By
Alan Chapman
During
the early days of Lune Valley D A, Shirley and I enjoyed camping as members,
but were not on the committee. We were invited to join Lune Valley when they
came to Bentham camping on their 2nd weekend out, and we have been
members ever since. In those days a weekends camping could cost anything from
40p up to £1.On the Friday night the steward would get out their spade and
dig the hole for the elsan, and on the Sunday before they left they had to
fill it in again. Happy days!
As
time went on Shirley joined the committee and took over the job as Secretary.
I feel I have to say here that I am the only Lune Valley Chairman who has gone
through 6 secretaries, and lived to tell the tale. Each one of them excellent
at their job! Whilst I have been a member of Lune Valley I have had the
privilege of being your chairman 3 times and I also had the job as Sites
Officer.
This
year (2004) Shirley and I received our badge for 25years in the club, and
throughout this time we have made many new friends and kept in contact with
lots of old ones.
Back
in the 80’s, the annual dinner dance was arranged at the beginning of
February, for members and friends of Lune Valley at The County Hotel Carnforth,
and attracted around 120 people. Camping was at Netherbeck, just down the road
from the hotel. It was at one of these dinner dances (1983 to be exact) that I
was asked to step into the breach and take over as chairman due to illness. I
accepted and then followed my first job as Chairman of Lune Valley District
Association.
The
season’s camping started in late February and at the Saturday night social
we had live music, which we had to pay for out of club funds. As you all know
what an economical man I am, I decided that I could do just as good a job
(with the music), for free. I asked the committee’s permission to buy a music
centre. Once they agreed, I duly hot footed it down to Dixon’s in Blackpool.
I bartered with the shop assistant and bought the club a karaoke machine for
the magnificent sum of £90. This has proved to be the best money spent by
Lune Valley because the machine has lasted for 22 years. Word has it that I
and it (the karaoke machine) are now in retirement, BUT we can be brought out,
dusted down and used when necessary.
The
Easter meet in those days was at Staggarth, High Bentham. The farmers John and
Val always gave Lune Valley a warm welcome, and on occasions John spent the
whole day towing caravans out of the field. (That was before the 4x4’s
arrived on the scene).
The
duck race originated at Bentham, where the children stood on “Shaky Bridge”
and threw the ducks into the
River Wenning. The adults were the water babes then and went into the water to
chase the ducks downstream to the finishing line. How things have changed!
The
bad weather and the mud finally got the better of us camping at Bentham, and
in 1990 Lune Valley moved to High Barns at Levens for the Easter meets.
The
North West Regional Meet took place at Astle Park, and Ribby Hall during the
80s. When the meet got too big for these venues it was moved to Manor Farm at
St Michaels and Lune Valley played its part in supporting this. On the
Thursday before the meet some of our members went to the site and roped off a
large area for about 40 of our members to camp. Lune Valley was asked to run
the raffle, (no easy task) in the main arena over the weekend, so as chairman,
I had to ask our members for help, and we worked on a rota basis. Lune Valley
entered a team for the football competition, and Gemma Broadley entered for
the Miss North West Competition, just being piped at the post. It was a great
time for meeting up with old friend
The
May Day meet has always been at Carr Bank Arnside, courtesy of the Barber
family, who own the land. This meet seemed to gather momentum when Bill and
Jenny Broadley took over the stewardship.
In
the true Lune Valley spirit Bill and Jenny worked hard to welcome and
entertain all the campers. (As do all our stewards) They introduced the
crowning of the May Queen, started a Boules competition and encouraged us all
to play Awning bingo. I can imagine Bill spent many an hour etching the
glasses that he gave as prizes to the winners.
Saturday
afternoon was taken up with stalls and games. You could come and win your
breakfast at the egg and bacon stall, or win a bottle at the spin the wheel.
Cakes were on offer and the all important Regalia could also be purchased. We
moved into the evening activities with a Bar-B-Que, and Punch raffle. Then
Jenny presented a crown, sash and cloak to our 1st May Queen Jo
Jackson, who entertained us all complete with black curly wig!
In
later years the “Stirrer” and “Flanneler” awards were created and
given to suitable members who had lived up to the awards, along with the May
Queen. As you all know these awards still take place every year.
