Confessions Of A Campsite Warden? Or We’ve Reached A Milestone!!

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Sue

motorhomeliving.netWe have some news! We’ve gone over to the other side, and instead of being the camping couple in the RV, we are now Assistant Wardens of a Caravan Park.

The site we opted for is Milestone Park in Cromwell, which is a 5 star site, affiliated to the Caravan Club and only 5 miles from Newark so we are close to our Grandaughter (but not too close)!

The main wardens are Alan and Jean, who along with there crazy dog Ollie, work full-time to our part-time. Ollie is quite famous on the site as he sits next to Alan (the Warden) on the tractor and barks his head off at anyone and anything, making a horn unnecessary!

Milestone is a lovely site with a fishing lake, landscaped gardens and plenty of seating areas to park yourself and enjoy a cuppa. It’s very popular, especially with fishermen and although it is right next to the A1, you rarely notice the traffic noise. The site is protected from the road with a huge grassy bank and is really well planted with bushes and tree. The sunsets over the lake are spectacular!

motorhomeliving.netWe are currently living in the wardens chalet which comes with the job, though we are missing living in the RV as it does seem like home. Of course, it does make a change to have running water and we don’t have to empty the loo!

Sue works happily in Reception most days, apart from her first few days when she kept having problems. Behind Reception lives an African Grey Parrot called Charlie. No problem you would think, haha! He imitates the phone, the forklift truck reversing at the brewery next door and both Alan and Jean talking; very confusing at times.  Of course, Sue is growing to love him (no, you can’t have a parrot Sue!) and spends most Tuesdays having a whistling contest with him.

One of my main tasks is getting out and putting away the storage caravans, which I must say at times is difficult as I have always towed from the rear of a Landrover and here I do it on the front of a small tractor and have to reverse the tractor, pulling the caravans!

Two weeks in and I still can’t get the b***** thing to do what I want it to, grrrrr.

Anyway thats enough ranting for now; tune in later for Confessions of a Campsite Warden in later episodes and visit us here if you dare (biscuits always in the tin)!!

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Awsworth And A Wonderful Grandaughter!!

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Sue
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Baby Ava

So the long Winter haul is over and it’s time to move on to pastures new. For the past 10 weeks or so we have been holed up in our home town of Nottingham awaiting the birth of our Grandaughter Ava who was born on the second of January!  Welcome to the world, Ava!!  We’re sure you’ll all agree she is a beauty; we may be a bit biased!

Our first call this year is not far away; well still in Notts.

Its a new Caravan Club Site in the small village of Awsworth, only a 5 van site, at the back of a organic small-holding with lots of fresh produce for sale. You get a good view over the fields and can watch the farm workers toiling! The owner is very friendly, helpful and talkative.

Next to the site is a well kept pub serving meals and also in the village is a takeaway, a small supermarket and a post office. About a mile away there is a motorhome dealer and about 3 miles away a caravan dealer.

Ikea is only about a mile or so away on a large retail site with lots of other stores such as Decathlon and Next.

We stayed in Awsworth to attend a Retirement Party for Val, the Secretary who worked at Print 4, where I used to work and we enjoyed a great night with lots of food, meeting lots of old friends.

On a new and different note, we are trying something new this year, as we have applied for campsite warden vacancies up and down the country to get a feel for the other side of the fence so to speak (watch this space!)

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Lincoln & Our Last Christmas Market!

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Sue
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Is It A Bird? Is It A Plane...

Off to Lincoln market we go; we thought we were human but seems we take the form of sheep, or so it felt!

We arrive on the Saturday to take in this monster market which runs for four days over the Christmas period; we had been two years earlier and really enjoyed it, so thought a repeat would be in order.

The closest site we could get is six miles out of Lincoln and takes around 45 minutes to do the journey, not bad considering the time of year and it being Saturday.

When we got there for around 9.45 it was quite busy, so we went for coffee and our first

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Camping Field

mince pie (honest) and then stepped out into what was by now a rather busy Lincoln. We were informed by our daughter Emma that she was running a little late on her way to join us (nothing new there then) sorry Em!

Emma texted a little while later to say that the traffic was really bad and we all decided it would be best for all if she went to the park and ride instead of parking in the centre of Lincoln. After queueing for 30 minutes to get in she was not happy to be relieved of £15.00 for the privilege!

After a 10 minute walk from where they parked the car to the bus, they finally arrived in Lincoln at the top of the aptly named ‘Steep Hill’. We hurried up the hill to meet them, along with crowds and crowds of other people.

