NEWSLETTER

ISSUE NO 45March 2013

Chairman: Richard Moss

Vice Chairman: Eddie Prince

Treasurer: Ken Bradshaw

Membership Secretary: Diane Bradshaw

Newsletter: Katherine Elliott

www.laikaclub.com

CHAIRMAN’S CHATHappy New Year

One year on as Chairman, I am still here enjoying the challenge and grateful for the support we have had. A

Happy New Year from Ruth and me and we hope to meet as many of you as possible at our programme of

Rallies which are listed in the Newsletter.

CommunicationBoth the Website and Newsletter have been active in the last year and we are grateful for the work of Alan

Wilson and Kath Elliott in promoting the Club. Please show your appreciation by sending them snippets re-

lating to the Club or yourselves to add the personal touch to our communications.

Annual General MeetingAt the second AGM I have attended we had a good turnout of 25 vans and it would have been more if the

weather had been better. Most members attended the Thursford Christmas Spectacular and all celebrated

our Christmas Party on site ably organised by Wendy and David Futter. The organising of this Rally called for

an extra effort and I hope that this sets the scene for future Christmas AGM and Party Rallies.

Thanks to everyone who has organised a rally in the Year and we welcome anyone else who can contribute

in the future.

At the AGM you voted to discontinue the requirement of the Chairman to be a Laika owner and Eddie Prince

volunteered to be Vice Chairman. We also have a couple of prospective future candidates which should help

to strengthen the Club and enable Eddie to help organise our 2014 programme. He has already expressed a

few ideas and I am encouraged by his response and that of the Membership.

Laika ItalyThe last year has seen the membership of the Club decline slightly and the Committee was concerned by the

diminution of the Marque, however Laika have made improvements to the situation by modernising the

models and showing a selection of these at the NEC in October 2012. I visited the stand on the last day and

was impressed by the level of interest by the public.

Laika have reported success in improved sales in UK and I believe we have had a couple of new members as

a direct result. Two new dealers have been appointed (in addition to Southdown) at Bristol and Ashbourne

near Derby.

John Welham will continue as our Laika Representative for this year so that our Committee contact with Lai-

ka Factory is maintained by a Laika owner.

Laika VisitAlthough scheduled for 23 April 2013 we have had to cancel due to lack of support, although there is the

possibility of reorganising this if there is interest. There is a cheap flight from Stanstead to Pisa if there are

any members wanting to go. Let John Welham know if you are interested as Laika would welcome even two

or three couples.

Rally ProgrammeFull details are included at the end of this Edition and I urge you to use this forum to update and progress

our main reason for Club Membership - To take Part.

Provence TourFollowing the success of last year’s Croatia Tour we advertised the Provence Tour last quarter and so far we

have 12 interested parties of the 15 maximum stated and I will finalise this in April when I return from Aus-

tralia. It will be first come first served so E mail your interest or talk to Kath Elliott.

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Rallies for 2014Any ideas should be addressed either to myself or Sue and Eddie Prince who will be pleased to help and re-

spond.

Feedback on RalliesIf you have enjoyed any particular aspect of a Rally or wish to see changes in approach please send in your

comments. This gives encouragement to the organisers and enables us to take into account the experience

of our varied membership.

I promise to give my best support to anyone who helps develop the Club Success and look forward to the

New Year with interest.

Richard

VICE CHAIRMAN’S chat

Most of you know Sue and me by now especially when in a moment of madness at the AGM I volunteered tobe Richards Vice Chairman. My philosophy is that you only get out what you put in!

Sue and I have been members of the Laika club for 6years after buying our first motorhome a Laika Ecovip1R but unfortunately due to selling our business (Goosewood Holiday Park) and ill health coupled with familyproblems we have not been able to attend as many rallies as we would have liked. Hopefully these have nowbeen resolved and we hope to attend most of the rallies this year and meet up with you all.

I see my role this year as supporting Richard as far as possible.

During my two years as Chairman I intend to be more pro-active in promoting the Laika Club and also tobring some fresh ideas to the format of the rallies. The Laika Club I believe is entering an exciting stage in itsdevelopment assisted by the increased marketing activity and promotion through the existing and new dealer-ships that we now have in the UK.

I hope that you will all give as much support to Sue and me as you are with Richard and Ruth and please re-member my philosophy “you only get out what you put in” . It is your club, the committee is only here to helpyou and to promote your ideas.

If you have any suggestions for our monthly meetings (rallies) please let me know, you do not have to organ-ise the rally yourself as the committee are here to help but it would be appreciated if you could.

