Pheasant chatter edition 2 2015

Pheasant Chatter Edition 2 2015

Perth & Angus DA Newsletter The Camping and Caravanning Club

Contents Editors welcome Chairperson's pitch Catch up with what we’ve been up to ...

CCY and Junior Youth What have we got to look forward to ...

Web-wise and App-aware Going logo!!

Perth & Angus DA Committee Members & Officer Bearers 2015

Editors welcome: Lesley Montgomery Email: padaeditor@gmail.com Telephone: 07718 006 606 Welcome to the second edition of Pheasant Chatter 2015.

In this edition, catch up with what we have been up to in the last few months.

Remember this is your newsletter. Do you have some news for your fellow members? Do you want to share any anecdotes or photos from out on the field? Have you found some gadget that your fellow campers just can’t live without? If you do, please send it to me at the email address above.

If you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter by email, please send me you name and email address. If not, look out for it on the website - www.perthandangusda.co.uk Thank you to everyone who has submitted a article for this edition.

Happy camping!

Lesley

Chairperson’s pitch: Phil Grant Email: carriston@btinternet.com Telephone: 07403 572 627

We have once again been very busy and successful in 2015.

Our AGM was a great start to the year with over 50 members in attendance. We followed our meeting with a great social on Saturday night. Members young and old enjoyed our evening of ten pin bowling and go-karting. I look forward to more of the same at next years AGM.

As you gather from this article I was elected as chairman again this year, a position I hold with great pride in such an enthusiastic and forward thinking DA. I attended our booked meet at Cairnsmill which was again a great success and remains a booked event.

Our joint THS with Scottish region was very busy and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the venue. This is a brand new site with a hall onsite and a great place in Pitlochry to explore. We are currently looking for someone to make this THS their own, as again we struggle for stewards. Many of our committee are young and work full time. This gives us the advantage of youth and enthusiasm but gives us the problem of not having many retired people who can maybe commit their time to helping run our meets or THSs. If you would like to help in any way, please contact us, we need your help.

Our Scottish Region Meet was again bursting with happy campers. We were taken to the wire with this years inter DA competition and were relieved to be crowned champions again.

Congratulations to everyone else for their efforts in such a close run competition.

This year saw me complete my second Jean Stewart Walk which was a real test. The weather was at best horrible but we conquered it and had a fantastic BBQ at night under a home made shelter which kept the rain at bay.

The youth again surprised me with their boundless energy and no surrender attitude.

I look forward to the next challenge with them!

Our THS at Montrose attracted 70 units and our stewards received so many positive comments on our web-page due to their friendly nature.

I was invited to the working party of the National Youth Rally this year at North Berwick and the ensuing meet was one of the highlights of my camping life!

To see so many youth from all over the country conduct themselves so well was truly astounding and again made me think how happy I am that Rhiannon will one day be part of this.

As I spend even more time helping with youth events it has made me think that this may be the direction I would love to go with the club. It is great to get the chance to be a kid again and gives me renewed energy going forward.

Our two summer THSs this year have been very successful .

Aberfeldy has become consistently busy and has seen a great revival over the last three years. Well done to all involved.

North Berwick was again busy as always, which is not surprising due to the beautiful surroundings and almost private beach. Again a massive thanks to all the people who help organise this THS. Dalkeith again increased their numbers this year with a busy outing to the military tattoo and a fantastic ceilidh.

I have also been camping at Leven which is only two miles from my home. A great weekend with Chinese takeaway on Friday evening consumed in our heated party tent. Saturday saw us walk to Lower Largo harbour and the weather was lovely. We had a mass BBQ on Saturday again consumed in the party tent. We return to Leven later this year and next year sees us run a week long meet in May. Our website is continuing to get many hits and is invaluable as a tool for accurate up to date information. Huge thanks to John for updating our page constantly!

Again I would like to say a massive thanks to our committee and all our helpers who keep giving our members fantastic holidays and weekends away.

