FRIDAY, site was officially open at 1pm. By 5pm, majority of units had arrived and the village hall was being transformed into grotto of festivities. At 7pm, campers flocked to the hall, where plates of cheese, crackers, Pate & grapes awaited them. First half of a general knowledge quiz commenced with five teams. Food & refreshments were enjoyed by all, coupled with some light Christmas music. Second half of the quiz was completed prior to answers and score reckoning. It was a close win between Shropshire DA -vs- Team NCR but Team NCR took the winnings which was kindly passed to the Raffle; bottle of Prosecco. Music followed prior to the evening being brought to a close at 11pm, where the campers retired to their units.
SATURDAY, some ventured out to Church Stretton, whilst Committee & volunteers grafted hard to prepare the room for the main event. At 4pm, doors were officially opened and partiers were greeted with a Prosecco & Shloer Reception. Tables were beautifully prepared with place cards and the guests menu selection. Well done and sincere thanks from the Committee to Maggie, Rebecca’s Mum, for the Place Cards they were perfect.
Party-goers socialised and before you knew it, a scrumptious 3-course meal was being served up.
As luck would have it, no Christmas party would be right without the attendance of someone special from the North Pole. Yes, Santa managed to fit us in to give all the children a lovely present and even the adults had the opportunity to select a scrummie chocolate (or two) from Santa’s sack.
Following the chocolate and wine tombolas, which was beautifully run by Linda, Alfie and Oliver, Mr.Witcombe and Mr.Booth had a cunning plan to liven-up thing by “on the fly” preparing a Mr. & Mrs. competition to arouse the partiers. It was a close battle with one 6-matcher, three 8-matchers but the final win was snatched by Mr. & Mrs. Witcombe whom went on to collect a lovely cool bottle of Prosecco. 🥳🥳🥳
Before you knew it , it was nearly 9pm and the infamous game of Play Your Cards Right / Higher-Lower was executed. Multiple contestants took part but following a close finale, Kay from Team Prosecco tooling the advantage and went on to secure yet another bottle of Prosecco. By 10pm, the finale raffle was executed and to be honest Jason from Team Prosecco collect some lovely prizes and did many others including Mr. Beddoes who not only collected a collapsible bucket but also filled it with many assortment such as caravan cleaning products to boot.
Slowly but surely some of the non-campers said their goodbyes and prepared for their journeys home, whilst other revellers continued to enjoy the evening. 11pm arrived and music was reduced, in readiness for a evening wrap-up prior to the campers packing their swag and making back to their units.
SUNDAY, committee & volunteers helped to tidy up and return the village hall back to spik & span prior to a coffee morning at 11am, where Chairman Andrew Booth passed on thanks to many people;
Maggie for the Place Cards
Linda Beddoes for her Thursday’s spent shopping with Tracy.
Barry and Alfie for assisting with the table decorations.
Oliver Booth for his MC talents
Amber & Lauren for their Dolly duties during Higher-Lower and Alfie the master card shuffler
Vince & Linda Beddoes for stewarding the meet
Tracy Booth for all her efforts & management of committee to-do’s
Arwel Jones for his music playlists
All other volunteers for all their support during the weekend, that grafted behind the scenes that lifted the workload off the committee and very much appreciated.
We were so thankful to Rushbury Village Hall and we invited Merle and husband to join us for the meal and our coffee morning. It was lovely to hear that we were her favourite group. We so appreciate positive feedback and moments like that remind us why we do what we do.
Camped units included;
Shropshire DA – 10 units
Derbyshire DA – 3 units
Meanwhile, it only leave us, the Shropshire DA Committee, to wish everyone close & a far, Seasons Greetings and sincere wishes for a healthy & Happy New Year in 2022.
We ALL look forward to seeing you in a field in the very near future.
Keep safe.
Here a few more photos from the weekend festivities
