Friday 2nd December (Day 1) Not allowed on site until 3.00pm so no rush. We left home just after 1.00pm and drove to the motorhome base where we filled and sorted things out. Then it should have been a short drive to Beauchamp Roding. However we had a problem with our batteries last time out and earlier this week replaced them. Having checked them today they were a bit low. (We clearly should have charged them up). So we opted for a short detour to add a few miles and give them a bit of a boost. Despite this by 3.30pm we were welcomed at 'Room in the Rodings'. Nicely settled we had a cuppa and then realised that nothing much was happening until 7.00pm. Having looked at the map we decided on a walk to Fyfield and a beer. The weather was very mild but by now it was dark so with H&S in mind we donned fluorescent jackets and took torches. A 50 minute walk and we were at the Black Bull, by now it was just short of 5.00pm, it was closed until '6.00pm / 6.30pm / whenever they want to open' according to a local. Off we went to the Queens Head (closed). Very disgruntled we opted to stroll back. The walk itself was pleasant with the trees against the dark sky and, fortunately very little traffic on the back roads we took (except for one wally in a small van who clearly did not see us). A nice hearty lasagne and then we made our way to the hall where the others were meeting. We then sat and chatted until about 10.30pm when we said good nights and returned to the motorhome.
Saturday 3rd December (Day 2) A bright sunny start to the day. After breakfast we congregated in the hall to decorate the tables, the hall itself and erect Santa's Grotto. We then sat and chatted until around 12.30pm we then decided to go for a second attempt to find a pub open. Back to Fyfield and, hooray, the Black Bull was open. A nice pint in a 500 year old pub with a sandwich also (that was not 500 years old and very nice). Then a stroll back and by 2.45pm we were back in the hall where it was children's games, mulled wine, mince pies and, eventually Santa arrived. All the children duly got a present from him. After a while we returned to the MH to chill before the evenings festivities. Just before 8.00pm we made our way over to the hall where everyone was gathered.The first hour we all were taught the basics of the jive and had good fun. Next it was a few games followed by us being taught again, this time 'The Stroll' a form of line dancing. Then it was dance time. Quite an early finish (11.00pm). Then time for a sleep.
Sunday 4th December (Day 3) We awoke to a heavy frost and thick ice in the 'Fire' bucket. We were as warm as toast though. After breakfast it was all hands to the deck to clear and clean the hall. Followed by morning coffee, cake, mince pie and some chat. By midday we were off on the 17 mile journey to return Billina to the compound and home by 1.30pm. A very enjoyable weekend.