South Essex Matters

CHAIRMANS WELCOME

Hi Everyone

Happy Easter to you all.

The clocks have gone forward, the evenings are

staying lighter for longer, the weather is warm-

ing up and rallying on the grass begins. Let’s

hope we will be able to enjoy a good summer.

We are attending The Romantic Road Easter

Rally at Bourton on the Water which is fully

booked with over 40 vans. The other Easter rally at the Hoo Academy

is also full with over 35 vans. We hope this could be a trend for this

year, the more the merrier.

The Centre held its Annual Dinner Dance in March at a brand new venue

The Westcliff Hotel which for those who attended said it was a bril-

liant evening. Thanks goes to Will & Penny Thursby for organising the

event and for ensuring all went well on the night.

The National Rally this year is being held at Arley Hall, Cheshire from

23rd -27th May. Let’s hope it doesn’t rain as bad as last year leading up

to the event. We don’t want to get stuck in the mud again as I still

haven’t lived it down.

The Chairman’s Rally is to be held at Bulphan Hall Farm on an ordinary

weekend (18th -20th July). We hope to see lots of you there. A pro-

gramme is starting to come together which we are sure you will enjoy.

Don’t eat too many Easter eggs, save some for us!

Take care. Paul & Sue

Newsletter 204, Easter, April 2014

Please note the AGM date has been changed to the 5th

October at Westcliff High School for Boys.

Don’t forget to sign up to the ‘SECC Weekly Update’ email service to keep up

to date with rally news.

Equipment for sale

The equipment that we have for sale will soon be available

through the SECC website. We are in the

process of photographing all of the stock

that we have and uploading it to the website.

You can of course still purchase all items

from us personally.

We have limited items of clothing,

fleeces, t shirts, jumpers, shirts & coats still

for sale.

All items are still available to order from the catalogue that we

will carry with us. But may take a few weeks to arrive.

Each Committee member will now be carrying a selection of toi-

let chemicals so that these will be available on most rallies.

Please ask if you require anything.

Please feel free to contact us.

Clint & Janice Price

01708 347729

Following the success of our ‘Murder at the Village Hall’ rally in

which Irene and Steve Volke, together with the cast from Star-

light Productions, acted out a murder for ralliers to work out ‘who

did it?’ it was suggested that a rally be organised to coincide with

their Christmas/New Year pantomime.

We are now pleased to advise that a rally has been organised at

Blenheim School for the week-end of 9th – 11th January 2015 and

that the pantomime will be ‘Aladdin’.

So why not start the year with an old fashion pantomime. Star-

tlight Productions, are producing Aladdin locally and have secured

a block booking for the Saturday afternoon matinee for South Es-

sex members and their families.

Whilst the tickets are being organised on a block booking, the ac-

tual numbers required are needed by the end of November

LATEST. We therefore ask for those interested in coming to this

rally to let us know as soon as possible.

An early booking slip together with a £10 per person deposit will

secure your place and avoid disappointment on what promises to

be a very popular rally/pantomime. Cheques, made payable to The

Caravan Club, South Essex Centre, should be sent to Sharon &

Dave May, 122 Link Road, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 9SB.

Caretaker marshals will remain on

site during your time at the panto.

Saturday evening join us in the hall

for an American supper.

Easter Egg Nest Cake

Ingredients:

for the cake

250 grams dark chocolate (chopped) 125 grams unsalted butter (softened) 6 medium eggs (2 whole, 4 separated) 175 grams caster sugar (75g for yolk mixture, 100g for whites) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the topping

125 grams dark chocolate (chopped) 250 ml double cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 packet mini chocolate egg (for decorating)

Method:

· Preheat the oven to gas mark 4/180°C.

· Line the bottom of a 23cm springform cake tin with baking parchment, or better still, Bake-O-Glide but do not grease the sides of the tine.

· Melt the 250g chocolate with the butter in either a double boiler or a microwave and then set aside to cool slightly.

· Whisk the 4 egg whites until firm, then gradually add the 100g of sugar and whisk until the whites are holding their shape and peak gleamingly - but not stiff.

· Remove this bowl and set aside while you whisk, in another bowl, the 2 whole eggs and 4 yolks with the 75g of sugar and the vanilla extract, and then gently fold in the chocolate mixture. Lighten the mixture with some egg whites - just dollop a large spoonful in and stir briskly - and then fold in the rest of the whisked whites gently, in about three goes.

· Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cake is risen and cracked and the centre is no longer wobbly on the surface. Cool the cake in its tin on a wire rack; the middle will sink as it cools and the sides splinter. You want this to look like a cake with a crater in it, so do not panic at the vision of imperfection in front of you. That's one of the reasons this cake is so unstressful to make.

· To finish the cake, carefully remove it from the tin and place it on a plate or cake-stand, not worrying if bits fall off here and there. Put them back in a loose fashion.

Melt the chocolate for the topping and leave it to cool a little. Whip the cream until it is

firming up and aerated but still soft, and then add the vanilla and fold in the melted

chocolate. Fill the crater of the cake with the chocolatey cream, easing it out gently to-

wards the edges of the cake with a rubber spatula, and then arrange the little sugar

Easter eggs on top.

Inter-centre Fishing Competition 2014. This year’s inter-centre

fishing rally is being hosted by the North Essex Centre on the

weekend of 19th – 21st September at Home Farm fishery, Little

Walden near Saffron Walden. All Anglia centres have been in-

vited to enter a team of 7 anglers for the competition. The cost

per angler for the fishing is £6.50 which is in addition to the rally

fee. There is a no floating bait rule and the fishery rules will ap-

ply. If you are planning to enter this competition would you please

let Kevin Higgins know on 07711368271 by 31st May 2014, so that

he can advise North Essex if our centre will be providing a full

team or not.

Kevin Higgins, Vice Chairman

If you have any ideas for new venues or come

across a potential new site suitable for rallying

in 2015 then please speak to me on the rally

field or give me a ring. You do not have to run

the rally yourself although you will be given first refusal.

Phil Goldspink, Rally Secretary.

01268570366

We would like to thank everyone for the many cards and letters

of sympathy for the loss of our daughter, Claire and for all the

support from so many at her funeral and donations for the

charities of her choice. So much kindness and support has been

very much appreciated. Also for the cards and congratulations on

the birth of our grand-daughter, Isobel Claire who is absolutely

beautiful and has helped us get through the last few weeks.

Jean and John Weller.

I am sure most of you know that Sue and Keith Tyler have been collected

ring pulls for charity for many years. I am sure they would like to thank you

for all your efforts but they are no longer collecting them.

Scan with your smart phone to

visit the South Essex Website.

Equipment News

New Marquee

Following requests from members the centre

has purchased a new light weight marquee. The

marquee is 8 meters X 4 meters, the same size

as the centres other marquees but is much

lighter and is transportable in a single vehicle.

It will be stored at the lock up with

instructions, if you wish to use it please contact Kevin Higgins on

07711368271.

Rally Equipment

Marshall’s are asked to book centre equipment for rallies giving as

much notice as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equipment Testing

On another note I am pleased to advise that all the centres known

electrical equipment has now passed the “Portable Appliance test”

this resulted in a few items being scrapped and replaced. However

in general our equipment is in good order. If when running or on a

rally you think of an item of equipment that would benefit the cen-

tre please let a member of the committee know, if its practical and

we can afford it, we will look at the viability of purchase.

Kevin Higgins, Vice Chairman.

Voucher for new ralliers

It has been agreed that, with effect from 1st April 2014, centre

members attending their first South Essex rally will be provided

with a voucher which they will be able to use towards the cost of a

subsequent rally. So, if you have joined our centre but not yet tried

a rally why not give it a go?

Also, if you have any caravanning friends who are not centre mem-

bers perhaps you could persuade them to join us.

Rally Marshals – please let The Rally Secretary know if you have

first-time ralliers booking onto your rallies so that you can be pro-

vided with a voucher to give to them.

Revised AGM date

A reminder that the date of the AGM has been changed to Sunday

5th October 2014 at 10 a.m. Registration from 9.15 a.m.

AGM Supper Dance will be held on Saturday 4th October 2014. The

AGM Rally will be held from 3rd to 5th October 2014.

All other details remain unchanged.

Number of caravans on rallies

This is a reminder to all Rally Marshals, and potential Marshals,

that the limit in the Rally Book is the marshal’s limit.

If you wish to exceed this limit, and the venue can hold more vans,

you MUST seek permission from the Rally Secretary who will notify

the Caravan Club.

