Guest Blog Post | Twittercamp First timer

Since joining the Twitter caravanning community, probably nearing 2 years ago now, I had often heard of this thing euphemistically called ‘Twittercamp’. My curiosity was certainly piqued but in the early days caution made me watch from afar. By the early summer of 2018, I felt confident and safe enough to consider, at the very least, calling in on one of these events, if it was within hailing distance to see what it was all about. Then, of course, there was the tragedy of Trevor, Richard’s husband sudden death and it seemed that my opportunity had passed. I quite understood that there might not be another one as Trevor, along with Richard, had had a major role in organising these events.

By later 2018, posts started to appear suggesting that another Twittercamp would be held in 2019, to be held in honour of Trevor’s memory and to fundraise for Papworth Hospital as Trevor had been the recipient of life saving surgery there some years ago. I was really pleased that I might get, at least one, chance to sample this event and see what was going on, the excited chatter amongst the group reassured me that I would have a special experience.

We move forward now to the end of May 2019 and, amongst great expectation and, if truth be told, not a little apprehension, I set off to Moreton in Marsh for a long weekend of events at Twittercamp for Trevor, as it had become known.

I arrived after a very good journey down and set up at a site I had not visited before. If there was a bit of a downside, the site was it. The pitches are narrow, cars must be parked in front of vans, the quality of the pitches were not up to the usual Club standards. But no matter, I was there for much more important matters than a pitch grumble.

I made my way round to meet people, who although I had not met in person yet, I already felt I knew quite well, certainly in relation to the caravanning world. I need not have worried as I was very warmly welcomed and made to feel totally at ease.

We had a quiet day or so before the main event started but those who had already arrived got together for a chat over drinks and nibbles on the Friday evening. Even though we were not at full strength, it was quite an impressive sight to see all the vans, cars and then at the bottom of the cul de sac, a not inconsiderable gathering of chairs and people sat in an ever-growing circle. People were very friendly, and conversation flowed easily. We all agreed to meet the following morning for an outdoor breakfast of croissants, rolls, meat and cheese, along with copious amounts of juice, tea and coffee. It, for me, set the tone of the rest of the long weekend, one of friendly camaraderie and everyone mucking in to help.

By lunchtime, pretty much everyone who was to attend had arrived, including my good friend Richard who was, de facto, guest of honour. The afternoon consisted of games, drinks and conversation. It was surprising how quickly the hours flew by and even dogs got to play and meet new friends, some more successfully than others. I have to say my two did well, given the large number of people and other dogs on their first event.

That evening, with the weather being very kind to us all, started with a BBQ, a local butcher must have thought his Christmas had arrived early, given the very large order for beef burgers which landed on his door earlier that morning. It is to their credit that they managed to fulfil the order with some very delicious burgers to be eaten. The organising the team even provided salad and piping hot new potatoes, all of which were delicious.

The next event was a fun and very competitive pop quiz. Teams quickly formed and the entrance fees collected. The next couple of hours passed in friendly rivalry and much laughter. Sadly, the team I was on did not win but we had a great time, nonetheless. We spent the final couple of hours that evening chatting over drinks and nibbles.

Sunday morning, I awoke to another dry morning and made my way for, yet another delicious breakfast made on Cadac’s galore, I had to smile that there was no small amount of good-natured competition between the chefs as to the production of cooked goods for our consumption.

The afternoon was a quiet time, to catch up with the inevitable caravanning chores and a bit of sleep too!

I had booked on to the Sunday evening meal at the Swan pub close by the site. The organisers were also going to hold the raffle after the meal. We all arrived and just about fitted in the event room at the rear. We all had the choice of three types of carvery which was delicious. Again, everyone was friendly, and a lovely atmosphere was at play. Following the meal, was time for the raffle, probably one of the biggest I have ever seen. People had been so generous, in honour of Trevor’s memory. I was pleased to win a box of chocolates, always a good prize to get I feel. It was then time to return to the site and move all our chairs again to the head of the cul de sac and to end the evening with yet more drinks, nibbles and good humour.

Monday morning came around far too quickly, as I had to leave due to commitments which I could not change. We met for one final breakfast, time to say goodbyes and with a heavy heart I took my leave. A straightforward easy journey home completed the most delightful long weekend in memory of an amazing person. I thank all the organisers and each and everyone who attended for making my bank holiday a truly memorable occasion. I hope one day, soon, to meet you all again, so a final thank you and best wishes for a fabulous summer of caravanning.


