Heronbrook Farm CAMC CL, Cotgrave (N52.921876 W1.049502) contd

Friday 23rd May 2025

Quite a cold night, but, no frost, followed by a warm sunny day.

Today, Gabriel (and the boys from Windsor Boys School Rowing Club) are competing the National Schools Championship at The National Watersports Centre, Pierepont Country Park, Nottingham. 

The Centre is about 5 miles away, a distance we would probably have walked in the past, or, cycled. We are told it is possible to get a bus from Cotgrave which will take us to Gameston, on the edge of the park, but we (well, I) decide to take a taxi.

This shows up the vagaries of Uber. I did a quick check, yesterday afternoon, and Uber was showing a fare of approximately £6 to take us there. This morning, the same trip was showing as £24! Instead, I searched out a local Taxi firm (Google to the rescue) who took us there for £13. For the return journey, I again checked Uber, using their App, they are offering the return journey for £10 (£9 if I am willing to wait for a driver who is 8 miles away), I opt for the £10 option, and, the car is there before I have put my phone in my pocket!

I have been to a rowing regatta at the National Watersports Centre, a year ago. I was amazed at the number of rowing clubs taking part, from all over the UK, and, the degree of organisation with most clubs having a small marquee seats, coffee, tea, and, for a small charge beer and /or food for the Parents/Grandparents/Friends. This is all prepared by parent volunteers (this year, Gary was "volunteered" to do the shopping for ingredients.

So, this time, it was Kathleen's turn to be amazed at the spectacle, which she duly was.

Gabriel is in the Quatros, "B" boat, and, along with the "A" boat, they do well enough to qualify for the final. Windsor boys actually do very well, there are two of their boats in the top six. I actually sound like I know what I am talking about there, I don't? 😂

In the final, they come First and Third, so, the "A" boat wins a Gold and the "B" boat wins a Bronze medal for the School. Gabriel is well pleased. 

We have two more neighbours on our return to the site, two sets of caravaners setting up, so, we sit in the sun, and spectate.

Supposedly, there are two more lots yet to arrive.

Saturday 24th May 2025

 

It is a Bank Holiday weekend, so, we are expecting 166 miles of traffic jams, but, other than the Bridge Repairs chaos at Darrington, no problem, and, we are home by shortly after lunch time.

Heronbrook Farm CAMC CL, Cotgrave (N52.921876 W1.049502)

Wednesday, 21st May 2025

For the first time in weeks, we have rain!

We leave Chertsey in the rain, the 134 mile journey begins with the usual M25 crawl, but, there after is easy going.

Heronbrook Farm CL  (N52.921876 W1.049502) not very clearly signposted, there is a large sign, but, it has the names of three establishments on it, and, Heronbrook is not prominent. But, despite the negative comments about the driveway, in reviews, the approach is straight forward, and the driveway is not unduly potholes.

Very pleasant place, tidy, clean, and very scenic. Owner (Chris) puts in an appearance, very pleasant chap. We are the only ones here, at present, more to arrive over the next few days apparently.

It would appear there is plenty of walking, and, we are not far from the National Water Sports Centre, where Gabriel is competing in a Rowing event, on Friday.

Thursday, 22nd May 2025

Cloudy and cool 13c.

We walk the 2.5 mile round trip to Cotgrave, to buy supplies.

Cotgrave was a "mining village", but, it is not like any mining village I have seen in Northumberland or County Durham. 

Not a sign of "pit houses" arranged in cramped terraces, but, rather some smart modern properties, mixed with some much older "traditional" properties. I think this must be because the Colliery here was a "modern" one, not opened until the 1960s.

One of our fellow "campers" arrives, just shortly after lunch time, a caravaner who had apparently booked a space in the "rally field", which Kathleen coverted.