Chairman’s Report

Chairmans End of Year Report

Here we are at the end of another camping year, once again it only feels a short time ago that we were looking forward to the start of the 2024 season. The weather has been unpredictable but that hasn’t stopped people coming out and supporting the DA.

This year has been up and down as regards numbers attending our meets and unfortunately the Whitby THS was cancelled by the landowner due to an extremely wet field. This was quite sad as it was to have been our last year there due to the school closing down. On a better note the feast of lanterns at Rufforth went down very well with the majority of attendees lighting up their units for the theme of Countries.

For a change the weather was kind to us for the Halloween and Bonfire THS at Beech Tree Farm and the field was in great condition. Despite this Halloween was quieter than usual with less children than last year, this may have been due to more DA’s holding their own Halloween meets. The Bonfire weekend was as popular as ever and ended with a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display. Many thanks go to our two Dave and Yvonnes for stewarding and all those involved in helping with the socials which were enjoyed by all.

The weather was kind to us at the end of year Dinner Dance at Newsholme Manor which was well attended. Unfortunately Colin wasn’t well enough for his usual Chef and DJ duties. I’m sure you will all join me in wishing Colin a speedy recovery. Rebecca and her team did Colin proud with the food which everyone enjoyed and Dave Hawksworth did a great job of providing the music.

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who stewarded for us and those who helped out in any way this year, without you the meets wouldn’t happen. A big thank you also goes to everyone who helped raise funds for our charity the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. We raised £1386.39 this year for this great cause, it’s a scandal really that this life saving service has to be paid for by fundraising groups like ours.

The meets for 2025 have been advertised on Facebook and on this website. We have been very fortunate that we already have stewards for the majority of the meets. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered. There are still a couple of short meets to cover so if you can spare some time to steward for us please contact me.

We are having a bowling night at Shipley Bowling Alley on February 8th 2025 so keep an eye out on Facebook and the website for details regarding booking and food choices. I hope to see you there.

Have a lovely Christmas and here’s wishing you all the best for the New Year. I look forward to seeing you in a field somewhere next year.