once again for a great mag
and all the hard work that goes into it.
To
MOT or not to MOT
Chris Mellor
The plated weight of our motorhome is 3850kg. It’s taxation class is
“Private HGV”, the model/type is “2 axle rigid body motorhome”. The
tax is £165 per year and the vehicle was first registered on 29th May 2001.
The vehicle license reminder states that a MOT certificate is required from
29th May 2002. The road tax expired on 30th April so we have been able to
tax it for this year, but there will be problems next year.
After several happy hours being passed from pillar to post by the DVLA, the
vehicle inspectorate and my local taxation office, I am reasonably happy
that a MOT certificate is not required until the 29th May 2004 (but have
nothing in writing). But it does appear that the guidance on the vehicle
license reminder is incorrect (try explaining this to the clerk at the Post
Office) and the DVLA have no plans to correct this error. I realise that
there has been a recent letter on the subject in MMM but the solution seems
to come down to the goodwill of the local taxation office rather than the
DVLA admitting that they have made a mistake and rectifying the error.
I wonder if any other “weight challenged” Benimar owners can help me
find a solution?
Heki
Beware
Geoff Perry
A few weeks ago, when closing the Heki rooflight in my Benimar I realised
that there was something wrong. The window did not pull down square with the
frame. Sure enough, 2 of the 3 hinges had broken. I did manage to close it
so there was no immediate problem.
To keep a fairly long story short, the van was booked in with RDH for the
repair plus some other little jobs. On the due day we left the van with RDH
and proceeded to Nottingham. Fairly soon we received a telephone call to say
that the Heki would need to be replaced as the hinges were an integral part
of the frame, and also, the work was not covered under the warranty. A new
unit would cost in excess of £500 but we were “lucky” as they had a
spare frame in their workshop which had been left over from a repair to one
of their hire vans, and it would only cost £300. It seems strange that such
an item is not covered by the warranty; something I shall be checking in the
small print. Anyway I agreed to have the work done. The renewal was
completed and works OK.
We then went to the Midsummer Music Festival where, browsing through the
various stands I spied a Heki, the same as the one on the van, for £245
complete. Further browsing revealed another stall with the same for £225 .
I returned to RDH concerned about the price that I had paid and was informed
that the units were provided through Benimar and the price quoted was from
the their retail price list .
The main reason for writing this note is to let you know that the hinges do
need lubricating. Mine probably failed because it had not been operated very
many times and grime etc had seized the hinges such that when the window was
opened the hinges did not move but snapped off the frame.
Apparently some hinges are all plastic, and some contain metal parts.
Vaseline is a suggested lubricant.
Bird
Talk
Merlin
To all Benimar Owners who have contributed to my money-box, thanks to you
and many other generous people I have raised £119.40 so far this year for
the World Parrot Trust.
Many thanks.
To the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers
Onward Benimar Owners
Rallying as we go
From Scotland to the South Coast
Driving to and fro
Onward Benimar Chairman
Ron and wife Judy
Oh! what has he started
We will wait and see
Onward Tim and Honor
Barbecue King and Queen
Wasn’t that the best grub
That you’ve ever seen?
Onward Benimar weather gods
Gloucester Beryl and Den
Easter time lovely
We’ll be back again
Onward Benimar Treasurer
Pip and Merlin too
Give us all your money
We’ll make it work for you
Onward Benimar Secretary
A job that really suits her
Writing cards and making lists
On her steam computer
Onward Benimar Owners
Here's to all the rest
You may not get a mention
But you are some of the best
Anon
Acceo
Matters is the name of the magazine that ACCEO
publish 3 times a year. Personal Members receive each issue through the
post, so next year, when we are all automatically Personal members we will each
receive our own copy.
In the meantime the Club receives a few copies. The Spring issue arrived in June
(so they are a bit behind schedule).
The Club was mentioned in the Membership report as the only new Club since the
last issue.
A cautionary tale :-
There
are a couple of articles regarding the Herald Owners Club. Heralds started in
1993, and the Owners Club in August 1994. Herald was taken over by Compass in
1995 and all appeared well, then they merged with other groups to become part of
the Explorer Group. In 2000 Herald Motorhomes ceased and were badged as Compass.
In Oct 2000 the Owners Club changed its name to Compass and Herald Motorhome
Club. In Feb 2001 the club was informed that the vans would no longer be badged
as Compass but Buccaneer. At an Extra Ordinary General Meeting it was decided to
stick with the name Compass and Herald Motorhome Club, but open up membership to
Buccaneers as well.