By
the way the weather at that time was always brilliant, with not a cloud in the
sky
Spring
Bank holiday in the 80s was just a 5 day meet which moved venues each year.
It was in 1990 that our 1st ever Holiday meet was started at
Nook Farm Shap. It was decided to hold the meet for a week at Spring Bank
Holiday
An
awful lot of work went into getting this meet off the ground, and some special
thanks should be given 1st to the Atkinson Family (Farmer Barney,
& Sheila, R.I.P.) John, Pat, Richard and Susan) who could always be relied
upon if help was ever needed, (getting rid of all our rubbish) and also to Jim
and Dorothy Rowlandson who were our stewards up until Jim’s death. Jim and
Dorothy made everyone welcome, and set the scene for many happy and memorable
weeks at Shap in the years to come. (Even if they couldn’t control the
weather. Windburn and mudpacks was the in thing.)
It
was also during the 80’s that the birthday meet in July was born. It was
noted that my birthday was in July and also a lot of the current members had
birthdays around the same time. We decided to hold a meet to celebrate and so
the 2nd week in July at New Parkside Farm Caton was the place to
be. This meet proved to be very popular, and at the party on the Saturday
night, one of the stipulations was that if you wanted to sit on the chairman’s
knee, you must wear black stockings! I remember quite a few men took up the
challenge. We had a Jacobs Join and the punch raffle and music. The music was
produced using a car cassette, which I put into a wooden box with a speaker
and clipped this all to a car battery. (No generators in those days.)
During
the summer months camping continued and the August Bank Holiday meet was held
at Bentham. We used to have a Bar-B-Que on the Saturday Night. Stuart Simpson
cut a 45gallon oil drum in half and brought it to the meet on top of his Range
Rover. This was to be our Bar-B-Que for quite a while and we had some great
evenings. Everyone joined in and when the charcoal ran out towards the end of
the evening, we found wood and put that in the drum to keep us all warm.
Lune
Valley’s 1st A.G.M. was held at Barbon village hall on October
13th 1979.It was in 1982 that the A.G.M. moved to Whittington, where it was
held until 2001. In the early
days this meet was very well attended, and we had some good debates. After we
had finished with the serious business a hot pot supper had been prepared for
around 70-90 people, and the social side of the evening began.
The
bonfire meet in November began in 1983 at Carr Bank. This was officially the
last meet of the season. Campers brought their own fireworks in those days and
they were lit on the bank behind where the bonfire is still lit today. The
children brought their Guy Fawks and entered them into the competition and the
winner had pride of place on the top of the bonfire. We all stood around the
fire drinking soup which the committee had made. We didn’t have the canopies
back then. Sometimes we even had a dance around the bonfire if the weather was
kind. On Sunday morning the clearing away of the ashes was the order of the
day, just as it still is today. Then
it was goodbye and merry Christmas to friends we wouldn’t see at the
children’s Christmas party.
And
so we moved on to the children’s Christmas party which was held at Nether
Kellet village hall, early on in December. The format for the evening was the
same then as it is now. We had a Jacobs join, and then Father Christmas
arrived with presents for all the children. In 1987 this meet moved to
Whittington and stayed there until 2000 except for 1996 Hutton Roof and 1997
Overton village hall. As you know Father Christmas now comes to visit the
children at Claughton village hall.
During
the winter months because there was no camping Lune Valley members used to
meet at Lancaster University staff room one Sunday afternoon in January. This
was a very popular event were we could sit and chat or go for a swim. After we
had had enough in the swimming baths and worked up a good appetite we walked
back to the staff room and enjoyed a Jacob’s join tea, this was an event
that Shirley and I looked forward to, meeting up with friends and relaxing in
their company.
It
was at the “Swim” in 1987 that we discussed holding a Lune Valley New Year
meet. A lot of people showed a genuine interest and we decided to form a
separate committee to take on the job of organising it. The 1st
Lune Valley New Year meet was held at Halton village hall, and members enjoyed
themselves for three nights and four days. It was a resounding success, and
was booked again at Halton for the next year. For the next 4 years we held the
meet at Glasson village hall, and then we moved again to the present venue at
Overton village hall. After running for 17 years it is great to know that this
meet is still as popular as ever.