I will hopefully see you all soon and look forward to more memorable weekends and holidays.

Phil Grant

www.perthandangusda.co.uk

Catch up with what we’ve been up to ...

Easter Meet, Pitlochry Recreation Ground (Joint THS with Scottish Region) What a great meet. A totally relaxing fortnight.

There were over 100 units camping by the river and in walking distance (over the ‘shooglie’ bridge) to Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

We enjoyed sampling the hospitality at the pub just over the river a few times!

The bustling town was a 5 minute walk away, with lovely shops and cafes.

The site is on the recreation ground which was lovely and flat. We were even treated to a couple of games of rugby.

The Pavilion was available for socialising and we enjoyed games nights and even a wee sing-song.

The kids enjoyed looking for eggs and Ralph the Rabbit, Phil the Chick and Ted the Panda enjoyed joining in with t he Easter shenanigans.

The weather was great for us apart from a couple of rainy days, enabling us to all get together for communal BBQs. Julie Watson

Balhomais Farm, Aberfeldy Aberfeldy started on Saturday 6th June and finished on 28th June.

We had a steady stream of caravans and motor homes for the 3 weeks, some people staying a few days, some staying a couple of weeks. The weather was good for most of the 3 weeks. It did rain some of the time but mostly in the night. It did not last long.

We thought we would have our coffee morning in the Pheasants Rest but the sun came out so we had it outside the Pheasants Rest on the Sunday morning.

We had all the usual events taking place over the three weeks. The on-site entertainment centre (The Pheasants Rest) was well attended during the week for our bingo and quiz and games evenings.

Saturday 13th June we had our Bi-annual Miss Aberfeldy (only open to the lads). Our 8 contestants were a joy to behold. In the dressing room just before the ladies were to go on stage we had a little pep talk, things like keeping your legs together when on stage, etc. It reminded me and the other ladies that were helping (the lads into ladies) that it looked like a 1950 anti-natal clinic (I leave it up to your imagination).

We have our new Miss Aberfeldy for 2015.

In reverse order : 3rd place Miss Laid (Ian McConnell) 2nd place Miss Angelina (Des Nicoll) and our winner ...

1st place Miss Conareta (Connor Bell, age 9)

Saturday 20th June. Our Scottish evening at Camserney Hall was a great success, it was very well attended. Our accordion player Gary Sutherland was fantastic. He had us all up dancing; even the people that did not know the dance steps were up enjoying themselves.

We did not have our youth up this year but every one that was there did enjoy themselves.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a sad farewell to Norrie Lovell who passed away this April. He was part of the work party at Aberfeldy.

A very hard worker, could put his hand to most things and did help me when I was stuck. He was sadly missed at Aberfeldy this year.

This year we decided to give a donation to Cornhill Macmillan Centre, where Norrie had his last days.

We raised ÂŁ250.00 for the hospice by selling blankets, a raffle and donations. I would like to thank all our campers for their kind donations.

Thanks to Dewar’s Whisky and the Co-op for their donations also.

Steve and I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thanks to all the stewards for their hard work and help before and during Aberfeldy.

They are Sandy Lovell, Irene and Thom McIntosh, Ian McConnell and Liz Shepherd. If I have forgotten to thank any one please forgive me.

Steve and Nancy Ruck

The CCY and Junior Youth ...

Jean Stewart Walk On the weekend of 15th to 17th May 2015 our youth took part in the annual Jean Stewart walk.

Our base for the weekend was the Camping and Caravan Club site at Luss from where we left on Saturday morning. We travelled through Ardgarten to the start of the walk and set off in the sunshine.

There were seven youth, five leaders and our very own Chairman, Phil Grant, who was joining us for a second year.

Phil had purchased a new, bigger rucksack for this year’s walk that was again full to bursting with every essential that you need for an overnight adventure and Phil being Phil quite a few things more.