More recently the club learnt that Explorer Group were looking for a buyer !
I hope that Benimar does not follow a similar path.
The ACCEO AGM will be held at Stratford on
Avon Racecourse on Saturday 12th October 2002 at 2:30pm.
It is most likely that your Chairman will not be able to attend. If there is
member who lives locally and would be willing to represent the Club will they
please let me know.
Currently the following discounts have been negotiated for personal members --
Bakers (Insurance), British Gas Cylinders, Bupa, Martin Kemp (Insurance),
P&O Irish Sea, Norfolk Line, Lattitude (Maps), Jessops (Photograhic), Haynes
Publishing and Specsavers.
If you wish to join ACCEO as a personal member for the remainder of this year,
you can request an application form from :-
ACCEO, Top Barn Business Centre,
Holt Heath, Worcester, WR6 6NH
Tel: 01905 621673.
Problem: Step fails to retract when ignition is switched on.
Likely Reason: Step initiation (limit) switch failure.
Probable Cause: Corrosion by water, salt, road debris etc.
Remedy: Replace limit switch.
Tools Required: Size 2 med Phillips screwdriver, small or long nose pliers.
Method: With ignition turned off, face the step assembly. On the left is the step motor housing. To the rear of the motor housing, find a bracket holding a simple push type on/off switch. This is the switch which initiates and completes the automatic lifting of the step on the ignition.
On top of the switch are 2 female shrouded spade connectors. Using the pliers disconnect these 2. At this point it is possible to test whether the limit switch is definitely at fault. To do this, turn the ignition switch to the “on” position. Take the 2 disconnected wires. One is connected to the chassis (earthed) by means of a screw; disregard this one. The other disappears into black conduit. Take the end of this one, and keeping your hands etc clear of the step mechanism, earth this wire to the chassis (a short length of wire stripped at both ends may help). If, on making the earth connection the step moves upwards, then the switch is definitely at fault.
Turn the ignition off. Take the screwdriver and unscrew the screw which fastens the switch into the bracket. Pull out the faulty switch and discard. Fit the replacement switch into the empty socket, replace the screw and refit the connectors (any way round). Put the step out, turn on the ignition and hey presto! watch the step retract on the ignition for the first time in months.
It is a good idea, at this point, to cover the new switch and connectors in a liberal coating of grease or Vaseline in an attempt to keep the water out. It is worth mentioning that in the worst corrosion cases it will be necessary to replace the connectors and some may even fall apart in your hands. So inspect the job before you start and make sure that you have everything you need to complete the job before you start. Connections and crimping pliers are available from most motor spares shops.
Next Issue: Replacing a rear corner cap/rear lamp cluster surround.
Many thanks to Steve Irvine from RDH for finding the time in his busy schedule to document the above. I am hoping that this will be a regular, and most useful feature in the magazine.
CLUB STICKERS
Vinyl stickers of the club logo suitable for adorning the front and rear of your Benimar. They are 230mm x 170mm (9” x 7” in old money) and are priced at £1 each plus 40p postage and packing per order - from Ron Smith (cheques made payable to Benimar Owners Club).
This
is the press release regarding the purchase of Benimar by Trigano.
Trigano is a large French based group specialising in the Leisure Industry. In
the past Benimar have become very frustrated with FIAT in getting deliveries and
even getting them to reply to phone-calls and e-mails, because in FIAT terms
they are a small customer. One advantage that I see with this buy-out is that
Trigano will have much more influence because of theit size.
There could be other advantages in economies of scale and a
cross fertilisation of designs and ideas. I just hope that the original concept
of high quality, high specification and good value is maintained.
I emailed Trigano with some concerns. There reply was encouraging.
“It is Trigano policy to keep new subsidiaries independent ie. responsible for
their marketing policy. So there is no fear about Benimar future. Anyhow, the
trend for Trigano is to promote better products. With ARCA, Autostar, Autotrail
and Benimar, Trigano owns the best quality for motorcaravans in Europe. This
policy will continue under their own brands and specification” Trigano is the
market leader for motorcaravans in France with 37.7% share (including Challenger
13.4% and Chausson 12.3%). They also own CI (made in Italy) which has 23% share
of the Italian market, 4.6% of the German, 4.1% of the French and 15.5% of the
UK markets.
Trigano also make Caravelair and Sterckman touring caravans and have 39% of the
French market. Their factory at Tournon (Ardeche) produce 7000 caravans
annually.
They market their caravans and motorcaravans through a European network of 400
dealers.
