After January’s jobs at home were all finished, February saw us heading off to Ferry Meadows CAMC where Steve was assisting in training the 2026 new starter intake on the use of site machinery. It was a new venture and an added string to Steve’s bow, one that has proved to be very rewarding for him. The satisfaction he felt in sending the delegates off to their sites having delivered their machinery training was clear to see on his face. Him so proud of them, and me so proud of him for discovering a new found skill in training.
The weather was cold but thankfully dry and sunny whilst they were training so my days there were mostly spent exploring the many pathways around the lakes of Nene Valley Country Park right next door to the site. Snowdrops and daffodils were out in abundance, trees were starting to bud and blossom was looking spectacular against the bright blue sky. There was also plenty of activity on the water with swans and various other waterfowl and birds splashing about.
At the beginning of March having had 3 weeks at Ferry Meadows, we went straight to Warwick Racecourse site to start our 3rd season there as site managers. Our colleagues from the previous 2 years had moved on to manage another site, so we were looking forward to sharing the role with colleagues who we had worked with a few years before when we were all still Assistants. We all settled in well and each couple had a successful first few weeks, until 3 unforeseen events happened all in the space of 2 weeks which then unfortunately led to all 4 of us needing to leave the site. One of those events for us being that after a short spell in hospital Steve’s Dad unexpectedly passed away.
We needed to take some time away from working just to be at home to process the situation and deal with life after the loss of a beloved parent. Our days were spent busily organising the practical stuff, getting to grips with paperwork and legalities such as Probate and banks before focusing on the next task in hand. Once the funeral had taken place we decided we needed to get back to a routine so made plans to return to work.
Instead of returning to permanently manage one site to the end of the year we decided to take an option to work at 2 sites providing 6 days cover at each whilst the main managers have their time off. This then enables us to have 2 consecutive weeks off in between so giving us the best of both worlds whilst adjusting to a ‘new normal’.
Exebridge Lakeside CAMC site is situated on the border of North Devon and Somerset. It is a long site that stretches out on 3 levels with a large central facilities block in the middle. Pitch types are hardstanding, serviced, grass and reinforced grass, there is also a tent field and a huge dog walking area. Sunset views from your pitch are a regular treat. A path leads directly from the site to fishing lakes which can be fished with a day permit from the local angling club and the setting is stunning. 5 minutes walk further on brings you to the Anchor pub which is set in a picturesque location with a beer garden running alongside the River Exe and if you walk over the bridge you’re in Somerset! The pubs’ food and setting make it a winner on all counts.
Salisbury Hillside CAMC site is equally a gem of a place. Situated 9 miles from Salisbury and as the title suggests it is set on a hillside. There is a level top area of pitches situated by the facilites block and the rest of the hardstanding and grass pitches in glades descending down the hill. These are set amongst tall trees which are currently providing much needed dappled shade and cooler pitches. Views from the entrance are incredible stretching for miles across fields of the Wiltshire countryside. We are treated to stunning sunsets at Exebridge and spectacular sunrises at Salisbury.
In-between our times working at these 2 locations we took the opportunity of being in the area to stay at Haycraft CAMC near Swanage and Longleat CAMC near Warminster.
Haycraft is on 2 levels with grass, hardstanding and serviced pitches and a brand new facilities block. Its proximity to Swanage, Corfe Castle and the coast makes them ideal to visit by bus or train from the site. The bus stop is a 10minute walk down the lane to the main road passing the heritage railway station on the way. We opted for both, bus on the way out and steam train for the journey back.
Longleat was a one night stopover between our 2 contracts. It is a large level site set in crescents amongst the trees with direct access to the Safari Park. We didn’t get chance to visit but could hear the sealions calling loudly for their fishy treats! On the way we passed Stonehenge. A queue of stationary traffic meant we had a perfect view just long enough to get a photo.
Catch up with us on the next blog to see where we are headed. A music festival and Scotland are calling…….
2gocaravanning 