After a few hours walking we stopped for lunch and retreated into the forest to take shelter from the high winds. We found a lovely spot beside a stream from where we could get water to cook and refill water bottles. Most of us enjoyed a very tasty lunch, some even cooked up hot soup. But I think that stop will be forever remembered for when Debbie squeezed sun cream onto her sandwich thinking it was mayonnaise.

After lunch we pressed on to Lochgoilhead to find our camping ground.

It had rained on and off, but nothing of significance. However, on arrival we found the usual camp site was waterlogged. Good camping ground was sparse so Phil and I approached the Scout Leader at the National Activity Centre and after explaining our predicament, he allowed us to camp within the grounds and make use of all the associated facilities.

The rain seemed to go on for hours before the break in the weather allowed us to set up a temporary shelter made from tarpaulins that we had brought and to get our stoves on for supper.

We all enjoyed a hot meal, roasted bananas with chocolate, and of course s’mores.

Everyone stayed up to enjoy the camp fire and only retired once the embers had died down.

After a rain soaked night, we woke to grey skies but no rain.

That allowed us a leisurely pack up, and we made use of the centres drying rooms to dry our equipment before it was packed away.

A hearty breakfast was consumed to set us up for the days walk, and boy was it needed. The walk was uphill from the start and we kept climbing until after lunch. To make matters worse it started to rain and didn’t stop until we were almost at the finish.

After a brief stop on the plateau where we made use of the storm shelters to make a hot drink and refuel, we made the short decent back down to the meeting point, and finished the walk in glorious sunshine.

This was a very challenging walk, but a very enjoyable experience, and one that will be remembered not just for the sights and the smell of the bonfire but also for the taste of sun block sandwiches – isn’t that right Debbie?

Nick Groome-Vine Youth Leader

National Youth Rally, Scoughall Farm, North Berwick This year Scottish Region hosted the National Youth Rally at Scoughall Farm, North Berwick. Thirty-one youth from our region were joined by youth from eight other regions and special guests all the way from Holland for a fun filled weekend. The weekend started off with a trip to Fox Lake for wake boarding and time on the ropes course, followed by a café tea back on site, laser tag and a bonfire and music on the beach whilst waiting for friends to arrive from other regions.

Saturday morning started very wet! Everyone huddled together in the café marquee in hope that the weather would dry up soon.

We were in luck!

By 11 o’clock the sun was shining, the field was dry and the football and netball competitions were in full swing.

Unfortunately our football team was knocked out early on but the netball team made it to the final and went on to beat Yorkshire 6-5!

The afternoon started off with bouncy castles, a bungee run, surfing, more laser tag and bubble zone football. And then the volleyball tournament began. Our youth made it to the second final of the day!

They played their best but after a close final just missed out on first place. Still a great result!

Next was the opening ceremony; where 192 youth were led to the stage by an amazing pipe band and the freshly painted tractor.

Heather McIlraith and Ryan Martin did an amazing job of the opening ceremony. Euan Johnstone hypnotised people live on stage, including Ann Dearling, the club chairman, and Billy Martin.

Our dance crew then impressed us all with an amazing performance.

To top off an outstanding day of results for Scottish Region, Keana Thomas won the National Certificate of Achievement!

Saturday night was a success with a free barbeque followed by a silent disco and pirate themed fancy dress.

The bonfire and beach party that came later was a hit with everyone!

Sunday morning began and so did the Austin Trophy events. Scottish Region got off to a flying start with Ryan Martin winning the primus stove race.

In the end they were pipped to the post by a margin of only three points!

Second place again!

All in all a fantastic weekend had by all. Scottish Region youth made us all very proud!

Sarah Ronson

www.perthandangusda.co.uk

What have we got to look forward to? ...

Perth & Angus DA AGM Saturday 5th March 2016 11.30am 208 Hotel, Crieff Road, Perth

Look out for the next Pheasant Chatter or check out our webpage for next years fixtures

www.perthandangusda.co.uk

Letters to the Editor ...