Jacqui Ellis, Assistant Secretary.

We would like to say a big thank you to our Social Sectary and his

wife Will & Penny Thursby for all they did in making this year’s

Spring Ball one of the best that we have been to.

We had a fantastic night with our friends. The Westcliff Hotel was

lovely new venue the food and service was excellent and so was the

entertainment. Trevor Doore made a speech on behalf of the men

and Marion Mills replied on behalf of the ladies with a very witty

poem. Well done to you both. There was also entertainment on the

coach that took us back to our caravans and the end of the evening

the form of a Bob Keen Sing-along. All we can say about that is Bob

“please do not give up your day job”! I think we speak for

everybody there in saying if you were thinking of

going and didn't we would recommend it for next

year.

Thank you again for a lovely evening.

Dave & Lynn Farrar.

I would like to thank everybody who helped Penny and I in arrang-

ing this years Annual Dinner Dance. Special thanks go to Lynda

Carter and Debbie Sayer for their beautiful flower arrangements.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you there next year.

Will Thursby.

Great weekend, great venue and great company was the start of

what turned out to be a great evening at the Westcliffe Hotel, a

new venue for this year's Annual Dinner and Dance.

Saturday arrived and we were treated to a warm sunny day allowing

us to take a stroll along the sea front and enjoy lunch with friends.

It was soon time to get ready for the main event of the weekend,

the ladies looked wonderful, dressed in their finery, the men look-

ing smart in their dinner suits. The coach duly arrived and we were

transported to the hotel, arriving at the main entrance after a

short journey, allowing everyone to enjoy the evening without the

inconvenience of driving and parking.

Following pre-dinner drinks at the reception bar we were shown to

our tables for the evening, where we enjoyed a wonderful four

course meal with our fellow diners. A lively disco provided music for

the evening, filling the dance floor all evening. The venue, meal and

disco were all a great success and we would like to thank the Chair-

man and his committee and of course, their partners for a most en-

joyable evening. We would also like to extend our thanks to the so-

cial secretary Will Thursby and his wife Penny for their hard work

in making the Dinner and Dance so memorable for us.

It has been some time since we last attended a Dinner

and Dance and both Sandie and I are looking forward to

next year at this venue.

Sandie and Phil Hegarty.

Marion Mills Dinner Dance speech overleaf...

I must be MAD

It was back in 07

After a months holiday

A cruise and a honeymoon

In the US of A

A friend brought a van

And offered a week

I didn't’t think he’d fancy taking a peek

A weekend in the rain

Is all that we had

I thought at the time

I must be MAD.

Amist the storm the gale and powercut

We flooded the van and the door jammed shut

The Kids were bored, the van was old

With no TV and very cold

I thought at the time

We must be MAD

But the sun came out

It weren’t that bad

Off the week with the family

I was quite glad

So I sat and watched Ebay each and every night

Till one took my fancy it looked just right.

My bid was a winner

And I told him with glee

We have one the caravan

It’s up in Selby

With no idea of how far to got

I forgot he had not ball to tow

I thought at the time

He thinks I’m MAD

We put it in storage and had family trips out

Came back on Sundays to the same ol shout

Where have you been?

What have you done?

You should join the centre

You’ll have lots of fun

Well I later learned the name of this fella

He goes by the name of Mr. John Weller

I thought at the time

He must be MAD

So we joined the centre, had lots of fun

Joined in on rallies and then ran one

I’ve made numerous teas and erected marques

I’ve refereed games out in the snow

I’ve many a vision set him on a mission

His answer you don’t want to know

I’ve been a cowgirl, a cook, a quizmaster, the queen

I’ve been to many stately homes, none that I’ve seen

I thought at the time

I must be MAD …

I’ve been talked into carnivals and dress in all sorts of ways

A dog, a clown, a fairy and Mrs. Banks

To the carnival team I give my thanks

I helped decorate the trailer as many things

Dalmation sports and circus swings

Halloween, firework, near year clockes

Made giant board games from and old cardboard box

I’ve made paper masks with painted smiles

And at the end of the day I’ve walked for miles

I thought at the time

I must be MAD.

From treasurers accounts and all that amounts

To running a rally or two

Who will we ask and who will agree

To do all that we need them to do

But volunteers are never hard to find

Amongst such a group of people so generous and kind

I thought at the time

You must be MAD.