Guest Blog Post | Penrhos & Cae Mawr CAMC sites review

Due to the proximity of both sites, we are offering you two site reviews and a joint section of additional information to help you make the most of your visit to the island of Ynys Mon - or Anglesey if you prefer.

It is the early Bank Holiday, May 2019. The first part of the review is for Penrhos Caravan & Motorhome Club site on the island of Yns Mon, near to the seaside village of Benllech.

The site, sited off the B5110, is spread over three distinct areas and has 92 pitches, 75 of which are hardstanding and 8 are serviced pitches. Click HERE for site map. The site is open from March to early October each year.

The site has one centrally located toilet block servicing the whole site, which is key operated and includes the usual facilities including a fully accessible toilet and shower room, reached via the use of a Radar© Key. There is also a designated disabled pitch next to this facility. There are a number of waste, clean water and rubbish disposal points throughout the site. The Motorhome service point is behind Reception.

The Reception sells pre-ordered newspapers, essential food supplies and a good range of caravan supplies. There is an information room to one side.

Arrival time is strictly 1pm. This is due to the access lane being single width with no passing places.

The site is quiet, being set well back from the road and despite being pretty full, the site was always quiet during the weekend. There is a children’s play area at the top of the site and a secure large dog walk field by the entrance with a much-appreciated bench on which to sit.

This part of the review features the Cae Mawr Caravan & Motorhome Club site.

Although we did not stay at this site on this occasion, we have regularly stayed here over several years. This is a smaller site, about 1.5 miles from Penrhos on the same road. This site does not have a toilet block. Reception provides the usual facilities including the option to order a daily newspaper if required. The site is over two areas, the top half being mainly grass only pitches, the lower half is predominantly hard standing. Check out the site map HERE. 

There are several water, waste and chemical disposal points throughout the site. The motorhome point is in the lower field.

The site is also situated off the B5110 and it should be noted that the access lane to this site is also quite narrow and care needs to be taken when nearing the site entrance. If in doubt about your van or motorhome, you are advised to ring the site directly to check. We have seen American style/size RV’s on site on several occasions.

The site is spread over three distinct areas and has 73 pitches, 41 of which are hardstanding and is open from March to early October each year.

The site is nearer the road, but traffic noise is minimal.

There is no designated children’s play area or dog walk on site, however, there is a pathway which runs adjacent to the top of the site, by the entrance which allows you to let your dogs have a little run.

Benllech village is the nearest place to both sites, about 3 miles away. There is a Tesco Express and Co-Op, cash tills and a very wide range of fast food takeaways. This is also the nearest beach. Car parking is very limited and there is a charge during main season. Dogs are not allowed on this beach during main season too but there is a list in the Information Rooms of up to date beaches which allow dogs.

A Site Arrival video for both sites can be found HERE

In terms of places to visit whilst on the island, the list is almost endless. The best starting point would be www.visitanglesey.co.uk

A couple of places which we visited on this trip were Rhosneigr, good surfing and kite surfing area with a small range of shops and restaurants. Dogs are allowed on this beach. https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/north-wales/anglesey/rhosneigr.htm

For a fabulous place for Sunday lunch or, for any day of the week for that matter, we would recommend Sea Shanty Café in Trearddur Bay.

 

It is totally dog friendly, both inside and out. There are usually a lot of dogs at the restaurant, but we have never seen any problems. A bit of a drive but worth it for the food. Just one piece of advice, book ahead in good time.

In addition to these places we visited on this occasion, here are some more venues we have seen over our visits.

For those of you who are cyclists, National Cycle Network Route 5 runs close to both sites.

The nearest swimming pool is in Llangefni which also holds a small open-air market on Thursdays and Saturdays.

History lovers will find many places of interest throughout the island, one of the nearest to the site is Beaumaris Castle, situated on the south east of the island. It is quoted as being, “the most technically perfect castle in Britain has few equals”. The castle is dog friendly, with the usual caveats.

www.cadw.gov.wales/daysout/beaumaris-castle

The adjacent village of Beaumaris is worth a visit too and there are a good number of fish and chip shop on the high street. In high season, boat trips are available to sail down the Menai Straits, dependent upon the weather and tides. Visits can also be made to the nearby Puffin Island which is a nature reserve. www.seacoastsafaris.co.uk

By complete contrast and one for all adrenaline fans is the Anglesey Circuit, can be added to a trip to Rhosneigr. There are a wide range of races and events throughout the year. Please note dogs are not allowed anywhere on the site and cannot be left in vehicles at all.

Both sites offer a very different caravanning experience, depending on your preferences. There is always something to do on the island, whether it is raining or not.