I
hope our memories have given you a few laughs, and a little insight into life
in Lune Valley during the 80’s. As
I said at the beginning, Shirley and I have been with this wonderful club from
the start and we would just like to take this opportunity to wish Lune Valley
members a happy and memorable 25th year and many many more to come.
Thanks Alan and Shirley.
Well
we’ve moved into a new decade and Lune Valley is still as strong as ever.
Time marches on and people come and go. Things change and so do committee’s.
Joan and I had been in the club now for 3 years. In 1988 I was asked if I
would like to go on the committee and I accepted. It was in 1989 that I
became Regalia officer and I kept that job until 1991.
At the A.G.M. of 1991 Alan announced his retirement as chairman, and
my name was put forward to be the next Lune Valley Chairman. I was honoured
to accept, but knew that I had a lot to live up to, judging by our past
chairman’s performance. When Alan retired so did our treasurer Ernie
Smith, so we also needed a new treasurer.
Derek took over Ernie’s job and thank goodness Rosemary agreed to
stay on as secretary.
So
began a new chapter in our lives. Our
lads were still actively camping with us each weekend albeit in their own
tents. Lune Valley had a very strong youth group in the early 90’s under
the watchful eye of Alan Cato. Alan and Eileen organised many varied and
exciting events for the youth including trips to watch the ice hockey at
Blackburn, ice skating, bike rides from the site, bowling, swimming and
walks. Our Youth football and volleyball teams also entered the N.W.
Regional Meet football challenge. I remember us all cheering them on during
the matches, and them showing off the medals they won. They also helped the
youth practise for, and pass their Youth Test. Proud
moments to be remembered! Joan and I will always be grateful to Alan and
Eileen for looking after Paul, Mark, and John in their youth, and giving
them a taste of camping with other youths. We all know if the kids are happy
the parents are happy!
Lune
Valley’s meets continued in much the same way as in previous years.
The Easter meet had moved to Levens the year before. Happy days! Who
can remember the milk truck thundering up and down the concrete road, with
the caravans parked on either side of it? Do you remember waiting for the
farmer coming with his digger to dig the elsan down at the bottom of the
field? (I certainly do. When you have 3 children the loo gets full very
quickly.) And what about the farmer’s teenage son sitting on his tractor
all day waiting to tow us all off site in the snow? Sadly the duck race
stopped because although they wanted to race they had no water to race in.
We promised them that they could have a race at August Bank holiday if they
didn’t make a fuss. The
Easter
Bonnet parade, egg and wellie throwing, and children’s games all survived
the move from
Bentham.
Thankfully for the children so did the Easter Bunny. He always knows where
to find the children just like Santa.
As
the year progressed we came up to our 2nd Shap holiday meet.
Again Jim and Dorothy were stewards. I offered to organise a “short walk”
to Hawswater dam.
(I
feel I have to interrupt here and tell the tale. Stuart was renowned for his
“short walks”. Shap is a prime example. We set off from the field, 27 of
us. He had everything in his rucksack bar the kitchen sink & including
toilet roll. Off he marched at a cracking pace. Me… well I just wanted a
leisurely stroll and do what I do best, chat to my fellow walkers. Paul and
Mark were quite happy walking with their friends, but John was a nightmare
and where was Stuart? Taking the lead at the front. Where was I? Bringing up
the rear. It wasn’t all bad; as I walked along I met up with Elsie and Les
from Liverpool. A great couple and very funny. We still see them
occasionally. After quite a few stops to rest we finally arrived at the Dam
to enjoy lunch. On the way back we walked through a farmyard. George and Ivy
Tatters lived here. Ivy made us all a cup of tea and juice for the children.