To get more info on Trigano their web site is www.trigano.fr.
I understand that Fernado Ortiz will be the General Manager (he has been with
Benimar for 6 years as Factory Manager responsible for Technical Dept.).
Although Peter Geensen (the previous owner) is leaving his son Mauritts is
staying on as Manager for After Sales and Parts.
Rod has since confirmed that Trigano will continue to supply RDH as the sole UK
importer of Benimar motorcaravans.
A
warm welcome to the following new members :-
John and Diana Betts
Belinda Austin & Richard Flowers
John & Margaret Thompson
Martin & Caroline Wheeler
Richard Hall & Christine Anderson
Diana Woodfin & Andrew Hoggart
Robert & Anne Hemmings
Frederick & Druscilla Allen
Alan & Janet Cox
John & Jenny Wilkinson
Clive & Helen Hughes
Stephen & Judith Alcock
At the last count membership stood at 243 (123 outfits).
Mrs
Brown’s dishwasher stopped working so she called the repairman. Since she had
to go out next day she told him “I’ll leave the key under the mat. Fix the
dishwasher, leave the bill and I’ll send you a cheque. By the way, don’t
worry about my Doberman - he won’t bother you, but whatever you do, do not
under any circumstances talk to my parrot”. When the repairman arrived next
day, he discovered the biggest and meanest looking Doberman he had ever seen.
But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there, watching the repairman going
about his business. However, the parrot drove him mad the whole time with its
incessant yelling, cursing and name calling. Finally the repairman couldn’t
contain himself any longer and yelled “Shut up you stupid, ugly bird”. To
which the parrot replied “Get him Spike”.
Pip Rowe
Having just
returned from Ireland a week early due to 3 weeks terrible weather I pass on a
few thoughts for anyone considering taking their motorhome over there.
Fuel - Diesel is cheap (about 50p / litre.
Roads - terrible, narrow and very bumpy - even the newly repaired ones, where
they lay tar and chippings over whatever is below - so they are just as bumpy
but with the added excitement of flying stones. There is a bit of road building
to modern standards evident, mainly in the east, where they have acquired some
European funding together with civil engineers.
Roadsigns - variable with quite a few beyond the junction. Most distances are in
kilometres now, but some are in miles (and some in Irish miles (whatever they
are). Speed limits are still in mph (I hope).
Drivers - generally slow and courteous
Driving - Nowhere to park or pull-off except for the tourist traps where there
are a few pull offs for coaches. What few laybyes we saw all had height
barriers.
People - very friendly
Sites - variable quality and expensive. Most charge extra for showers by way of
tokens. On one 4 star site near Killarney (Flesk) boasting 24 hr supervision,
there was no one in attendance from 10am till 6.30pm. When we finally got 2
tokens they gave us the wrong ones, then the correct ones resulted in one shower
that didn’t work and the other was cold. Houses & Shops - There appears to
be a national competition to paint your property in the most horrendous colour
scheme possible - most people have entered and seem to have come joint first .
Guiness - is very good.
Food - is expensive (both in the shops and eating out). There are many types of
bread - some of which are edible.
Green - the countryside, apart from the bogs, is very green but with a
surprising lack of flowers.
Radio & TV - Programmes are dire and TV reception iffy. Our holiday
coincided with their general election (it took 10 days to count and recount the
votes, due to their system of counts, eliminations, allocations, recounts and
their inability to do sums). There was saturation coverage of this on all TV and
radio channels. Then when that was over Roy Keane was sent home from the World
Cup and we had 10 days of nothing else!
Conclusion - Ireland is not Motorhome friendly.
Ron Smith
Presentation
I recently made a trip over to RDH to present a framed certificate to Steve Reynolds commemorating his term as our Honorary President. Steve was very pleased with the honour and said he is going to hang it in the office. Look out for it if you visit them.
It was at this visit that Steve told me about the takeover of Benimar by Trigano (see my comments elsewhere in the Magazine).
Benimars on Mercedes chassis Due to Fiats unwillingness to provide Benimar with the extra long wheelbase chassis (for the Top) in Right Hand Drive form, they have built a few units on the Mercedes Sprinter 316 chassis. Although more expensive than the Fiat, by the time Benimar had the Fiat stretched in Spain (cost over £2,000) there is no much difference in price. I have not driven a Mercedes Motorhome and it will be interesting to compare the two (now there’s a plug for a test drive !)
Competition Winner
There was only one entry for the Currency Competition in the last issue. Dave Amende sent in a correct answer of Krona. I shall have to think of a suitable prize I suppose.