Sue and I wish you all a Happy Motorhoming Year

Eddie

Welcome to New Members who have joined since the September Newsletter

Boo and Barry Longyear, Chandersford, Eastleigh, SouthamptonJane and Charles Moore, Torrington, Devon

Angie and Peter Miles, Fareham, HantsGinny and Tony Garner, Nuneaton, WarwickshireWilliam Farndon, Leverston, Boston, Lincolnshire

Gill and Phil Cooke, Trentham, Stoke on Trent

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DIY solar panel installation – Part 2

In the first part of this article, to be found in December 2012 Newsletter, I rather failed to get around to

actually telling you about my DIY solar panel installation. But I hope you found the information helpful and

you are now comfortable with volts, amps, watts and Ohms Law. I shall now try to make amends:

At its simplest you can top up your motor home’s battery with a freestanding solar panel connected to your

battery with a lead and a couple of crocodile clips. And this is what you have with a briefcase or folding solar

panel available from any accessory shop for about £100. Their output is low (14 watts) and so there is no

need for any charge controller. Above this figure and with larger solar panels you should fit a voltage

regulator charge controller to protect the battery from being overcharged and to prevent reverse current

drain which can occur at night. Basically your battery will feed power to the solar panel at night without

reverse current protection and without a charge controller you could overcharge and irreversibly damage

your battery. Neither event being too helpful.

There is no technical reason to prevent larger size solar panels being free standing and they have the

advantage that they can be angled towards the sun throughout the day to maximize output. And you do see

them especially among caravanners. However, for most people practical considerations, such as storage and

possible theft, lead to semi-permanent installation on the motorhome roof. Normally this means that the

solar panel is not ideally placed to capture the maximum energy from the sun. To compensate one has to

consider having a larger panel or more than one panel and even some form of device to lift and angle the

panel towards the sun. But that can get very expensive and comes with its own set of problems – a solar

panel that refuses to retract and come down can be more than a little embarrassing. It has happened to a

member of the club!

So the chase is always on to get more charge out of the system without making it too large or overly com-

plicated. Each part of the system, panel, controller and wiring has all been the subject of changes and im-

provement in recent years. So a short mention of the options for each of these elements.

Firstly the solar panel, there are three types commonly found:

Monocrystalline where the cells are cut from a single crystal of silicon - these are the most efficient and

the most expensive to produce. They are also rigid and must be mounted in a solid frame to protect them.

(Typical price £200+) Though there now is a version that is semi-flexible and is mounted on an aluminium

backing plate without heavy framing and it can be made to follow very gentle curves. (£400)

Polycrystalline (or Multicrystalline) where cells are effectively a slice cut from a block of silicon, consisting

of a large number of crystals. These cells are slightly less efficient and slightly less expensive than monoc-

rystalline cells and also need to be mounted in a rigid frame. This is the most common type found on motor

homes. (Cost as low as £100 per panel)

Amorphous cells are manufactured by placing a thin film of amorphous (non crystalline) silicon onto a wide

choice of surfaces. It is flexible, and if manufactured on a flexible surface, the whole solar panel can be flex-

ible and some can even be walked on. Ideal for boats and motor homes where weight or roof curvature is

an issue but very expensive. ( £600 - £800 per panel)

Regulators – a charge regulator (or charge controller) is needed because most solar panels put out about 17

volts which is much more than can be safely applied to a 12 volt battery though they do need over 14 volts

during the maximum initial charging period. Basic regulators simply reduce the voltage to something

between 12 & 14 volts as a compromise but in the process waste a lot of the solar panels output by dumping

it as heat from its cooling fins.( From about £15 – £25) Better but more expensive regulators use electronic

circuits called pulse width modulators (PWM) to continually check the battery’s condition and regulate the

charge voltage accordingly. (£40 - £60) The best and most expensive regulators which can put up to 30%

more charge into your battery use a system called maximum power point tracking (MPPT). These work best

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in overcast conditions and when the battery is discharged but is more efficient at all times than the other

types. (£100 - £250)

Wiring – not much to say here is there? A bit of wire is a bit of wire, well no there is a little more to it than

that. You must use the right size i.e. cross section cable for the size of solar panel and the correct sort of cable.

It should be low-loss single core cable for use with solar power installations. The minimum size of cable that

should be used is 4mm2 but the bigger the better as there will be fewer losses from solar panel to battery.

However practical considerations do come into play as connecting and neatly installing heavier cable does

become increasingly difficult as cross section increases. Expect to pay £20 - £30 for wiring and as much again

for clips, conduit, sikaflex etc.

The prices given above are a guide only and are for branded goods via known suppliers. You can, and many

do, source via eBay etc. and make significant savings on the figures quoted. But still expect to pay from £250

upwards for parts.

Apart from all the bits and bobs to mount and secure the key parts of the system which I shall tell you about

later on there is nothing left now but to get on with describing my DIY installation and how I went about it.

Here we go – well no, sorry but with 4 inches of snow on the motorhome roof and sub zero temperatures I

cannot take the photographs I need to illustrate this part. So it looks like there will have to be a part three in

the next issue of the Newsletter when I shall tell you about it – I think.

Eric Gould

Thank you

From our printer Tracey for our gift to her at Christmas for all her hard work.

From the East Anglian Air Ambulance for our donation of £110 which we collectedat our Christmas rally. They ‘responded’ very quickly with a letter of thanks and

appreciation.

HELP PLEASE !!!!!!!!Is anyone aware of where used parts may be available for a laika ecovip 200i. This is the second time forme that the required part is not available new from Southdowns.

I require an interior table, the larger one which drops down to a coffee table / bed base.

Incidently there must be someone who breaks damaged motorhomes but I can't find them and I have certainlytried.Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and regards,Bill Farndon.

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Christmas Rally and AGM Report

Fakenham 29th November to 3rd December 2012

The idea blossomed from a casual remark made between the Stotts and the Brindleys at the 2011 AGMand Christmas Rally at Barnstones site near Banbury which we all really enjoyed.

Whilst at the local hostelry and having enjoyed an excellent and most comprehensive buffet, Wendy andI heard the aforementioned to say ‘this is a really good rally, but it’s not very Christmassy’!

On our walk back to the Barnstones site, something stupid in me thought ‘Christmassy – I’ll give youChristmassy!’ and that was that. I was, at the time, a bit merry. The problem was that despite how many‘goldies’ I downed before bed time, I couldn’t sleep after about 2 a.m. and the old brainbox (what littlethere is) cut in. Anyway, in the morning I mentioned to Wendy my idea and she said ‘Great! But it won’tbe cheap’. As a result, I ignored my earlier idea until later when I was talking with Richard (our newlyappointed Chairman at that time) and he just said ‘Go for it’. So we did.

In January 2012, we visited several sites around Norfolk (any excuse to get out in the van) and Wendycontacted the Thursford Museum to see if we could arrange 30 tickets for their Christmas Spectacular.To our amazement, they agreed. (Up until last year this would have been almost impossible, but therecession has helped). So we sent out our first flyer with ideas for the Rally. Astonishingly, the first 30tickets went so quickly that we used our contacts and 10 more tickets were arranged. That’s it really…all we had to do was sort out a venue (Fakenham Racecourse as it turned out), a coach company,somewhere to meet up for the ‘get together’ with some festive booze (always helps) and mince pies anda Christmas Dinner and Disco, somewhere to hold the AGM and a walk. After that, perhaps we had themaking of an AGM with a bit more entertainment and a ‘Christmassy Do’. As it turned out, and followinga couple of enjoyable weekends at Fakenham when we reviewed the site and its facilities, I believe therally was a success.

Thursday proved to be cold and wet, but we managed with the fantastic assistance of the camp site staffto get everyone a decent pitch. After quite a traumatic journey for some, we all met up at the FakenhamSports Centre to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies. So good was the hostelry that many had copiousamounts! For those who wished, the venue provided a ‘Pie Night’ and some of us enjoyed yet more foodand drink. Others went home to their vans to do something similar with likeminded friends. On Fridayensued a walk (not too far), a visit to a local pub and an early meal. For those going to the ‘ThursfordSpectacular’ glad rags were donned and a local coach firm collected those attending (a few of us stayedat the Sports Bar).

After a ‘free’ Saturday morning, the AGM was attended by all, again at the Sports Bar and, what a goodmeeting it was. Well chaired and progressive. Afterwards, glad rags were again donned by all, this timeto attend the evening entertainment which comprised a 3 course meal, some drink and one of the bestdiscos (for oldies) I think I can remember. Even the staff mentioned what a lively bunch the LAIKA Clubwere! Almost without exception, nearly 50 of us were up on the dance floor at some time or other (and allthe house red wine was consumed).

Sunday morning came too quickly for many of us but thanks to Peter Elliott a walk was organised to theGreen Man on a cold and fresh sunny day. Here, lunch was consumed and we all staggered home (quitea jaunt, especially as we were up until quite late the night before).

