95 -66-4 Laika Club of Great Britain
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NEWSLETTER
www.laikaclub.com
ISSUE No 69
Autumn 2019
Your Laika Club Commiee
Chair: Katrina Lancaster
Vice Chair Paul Lawrence
Treasurer: Charles Chodkowski
Membership Secretary: Jacqui Chodkowski
Rally Co-ordinator: Richard Moss
Newsle er Editor: Tim Sheppard
Web Master: Eric Gould
1
Chair’s Chat
Well, how can I explain this long overdue newsleer? We are currently
sing in Perth airport awai ng our onward flight to Melbourne for 3 nights.
We have enjoyed 12 days camping up the West Coast of Australia (only half
way). The distances are immense. Each night was on a camp site – no solar
panels (in this climate?) and no inverter so needed mains for the comput-
ers. The Maui van has not changed much since I used one 15 years ago – no
cupboard in washroom, no provision for loo roll, plughole under loo so
don’t know how it gets cleaned! We have seen some wonderful flowers,
kangaroos of course, and found the locals friendly and helpful. Enjoyed
cheap travel in Perth where they let us use Senior rate.
From here the Christmas rally in the cold seems a long way off, but we look
forward to mee ng up again and enjoying the Thursford Spectacular.
S ll looking for feedback on foreign rallies – how long, how far, which
month?
Best wishes
Katrina
Editor’s Apology
Many apologies for the late issue of the Autumn newsle!er. As Katrina says, we
are in travelling in Australia which makes life interes%ng pu&ng this together.
Will try to do be!er for Winter issue.
Tim
Welcome to New Members
Anjie & Ken Devine
Toby & Emma McIntyre
2
IRELAND REPORT MAY 2019
Five years ago, when we bought our first motorhome, we talked about vis-
i ng the Emerald Isle. Various circumstances intervened but this year, at
last, everything fell into place. With Jane’s mother comfortably seled, a
rela vely free May (sorry Southport!) and Brexit looming (how did that get
into the Laika newsleer?), it was me to make plans.
Apparently post-Brexit the Irish are planning to show their solidarity with
Europe and move to driving on the right. A;er careful planning, they have
decided that buses and lorries will switch in 2020, cars in 2021, horse drawn
caravans will go on whichever side the horse wants, and there is no specific
men on of motorhomes. We definitely needed to go now!
A;er several leers from our vet saying hold off inocula ons un l post Brex-
it (what – a third men on!) we decided that Nina had to have the jab to
bring her passport up to date. With the benefit of hindsight, we need not
have bothered – neither human nor animal passports had to be produced at
any point on our travels – so much for border controls!
Sunday 2nd May saw us seng off for Bagnol Caravan Park on Anglesey, cho-
sen for its proximity to Holyhead. It is in a lovely spot with views over the
bay and a short walk into the village with cafes, pubs etc. However, at
£34pn we felt that it was fully priced having only the basic and slightly red
facili es. (Editor’s note - see item on Pandy Cymunod below).
On Tuesday we took the 2pm Stena Lines ferry to Dublin. It is well worth
trying various days and mes as ferry prices vary – on the 2pm sailing mo-
torhomes were charged at the car rate and, booking through the Camping
and Caravanning Club (CCC), it cost £160. Nina happily spent the 3 hour
crossing in the van but dog owners who used the kennels did not recom-
mend them. The ferries are very comfortable and a;er a mill-pond crossing
we arrived safely.
3
We had pre-booked 3 nights at the Camac Valley CCC site (32 euros pn), 6
miles south west of Dublin. However, our rush hour arrival north east of the
city meant a 2hour crawl giving plenty of me to see the Liffey. This site is
spacious with good facili es and pleasant walks in an adjacent park. Dublin
is a fairly short ride by bus or taxi (25euros!) – although both are unlikely to
take dogs.