Through the newsletter, I'd like to say a big thank you to those who came to our aid when Charlie took ill at Dalkeith, especially Marion and George Kirk and Gill and Mike Wild who were excellent in getting us and our unit home.

At last Charlie is beginning to show an improvement but it is going to take time.

Thank you all again.

Charlie and Ingrid Hill September 2015

Feedback received through the website ...

Comment: Hi We are from the Lune Valley DA and have just spent six wonderful days at the Montrose Rally with the Perth & Angus DA. We had a warm welcome and the hospitality was second to none.

We would like to say a big thanks to the stewards Ralph and Archie who looked after us tremendously.

Thanks for a great rally.

Kev & Val Well done ALL who helped make this a great meet Well done to all who helped steward

Web wise ...

You can follow Perth & Angus DA through our web page: www.perthandangusda.co.uk Keep up to date with the latest news from your DA. This was particularly useful last year when one of the roads to one of our meets was closed. The webmaster was contacted and immediately alerted our followers through the website, sending notifications to their email addresses. Do get this, you need to register through our web page:

log on to the website click the pheasant to enter the site select the + Follow icon at the bottom right corner

App aware ...

App for Iphone or Android If you would like to have the PADA app on your device click the link at the bottom of the home page from your device. The app will not automatically update but does give you all the information to hand.

Going Logo!!

Looking for our DA merchandise?

Polo Shirt Sweatshirt Hoodie Zoodie (Hoodie with zip) Waterproof jacket

£12 £14 £19 £22 £42

Kids hoodie

£12.85 (up to 13 years)

Names £1.20 for adults and £1 for kids up to 13 years Speak to Iolanda who has kindly offered to take orders.

Kilts The Scotland Kilt Company Unit 1 Bonnington Business Centre 106 Jane Street Edinburgh EH6 5HG Telephone: 0131 553 3472 Web: http://www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk/ The tartan you are looking for is ‘Pride of Scotland’ Any queries speak to Sarah Martin

Perth & Angus DA Committee Members & Officer Bearers 2015 www.perthandangus.co.uk Chairman / Sites Secretary Phil Grant, 3 Law View Gardens, Bonnybank, Leven KY8 5SW Telephone: 07403 572 627 Email: carriston@btinternet.com Vice Chairman / Web Master John Johnstone, 43 Kippielaw Road, Dalkeith, Mid Lothian EH22 4BZ Telephone: 0131 6542327 07889 126 028 Email: john.johnstonr@tesco.net

Secretary / Notes to Magazine / Deputy Rep to Region Sarah Martin, Coralbank, Dunkeld Road, Bankfoot, Perth PH1 4AJ Telephone: 01738 787028 07912 964 801 Email: sarahmartin@padasec.fsnet.co.uk

PRO Eddie Wright, 1 Lochard Cottages, Kinlochard, Stirling FK8 3TW Telephone: 01877 387311 07836 569 266 Email: elwright@tiscali.co.uk Committee Member Archie Davidson, Burgie, Largo Road, Leven KY8 4TA Telephone: 01333 427818 Email: archied47@mail.com

Rep to Region / Web Master Chris Johnstone, 28 Burnside Road, Gorebridge, Mid Lothian EH23 4EU Telephone: 07792 256 430 Email: chrisjohnstone585@hotmail.com Youth Leader Nick Groome-Vine, 80 Harlawhill Gardens, Prestonpans, East Lothian EH32 9JH Telephone: 07931 682 858 Email: wendygroomevine@gmail.com

CCJ Leader Terry Carter, 10 Woodlands Park, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 8AT Telephone: 07771 745 819 Email: terrycart@gmail.com

Newsletter Editor / Co-opted Member Lesley Montgomery, 4 Innewan Gardens, Bankfoot, Perth PH1 4AL Telephone: 07718 006 606 Email: padaeditor@gmail.com lesley.montgomery4@gmail.com

www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk