Happy Camping

I adore camping! True, it can be a truly miserable experience if the weather turns against you, but armed with some good equipment, a guitar and a field full of friends it is simply wonderful!

Every year around 70 people gather in a field in the New Forest and spend a week walking, eating, drinking and making merry round the camp fire. All through my childhood I had trouble explaining to my school-friends the amount of fun that was had on this seemingly unimpressive holiday, other campers recount similar problems. It seems you just have to see it to believe it!

Purists will spot pretty quickly that we cheat a little. We have running water, a toilet next door thanks to the local cricket pavillion, and spend a lot of time in the local hostelries availing of their electricity, toilets and drinks. All cooking is done on camp though. Full English breakfast every morning for up to 65 people, hot dinner each night and hot water is heated on the camp fire for tea, coffee, cooking and washing up.

What started life as a family holiday has expanded over the years to the bustling camp it is now. The equipment is an impressive sight; pots the size of car tyres, cast-iron kettles, crockery, cutlery, tables and an enormous awning. Over the years as numbers increased, so did the equipment; children grew up, married and had children of their own and family friends were attracted by the stories and keep coming back for more! The thirtieth anniversary was held three years ago and numbers show little sign of dwindling.

I have very fond memories from the camps I've attended (around twenty years' worth), there is an overwhelming sense of community and acceptance, no need to worry about keeping up appearances, and coming back each year is a real pleasure. I came home yesterday and I'm already looking forward to next year. Long live camp!