Leinster Centre

Once again we find ourselves in the middle of another caravanning year. So far the Leinster Centre has enjoyed the winter rally at Curryhills, the National hosted by the Munster Centre
in lovely Dungarven and the summer rallies held in Rathbeggan Lakes and Stradbally House.

All the rallies have provided a great occasion for people to get together and catch up on the news. The was an intention to improve the photographic content of this page,
but due to us being so busy on the rally sites, the camera failed to make an appearance. Lest said, there were many tired and wet children after Rathbeggan lakes, and many
relaxed adults at the sing-along in Stradbally.

We wish all an enjoyable summer, wherever they go, and look forward to hearing all the tales of travels in September at the AGM.

Please note that we are still looking for committee members and would also appreciate it if you could indicate if you can help with the National next April.

Apologies for the delay but family life has been hectic and it’s only now I am getting around to do things that should have been done – not weeks but months ago.

Well the Leinster Centre had a change of plan this Christmas with the demise of Warrenstown we looked for another venue. With the help of Jim Jordan we came
up with Curryhills House – not only could they have us but they could feed us also.

We had Christmas dinner on Saturday evening starting off with a mulled wine reception in the upstairs function room, complete with log fire and candles on each table.
We then went downstairs to the restaurant for a fantastic meal then upstairs again where some of the younger children played the piano and accompanied Mary Byrne
on the guitar for our carol service. The talent of our younger members was fantastic and added to the lovely atmosphere. Tea and coffee was served and although Santa did not appear,
he left a selection of gifts for all the good children while we were at dinner, and our good friend Gerard Sheehy did the honours of handing out all the gifts.

There were various prizes for a quiz but we just left it to Hugh Dodd and Peter Horan to throw out a few questions and the best answers got a prize.
The evening progressed late into the night. Some of our members made the journey even though they were unable to stay the weekend, and Curryhills had accommodation which
some of our members availed of. As the fire burnt down – fed all night by our fire marshal Graham Welsh – the evening was a great success, so much so that I am looking
forward to Christmas 2010 at Curryhills.

The weekend ended on Sunday after lunch with bright sunshine but frost on the ground. Our thanks go to all the committee who contributed to a super weekend.

26 outfits, 16 from Leinster, 7 from Munster and 3 from Ulster attended the Rally. The Weather was dry but very windy which curtailed some aircraft from flying. There were numerous events during the weekend including a vintage car rally and parade in the town of Birr. A competition was held for the junior members to construct a model flying machine. The first prize being a flight in an aircraft from the flying field. I am sorry I did not enter the competition myself. Runners up prizes were a flight in a simulator at Dublin airport. Master Condell won first prize with his model of a bi-plane. Great credit must be given to the Rally Marshals Gerard & Agnes Sheehy, Denis & Margaret Crone, Ger & Pat Lanigan Ryan and Heather & Leslie Evens for organising such a successful event. First time Leinster Ralliers were Brian and Martina Condell and there children from the Munster Centre.

John Lambkin
Hon. Secretary Leinster Centre

This year the charity rally was in aid of Brigid’s Hospice – a worthy charity. We were in Moat Farm, Donard and our thanks to the Allen family for allowing us to use their site. We had 10 vans but had donations of money and items to sell from others who were unable to make it. The weather was not great – misty rain – the usual Irish summer weather but that didn’t stop us from enjoying ourselves throughout the weekend.

We had a coffee morning on Saturday when we relaxed and browsed the wide variety of items for sale. Some locals also visited, as did some of the other weekenders who were on site. After totalling up tickets, tea, coffee, cakes and the saleable items, the total amount raised was €920 for the charity. A big thank you to all who attended sent sale items or sent donations.

A special thanks to the Rally Marshals Val and Louie Tomkins, assisted by Anne & Ron Condell for all their hard work. The whole weekend was a very enjoyable and extremely relaxing. I’m sure we will see some of you at our next outing – Rathbeggan Lakes on 29^th May next.

RED CROSS RALLY - MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND
A great rally with the Munster/Leinster rugby match seen in the lounge on the site. Weather not great. Our thanks to the Williams family for the use of the venue. Seventeen vans attended. Congratulations to the King family being their first Rally with Centre. Grateful thanks to the Rally Marshals, Noel & Barbara Thompson, Ann & Paul Blake and Maureen & Jimmy Batten for all their hard work in organising the event.

The Leinster Centre winter walk took place on Sunday 18^th January at Casement Aerodrome Baldonnell. Over 30 families attended the function in the coldest weather I have experienced. Our guide was Sergeant Byrne who was entertaining and informative. He escorted the group around a number of hangers. The hanger housing the Airport Museum was of great interest to all. There Sergeant Byrne answered questions from all angles showing his great knowledge of the subject and laced with wonderful humour. Other hangers visited contained helicopters in various state of repair, the Government Jets and the Fisheries Patrol Planes. The highlight for the children was a walk through the large Fisheries protection plane with the children sitting at the controls. The tour concluded with tea and cakes in the very welcome warm Camp Catering Centre which was enjoyed by all. During the tea a collection was made as a donation to the Camps favourite charity. It raised €319.00.

Our thanks go to Christy and Breda Dunne who organised the event, Sergeant Byrne who gave up his Sunday afternoon to show us around and to the GOC of the Camp Brig Gen Ralph James for permission to visit.