The evening saw many entertaining others in their vans and Monday morning we all departed.

Tiring, expensive, lots of entertainment, but thanks to all who emailed and text – it seems to have beenenjoyed by most. Unfortunately we forgot to take any photographs this year…. but who is that strangeperson on a LAIKA playing homage to the erection of some Christmas lights?

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Here’s looking to next year’s AGM and Christmas Do(which we understand is all well underway and beingfinalised).

Finally, hopefully the two couples who had little furryfriends (enjoyed their company) but have noweradicated the problem. Rumour has it that sotraumatised was one of those couples, that they havenow traded their van for something smarter!

Wendy and David Futter

A woman’s work is never done!Photo Reg Tovey

Stop Press

All being well the new Rexosline will be visiting us at Lincoln Farm Park, Standlake rallyfor us to view. This is courtesy of the new Laika dealership, Family Travel Centre, Bristol.If any member not attending the rally and would like to visit contact the rally Stewardsfor confirmation, date and time.

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Priceless Observations

Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all fouressential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.

Alex Levine

STOP PRESS

LAIKA HAS ARRIVED IN THE NORTH!

LAIKA have appointed a new dealer based at Ashbourne in Derbyshire. Theyare:

Peak Leisure Vehicles

What’s more they are having a LAIKA Weekend19 – 21 April.

To find out more contact them on: Tel:01335 347898

Web: http://www.peakleisurevehicles.co.uk/

For Sale

Thetford C200 Cassette.

Bought as a spare but NEVER USED!

£55

Buyer to pay postage or come to a rallyand collect!

Peter Elliott

Priceless Observations

By the time a man is wise enough to watch hisstep, he’s too old to go anywhere.

Billy Crystal

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FOR SALE

KREOS 3009 (2005)

2.8 JTD DUCATO – ALKO Chassis48173 miles LHD Automatic transmission

3.97tonne 1 Owner FSH (including recent cam belt & tyres)2 Berth rear Twin Bed layout

Lots of storage and lots of ExtrasMy van is at the Family Travel Centre, Bristol who have just been appointed as a new Laika Dealer.

To see it go to http://www.familytravelcentre.co.uk/used/used-motorhomes-for-sale and scroll down using theinner scroll bar

If you are interested please contact Matt Hunt at the Family Travel Centre on

0117 214 0004 or 07798 801708

John Welham

Priceless Observations

I had a rose named after me and I was veryflattered. But I was not pleased to read thedescription in the catalogue :- ‘No good in a bed,but fine against a wall.’

Eleanor Roosevelt

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NEW LAIKA DEALERSHIP

10

Family Travel Centre announces newLaika dealership status

Italian manufacturer Laika appoints second dealership in the UK

21ƗƘ December 2012: Family Travel Centre has been appointed an official dealer by the premium Italian

manufacturer, Laika. The second motorhome dealer in the country to be awarded this status, Family Travel

Centre was chosen for the location and quality of its two acre showroom site in Brislington, as well as the

team’s extensive product knowledge and award winning customer service track record.

“Laika is an extremely high quality, sought after brand and we are delighted to be in a position to add their

exciting range of vehicles to our growing portfolio,” explains Matt Hunt, co-founder of Family Travel Centre.

“We are really looking forward to showing our customers around these beautifully designed motorhomes,

with their Italian style high quality materials and luxury finishes. We think Laika’s attention to detail is

first class and are sure our customers will feel the same way.”

“The combination of the Family Travel Centre team’s technical knowledge and their impeccable customer

service track record meant they were the perfect candidate to award Laika official dealership status,”

comments Martina Merlotti, UK Sales Manager, Laika. “Our strategy for the coming year is to expand Laika’s

availability and coverage in the UK, so the location of Family Travel Centre’s flagship showroom in Bristol

also played a key part in this important appointment decision for us.”

A cross section of the Laika range, including Kreos and X-Range models, is now on display at Family Travel

Centre with more stock arriving in the New Year. Family Travel Centre will also be able to walk customers

through the entire range of Laika vehicle options including its innovative Rexosline, Ecovip, and Sport 100

collections. Family Travel Centre staff will also be on hand to help customers choose their own personal

combinations of first class fittings and luxury finishes too.