Halfway up the hill we were magically transformed into sheep and were sent on a magical mystery tour of the outskirts of the castle grounds. Seems they had introduced a one-way system for pedestrians, due the the sheer numbers of people who had decended on Lincoln!

Once we got back to the entrance, loudspeakers informed us that due to overcrowding, the entrance to the castle grounds had been closed temporarily. Lovely!

So off we went round again; as it is impossible to stay still as the force of people moving made it almost impossible to simply stop moving.

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Neighbours!

On the next time round we got in. Hooray, we thought! Wrong – we were shoulder to shoulder all the way along, and could only see the stalls from a distance as it was physically impossible to get near to them.

So all in all Bah Humbug! to this event in future years unless it is extended beyond it’s current 4 days, we will give it a miss.

On the upside, the site we stayed on was lovely. It is on the outskirts of the village of Metheringham; a Caravan Club CL site and is at a small Aviation Museum, in fact our neighbour is a plane – makes a change from the usual caravan.

The site is run by a lovely old couple. We enjoyed talking to them about the museum and local area. The site is a gem of a find at only £7.00 per night with electric, hard standing and heated shower and toilets -”bargain”!

Site details:

Mrs. Z M Scoley
Westmore Caravans
Westmoor Farm
Martin Moor
Metheringham,
Lincoln LN4 3BQ

Tel: 01526 378270

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Old Brampton, Chesterfield

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Sue
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Breath in!

On the way back from Castleton we decided to look up a place where I spent my childhood years in a (then) small village called Dronfield Wooodhouse.  It has changed alot as it is around 20 years since I was last in this area. The whole place seems more compact now but at least I got to show Sue what I got up to in my early years (!!).

Anyway onward and upward; Our next site is in Chesterfield as we are calling on several of my relatives in the area, most of whom I have not seen for years (hello to any of them now following this blog!).

We chose a site in Old Brampton under the name of DIP Enterprises.  We looked it up on google maps, using streetview, but couldn’t find the entrance.  We were told by the owner that lorries take a wide swing, but are fine getting in as it is double gates.

Well I think you know by now what’s coming; Sue saw the entrance and said no way, and I motorhomeliving.netmust admit it also crossed my mind, but thought we would give it a try.  After practically a three point turn and holding up the traffic for a while we were finally lined up, a whisker fit at about 2 inch either side and the wing mirrors skimming the top of the gate posts – we were in.

The point to remember here is we are 2 inches wider than a double decker bus and not lorry size!

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Old Brampton Caravan Site

The site itself is nice, on the level and has a mass of chickens, horses and pigs.  The only let down is the so called “toilet and shower” which is shall we say more suited to the boys and a no-go zone for Sue, as at it’s most basic is a painted 1960′s wooden shed (most quaint).  Although you are well away from the road and nestled under the trees, there are quite alot of cars whizzing down the drive.  The owner’s are friendly and helpful.

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Losehill Caravan Site, Castleton

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Sue
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That Hill!

Whilst in the area decided to call into the main Caravan Club site in Castleton.  This site is really well set out, each bay having two or three caravans together, all shrouded by trees with a windy road so each van is at an angle so you are not looking into each other’s windows; a lovely touch.  The Wardens were quick and very efficient!

We were told we could pick our spot so drove round till we picked what we thought was our perfect position away from the road and settled in.

All went well till it got dark and whilst I was making dinner Sue suddenly burst into fits of laughter. Turns out her entertainment is set for the next few nights; we are parked directly in in front of the gents toilet so from then on every bloke was ticked off bad or good for washing his hands after using the urinals, as the  windows were in front of us at chest height, with no blinds.

The next day we ventured into the nearby village of Hope along a lovely walkway to see a

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Reception

small range of shops but nothing to rave about.

The same evening we walked into Castleton, as the shops this time of year stay open late and they are all lit up Christmas. Unfortunately we felt that the majority of the shops stocked the same things, particularly the local stones.  We know that it’s a product of the area, but felt that it wasn’t necessary for all of them to stock it.  Variety is the spice of

life!  After our bit of retail therapy we fell into one of the many pubs in the village!

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Losehill Caravan Park

Left Sue hard at it next day and went off to exolore on the bike.  I headed for Winnets Pass; a very steep winding hill.  Managed most of it but had to walk the last bit, think it was too much beer last night. The view from the top was well worth the effort.

Lovely site though, would definitely go there again!

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Beech Croft Farm

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Sue
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Smile Please!

