Submitted by: Denis Baker, Secretary.

The Nottinghamshire Masonic Caravanners Association, whilst being a small but very select group of masons continues to be active with 6 caravan rallies arranged this year at venues both in Notts and in neighbouring counties.

Rallies which generally run from Friday to Sunday are held from April to September in each year thus avoiding the main Masonic season. It is generally possible for rallies to be extended if members request it either to avoid travelling on Friday or Sundays. This year we have held rallies at:

• Maythorne Farm, Southwell • North Scarle, • Keele Lodge, Deeping St James, Lincs. • Hartington, Derbyshire

There are currently 2 rallies to go at Barrow on Trent and finally at Colston Bassett.

Numbers attending rallies tend to average 7 – 10 caravans and the format for each rally is similar and is designed to be relaxing with no formal activities. Coffee/tea and biscuits is provided on arrival on Friday, followed by a supper of Fish Chips and peas, copious glasses of wine and a pudding. From the noise emanating from the awning it must be presumed that all present are enjoying themselves.

Saturdays are kept free to enable exploration of the surrounding areas although refreshments are available during the day and a quiz is provided to exercise the grey matter. On Saturday evening we repair to a local hostelry for dinner and I think this is very much appreciated, particularly by the wives who avoid using the cooker.

On Sunday refreshments are again provided and after marking the quiz and awarding prizes, you can depart when you wish.

Costs are kept to an absolute minimum and generally amount to £15 for the weekend rally fee which includes electric hook up with a further £3 per person to cover the costs of the refreshments (Coffee/tea biscuits, wine and pudding on the Friday evening). The Fish/Chips and Saturday Dinner are charged separately.

The existing members are a very convivial lot and welcome new caravanner’s into their midst.

Our annual membership fee, to cover insurance, ACCEO membership and other unavoidable costs is currently £8 per annum per caravan

Work on the rally programme for 2009 which again will feature some new sites as well as old favourites is currently ongoing and will be published prior to Christmas.

We always welcome new members and enquiries are welcome either by e-mail, phone or letter as follows: Denis Baker, 15 Swinton Rise, Ravenshead, Nottingham, NG15 9FS E-Mail: denis.j.baker@sky.com Tel: (01623) 793146

Footnote from Editor - Peter Olko Denis - Thank you for your contribution - hopefully one of many to follow. Might I ask all brethren to actively submit articles concerning associations, or other activities they are involved in to show that Masonry has a wide and varied Social aspect to it. Thank you.

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