About Family Travel Centre (www.familytravelcentre.co.uk)

Family Travel Centre offers families and friends a way to make the most of their leisure time, through the

freedom and fun of getting on the road and discovering the great outdoors together. The award winning

dealership is run by families for families with its outdoor and indoor showroom based on a 2 acre site in

Brislington, South Bristol. Family Travel Centre won Adria’s ‘Customer Service Dealer of the Year 2012’,

and offers a full range of new and pre-owned vehicles including Sunlight and Adria motorhomes, a specialist

retail shop packed with accessories, and a professional on site workshop, with Dethleff and Hobby Service

Centre status for any servicing or maintenance requirements. Family Travel Centre gained ‘Premium Dealer’

status during 2012 for its in depth Adria product knowledge and five star customer service. It is also an

authorised dealer for the Adria Twin GT range and the luxury Italian brand, Laika.

For more information or images email the press office: pressoffice@familytravelcentre.co.uk Or call

the press team: Sam Connatty: 07957 693413 Andrea Hounsham: 07783 53592811

MARCH22nd to 25th

(4 nights)

Teversal Camping and

Caravan Club

Nottinghamshire

Rally Stewards

Ian Dewey and Lesley

Pearson

Approx £15/night

Will need at least 10

units

See further on fordetails

APRIL24th to 29th

(5 nights)

Lincoln Farm Park

High Street

Standlake

Nr Whitney

Oxon OX29 7RH

Rally Stewards

Kath and Peter Elliott

Wed to Mon£17/night

Deposit required

See further on fordetails

MAY9th to 12th

(4 nights)

The Angel Pub

Larling, Norfolk

NR16 2QU

01953 717963

Rally Stewards

Wendy and David Futter

12 electric hookups

See further on fordetails

JUNE13th to 17th

(4 nights)

Basingstoke Canal

Centre

Mytchett Surrey

Rally Stewards

Dee and Eric Gould

£8/night

Basic site

No EHU

See further on fordetails

JULY18th to 22nd

(4 nights)

Sutton Park

Sutton on the Forest

York YO61 1DP

www.statelyhome.co.uk

Rally Stewards

Eddie and Sue Prince

£7 - £9 approx

Will need at least 10

units.

See further on fordetails

AUGUST15th to 19th

(4 nights)

Walton Hall/ Gardens

Walton Lea Road

Higher Walton

Warrington

WA4 6SN

Rally Stewards

Malcolm and Judy Eldridge

Price to be confirmed.

Only water and toilet

Emptying facilities.

See further on fordetails

SEPTEMBER5th to 27th

(3 weeks)

Trip to Provence Rally Stewards

Ruth and Richard Moss

t

See further on fordetails of this trip

DECEMBERChristmas/AGM5thto 9th (4 nights)

Somers Wood Caravan

Park

Meriden, Coventry

CV7 7PL

Rally Stewards

Sue and Eddie Prince

£20 deposit/unit by31st March

See further on fordetails of this rally

RALLY PROGRAMME 2013

PTO - further info

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Wed 24th to Mon 29th April 2013 (5 nights)Lincoln Farm Park OxfordshireHigh StreetStandlake, Nr Whitney, Oxon01865 300239www.lincolnfarmpark.co.uk

The deadline for this rally has now passed.

We have a good turn out of 19 units.

9th to 12th May (4 nights)

The Angel Inn

Larling

Norfolk

NR16 2QU

01953 717963

The site is in a 4 acre meadow overlooking woodland and across the road fromthe Old Coaching Inn. The rally

will combine a visit to a distillery plus tasting and to Europe’s largest model and toy shop, a huge Sunday market

and a walk around the famous Snetterton Racing Circuit plus lots of other nearby attractions. The price is

approximately £12 (price still to be confirmed). There are toilet/showers and 12 hookups, (first come, first

served!)

The pub is a real ale Camra pub which does great food. It is a 17thC former coaching inn within 20 miles of

norwich, Bury St Edmunds, Thetford and Wymondham and has been run over the years by three different

generations of the same family.

Basingstoke Canal Centre Rally June 13th to 17th (four nights)First the bad news, the planned improvements for the centre have not taken place (council cutbacks). So the

site still has the old shower/toilet facilities within the centre building and no hook up. What we do have is a

great location with plenty to do and see.

There is an on-site Tearoom which overlooks the picnic and play area and offers a wide range of fresh hot and

cold food. It's ideal place to rest those weary feet and enjoy some delicious food. The Tearoom is open

Monday to Sunday all year and does breakfasts too.

ü The Army Medical Museum is only half a mile walk away and is open weekdays 10.30 to 4.00 with free

entry. They will consider opening at the weekend for a large enough group. The Museum is very

modern and has a large range of interesting exhibits. It is within the army base so you will need ID (e.g.

driving license) to get in.

