Spring update from the Chairman
I hope you are all keeping well despite the ongoing challenges that we are all facing right now. With the obvious caveats, I'm delighted to bring you this Spring update on a more optimistic note as we look forward with hope to the rolling relaxation of restrictions that should see us back out in the field in just a few weeks time and with that we can foresee some kind of much needed normality.
Last weekend was scheduled to be our first meet of the season at Car Colston but unfortunately that fixture fell victim the restrictions. The corresponding fixture in 2020 was our first meet of last season too but what we did not realise was that it would be August before we could chalk up the second meet of 2020, it's certainly been the strangest of years!
We're gearing up for what we hope will be a great 2021 but we do need stewards to step forward. Stewarding does have some additional tasks under the guidelines for safe camping but they are not too onerous and we cannot run Meets without stewards. The DA will provide all the hygiene consumables and support to stewards, plus your committee has agreed to offer free camping for the steward(s): this is a gesture of thanks for helping us to provide safe camping whilst the additional measures are required. If you are in a position to steward one of our meets please contact us know or click on the Google Form link in the section below.
Please take note of the AGM arrangements for 2021 which will be conducted by Zoom video conference. Your committee has created a process to ensure that all members are able to register for this event and have access to DA reports and information with the opportunity to table questions or comments to the Secretary in advance. Despite the restrictions this is an important event that ensures the ongoing health and prosperity of the DA for the benefit of members. Click here for more details.
Fixtures 2021
Sadly the ongoing restrictions led to the cancellation of Colston and Beckingham in March and sadly also the Easter Meet at Hutton Le Hole. The planned easing of restrictions on 12th April would have seen us at Ashover but the AGM could not be shifted so that Meet too was cancelled and sadly the landowners at Hoylandswaine pulled that fixture too, so our first Meet of 2021 will take place over May Day bank holiday weekend at Osmaston. The programme then takes us thorough to our Bonfire Meet at Torksey at the end of October. Normally we would have details of socials on various weekends but under the present circumstances we can't firm anything up at this stage but with luck we will be putting in some of the favourites once we ease into the season.
THS 2021 take us back to Hutton-le-Hole, Bishopthorpe, Darley Dale and Criccieth, which once again is planned to coincide with the school holidays, so will be a great family holiday meet. THS dates have been released to allow for booking time off work and online booking is now open for all THS, click here to book. Note that our Treasurer has weaved his magic spreadsheet and managed to pass on the savings from the Government VAT holiday extension, so we can provide even better value holidays starting at just £9.00 per night!
All fixtures are now available to view, print or download on our website, click here to view.
New for 2021
We have an exciting new themed meet planned for 2021 which is scheduled for 2nd – 4th July, the first weekend of our Darley Dale THS:
“A Celebration of Vintage and Classic Camping & Caravanning”
Here is an opportunity to dig out and show off your old gear. The theme is open to anything pre-Millennium and this is a participation event, so if you still have your old tent, stove, camp kitchen, Tilley, Pennons, photographs or anything that brings back Camping memories we'd love to see them again; the SDA archive will be on display too.
All being well we should be on the right side of lockdown easing by July too so we are planning resumption of some fun social events over the course of the weekend, which will be a much needed dose of normality!
Book via www.sheffieldda.co.uk/booking
Feast of Lanterns
Sheffield DA has hosted our Feast of Lanterns each year since its inception in 1934 where campers decorate their units around a theme and compete for The Blatherwick Cup. It is normally held later in the season when the evenings draw in and the full impact of the light and decorations can be experienced. After viewing the decorated units, campers vote for their favourites and congregate for a social evening and the award of the Cup. It’s good fun and a strong tradition that we are proud to maintain. The revised (and belated) theme for 2020 is:
The Blatherwick Cup through the ages
We have received lots of photographs of FOL entries over the years and this virtual event will be a fun quiz based on the photos we have received and will take place this Saturday, 20th March at 4pm. If you would like to attend this Zoom event please use the contact form or accept the invitation on Sheffield DA Facebook page, and details will be sent out to you.
Stewards 2021
We urgently require stewards for the first few meets of the year, the sites list is available here so if you are able to support it would be greatly appreciated.
The DA will provide all the hygiene consumables and support to stewards, plus your committee has agreed to offer free camping for the steward(s): this is a gesture of thanks for helping us to provide safe camping whilst the additional measures are required.
If you are in a position to steward one of our meets please let any of your committee know or click here and fill out the online form.
and finally..
Calling all parents of young campers 12-17: your CCY (Camping Club Youth) leaders are working on fun events in 2021 including Yorkshire Region Summer Youth Rally in May and the National Youth Rally early July. They are also supporting CCY who wish to take their CCY test in 2021 through a combination of online training and out in the field. To learn more about the CCY and the (optional) CCY test click here or contact us and your CCY leaders would be delighted to explain. It's great fun for kids and also a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and independence.
We're gearing up for what we hope will be a great camping season ahead, something I'm sure we are all looking forward to more than ever. I hope to see you all very soon, ideally back out in a field and smiling.
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One final sign-off, which is my own personal sign-off as Chairman of Sheffield DA, a post I have been privileged to hold for over 20 years. I would like to thank all Sheffield DA members and committee past and present for your support since I became custodian of the chain in 1999. I am immensely proud to have served such a friendly and vibrant DA and I am certain that you will all give the same level of support and enthusiasm to my successor.
Hope to see you all soon
Iain Bonfield
Chairman,
Sheffield DA