Eastnor Deer Park, nr Ledbury - 4th - 7th May 2012

[Bob]

I've got a rope Mary.

[Jillygumbo]

Let’s see how the weather pans out, eh, Gray. I’ll choose a spot near to the road Mary. It depends on which part the campsite is on, but the road is tarmacked for most if not all of the length of the park. The Deer Park is gently sloping with flat areas and I would imagine pretty well drained. I’ll contact the Park closer to the day. Thursday and Friday look good weatherwise – AND I’ve bought the gazebo!

1. Jillygumbo (organiser - heaven forbid)
2. New Forest Terrier
3. Muzorewa - (hopefully)
4. Panda Bob & Su
5. Crazy & Kerry
6. Baz (hopefully)
7. Tony & Pam
8. MT Tank
9. MT Tank's friend
10. Umbongocat? (waiting for confirmation)
11. Caz
12. Jo123
13. Brett, Lins, Lewis & Ethan
14. Mary Mary (hopefully)

[New Forest Terrier]

OK Jilly that sounds more optimistic. Last time I went there it was down an unmade track and the Bongo definitely would not manage that in mud. A tarmac road sounds better. It just needs one or two dry days for things to be OK. As long as we are not to far from the road.

Don't forget the 2 w drive is rear wheel drive though and it hates icy slopes or muddy ones. I twice got it out of a horrible mud bath at Cropredy, but that was on the flat. It will do churned up tracks and gates, but hills are a no go, even in reverse. I do have my own tow rope and a set of plastic things wot goes under the wheels but would prefer not to need them.

I have done some foul muddy Glastonburys, but that was work and I had a Land Rover or a Jeep. In thick mud that's the only thing copes.

Still chucking it down here, roads flooded and it sounds like the gale is getting going again. Its just so relentless, no let up in the rain. Just the wrong type of drought

I will keep the dogs booking and see how it plays out through the week. At least the tent you used to own is waterproof It got a good test at Hastings and that worked out despite the forecast. So heres hopeing for a good one[-o<

[Jillygumbo]

Weather improving a little here, but more rain overnight forecast they have - mmmm!

Caz (Combicampers) agrees with me that the Park is unlikely to flood but I'll ring the Castle on Wednesday.

May be an idea to avoid Worcester, Tewkesbury and Upton areas - that's where the Severn floods. I'll be travelling up from Gloucester to Ledbury and then come back to Eastnor (do not follow satnav instructions - see info on Eastnor Castle website). You could come down from the north on the other side of Worcester but I'm not sure of the best route.

[Bob]

Thanks Jill, lovely here this afternoon.

[Jillygumbo]

They're changing the weather forecast daily, so I'm going to stop looking at it!

Info from Debby in Cheltenham: 'If you go for the first fishing pond you should be ok, if my memory serves me correctly the tracks up to that point are tarmaced. The land at Eastnor drains very well.
The roads getting there are the problem, Twekesbury is flooded again, and with very heavy rain forcast for tonight it looks like it could be a repeat of 2007 there. The Severn is high, and will get all the water run-off from Wales as well over the next few days.
I hope to pop over for the Chili Festival, if they don't cancel it, will any of you still be there on Monday?'

If the track is not tarmaced, it is good hardstanding. It may turn to grass in the final camping field. I thought we'd plan the Chilli Festival for the Sunday, as we'll all be leaving on the Monday. I've apologised to Debby!

[Bob]

We'll have to leave Monday as it will be a school night.

Still looking forward to it, camping gear assembled in dinning room.

[New Forest Terrier]

The latest information I have on this is not too good. I have a friend lives near Kidderminster and I phoned her this morning to find out the situation and she gave me the information that there is a full scale flood and do not travel warning in Worcstershire. The Severn is flooding and there is still a lot of water to come from the Welsh hills. Plus it was chucking it down there, with a forecast of more of the same.

I just phoned Eastnor Castle and the news from there is that the campsite is still open but they are reviewing the situation tomorrow and to phone back then for an update.

Given that information I have provisionaly cancelled the dog's kennels. I still hope this is on and if possible will turn up but will have to bring her along. Sounds far too soggy for any serious deer chasing anyway.

Still hope to see you all for at least part of the weekend.

[Jillygumbo]

The latest information I have on this is not too good. I have a friend lives near Kidderminster and I phoned her this morning to find out the situation and she gave me the information that there is a full scale flood and do not travel warning in Worcstershire. The Severn is flooding and there is still a lot of water to come from the Welsh hills. Plus it was chucking it down there, with a forecast of more of the same.

I just phoned Eastnor Castle and the news from there is that the campsite is still open but they are reviewing the situation tomorrow and to phone back then for an update.

Given that information I have provisionaly cancelled the dog's kennels. I still hope this is on and if possible will turn up but will have to bring her along. Sounds far too soggy for any serious deer chasing anyway.

Still hope to see you all for at least part of the weekend.

Just to put this into perspective: Kidderminster, Worcester, Tewkesbury and Upton are all right on the Severn and are prone to flooding (2007). Eastnor is uphill and to the west. I will be ringing the Campsite tomorrow, as I've already said, and I'll post on here and on the Combicampers forum once the verdict is known.

[Bob]

Well done Jill.

Agree with the location, and I can't see any problems getting to the site, it will likely be down to the site owners weather they want us on the grass.

In the last hour the BBC have forecast Saturday as very wet all day, and then bright and sunny but colder.

Recon we're best to wait and see.

[Jillygumbo]

Well done Jill.

Agree with the location, and I can't see any problems getting to the site, it will likely be down to the site owners weather they want us on the grass.

In the last hour the BBC have forecast Saturday as very wet all day, and then bright and sunny but colder.

Recon we're best to wait and see.

And this morning they're saying rain overnight tonight, then grey tomorrow but getting drier and colder with Saturday and Sunday looking up! They just don't know, do they?

I'll call the Castle later today and post on both forums, but I don't think they'll close. At any rate, we should get prime pitch by the road without any neighbours! My photos were taken when it was dry and nice! Note the large spaces between units!

[crazy uncle gray g]

I'm liking this
http://www.frixo.com/weather/ledbury.asp
All we need now is the good news from Jilly & a strong tow rope Bob
If this all comes together should I bring my old faithful PaRtY TeNt or not

[Jillygumbo]

I've just called the Castle. Couldn't speak to Caroline but the campsite is open and there should be no change, unless events take a turn very much for the worse. I was advised to call again in the morning. I think the lady I spoke to was hedging her bets.

I will do this and post on here before I get in and drive, drive, drive! Talk about the last minute!

Yes please Gray, bring the trusty awning. It can go alongside my gazebo and any other gazebo/day tent that anyone brings.

[crazy uncle gray g]

Ok Jilly, I shall wait for your shout in the morning, before dragging out thunderbird 3 and loading it ready for Friday morning. If everything runs to plan Kerry Scully & I should arrive about lunchtime on the Friday. As my old awning is of no real value it should sit happily along side a well protected fire pit and give everyone some protection from the elements (could be an idea if everyone brings a battery lamp)

Waiting in anticipation

CrAzY

[Bob]

That's the kind or positive talk we like.

Ozpig and ropes loaded, bag packed, camping gear in dinning room, firewood in bags...

We should be there about 3ish.