Tesco Stores when on the move
When travelling around the UK and you wish to visit a supermarket to replenish supplies, and maybe have a quick meal, it is very difficult to know where they are. If you like Tesco then you will be interested in their “Storefinder Booklet” which is a road map of the UK showing all their stores together with directions on how to reach each one. It also specifies the facilities, Cafe, Petrol, Carwash etc.
If you would like one call at your local Tesco or write to Customer Services, PO Box 73, Baird Avenue, Dryborough Industrial Estate, Dundee, DD2 3TN or freephone 0800 505555. I suppose the other major stores may offer something similar. Does anybody know?
Oldest Benimar Motorhome?
There was an advert in the July MMM for a P reg Benimar Sport 4000 L.. It is LHD converted for UK so I guess it was bought in Spain and now lives in Dorset. Is this the oldest Benimar in the UK I wonder?
Newest Benimar Dealer
Van Bitz in Taunton have been appointed Benimar agency for new sales and servicing for the South West. Existing owners, however, should continue to deal with the dealer from whom the bought their Benimar. If you live in the SW it may be possible to use Van Bitz but please go through RDH or BCS first.
Benimar Top Coachbuilt Motorhome
The Caravan Club have just published their Quality & Reliability Survey on Motorhomes. Out of a total of 25 manufacturers Benimar came 3rd. They were beaten only by Island Plastics who produce the Romahome and New Venture who (I think ) are a small specialist panel-van converter. Nice to know we are ahead of Hymer, Laika, Mobilvetta, Rapido, Pilote, La Strada, Hobby, CI as well as all of the UK built coachbuilt motorhomes.
RDH now EMAG agents
RDH can supply the EMAG fuel saving device for £90 fitted. If you are not satisfied within 6 months you can have your money back (so long as you give back the EMAG unit).
Road Test
In next months issue look out for a road test of the latest Top on a Mercedes chassis. How will it compare with the Fiat?
RonSmith
Lincoln Music & Leisure Show
Graham & Chris Baines (Virgin Rally Marshals for the Show)
Well, the weather wasn’t the best, but the company was great fun. We arrived on Wednesday just after lunch, and though it wasn’t sunny, there was still no sign of the weather to come. After much deliberation and scratching of heads, we finally pegged out the field to take the 23 promised units. Setting off to place the BOC direction signs, the heavens opened and we had to take shelter for 15 minutes. As the rain stopped we were treated to an air display by the Red Arrows as they practised for a forthcoming show. A few other clubs were marking out their pitches, but otherwise it was a quiet and pleasant evening. Not having been to the Lincoln Show before, both the Show site and the allocated BOC area were a pleasant surprise. We had been given an area complete with its own steel shelter, large enough for about 50 people. This became the focal point for our get togethers and the butt of just a few jokes.
Some days prior to the show, we received a call from Lorna and Nichol Thompson offering their help, which was most welcome. Arriving Thursday morning, Nichol quickly assumed the role of “Deputy Marshal” complete with limp, and it wasn’t long before his infectious humour came into play. “I see” he announced in his richly toned, commanding Scottish voice “they had the sense to give us a substantial RON gazebo this time, Ron will have fun taking this one down!”
We had decided to face the units “awnings to the sun”, as the slight breeze was northerly, and therefore coming from the non-fridge side. We shouldn’t have counted our chickens, for soon after the first arrivals, the wind changed direction - you can’t win them all. Units began to arrive on Thursday morning and everything fell nicely into place. We held an impromptu BYO get together in the IRON gazebo that evening. From then on the weather took a turn for the worse and we had a mixture of sunshine, cloud, drizzle, thunder and lightning to entertain us. The Apperleys (Chris & Sue) arrived having coped with 4” of hail on the A1.
A buzz of excitement went round just after Ian and Sylvia arrived and talk of a new water feature spread. We all gathered as Ian busied himself setting up a raised pond, complete with a surround of log roll and filled with broken slate. From the centre a monolithic stainless steel tube rose skywards and on the start of Ian’s generator it produced a cascade of crystal clear water which caressed the tube on it’s return to the pond. (What do you mean, you don’t remember it quite like that!)
The show opened on Friday in mixed weather and the shopping began. Satellite dishes, Navigation systems, flat screen TVs, brushes and plants all returned to the fold, together with a bottle of “Grey Water Tank Freshener”. “Ah” Nichol was heard to comment “twill be fine on ice with a little water”. Saturday threatened rain and culminated in a tremendous thunder storm which luckily cleared in time for the concert. First on were the Memphis Belle Orchestra playing a selection of Glenn Miller hits, followed by the Drifters and the Blues Brros. The Hollies were the star turn and stole the show. Some of us ventured down to the front where the full sound quality could be appreciated, thankfully it wasn’t too loud. The music brought memories flooding back and the evening was a great success.