George showed us his workroom where he made gnomes. They were beautiful and
for sale. Some of us bought these and then we went on our way thanking them
for their hospitality. George and Ivy became good friends and each year
after that they came to the site with more gnomes for sale. Sadly George
died a few years later while we were up at Shap. Anyway to get back to my
tale! We eventually arrived back at the site. Jim as always was at the gate
to greet us. We or I was tired out but had enjoyed our short walk. Stuart
had told me it was about 7miles but was in fact 12)
During
the 90’s our Shap Holiday Meet enjoyed some fabulous weather. The first 3
years were hot and sunny and the open air swimming pool was well used by
adults as well as children. Long walks and Bar- b- que’s were the order of
the day. The children played rounders & cricket in the “dip” and
everyone was in holiday spirit. Then came 1993! What fun we had! Storms and
gales! We woke up one morning to find the Admin tent didn’t want to be
part of Lune Valley anymore, and had taken itself into the next field, with
a bit of help from the wind. That night Brian and Dorothy’s awning decided
IT didn’t want to stay here either and in the middle of the night it was
all hands on deck (or awning) to rescue it. We managed to save it and this
gave us plenty to talk about when we were sitting out in the sun again
towards the end of the week. Happy Days!
It
was also in 1993 that Lune Valley had our 1st Holiday Meet at
Westhouse Ingleton courtesy of Mr Gott and family. Martin and Dorothy were
the stewards for the meet and a very warm welcome awaited everyone. Dorothy
continued to steward the meet after Martin sadly died. She had help from Jim
& Vi, and Geoff & Margaret in those early years and then the other
three spice girls took over. Doreen, Josephine and Mary) Over the years the
meet has been extended to 4 weeks, due to the facts of good weather,
beautiful views and you the campers,
August
Bank Holiday stayed at Bentham until 1995 and then moved to its present home
at Clapham. This has always been a very popular meet with our own members
and visitors too. I remember one year, some Lune Valley members had decided
to go on a diet, early on in the season and Clapham was to be the final “weigh
in.” Colonel and Freda Appleton always brought the scales and at the
coffee morning the “dieters” had to stand on the scales. Imagine the
cheers when people came up to be weighed. Their was some cheating going on I
can tell you. Visitors thought we were mad. We probably were! Colonel was
renowned for his “Ditties”, and if you happened to do anything daft or
be in the wrong place at the wrong time you could guarantee Colonel would
have a “Dittie” about you at the coffee morning. Joan had many a one
written about her.
The
National Feast of Lanterns took off in a big way in the 90’s for Lune
Valley. This was thanks to Jack Trembles. At the start of the year he
invited all Lune Valley members to join in a block booking. Once we had sent
Jack our forms, He then sorted everything out. Because he was so efficient
Jack always got us a good site at the N.F.O.L. Do you remember the year Jack
encouraged us all to join in the Mardi gras? We joined in the parade dressed
in Victorian costume and listened to Match stalk men and match stalk cats
and dogs, playing continuously on a tape the whole way round. It was great
fun, even the children joined in. John
was a chimney sweep, Mark went as the village idiot, and Paul was an
apprentice steam engine mechanic with Doug and Hazel. Back at the caravans
we formed a street scene and again everyone joined in. We decorated the
caravans and gave passers by a taste of Lune Valley hospitality. Joan and I
gave out bread and dripping. Jack organised many more Lune Valley block
bookings but that was the one I remember best. Thanks Jack for a great time
and some fantastic memories!
The
A.G.M. at Whittington was always a pleasant event and Doreen’s hot pot
supper afterwards was something to look forward to. Although during the 90’s
the amount of people attending the A.G.M. dropped considerably, camping at
the weekend meets was on the up. Members were happy with the way the
committee ran the club and showed this with their support.
I
had the pleasure of being chairman of Lune Valley for 8 years and was sad to
resign. Mark had started his Karting career, and this was taking us away
from the weekend meets too often. I felt the club deserved a full time
chairman and at that time I couldn’t be that. My time as chairman was made
a lot easier because of the excellent committee members, that I had the
pleasure to work with, and for that I would like to thank them. I could
always rely on them to listen, help out and work tirelessly for the club. I
handed over the chair to Doreen our 1st ever lady chairwoman.
Joan
and I have camped with Lune Valley now for 18years. Our lads grew up in the
club and still go camping even though they have left home. We have made some
very good friends, who will be friends for life. These are not just weekend
friends they are people that we meet up with for caravanning /coach
holidays, birthdays and christenings. You are great people, and we are honored
that you class us as your friends. MEMORIES!!! You can’t buy them….
Thanks.