AGM Rally at Foxton

Like many clubs and organizations, our AGM rally had to be delayed a couple of months due to Covid 19 putting a spanner in the works. Our caravan club AGM took place this weekend at the Manawatu Caravan Club grounds, at Foxton.  Just as well that Gemma is a cat, no  dogs allowed at this site.

At the Manawatu Caravan Club grounds

We arrived a day early, as we often do.  This gave us some free time to travel into Palmerston North and tick a few things off our list.  Such as collecting our BBQ gas bottle which was “out of time” and needed to be certified, and refilled.  It’s good to go now, and is legal for another 10 years.  And then we went looking for a new rubber mat to use outdoors, as our old one which we had owned for years was getting a bit past it.  Luckily we got a discount from the shop, as we are members of the NZMCA – much appreciated, as every little bit helps.

New mat – just the thing for squelchy conditions

It’s been rather chilly this weekend, cold enough to have another dumping of snow on the Tararua Ranges.  It always looks so pretty in the sun shine.

Snow on the ranges

Gemma was happy checking out the campers and the wild life through the front window.  There were birds hopping about on the grass, and a black cat going about it’s business – all very interesting, she thought.

What’s happening outside?

On Friday night we walked the short distance next door to the Bowling Club for a meal.  They do good, basic meals here at a reasonable price.  We had a large table booked, ready and waiting for our group, and we all enjoyed a nice dinner, with most of us having the roast beef.

We are very grateful to have use of the hall during our stay at this venue.  It was all business on Saturday morning as the AGM got underway.  A new committee was elected, or re-elected as the case may be, club business as discussed, annual fees set, and nothing contentious was brought up.  The committee will take it from here, set the rally dates and venues, and allocate a rally to each couple  to run as they see fit.

At the head table, President Barry, Secretary Dianne and Treasurer Geoff

It’s always exciting when someone turns up with a new caravan.  This lovely new Swift belongs to Don and Pamela, and there has been a steady stream of admiring visitors checking it out.

New van in the club

There was a quiz with a difference held on Saturday evening in the hall.  We had to guess/decide when a list of items were first invented.  Some items went way back to BC, such as tweezers and combs, and it was just a matter of a lucky guess when I wrote down the correct dates for the can opener (1850s) and spring clip tape measure (1860).  Don and I came first equal in this quiz, and gratefully received our chocolate treats.

Then we were asked to relate what was the best advice our parents ever told us.  That was interesting, and ranged from “Never let the sun go down on your wrath”,  and “Look after your pennies and the pounds will look after themselves”.  Most of us had trouble remembering any good parental advice, probably because, at that age, we weren't really listening to our parents much!

Sunday morning brought rain, so after Morning Tea we packed up and headed for home.  Robin was keen to try out his new acquisition, a Dump Mate, at the Dump Station. 

This is a plastic tube which comes in it’s own zip up carry bag.  The idea is that the tube goes into the waste hole, the toilet cassette is then lifted and rested on the top, and all the waste goes exactly where it should without making a mess.  Robin’s verdict?  Well worth buying, anything which makes this job easier is a bonus.

It worked well

Then it was homeward bound, unpacking the caravan while dodging the showers, have a late lunch, the settle down to a relaxing Sunday afternoon.  Robin was happy, he found some rugby to watch on TV, and I kept busy sorting out the laundry.  Gemma settled down for her afternoon nap, and all was well in our household.