A better group of people I could not hope to find

They share my times of laughter and understand my mind

We share a lifestyle that I simply can’t explain

Better friends anywhere I could not attain

An extended family, a social club, a community on wheels

It’s a welcome break for the daily stress that every member feels

So out in any weather I’m really rather glad

When I here the outsiders say

She really must be MAD.

My caravan, my second home, my escape from all that’s bad

To belong to this centre and to have this life

I really am so glad

So ladies please join me in raising a toast to the men here tonight that bring

us week after week to this wonderful lif.

He really must be MAD.

By Marion Mills

Cockney Pies Rally

I would like to say a huge well done to

Dave & Julie Tanner

for running their 1st ever rally,

Cockney Pies on 4th-6th April.

They have assisted on rallies but Dave decided that Pie

& Mash was the order of the day!!! All of the pies were

home made by Dave & Julie. They made it all look so easy as

well.

As I said on the rally Dave, there was no way that I was

missing this rally and had been looking forward to it for a

good few months.

Well done to you all, I can’t

wait until next year!!!!!

Janice Price

I am a rescue dog from the RSPCA. I first joined my forever

home, the Thursby Household on the 4th January 2014 (This is

known as my got'cha day) I had slightly rough start into this

family as I was naughty sometimes (I chewed shoes, slippers and

a door) and very anxious due to my unknown past experiences.

With a lot time I think these issues are gradually being ironed

out. The next stage of my new life with the Thursby family was

to visit my second home, which looks like a big white box. I have

a lovely bed inside and people come visit me. I once held up a

flagpole due to my fame. During one of my visits I met a friend

called Jake, we got along well. On another visit to the Annual

Dinner Dance (I wasn't allowed in the hotel) I met a strict lady

called Tina who herself has a four legged friend, I think she

wanted to train me but I wasn't having any of it. I can stubborn

sometimes. I've recently had a crate bought for me which I have

been told is going the awning (whatever that is). I think I'm sup-

posed to stay in this when my family are out. My first rally is to

be Easter on a Buckinghamshire rally at Banham zoo. In the next

newsletter I will let you know how I got on.

Lots of licks,

Bébé Thursby. Xxxx

On the way to Cockney Pie’s Rally some of the ralliers were pulled in

by the police to Chelmsford services. This was to check for owner-

ship of vans but obviously also checked lights, mirrors etc. For obvi-

ous reasons we must make sure that all lights are working, and that

our units are roadworthy as it could prove to be a very expensive

weekend.

You still have time to book onto the National

which usually proves to be a great weekend

whether you take part or just spectate. Give it a

try. Scan with your smart phone to book.

Dave Farrar is celebrating his 60th

birthday on the 1st July. Enjoy all your

surprises.

Congratulations.

Lots of love from Lynn, Scott and

Danielle.xxxx

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY ON 19TH

JUNE TO OUR WONDERFUL

ASHLEE.

HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY,

LOVE NANNY & GRANDAD

XXXXXXXX

DAGENHAM

DAVE 65

4TH May

Happy

Birthday

Our birthday wishes go out to

All members that have a birthday soon.

South Essex. x

7th June

Peter Kain

11th June

Graham Thursby

June Eastman

8th June

Paul Langford

1st July

Claire Green

14th June

Jeannette Goldspink

Dave Tyler

2nd July

Penny Thursby

5th July

Dave Davidson 7th July

David Mills

20th July

Sue Maran

12th April

Geoff Appleton

22nd April

Shirley Bunce

21st April

Julie Tanner,

John Mack

24th April

Scott Spencer

1st April

Emma Kain

23rd April

Trevor Doore

26th April

Ollie Thursby

25th May

Nerina Alden

20th May

Lisa White

27th May

Scott Farrar 31st May

Janet Appleton

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Milenco Hitchlock

Milenco Hitch lock to fit Winterhoff WS3000 stabiliser. (BLUE)

Fits Hitched, Unhitched & with a Hitch Post. Comes with 2 Keys

£30 ONO

Contact Janice Price: 01708 347729, Romford, 07769 180 932 janiceprice1@hotmail.co.uk

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Various Bargain Items

6FT Camp bed with carrying case...........£10.00

Fold up plastic bottle carrier on wheels........£5.00

Contact: Lisa White (01702 542 729 or 07900 695591)

