Page 7 - Transporter Talk - Issue 147

CHAIRMAN’S CHAT
Well it’s been quite a busy few weeks on the camping front! The AGM seems ages ago and despite some criticism, was a success in achieving what was needed; the turnout was low but the bright spot was that Lorna and Nick agreed to be co-opted onto the committee, Lorna as events o cer and Nick as a general member. We welcome them to our team!
Following the AGM we took a holiday at our favourite campsite in Cornwall, Mother Ivey’s Bay. This is just perfect for us and just so laid back, the only problem being refrigeration in the 35 degree heat, still all went well. We had driven through the pictaresque port of Mevagissey on our way to see some old friends and decided to visit the port the next day with a view to staying there on our next visit to Cornwall. I did not nd it too welcoming; we parked the van just outside the village at a cost of £4 but were charged an extra £3 for Val’s mobility scooter trailer. We visited the free museum on the quay side (no dogs) and had a pleasant drink and lunch. Walking around the harbour we found a boat trip and had a tour around the bay, sadly with no commentary as to what we were looking at. Then came to the public toilet to nd it closed, a walk to the other side of the harbour located another open toilet but locals demanded 20p to use the (free) disabled facility! Then continuing to the far end of the harbour I found the need to use a “dog poo bin”, well I am from Yorkshire and so thought to be “tight”, but I have never seen poo bins padlocked shut, I just can’t imagine who would steal the contents!
We travelled direct from Padstow to JK for the charity weekend. This was a very hot and thanks long (7 hours non stop) trip,
thanks to tra c. The JK weekend is covered elsewhere but those who attended must agree that Lorna’s performance on a blazing hot afternoon was a show stopper.
I purchased a “Cadac” portable gas barbeque as a present for Val’s son as I use one myself and it is a very useful device. Following the super JK weekend (must go next year) we had a long drive home stopping to inspect the location of the next AGM, this was booked and the next AGM will be on Saturday 19th May 2018, further details to be published nearer the time.
I had made an arrangement for friends to borrow “Connie” to use at the Upton jazz festival and so had to re ll the tanks and clean it for them. I noticed an ominous oil drip under the engine and after a long investigation discovered it was a leaking power steering hose. This was a problem as the only supplier of this part was out of stock and I needed it that afternoon! After a false start I managed to have a replacement made by a very helpful team at Tech Hoses in Hereford and with some di culty, the camper was running again by the evening. Cost just £19 as opposed to £117 for the VW part!
Well, more camper capers next time and I hope to see some of you at the shows we attend.
Malcolm Marchbank
Transporter Talk No 147
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