After being asked to leave the site at Bakewell we found another site not too far away, phoned up and spoke to a lovely bloke called Chris. He assured us we would be welcome on site and that he would reserve a big pitch for us straight away. Excellent!

Chris is a general do-it-all type like me and was looking after the site and farm for the owners whilst they were away on holiday. On the plus side for us, he used to own a RV and now has a fifth wheeler = plenty of stuff to chat about. We can’t praise him enough for his welcoming, can do attitude; the owners need to hang onto him!

All the pitches hard standing, very large with plenty of space between you and the

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Chris & The Sheep!

next unit plus on terraces so you’re not looking right at each other. Each pitch has a light and a tap at the electric hook-up point; really well thought out!  The biggest pitches have room for up to a 34 footer, so if like us you have a big van or an RV, you will be welcome here!

This site, I can definitely say, is one of the best we have stayed on. The owners have recently invested
£400,000 on upgrading it to a very high standard and it shows!  The purpose built shower and toilet block has under-floor heating throughout and even a unisex loo and shower section so you never have to wait for a shower – clever! There’s even a launderette and everything is kept immaculately.

As this is a farm site you will see plenty of sheep around and I’m told that lambing season will be in the Easter holidays so the site will definitely be packed then.  They also have three little friendly goats whose names have escaped me for now lol.

This is the first year they have stayed open over winter and by the number of vans coming and going, it certainly won’t be the last.  Lucky for us, because we’ll definitely be back!

Take a closer look at this site:

Site Details

Beech Croft Farm Caravan Park
Blackwell
Buxton SK17 9TQ
TEL 01298 85330

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Greenhills Holiday Park, Bakewell

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Sue
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Greenhill Holiday Site

After having stayed at few not too great places on the way into Derbyshire, we looked in the book for a place to stay around the Bakewell area. We felt that we needed to choose a bigger site as we wanted all the extra facilities and some peace of mind. Our first choice was Chatsworth; they had the space so we thought we were in (wrong) – there is a 5 ton weight limit on the way into the site so that put us out of the running.

So back into the book again and we came up with a site one and a half miles the Buxton side of Bakwell so we rang to book for 9 nights. No problem; we’re in. We turned up at 11.30 and a polite sign at the entrance told us not to go on site till 1pm so we left the RV in a lay-by at the bottom of the site entrance and walked up to book in. We were told which pitch was ours. We checked it out, excellent; the site had everything we needed.

Laundry, rabbits running around, great views, even a shop and a bar. Sorted! Off we toddled for the van. We pulled up to the elsan and proceeded to empty. At this point the man who had served us in reception appeared, looking decidedly worried and expressed

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Statics At Greenhill

concern about the size of the van. Although we knew we would fit on the site he had given us, which we knew was free for the full 9 days, he insisted on changing us to one which was not!

He also refused to take our money for the full stay, saying he would prefer us to talk to the usual receptionist. So we settled in our slightly ‘tighter’ pitch and got organised. Little did we know there was a storm a-brewin.

Eventually we went to see the new receptionist, who said ‘oh you’re the ones with the big van aren’t you?’. This didn’t seem the nicest welcome we’d ever had. We probed further and were told it was the size and the ‘pop out bit’s’ that were the problem. We tried to explain that we were no longer than many of the Hobby caravans, in fact smaller than many when they are hooked up to their cars! However, we were told in no uncertain terms that it was their ‘policy’ not to have large vans on site.

She did accept our payment for two nights though so we were able to spend Monday looking around Bakewell as we wanted to. She also said the Owner would be there on Tuesday, so we could see him if we wanted. We did want! The uncertainly didn’t exactly help us to enjoy the weekend!

The upshot on Tuesday was yes, you guessed it, we were asked to leave. He was a really nice guy and although we aired our grievances and said our piece, he stuck by his policy.

Personally, we think it wouldn’t be a major problem for such a big site to have a couple of pitches available for large vehicles.  Especially as ‘pop-outs’ are very ‘in’ now for caravans too and they will certainly be ‘popping up’ at this site in the future, lol.

SO RVer’s, large units and 5th wheelers beware!

Greenhill’s Holiday Park, Ashford-in-The-Water, Bakewell.

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Alan Falls For Pret A Manger!

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Sue

motorhomeliving.netGot a couple of days left in Nottingham before we take off again, so decided to leave Sue slogging away at the computer and take a trip into Notts on the trusty old bike.