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TOYOTA COLORADO LANDCRIUSER TD VX Spec AUTO - 8 SEATER, 5 Doors, , Diesel, 2000 W Reg, 117000 miles, Metallic Green Long MOT. Genuine Mileage, AWD / 4WD, Diff Lock, Bull Bar, 8 Seats, Radio/CD Multichanger, Air condi-tioning, Alloy wheels, Tow bar with full electrics , Front electric windows, Rear electric windows, Electric Folding Mirrors, Electric tilt and slide sunroof, Electric adjustable front seats. Heated front seats. Beige leather upholstery, Wood trim, Adjustable steering column/wheel, split folding rear seats, Central locking, Immobiliser, ABS, Drivers airbag, Passenger airbag, Rear headrests, Height adjustable drivers seat, Rear wiper, Front fog lights. Low road tax for class (only £220.00)Genuine reason for sale.

Images on the Website. £4300 ono

Contact: Steve Volke (stevevolke@blueyonder.co.uk)

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FREE Khyam Futura Awning, Size 875 X 16ft, Colour Maroon & Grey Including full easy to

understand instructions & video instructions. Spacemaker High Porch Awning, Colour Fawn

Large ground sheet

Contact: Joan (North Essex Centre) 01702 545083

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For Sale Jockey Wheel

Brand New Pneumatic Jockey wheel. Size 4.10 x 3.50 Load

300lbs

Price: £13.00

Contact: Alan Mildren (01255 677449)

CARAVAN WINDOWS

2 x double glazed acrylic windows - Polyplastic– brown Opening with fitments- NEW

never used. 1 x 165cm x 72cm £90- o.n.o 1 x 95cm x 62cm £60- o.n.o

Available separately Local delivery may be possible

Contact: JOHN BURFIELD (johnburfield@gmail.com phone 01268 784085 (Rayleigh)

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DOREMA VITESSE AWNING

APPROX SIZE 290CM BY 280CM

Price: £200 ono

TABLE TOP GAS HEATER Price: £50

ALKO SECURE WHEEL LOCKS

1 X NO 9 SIZE 1 X NO 27

BOTH IN GOOD CONDITION AND COMPLETE IN ORIGINAL BAGS.

Price: £75 EACH

STAR CAMP MAGNUM 260 AWNING

Price: £80

FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOS OF ALL THESE ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE

Contact: Alan Cobb (0208 524 4776 or 07873 273 086)

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Various Items

2 x 6kg propane gas bottles £10.00 each

Various connections for conversion to reverse polarity/mains etc. £10.00 the lot

2 large groundsheets Free

Double solar panel £5.00

2 Mains leads £5.00 each

2 fishing chairs with covers £20 each

Set of metal Boules in a case with tape measure and pick up magnet £15

Contact: Joan (on 01702 545083 Rochford area)

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Don’t forget, it is FREE to advertise your caravanning items under £20. If your item is

over £20 there is a small charge of £2 per item. Your advert will appear in the News-

letter and on the website for one year or until you have advised a committee member

that it is sold.

1 Fiama levelling Blocks £10

2 Mains Lead £20

3 Euro Clap £20

4 Awning carpet ( Breathable ) 12 X 8 as new £35

5 Sun winblocke sides/front fit 3 metre Awning £75

6 Suitcase Solar Panel £25

7 12v Wind up light (New ) £10

8 12v Hair straighteners £5

9 Gas Hair Straighteners £5

Contact: Bob Keen (07976291380)

For Sale

Calling all Eggheads!

If you like to quiz and you are planning to attend the National Rally why not

join the South Essex Quiz Team?

A team of 4 is required to enter the Inter-Centre Quiz Competition which

consists of Individual Rounds, Team Rounds and a buzzer round.

If you would like to be considered for inclusion in the team please contact

your Sports Officer, Jacqui Ellis.

Teams required for The National Rally

For those of you planning to attend this year’s National Rally at Arley Hall

have you considered which event(s) you would like to enter as representa-

tives of the South Essex Centre?

Football, Volleyball or Netball not your thing? How about Darts – Board or

Lawn, or even Petanque?

You could even dust off your knitting needles, sewing boxes or baking tins

and enter one of the handicraft competitions.

Whatever takes your fancy please let me know so that I can make sure you

are entered.

Jacqui Ellis, Sports Officer