Our trip had a crisis at each end. In Dublin it was that Peter had forgoen
one of his tablets. A phone call to our GP and the message that “you should
be OK but see a doctor if you feel poorly” was not very reassuring!
A local doctor refused an appointment but a helpful pharmacist said she
would dispense if we could produce a prescrip on. Our doctors would not
supply one and our UK pharmacy tried and failed to both fax and email a
copy. Eventually, a;er a wasted day, Peter remembered that he ordered
repeat prescrip ons on-line and we were able to access his records and
show a copy to the pharmacist who was happy to prescribe (cost 9.43 eu-
ros). Memo for future trips – take a copy prescrip on!
On our second day we did go into Dublin. It rained! No pubs or cafes accept
dogs. Then it rained some more! Fortunately, a Café Nero let us in and even
gave us free coffee as their fancy machine was broken. We are now sup-
porters. And that was the last of the rain for the next 3weeks.
Our second Irish site was the only other one booked in advance. The Apple
Farm (ACSI 1287) is about a 2.5hours drive, mainly motorway, and at only
14 euros per night, plus a free bole of apple juice, is a real bargain. It is a
working fruit farm with a boling plant but also very adequate facili es. The
ACSI booklet says no dogs but an email brought permission to take Nina and
according to the friendly recep onist the boss always gives permission ex-
cept in high season. Although the site is fairly isolated there are plenty of
arac on within a short drive and we had a lovely day in Cahir (castle etc.)
and a spectacular scenic drive up “The V”.
A;er staying 3nights, one more than planned, we con nued south west to
4
the Fossa CCC site in Killarney for one night at 25euros before moving next
door to Beech Grove (ACSI 19euros) for 2 nights. Both good so why not save
6euros!
A recent and major tourist development is the “Wild Atlan c Way” which is
a road route from Kinsale, near Cork, on the south coast to Muff on the bor-
der with Northern Ireland. Every mile is wonderfully scenic although cover-
ing them all would take many weeks. We did, however, at least cover some
of the highlights.
Our first full day we went to Dingle, on the Dingle peninsular. Its chief arac-
on is a “wild” dolphin which has lived in the bay since 1983. Despite lovely
scenery Dingle itself was a disappointment. We felt that is was too commer-
cialised and expensive and exploited its star arac on. It cost 16euros each
for a 1hour boat trip to “search” for Fungie who duly made an appearance.
We were to see many more genuinely wild dolphins later on the trip.
On the return trip to Killarney we stopped on the beach at the scenic Inch
Bay – and needed a push from several fit surfers to return to tarmac – Jane
didn’t complain!
5
The following day we did the “Ring of Kerry”. This is a 110mile trip around
the Kerry peninsular with one spectacular sight a;er another and could eas-
ily be spread over 2 or more days. Kerry was Europe’s first official ”dark
night” area and apparently over 4,000 stars can be seen. We didn’t see any
as we were now enjoying sunny days, which stayed for the rest of our trip.
If we were to meet our deadline, it was me to move on so we did a long
(3 1/2 hour) trip to Galway, bypassing Limerick. Much of the me was on a
new motorway – our satnav thought we were in the middle of a field. We
found the roads to be generally very good although the ”L” (local) ones are
best avoided! With diesel priced in euros at about the same as sterling,
making it effec vely about 10% cheaper, transport costs were reasonable.
Unleaded petrol actually costs much more than diesel, unlike the UK.
In Galway we stayed at the Salthill CCC site which has adequate facili es but
charges extra for everything – showers, washing (5euros), drying (5 euros)
etc. It is on the edge of Galway Bay with beau ful views and a short walk in
to Salthill which is the holiday area of Galway. However, the arac ons of a
fun fair etc. were not for us and one night was enough.
A short drive brought us to Cong
Camping (ACSI 1289). A good site
and a short walk into the lovely vil-
lage which is s ll arac ng tourists
as the place where ”The Quiet Man”
film (John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara)
was made in 1951 (and is shown
most nights in the Quiet Man muse-
um!). There is more to see with a
ruined abbey, boat trips on the lake
etc. but again a;er one night we
decided to move on.
