New Cat Enclosure

As part of her work for the local branch of Cat's Protection, Kirstin had a new cat enclosure and cabin installed in the garden at Damson Rest. The picture shows the installers from 'Lindee Lu' (the premier builder of such equipment, we believe) assembling it on a paved plinth laid in preparation. And, yes, if you look closely you will see that it was snowing.    

THE NEW CAT PEN

First vist to France

In March Kirstin and Matt made their first visit of the year to France. This was to Camping La Hallerais, at Taden near Dinan. Those of you who saw the Easter edition of The Damson Herald (on-line) will remember Andrew's report on the Easter trip to this location (the second visit to France in 2003). The March visit was really a 'scouting' exercise (with the Bailey caravan, pictured waiting to board at Portsmouth) to confirm arrangements for taking a caravan to La Hallerais for storage and occasional use. The pictures show the Port of Dinan, and Kirstin climbing la rue du jerzual that runs up from the Port to the Town itself.   

BAILEY CARAVAN AT PORTSMOUTH

RUE DE JERZUAL, DINAN

PORT OF DINAN

Scotland

The annual caravanning visit to Scotland was at the end of May. As usual, Edinburgh was the first stop-over, followed by New England Bay south of Stranrare. Matt enjoys fishing from his boat, and the excellent 'Ship Inn' at Drummore, south of the site (the most southerly pub in Scotland, it is claimed).  

MATT WITH BAILEY CARAVAN AND ACCESSORIES. NEW ENGLAND BAY, MAY 

Cats Protection at the Codsall Fair

Various fund raising events are attended each year by Wolverhampton Cat's Protection. The Codsall Fair was one such. (For those who do not know, Damson Rest is located in Codsall, South Staffordshire.) 

KIRSTIN WITH THE C.P. STALL

Third visit to France

In July Kirstin and Matt returned to Camping La Hallerais over a long weekend. Most of the time was spent working on the caravan, in particlar checking the body seals. Buccaneer caravans have a good reputation for durability, but one cannot be too careful. The picture shows Matt busy checking and sealing the front roof seam. The 'Buccaneer' brand has recently been re-launched by a large UK leisure group; the current 'Caravel' model costs 19,450!

MATT AT WORK   

Vauxhall Centenery

Some of you know that Matt is something of a Vauxhall fan. The first Vauxhall car was sold in May 1903 - 100 years in the business and doing better than ever is something to celebrate! One of the centenary events was a '1000 mile trial'. This emulated an event run by the RAC for a number of years early in the last century. A large collection of Vauxhalls of all ages and from all over the world (as far as New Zealand) drove a route around the UK that took in many Major centres (including South Queensferry at the Forth Bridge). Matt saw them at Ironbridge in Shropshire, and at the so-called Quarry Park in Shrewsbury (see pictures). The Frontera at Ironbridge is the one that drove around the world in record time some five years ago; it is still in regular use.

www.vauxhallheritage.com    

WORLD TOUR FRONTERA

QUARRY PARK, SHROPSHIRE

Fourth visit to France

The main holiday this time, and a fairly complicated story. The holiday caravan sites were booked well in advance, with a plan to tour France with the 'Bailey' caravan. Two friends, Judy and Alan (see photo), had asked to use the 'Buccaneer' caravan at about the same time. A minor change to the travel itinerary made this possible. Kirstin and Matt spent a few days at La Hallerais with Judy and Alan, before setting off for the Loire Valley and the Dordogne. The original schedule was restored when they returned to La Hallerais for a few days. The Buccaneer was taken out of storage for a couple of days at that time; our picture shows the two vans together, probably for the only time! France was visited a fifth time in October to put the Buccaneer 'to bed' for the winter, under its caravan cover.

ALAN AND JUDY

THE CARAVANS MEET IN FRANCE    

Grant and Helen

They moved into their own house at Perton (a few miles from Damson Rest) in November. It is simple dwelling, but very nice indeed. The picture of them was taken on the cross-channel ferry during the visit to France at Easter.

GRANT AND HELEN 

THE NEW HOUSE IN PERTON  

Andy in America

Andrew treated himself to a holiday in the USA this year to celebrate his promotion and relocation to London. Here he is in Washington, which he visited as part of a tour up and down the Eastern coast. 

ANDY AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL