THE WEEK WE WENT TO NETHERGONG – IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR by Dee Anderson – Editor in Chief
When my daughter and son-in-law suggested I join them for a camping holiday, with my three grandchildren, I did question my ability to survive such an ordeal. I know my limitations and am up for a challenge in so many ways, but have always been more of a five star girl myself.
However, this was a special circumstance in that my eldest granddaughter of 7 was coming to the end of her treatment for a condition she had endured for some time, and was especially looking forward to carrying out activities like a normal kid again, that had been put on hold for the past two years.
So I readily agreed, and was instructed to look at a camping site, already familiar to the family called Nethergong Camping, in Kent.
I decided to book a ‘Romany Caravan’ which looked cosy on the website, and covered my initial fears of insects and night time chills, and the rest of the family would pitch their well-equipped tent alongside to keep me company. I also decided to bring along Milly my golden Labrador, who is approaching two and just loves long walks and lots of attention.
I drove down separately from the rest of the family, and on arrival spotted a very helpful young man on a tractor, who readily directed me to our camping location. From his accent I realised that he was not a local, and he told me that he had come from the US after marrying his wife, who I gleaned was one of the ‘Nethergong’ family.
We were fortunate to catch the weather as it had warmed up and managed to swerve the floods that had besieged Kent the week before.
Our section of the camping site was next to a huge field, and so we were constantly on the go with the kids and the dog who insisted on clambering up and down the small but steep embankment so a work out was not needed, as this was sufficient for me to maintain my fitness regime. It was also more than adequate to wear out the two-year-old twin boys who have more energy and are faster than Mo Farah on a good day!
The camp fire at night was particularly idyllic as Ray, my favourite (and only) son-in-law is great at building a fire and making a mean barbeque, and we shared stories and a few glasses of wine as the flames flickered in the darkness.
Some of the wildlife we saw too was unbelievable, with frogs in the fishing friendly pond which the kids adored, a resident swan family, rare dragonflies and damselflies, coots, moorhens and ducks of all varieties, newts, lizards and bats, rare vising Turtle Doves, Cuckoos and Nightingales you can hear at night, Owls and Marsh Harriers and Buzzards.
The facilities are particularly good, especially the showers which are powerful and refreshing, and the loos are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness.
I bumped into Jed, the owner, on one of my solo walks, who explained that the camping site had been in the family for over twenty-five years, and it was now run by his entire family.
He also offered to open their little shop and make us all hot drinks should we need good coffee or more provisions, and on discovering why we were there, sent his lovely daughter Hannah over to see if we needed anything extra. She also has twin girls of 9 and so was completely au fait with all the basics of having young kids.
The children were all sad when the tent came down, and we packed up, but it is a place where we will return and make an annual family holiday for them all to remember.
I personally am still not a complete camping convert, but have to admit to enjoying so many aspects of the few days at Nethergong, and for the record, would readily return, especially for the sake of the grandkids, wildlife and the barbeques, and having learnt a few invaluable camping tips on the way.
As we are hearing more and more about the resurgence of Street parties and Community gatherings, I felt compelled to tell our viewers about an extraordinary event hosted by a local firm of Solicitors, BP Collins of Gerrards Cross, last week.
It was entitled The Wellbeing Evening, and no-one was more surprised than I to find representation from a vast array of local and national companies present to support this unique ‘get together’ at the Solicitor’s premises in town.
Before I give you more detail on the companies and their activities, I have to share the amazing ‘kick-off’ from one of their Senior Partners, Simon Deans, who skilfully put the audience at their ease as he spoke of his own ‘flaws’ in representing a ‘Wellbeing’ event, which was met with familiar nods and noises of agreement, as well as huge peals of laughter.
The sampling of healthy food and beverages was second to none, with a special commendation for Johanne O’Dowd who had flown in from Southern Ireland the day before to display her own healthy food range.
Johanne is a recover from Breast Cancer, and has proactively transformed her life through a healthy diet and lifestyle. Johanne’s presentation and food sampling was outstanding, and it did remind us all revisit our diet and rethink our daily regime. Johanne@healthwithfood.ie
Many were unusual and all were inspiring, and I was particularly taken by a Music therapy session in drumming from Mike Watson. Contact: mike.watson@soundsolutions.co.uk. I have actually been inspired to invest in a pair of Bongos, having patted out a mean beat at the session, which I found to be hugely satisfying.
It also felt incredibly heart-warming to sample the sumptuous food and take time out to learn a little more about what is available both locally and further afield, but all hugely accessible depending on the requirements of the individual.
It was also a palatable experience – not just in the quality of the catering, but in the richness of the ideas and the inspiration and attention to detail, at such a well-structured event.
I also came away with what I felt to be a couple of life changing notions, which I hope to put into practise within my demanding schedule, but even so am now convinced of one thing. BP Collins, who have the nous to put into action an experience to actually ‘give something back’ to the community are unchallenged as a Law Firm of integrity and understanding, both of their clients’ needs and those of the local businesses.
I would like to urge other organisations both large and small across the UK to endeavour to do the same, on whatever scale, because the result can only be positive and the outcome a win win for all concerned.
Mediumrare Entertainment is proud to announce The Twilight Zone Complete Collection available on DVD & Blu-ray 11th June 2018 For the very first time all 5 seasons of this classic cult original TV series has been released in one amazing box set collection
There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man, it is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition,
and it lies between the pit of man’s fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination it’s an area which we call……
The Twilight Zone
Created by the legendary and visionary writer Rod Serling
The Twilight Zone Complete Collection – available now on DVD & Blu-ray to pre-order from Amazon
Would make the perfect gift for Father’s Day!
Synopsis:
Explore the depths of the unknown in this complete collection of episodes from the Twilight Zone. Funny at times, heart-breaking others, and thought provoking the Twilight Zone was the most unique inventive and completely original concept shows in the history of Television. Rod Serlings creation along with top writers such as Richard Matheson created a series that has been the main inspiration to TV and Film makers for over 50 years. All 156 episodes from the original classic show are collected here.
October 16, 2026 1854 Oscar Wilde 1890 Michael Collins 1922 Robert Urquart 1936 Peter Bowles 1940 Simon Ward 1947 Terry Griffiths 1958 Tim Robbins 1960 Gary Kemp 1967 Davina McCall
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