The 2004 camping season began again last weekend and everyone who went was very impressed by the Pembridge site; well laid out pitches with individual drainage and water taps, lights and electrical supply all set around a picturesque lake with ducks, swans and geese. The well-appointed toilet block had plenty of showers, individual cubicles, a separate disabled shower room and a family bathroom. All very clean, well looked after and HEATED!!

 Chas and I arrived on site in time for morning coffee and enjoyed the only sunshine of the weekend on the Friday afternoon. We were very pleased to see two other Riva Dandys already on site in their distinctive royal blue and white. Another one arrived later in the day. 33 units braved the elements of the first rally and after the sunshine on Friday afternoon, it was rain, rain and more rain. The village hall was the venue for both the Friday and Saturday evening socialising. Ray had obviously had a word with his maker as although it was very cold it did manage to stay dry long enough for the Sunday morning meet and raffle to go ahead outside. Unfortunately, it did not last for many of us who really did get wet folding up our units. Some of us even had to contend with hail and sleet (serves us right for staying on to watch the Bahrain Grand Prix on the TV – but at least it even rained there which was some consolation).

 In true Dandy spirit we all made sure the rain did not dampen our spirits and we are all looking forward to the rest of the season. It was good to see a number of new members, some who we had met at the shows in Earls Court or the NEC, at their first rally. It was also good to meet people who have been members for some time but who were enjoying their first rally. We look forward to meeting you all again in the not too distant future.

Senya White