On a very cold and wet few days 25 motor homes gathered at Broke Reserve near Cessnock for our Long Weekend Outing. The reserve is a huge area and is a free camp for a three-day period; the only amenity is a flush toilet. However the nearby store, a 200m walk away, has good supplies, fuel, a small hotel area with meals and the best hamburgers I’ve had since I was a kid.

Some people arrived on Wednesday and were fortunate to have one day of beautiful sunshine. A couple from W.A travelling in a caravan joined our group each afternoon at Happy Hour and also enjoyed being involved in the disc bowls.

Ron & Kevin set up satellite dishes in preparation for the NSW Grand Final on Sunday.

Due to the rain our small covered assembly area was extended with the aid of Ozzie’s Tarp strung up from trees etc.

The weather may not have been kind to us but it did not dampen our spirits. We all enjoyed freshly cooked pikelets prepared by Margaret & Richard on the club barbecue together with a good range of assorted cakes & slices supplied by all.

Disc Bowls were played in between showers and cards were also popular.

One of our members left early on Sunday but didn’t get all that far. He had decided to test the limits of his fuel tank; I think you can guess what happened next. But wait, he was not to be beaten so easily …. He had fuel in a reserve tank for his generator that could be put to good use.

But Wait! There’s more …..generator uses petrol, motor home uses diesel….. OOPS!!!!

No one saw him on the road the next day so we assume he got home O.K.

There was another unfortunate episode over the weekend; we had a sneak thief in the camp!!!

Someone, who cannot be named for legal reasons, found a small roll up wooden door mat in the bush and proudly took his find home to the wife, she as very impressed.

The next day another member was complaining at having his generator stand stolen. On listening to the description of said item the thief had to confess but then had the hide to seek a reward.

Our visitors were: Bill & Rosemary Taylor, The Wilson’s, Ruth & John back from their travels, Eric & Helen back from overseas & Gay for the day on Thursday.

Despite the inclement weather we had a great weekend, the warmth from the two fires and the friendly company kept us cosy in the cold and wet so thanks to those who supplied the wood and the camaraderie.

Diana Newell.