ü Canal cruises leave from the centre and cost about £12.50. If enough want to do it we may be able to

organize a Laika cruise. Rowing boat and canoe hire is available as well.

For London Waterloo, Ash Vale station is about 1½miles distant but there is a bus service within ashort walk. Currently a one day travel card costs £19.90 which gives you train and then unlimited busand tube travel within London central zones.

That same bus service runs in the other direction to Camberley Meadows Shopping Centre wherethere is the second largest M&S in the UK and alongside is an equally large Tesco superstore. Achange of bus here will take you into Camberley town.

As well as the adjacent pub restaurant (Potters), where we could have a Laika evening meal, thereis within half a mile a parade with fish & chip, Indian and Chinese restaurants with take away service.

Not forgetting the walkers, there are some good walks from here. The Swan, a canal side pub servingfood, looks like a good lunch stop.

PTO 13

SEE RALLY PROGRAMME 2013 PAGE FOR CONTACT DETAILS TO BOOK

Directions to the Basingstoke Canal Centre

Firstly, I would not advise following the directions on their website as the route involves some tight spots. So as they

say leave M3 junction 4 onto A331 towards Aldershot and continue for about 2 miles to A3011 junction, signed as you

exit for Mytchett. Keep following signs for Mytchett which will take you along Stratford Road to the tee junction with

the B3411 where you turn left, still signed Mychett. Now look out for the “Brown” signs for the canal centre which will

take you to the right at a small roundabout and over a signal controlled Humpback Bridge. The centre is only a few yards

on your left and only about a mile from the A331 junction. Postcode GU16 6DD.

SEE RALLY PROGRAMME 2013 PAGE FOR CONTACT DETAILS TO BOOK

July 18th to 22nd

Sutton ParkSutton-on-the-ForestYorkYO61 1DP

A different meeting to the norm as you will be staying in the grounds of the Stately Home of Sir

Reginald Sheffield, father in law to David Cameron. www.stateleyhome.co.uk

You will have free access to the award winning gardens during your stay and if there are sufficient

numbers and we know in advance a private tour of the house (small charge) can be arranged.

Sutton Park is on an hourly bus service route direct into the centre of York with all its historic build-

ings quaint streets and shops. There are two excellent public houses within easy walking distance

of the Park, along with a tea room in the grounds offering scrumptious afternoon teas and ice

cream..

Whilst there is the usual water points, grey water disposal and chemical disposal facilities there is

only a limited number of electric hook up facilities (£2 extra) which will be on a first come first

served basis though these can be shared if splitters are available.

Provisional Programme

Thursday 18th July: Arrival day – meet and greet gathering in the evening

Friday 19th July: Walk with pub lunch or trip into York – supper and quiz evening

Saturday 20th July: Trip into York – Guided tour of Sutton Park House – evening meal in Sutton

Sunday 21st July: Walk around York City walls or more shopping!

Monday 22nd July: Sad farewells until the next time

Pitch Fee only £7. per night yes £7. per night - electric hook up £2 extra. (first come first

served)

Directions

8 miles N of York on the B1363 York to Helmsly road.

SEE RALLY PROGRAMME 2013 PAGE FOR CONTACT DETAILS TO BOOK

14

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Thursday August 15th to Monday August 19thWalton Hall and Gardens

Walton Lea Road,

Higher Walton

Warrington

WA4 6SN

Google this post-code for map details.

At the northern end of the Cheshire countryside but quite apart from nearby Warrington, Walton Hall was

the home of the Greenall family of brewing repute but has been run by the local authority for 70 years.

There is a secluded part of the grass car-park where rallies are held. Facilities are minimal (water and toilet

empty) and the price reflects that (yet to be confirmed but very low).

The Gardens are excellent with a new cafe and gentle sports facilities such as pitch and putt and crown

green bowling (tournament?) as well as quiet walks. There is also an excellent 18-hole golf course. A nearby

walled garden is now the home of the Walton Lea Project which provides training and work for people with

learning difficulties and they grow fresh veg and supply other local produce in their shop. Beekeeping could

be demonstrated there (as I own the bees)

The site is adjacent to the Bridgewater Canal which provides a nice flat walk to the nearby Walton Arms but

there are also lovely walks from the site into gently hilly rural areas. A good walk could visit pubs in four vil-

lages if anyone is up for it. One would be a lunch venue. For more ambitious walkers there are fine walks on

the Cheshire Sandstone Trail from nearby Frodsham.