It’s not far so got a fair old bat on. Often, well every time we go into Notts together, we call into our favourite coffee house Pret-A-manger, so I thought ‘why not call for one – ummmm?’  Got the shop in my sights and then it happened; my world was suddenly turned upside down – literally!  Had been so focused on the coffee shop I didn’t notice the tram lines. It was a case of up and over and where the bloody hell am I?  Well I made it to the Coffee Shop, but in a rather undignified manner as I was upside down, right next to the seating area, with a crowd of people around me.  Luckily I had my helmet and full cycling gear on, so the only thing that got hurt was my pride, though the bike had a few scars.

Many thanks to the numerous people who came to my aid.  And major thanks to the brilliant bike shop in Belper, Buzz Cycles, who when I went in to ask them about bike repairs not only repaired my bike within one single working day, but collected in the morning and returned it in the evening, with a very small labour charge.   Excellent service!

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Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Sue
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Holme Pierrepont Campsite

Holme Pierrepont is the next site for us in the Nottingham area. This is the largest site in Nottingham and one that we had looked at last year when we first started on our adventures, but we discounted as we were told it was not open all year. However it turns out that they were doing building works and were only temporarily closed.

Just realised it’s just gone a year since we started (time flies); this is going to take several years, I think we can hack it.

Anyway back to the site, there are around 40 hard standings, and in total 118 other electric pitches plus many non electric pitches.

There is also one toilet and shower block open all the time and one other block which is opened when busy,both of which are a little on the tired side, but over the winter they are

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Shower Block

planning to put in a new, all singing all dancing, heated block!

Their is also a play park for the kids with a large sanded climbing area along with a couple of table tennis table under cover of a large tented area which is used for outside events held on the park.

Holme Pierrepont plays host to the National Water Sports Centre, where you you can hire or use your own equipment to get involved in activities including canoeing, white water rafting, cable ski-ing, and wind surfing to name a few. There are lots of things to see and do here and to add to this it is only a few minutes cycle to many of the surrounding villages, and Nottingham is only ten minutes away by bike.

Also close by are both Nottingham Football Clubs (Forest and County) so if you are a football fan and the wife isn’t you could do the match and your other half could do the retail therapy thing; lots of shops so don’t do give her the credit card!!!!

Halloween

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"Trick Or Treat?"

During our second visit to Holme Pierrepont, we became involved in that fast growing event from America that we seem to be adopting – Halloween. Now i’m up for a bit of fun but when you get a 5 year old throwing stones at your van you do tend to sound off a bit, though we think this was linked to us telling off some 10 to 12 year old kids earlier in the day for throwing stones at our friendly neighbourhood flock of geese!

We were lucky to get into this event as it was pretty much booked up but we got the last pitch and will come again as lots of activities are included in the price of £35.00 for two nights.

Seems steep this time of year but you get archery, horse rides, numerous blow up bouncy type things and a disco on both nights. When the disco started cranking out, we realised why this spot was still available; I’m still re-tightening the bloody screws in the windows after the thump thump of the music! Loved it really (honest).

The whole event comes to a conclusion on the Saturday night with over £1000.00 of fireworks and prizes for the best fancy dress costumes and best dressed awning. If you have young children, it’s great but if you haven’t bring the cotton wool and plenty of booze and enjoy it!

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York

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Sue
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Clifford's Tower

The grand old Duke of York he had 10,000 caravans, or it seems as we travel on our way from Scarborough to York. We are of course heading for the main Caravan Club site, Rowntree Park. We have been trying to get into this site all year; it’s either one or the other of the two F’s – full or flooded, as it is only literally 10 metres away from the River Ouse and a short walk into the town.

When we arrived the river was at least 2 metres below the banks but after 24 hours of rain you realise how fast the river can rise as at this point we are only about 2 feet short of flooding. However we are told it has peaked already so we are safe to go and

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Rowntree Site

explore the town.

This is where we meet another kind of flood; thousands of students occupy this town and make you realise how old you really are! York is a very busy place, with lots of lovely old fashioned shops in quaint old streets like the famous ‘Shambles’, besides the usual high street shops.

On our second day my youngest daughter Kirsty came to stay. The only problem with this is that she is 8 days into one of her diets and doing well, so not only do

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Shambles

we have to have the willpower to keep away from all the fantastic places to eat, we also have to stop Kirsty from drooling and window licking every eating place we pass. I still managed a cake though whilst she looked on (she has the willpower).

We had a walk round the castle wall, went up Clifford’s Tower, perused the shops and had lots of lovely coffee breaks! York is a lovely City, well worth a visit, and we didn’t even get as far as the Outlet Mall!


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