6
So many people had told us to visit Achill Island that we decided we had to
make the diversion – and were glad that we did so. We spent 2 nights at the
Keel Sandybanks site. Keel is a small village but with lovely walks along the
bay, pubs and cafes has enough to keep you entertained.
On our second day we made the short but spectacular drive to Keem Bay
and we were rewarded by the appearance of some 20 truly wild dolphins.
This sigh ng and the scenery alone would have made the whole trip worth-
while. On our return journey to Keel we visited the deserted village – very
quiet!
Next stop was Strandhill Park, near Sligo. Another pleasant site, with views
over the Atlan c and nearby facili es but, with me pressing, only one
night.
En route to Ballyshannon we called in at the fishing port of Mullaghmore,
site of Mountbaen’s murder. Ballyshannon claims to be Ireland’s oldest
7
town and Lakeside (ACSI 1285) was another good site for a 2night stop. A
lile bit of retail therapy and me to move again.
Reluctantly we bypassed the whole of Donegal (next me) and moved in to
Northern Ireland for 2nights at the Ballyness Park, near Bushmills before
having to move 3miles for 2 nights at Bush site as Ballyness was fully
booked. Ballyness was possibly the best site of the whole trip (although we
didn’t have any complaints about any). It had a lovely dog walk, was spot-
lessly clean, beau fully maintained and a 10minute walk to the Bushmills
Dis llery. One dis llery tour later we emerged more knowledgeable and
with a £40 bole of Dis llery Reserve Malt, only available on site. Northern
Ireland also allowed us to use our Na onal Trust membership and visits to
the Giants Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge (very hairy but both safely
across), Downhill Demesne and Mount Stewart almost covered the annual
membership in one trip.
Our last 2nights in Ireland
were spent at Jordanstown
Loughshore Caravan Park
chosen for its proximity to
Jane’s cousin and the ferry
terminal. It is unmanned,
holds about 12 units and is
quite noisy from a nearby
main road. However, the
facili es are adequate with
an on-site café and Stena’s
Belfast terminal only a
10minute drive so it served
its purpose.
We had another good crossing to Cairnryan (CCC £128) before breaking our
journey home at Brighouse Bay Holiday Park, Dumfries for 2 nights. This is a
large site with golf course, bar, pool etc. Despite its size it has a lovely beach
8
and country seng for a resSul out of season break.
It was here that we had our second major crisis. Whilst enjoying a coffee we
realised that Nina was missing. We searched the van unsuccessfully and set
out in heavy rain to scour the camp. We recruited several children on cycles
and lots of campers to join the hunt. Two hours later we were soaked to the
skin and there was no news. Jane set off to find a ‘phone signal and Peter
returned to check the van for the umpteenth me. Was that a bark? Yes, it
was, but no dog. A;er crawling under the van, examining nearby tents s ll
no dog, only a few barks. Eventually li;ing the seee revealed her in the
luggage space. She must have been behind the bed when it was pushed
back to its day posi on and had gone into a hidden space. A happy ending
but a very trauma c 2hours.
Did we enjoy our first solo long (almost 4week) trip abroad? Yes, yes, yes.
Would we go to Ireland again? To be sure!
Peter and Jane
Motorhome stopover on Anglesey
Katrina and I have to declare an interest here, but her brother runs holiday
accommoda on on Anglesey some 5 miles from Holyhead and has set up a
motorhome stopover with EHU.
He can only accommodate 1
van, but it is very convenient
for the Holyhead ferry and also
a lovely loca on. For more de-
tails, see
www.PandyCymunod.co.uk
Tim & Katrina
9
Well Well Well Well 2019 Rally Report
1st to 6th August at Eden Tree Caravan Park, Bradwell, The Hope
Valley, Derbyshire
Eleven out of twelve expected motorhomes rolled up to the campsite, (just
a five minute walk from the centre of Bradwell ) throughout the early a;er-
noon, apart from Eric and Dee, who always seem to arrive two hours before
anyone else!