The canal also leads to Stockton Heath, a nearby 'village' though with Sainsbury's, Morrison's, Co-op, Aldi, a

butcher a baker and a candlestick-maker it might look like a town.

There are good cycle routes including easy access to the Trans-Pennine Way and Moore Nature Reserve.

The nearest bus stop is 10 minutes away for trips to Chester (slow) and Warrington.

We will arrange a team meal in one of three places, most probably the pub.

The Northern Motorhome Show will take place this weekend and is within easy reach.

SEE RALLY PROGRAMME 2013 PAGE FOR CONTACT DETAILS TO BOOK

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Laika Club Tour of Provence 2013

Below are the plans for the Provence rally. All the sites have been contacted and 4 of the 7 have respondedfavourably, the others may be closed for winter. We have 17 vans expressing interest and one of those is onthe reserve list as we have exceeded the limit I set of 15. The following members have registered for the rallyRuth and Richard Moss/Mary and Roy Gretton/Carol and John Rayns/Ian and Lesley Dewey Pearson/Dee andEric Gould/Sue and Eddie Prince/Elaine and John Welham/Wendy and David Futter/Kaye and MickFellows/Jacqui and Charles Chodkowski/Kath and Peter Elliott/Phil Cooke/ Trish and Graham Tonks/ Sheilaand Jim Morgan/Barbara and Peter Oliver/Liz and Peter Machon/Chris and Mark Snowdon(reserve)I would like an email (concreterichard@talktalk.net) from these members confirming that they are still interested and

if only attending part of the tour to be specific with dates

Bold – sites that have responded

Place September No ofnights

Site PageC/C

Acsi Travelmiles

1 Carpentras 5th to 8th 3 Lou Comtado 228 1956

2 Apt 8th to 11th 3 Camp le Luberon 142 1947 35

3 Salon de Provence 11th to 14th 3 Camp Nostradamus 545 2022 50

4 Callas 14th to 17th 3 Les Blimouses 1955 100

5 Moustiers 17th to 20th 3 Le Vieux Colombier 410 60

6 Sisteron 20th to 23rd 3 Municipal les pres Hauts 563 70

7 Vaison la Romaine 23rd to 26th 3 Camping Le Soleil de Provence 588 60

1 Carpentras Lou Comtadou 3* 228 1956ü Close to swimming poolü Modest restaurantü Bus stop next to the siteü Close to town centreü Big market on Friday

2 Apt Camp du Luberon 142 1947ü Two km from the townü Visit Luberon village and Ochre

minesü Good biking but hillyü Visit Rousillon, Gordes, Saignon

and Bonnieuxü Heated poolü In woods

3 Salon de Provence Camping Nostradamus 545 2022ü Visit Arles and Aix en Provence

4 Callas Les Blimouses 1955ü Three km from village

5 Moustiers Le Vieux Colombier 410ü Visit Gorge du Verdon

6 Sisteron Municipal les Pres Hauts 5637 Vaison la Romaine Camping Le Soleil de Provence 588

ü Market on Tuesday

CHRISTMAS RALLY AND AGM5th to 9th December 2013 (4 nights)

We have managed to secure a fantastic venue for our annual Christmas meeting and the Club’s AGM.

It is at Somers Wood Caravan Park, a 5* park located at Meriden near Birmingham and could not be more

central to all club members so we are expecting a record turnout.

We will have full access to all of the adjacent golf clubs facilities whilst we are there even a round of golf for

those that like chasing that little white ball.

An evening festive dinner with a Michael Buble tribute act has been booked for after the AGM.

The Park is ideally located with some wonderful walks (and pubs) in the vicinity.

Provisional Programme

Thursday 5th December: Arrival day – meet and greet gathering in the evening

Friday 6th December: Walk with pub lunch – safari supper with a difference in the evening

Saturday 7th December: AGM followed by Christmas dinner with a Michael Buble tribute act

Sunday 8th December: Coach trip to Birmingham Christmas Market one of the largest in this country.

Monday 9th December: Sad farewells until the next time

Pitch Fee: £15 per night, yes only £15 per night for a 5* site.

Dinner Dance: £35 per head for a 3 course meal and a Michael Buble tribute act.

TO SECURE THE EVENING DINNER and ENTERTAINMENT IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE HAVE YOUR RESERVA-TION WITH A £20/unit DEPOSIT BY THE 31ST MARCH PLEASE.