Sunday morning saw us back in our IRON gazebo for another BYO. Leaflets on some future rallies were distributed together with booklets on “What to do and Where to go in North Yorkshire”. Books were also exchanged. A short video taken of last years York Show Rally by Geoff Follows was kindly donated, this is now in the library and will appear again at subsequent rallies. Bad news for one of our members who had their drivers door lock ‘jemmied’ the night before they came to the show. Good that they came though as Ian’s talents once again came into play while he and others stripped, repaired and did a little panel beating around the lock, requiring just a dab of touch-up paint to complete. Well done all, the BOC triumphs again.
Finally on Sunday just as the sun was setting, another impromptu get together manifested itself at the rear of Anne and Brian’s van. As more chairs widened the circle a lantern placed in the centre lit our glowing faces, Carol Smeaton and her friend Barbara struck out with their own brand of humour and had us all in stitches. Barbara brought out one of her rather oddly shaped ‘candles on a stick’. The attempted lighting of which caused more hysterical amusement until it was ‘time for bed’.
Monday saw the final units leave and we followed just before lunch. Thanks again to all those who made our first marshalling experience so pleasant.
Kent Show (Honor and Tim’s Rally)
Nobody has bothered to send in a report, which is a pity because from what I have heard it seemed to be very enjoyable - Ed.
|
COACHWORKS and CARAVAN REPAIRS
Car & Commercial Body Repairs, Spraying, Welding, Accident and Insurance Repairs
Approved repairer for Benimar Motorhomes and RDH Goods Yard, Station Road, Beeston, Nottingham. Tel: 0115 922 2799 Fax: 0115 967 8008 |
Don’t forget that if you have any personal sales or wants you can advertise in the Newsletter - the cost is just 4 first class stamps.
This issue’s quote (courtesy of Pip).
“It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove any doubt” - Mark Twain.
2002
August 22 - 26 Lewes
Sussex “Cream Tea” Rally
Site on small farm specialising in Mohair wool. Water, CDP and a basic toilet available. Pub within walking distance. Lewes, Eastbourne & Brighton nearby. Newhaven offers day trips to France for foot passengers on HSF (2 ½ hrs)
Fees are £4 per unit/night. Pets allowed.
Cream Tea £1 ahead (day to be arranged).
Scarecrow making contest - any shape or size. Ladies may enter their husbands!
Camp fires/barbecues permitted.
Arrive after 3pm Thursday. Depart before noon Tuesday.
Directions: Going north from Eastbourne towards East Grinstead on A22, turn left towards Deanland Wood Park and turn right into rally field after ½ mile approx.
Marshals - Pip Rowe and Vic Paine
Sept 13 - 15 Shepton Mallett
Motorcaravan & US RV Show
RDH will be there
RDH Service Van will be there
Marshals - Ian & Anne Robb Tel: 07766 382 155
Book direct with Stone Leisure (tel: 020 8302 6150) or use form in Motorhome Monthly.(don’t forget to state BOC area)
Sept 20 - 22 York Northern Motorcaravan Show
RDH will be there
RDH Service Van will be there
Marshals - Ann Pool & Brian Swanson
Tel:
Book by post direct with Warners - use form in MMM (don’t forget to state BOC)
- closing date 27th August
Nov 5 - 10 Earls Court
Caravan & outdoor Leisure Show
Nov Bridgewater Carnival Watch this space !
2003
Jan 10 - 12 Shepton Mallet
Outdoor Leisure Show
Marshals - required
Jan 23 - 26 Manchester
Caravan Show at G-Mex Centre
Feb 15 - 23 NEC
Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show
March 21 - 23 Yorkshire Eden Camp (junction of A64 & A169)
Site is within the Military Museum on hard standing. Toilets but no showers.
Hut available for evening get-together.
Fee is £9 per unit per night and this includes entry to the Museum which is normally £5 per head.
Arrive after 2pm on the Friday, leave by 5pm Sunday
Marshals - Paul and Carol Smeaton
Helpers - required
If you know of a suitable venue for a club rally (the handbook tells you what is expected) and are willing to marshal get in touch with the Event Co-ordinator, Roy Gill, to fit it in the schedule.
It is not too early to be thinking about 2004.
Roy Gill