The sun was shining, the campsite warden couldn’t have been more accom-
moda ng and Katrina and Tim were there to greet us all with their encyclo-
paedic welcome packs / resources and ensured everyone was pitched com-
fortably and ‘seled in’.
Those of us who had experienced Katrina and Tim’s Stewarding before
knew we were in for a Rally run with military precision, tapping into every
possible local resource within a hundred miles radius – and we weren’t dis-
appointed.
Throughout the Rally, Tim and Katrina had both their cars available as taxis
to access some of the more remote and/or inaccessible places of local in-
terest. They even moved out of their house and brought their motorhome
on site to accommodate Pete and Liz Machon who’s broken down mo-
torhome posed lile or no problem to them aending the Rally!
10A;er the ‘Meet and Greet’ Katrina and Tim led us on an early evening guid-
ed tour of the town taking in the locals - busily preparing for Saturdays An-
nual Carnival, the slowly receding water levels around the village a;er the
previous week’s deluge, the local architecture and the offerings at a local
hostelry before returning to the campsite.
On day two, Katrina and Tim planned to take those who wanted to the
Dams and Reservoirs around the local area that were as full as they have
been for a long me and quite spectacular. Some ventured into Sheffield
waving their bus passes but most people decided to walk into Castleton,
led by Sherpa Ellio as usual, for a pub meal and return in the a;ernoon,
not fully apprecia ng that the Dams visit was not possible for the next two
days because of road closures, The reward for going ‘off programme’ was a
long wait for food that was over-cooked and totally underwhelming! It also
highlighted the challenges many Laika Club Rally Stewards have faced over
the years which has been muted as akin to herding cats at mes!!
Another long, warm, sunny day spurred Charles and Jacqui to organise an
evening Indian Take Away for everyone a;er an order for 24 large haddock
and chips almost gave the new local Fish Shop owner a coronary. It cer-
tainly compensated for the disappoin ng lunch for many and provided the
opportunity to finish the day on a high with food, drink and conversa on.
An added unforeseen bonus was the MSG from the food saved on ligh ng
costs as the near empty food trays glowed long into the night!
Carnival Day – The oldest paperboy in
the village (or was it Peter)? arrived with
the Saturday papers and a leisurely
morning preceded a Village Carnival with
Floats, local marching and brass bands,
beauty queens, stalls, tents and mar-
quees and so much more. One of the
highlights in the local calendar with what
seemed like the whole town involved. A
real treat of a day and yet again blessed
with warm sunshine all day which al-
lowed us, yes you guessed it, an evening
BBQ for all with plenty to eat, plenty of
chaer and an odd glass or two for those
inclined.
11Sunday – Free Day (day of rest – ha ha! no chance).
In my wisdom, I suggested a cycle ride to the local reservoirs . Other more
sensible people took full advantage of yet another glorious day and chose
public transport, a gentle walk or the onsite LanShep Taxi service but not
me! Six like-minded enthusiasts donned the lycra (not really – god forbid)
and embarked on what appeared to be a forgoen mountain stage of the
Tour de Derbyshire. Full marks to Richard, Eric, Charles and Jacqui for
reaching the intended des na on and returning in one piece. Chris and I
decided a coffee and a big slab of cake was more arac ve and turned
back early!
Again, a variety of op ons available for the final day. Some took up Tim
and Katrina’s offer of a taxi run to Tideswell to catch the early morning
bus into Bakewell for the exci ng ride down country lanes to the weekly
market. Some visited other local arac ons by foot, by car or by bus and
everyone bar one or two early departures met for a meal in a local Pub to
celebrate a very successful Rally and to give thanks to Katrina and Tim for
all their me and effort at what is a par cularly busy me of year for
them.
