Solway A & P Showgrounds, Masterton

Solway Showgrounds has just opened up their grounds for campers about a year ago.  Our Caravan Club spent a lovely weekend here.

Agricultural and pastoral shows have been held nearly every year in Masterton since 1885. The present site  was purchased in 1908, with the showgrounds completed in 1911.  Lots of delightful buildings are on site, to accommodate the sheep, pigs, cattle  and poultry during the A & P Show days.

Most of our group arrived extra early on Thursday, and we made the most of sitting outside in the evening enjoying the beautiful sunset.

The final two vans arrived on Friday. The weather was scorching, so we made the most of sheltering under the large mature shady trees.

There was a handy water tap nearby and Selwyn took over the duties of water monitor, with a bit of help from the others.

Gemma enjoys being outside investigating fluttering leaves, and sharpening her claws on the tree by our van.  But she was a bit perturbed when a large magpie landed on the grass close by.  She was keeping a wary eye behind a tree on this unwelcome visitor who has a rather large sharp beak.

There was plenty organized to keep us busy over the weekend.  A trip out to a local café Clareville Bakery for Afternoon Tea was very pleasant indeed.  This building has seen a lot of changes.  Built in 1872 by W W Corpe as a Chapel and Sunday School, it was later known as Clareville Hall.  In 2002 it became  Country Charm Antiques, and then 2007 the café Devine at Clareville, and now trading as the award winning Clareville Bakery since 2013.

Then we had a BBQ meal followed by shared dessert, where everyone took along a dish to share.  Later in the evening there was a quiz to keep our brains active, won by us, Team Benton.  Our camping area emptied out on  Sunday after lunch, with just two vans staying an extra night, us and Don and Pamela.