SEE RALLY PROGRAMME 2013 PAGE FOR CONTACT DETAILS

The site needs the deposits by 31ǥǦ March (it has been difficult for Eddie to secure thisbooking), but by the time this newsletter lands on your doormat time will be running out.Please be proactive and send your deposits no later than the end of April. If necessary theclub will find some of the deposit to keep things running smoothly. The deadline is the endof April so find your cheque books ASAP.

Please, please let the rally stewards know as soon as possible if you have to cancel and make surewhen you book that they have got correct email addresses and mobile phone numbers in case theyhave to contact you.

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MARCH

APRIL2nd to 7th

Newton Mills Holiday

Park, Bath

Rally Stewards to be

Arranged. In meantime regis-

ter your interest with the

committee

Sponsored by FamilyTravel Centre, Bristol

MAY

JUNE5th to 9th

9th to 26th

Haverfordwest

Laika Club tour of

Ireland

Rally Stewards

Ruth and Richard Moss

Sue and Eddie Prince

See further on fordetail

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

DECEMBERChristmas/AGM

RALLY PROGRAMME 2014

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PROPOSED LAIKA TOUR of IRELAND - June 2014

It is proposed to run a Laika tour of Ireland as a “follow on” to the Rally to be held at Haverfordwest on the5th to 9th June 2014.

A basic itinery is below (subject to amendment).

The tour starts at Rosslare and travels via Dublin in an anti-clockwise direction basicly around the coast ofIreland taking in most of the major tourist attractions. I would like to include Belfast but it may be necessaryto by-pass the City subject to the current troubles abating. Highlights of the tour (Dublin aside) will includesuch attractions as the Titanic experience, Busmills Distillery, Giants Causeway, a tour of the Ring of Kerry,Blarney Castle, Cork and Waterford Glass to name a few.

Subject to interest shown I would like to block book ferries and campsites etc in advance thus obtaining agood deal for us all.

I know it seems a long time forward but to give me an idea of numbers please could you let me know if youwould be interested and then I can plan and do costings in more detail.

Many thanksSue and Eddie Prince

Laika Club Tour of Ireland Day Description

1 Monday 9th June Catch Ferry to Rosslare

2 Tuesday 10th June. Dublin

3 Wednesday 11th June. Dublin.

4 Thursday 12th June. Dublin

5 Friday 13th June. Leave Dublin and head North for the City of Belfast

6 Saturday 14th June. Guided tour of the city of Belfast and the Titanic exhibition

7 Sunday 15th June We head North again along the coastal road to Bushmills

8 Monday 16th June Guided tour of Bushmills distillery and the Giants Causeway

9 Tuesday 17th June We head South West today to the County Town of Sligo

10 Wednesday 18th June We head South today to our campsite on the shores of Loch Derg

11 Thursday 19th June Limerick

12 Friday 20th June Killarney

13 Saturday 21st June Killarney

14 Sunday 22nd June Blarney PTO

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The information and opinions in this newsletter are those of the contact name or names given. The Laika Club ofGreat Britain does not necessarily agree with nor endorse their comments and/or views. It is a totally independentClub, governed by its constitution giving no preference to any Publication, Dealer or other club. This however, doesnot prevent, with Committee approval, the fostering of mutually beneficial relations.

15 Monday 23rd June Blarney

16 Tuesday 24th June Tramore (Waterford)

17 Wednesday 25th June Tramore

18 Thursday 26th June Ferry back to Rosslare

A Tourist in Vienna

A tourist in Vienna is going through a graveyard and all of a sudden he hears music.

No one is around, so he starts searching for the source.

He finally locates the origin and finds it is coming from a grave with a headstone that reads: ‘Ludwig van

Beethoven, 1770 - 1827’. Then he realises that the music is Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and it is being

played backwards!

Puzzled, he leaves the graveyard and persuades a friend to return with him.

By the time they arrive back at the grave, the music has changed. This time it is the Seventh Symphony, but

like the previous piece, it is being played backwards.

Curious, the men agree to consult a music scholar. When they return with the expert, the Fifth Symphony is

playing, again backwards.

The expert notices that the symphonies are being played in the reverse order in which they were composed,

the 9Ǧǚ, then the 7Ǧǚ, then the 5Ǧǚ.

By the next day the word has spread and a crowd has gathered around the grave.

They are all listening to the Second Symphony being played backwards, Just then the graveyard’s caretaker

ambles up to the group.

Someone in the group asks him if he has an explanation for the music.

‘I would have thought it was obvious,’ the caretaker says.

‘He’s decomposing.’

The End

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