Tuesday was Farewells and departure day.
Wrien by Mark Snowden
12Remaining Rally for 2019
Nov/Dec Fakenham Racecourse Stewards £16/night
28th November AGM/Christmas rally Wendy and David Fu!er See below
to2nd Decem-
ber(4 nights)
28th November to 2nd December (4 nights, Thursday to Monday)
C & CC site, Fakenham Racecourse, NR21 7NY
A return visit for the club following a successful stay several years ago.
Fakenham Racecourse Club site offers a variety of pitches which are spread
over four self-contained areas. Some pitches are sheltered by conifer belts,
some enclosed within the seng of the racecourse paddock and some line
the rails overlooking the Racecourse and Golf course.
Set in comfortable and picturesque surroundings, Fakenham Racecourse
Club site has excellent facili es and the arac ve market town of Fakenham
is a conveniently short distance away, giving easy access to the local shops.
There is a frequent bus service from the town to various des na ons includ-
ing the nearby seaside resort of Wells-Next-The-Sea.
The site is an ideal base for exploring Norfolk’s varied arac ons and rural
scenery.
You will also have access to the adjacent sports centre where you can have a
relaxing drink and bar meal. You can also play golf, tennis or squash (charges
apply).
Visit England has recently rated this site as 4-star.
Highlights as follows: -
Thursday Meet and Greet at The Gallows Sports Centre – Mulled wine &
mince pies!
13Friday Free day
late a;ernoon a coach will collect par cipants from the site for
a full evening of entertainment at the Thursford Museum,
known as the “Christmas Spectacular”
www.thursford.com/christmas-spectacular
Saturday Free morning
AGM in the a;ernoon at the Lancaster Room (Sports Centre).
Evening Dinner & Entertainment in the Lancaster Room.
Sunday Free day to relax or explore Norfolk.
Costs Site fees £16 per night
The Thursford Spectacular including transport will be approxi-
mately £40 per head (subject to final transport costs).
Christmas dinner etc to be announced.
Rally Stewards: Wendy and David Fuer
Provisional Rallies for 2020
March Cheddar Bridge Tour- Stewards
24th to 29th ing Park , Drayco! Rd, Eric and Dee Gould
Cheddar BS27 3RJ
(5 nights)
April Camper UK Leisure Stewards £30 for 2
Mid month— Park, Swinethorpe, Murray and Karen
nights
dates tbc Lincoln Chisholm
May St Margarets House, Stewards
14th to 20th Woodbridge, Suffolk David and Wendy
IP12 3HD Fu!er
(6 nights)
14June Cornish Trio Stewards
8th to 21th (3 sites) Paul and Ruth Lawrence
(13 nights)
July Ludlow Touring Park Stewards
7th to 11th Charles and Jacqui
Chodkowski
(4 nights)
October Cheshire Rally Stewards
(4 nights) Katrina Lancaster and
Tim Sheppard
Dates tbc
Dececember Teversal, No!s Stewards
3rd to 7th AGM/Christmas rally Katrina Lancaster and
Tim Sheppard
March 24th to 29th (5 nights Tuesday to Sunday)
Cheddar
The touring park caters for those that would prefer quieter surroundings, it
is exclusively for adults (over 18) with a comfortable relaxed atmosphere.
Cheddar Bridge is a picturesque Caravan and Camping Site in a riverside
seng with luxury facili es. It is located within close walking distance of the
historic village of Cheddar, its ameni es and leisure centre, the spectacular
Cheddar Gorge and Caves and the Mendip hills. The river Yeo passes
through the caravan site with many camping pitches next to the riverbank.
Enjoy the wonderful view of the Mendip Hills from the pitches.
The site is part of a Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Norman Ancient Monument.
Cheddar Bridge is a high quality central touring base for Wells, Bath, Bristol,
Weston-Super-Mare, Wookey Hole, Glastonbury, Street, Somerset Levels
15and villages.
The club has secured a booking for 5 nights, arrive 24 March & depart 29
March. The fee for the 5 nights with two adults is £75 and includes hard-
standing, EHU and up to 2 dogs. For 4 or less nights the fee is reduced to
£64 but that sum however short the stay is the minimum payable.
Rally Stewards: Eric & Dee Gould
Mid April (Friday to Sunday— dates to be confirmed)
Lincoln
We have had an approach from Camper UK who are now Laika Dealers in
Lincoln invi ng us to their open weekends which are held 3 weekends per
year and includes a hog roast and live entertainment for Friday and Satur-
day nights, with free shule bus into Lincoln.
They work with other owners clubs and exis ng customers get a discount.
Their premises are newly built and impressive and it gives an opportunity to
meet them and for us to get improved rela ons with the Laika Company
and Products
Aendance is £30 for the 2 days, but free for Camper UK customers.
Rally Stewards: Murray and Karen Chisholm
May 14th to 20th (6 nights Tuesday to Wednesday)
Woodbridge, Suffolk
Details to follow.
Rally Stewards: Wendy and David Fuer
16June 8th to 21st (13 nights Monday to Sunday)
Cornish Trio—3 sites
Details to follow.
Rally Stewards: Paul and Ruth Lawrence
July 7th to 11th (4 nights Tuesday to Saturday)
Ludlow
Details to follow.
Rally Stewards: Charles and Jacqui Chodkowski
October (4 nights— dates to be confirmed)
Cheshire rally
Details to follow.
Rally Stewards: Katrina Lancaster & Tim Sheppard
December 3rd to 7th (4 nights Thursday to Monday)
Christmas Rally & AGM - Teversal, Nos
The detailed programme for our Christmas Rally and AGM is s ll being
planned, but we are returning to Teversal Camping and Caravanning Club
site for our 2020 Christmas Rally and AGM.
Full details to follow.
Rally Stewards: Katrina Lancaster & Tim Sheppard
1718
A touching story of a true hero
A li!le girl was leaning into a lion's cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the collar
of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, all under the eyes of her
screaming parents.
A biker jumps off his Harley, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose
with a powerful punch. Whimpering from the pain, the lion jumps back, le&ng go
of the girl, and the biker brings the girl to her terrified parents, who thank him end-
lessly.
A reporter has watched the whole event.
The reporter, addressing the Harley rider says, "Sir, this was the most gallant and
bravest thing I've seen a man do in my whole life.”
The Harley rider replies, "Why, it was nothing, really. The lion was behind bars. I
just saw this li!le kid in danger, and acted as I felt right
The reporter says, "Well, I'll make sure this won't go unno%ced. I'm a journalist,
you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this story on the front page. So, what do
you do for a living, and what poli%cal affilia%on do you have?”
The biker replies "I'm a Bri%sh Army veteran, a Conserva%ve and I voted for Brex-
it”. The journalist leaves.
The following morning the biker buys the paper to see if it indeed brings news of
his ac%ons, and reads, on the front page: UK VETERAN ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMI-
GRANT & STEALS HIS LUNCH
And THAT pre!y much sums up the media's approach to the news these days.
Coming in the next Edi-on
Tales of travel in Singapore & Australia
from Tim & Katrina
19Something to make us think of summer in 2020
Port Isaac—with thanks to Peter Ellio
Please, please let the rally stewards know as soon as possible if you have to
cancel and make sure when you book that they have got correct email ad-
dresses and mobile phone numbers in case they have to contact you.
Thank you
The informa on and opinions in this newsleer are those of the contact name or names
given. The Laika Club of Great Britain does not necessarily agree with nor endorse their com-
ments and/or views. It is a totally independent Club, governed by its cons tu on giving no
preference to any Publica on, Dealer or other club. This however, does not prevent, with
Commiee approval, the fostering of mutually beneficial rela ons.
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