Swallow Yachts Association
Swallow Yachts Forum => Sailing and Events => Topic started by: Matthew P on 13 Nov 2016, 11:43
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Is anyone interested in an "unorganised" (but not disorganised) Lake District rally next summer?
Ullswater (again) or Coniston? - or both if demand is sufficient.
We know the Glenridding Sailing Centre http://www.glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk/ is very welcoming
Coniston might be a nice change and Tim has made some good suggestions for a venue that I will check-out if there is enough interest.
21st -23rd July?
Alternative suggestions welcome but may not be adopted.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
"Unorganised" means participants will, as usual, be totally responsible for their own and others safety, financial and any other consequences, although of course newbies are very welcome and will no doubt get lots of unofficial help and advice if they ask for it.
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[quote
Is anyone interested in an "unorganised" (but not disorganised)
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Yes, I am. A Lake District meet on that weekend looks good to me. Thanks for unorganising this Matthew.
John
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I'm in.
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Would love to Matthew - but we have decided to commit to the Swallow rally in Myler and can't manage more time off in the same month.
Regards
Gareth
Gwennol Teifi S17
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The SY Rally at Mylor is 2nd-6th July so I hope the Lake District on 22nd-23rd is feasible for most, if not we can move it back.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Matthew,
I'm easy on Coniston or Ullswater - we won't be troubled by excessive motor traffic at either as the speed limit at both is 10mph (except when attempting world speed records). Coniston has a simpler outline than Ullswater's dogleg.
As your suggested date is only a long weekend and some distance (date-wise) from Mylor, I think 21st-23rd July is fine.
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We'd be interested in bringing Aenbharr, Matthew. I'd be happy with either location. I have been to Drascombe events on Coniston - they use the Coniston Sailing club who are very hospitable and have a nice bar! There are good camping facilities close to hand, and a few pubs and B and B places in the village.
The only difficulty is access to the slipway which is not easy, due to the number of obstacles in the way to be reversed around!
The Drascombers tend to go down to the other end of the lake on Saturday and then leave individuals to so their own thing on Sunday. The sailing club has a large BBQ they seem happy for people to make use of, which goes well with their bar!
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Matthew, definitely interested in a Lake District gathering. Coniston sounds a good idea just because it is different to Ullswater! I am not sure about my dates in July yet, so have to leave it conditional until summer plans come a bit more into focus for Adele and I.
(Facilities at Coniston sound pretty much spot on…)
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Matthew,
Excellent news. Very interested and Ullswater or Coniston would be fine. Date in diary.
Bob & Kim
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CONISTON 21st - 23rd July 2017
Coniston is famous as the home of Swallows and Amazons, the ancient Gondala steam launch, Donald Campbell's Bluebird, Ruskin's home Brantwood and stunning surrounding mountain scenery.
Hoathwaite campsite has been recommended by Tim. It is in a beautiful setting with an area put aside for groups such as ours. There is access to the lake shore via a track. I'm told access to the the lake is across a stony shore into gently shelving water but with help and a bit of grunting most of us can manage that. Anyone wanting a concrete slipway can use the town slip way further up the lake. I believe we can either pull the boats ashore although there may be some passing pedestrians or anchor just off-shore. There is room on the campsite to park cars and trailers.
I've provisionally booked Hoathwaite campsite with the National Trust on the following basis:
Arrival date: 21st July This is close to the school holidays starting so roads might be busy but maybe it will be nice to have some kids along.
Duration: 2 nights
People: 12?
Boats: 6?
Campervans: 2-3?
We are required to arrange for a portaloo and I've been advised to contact www.lakesloos.com Hopefully everyone attending will share the cost, regardless of whether actually they use this facility. No corny puns please on this topic.
Costs are as follows:
Adults - £6/night
Children - £3/night
Dogs - £1.50/night
Boats on trailers - £7.50/night
There is no cost for the tents or campervans
Individual booking and payment should be made direct to NT Campsites. Please contact Craig Wilson, Business Support Lead, Holidays (Lake District), campsite.bookings@nationaltrust.org.uk Tel 015394 32733. Please mention you are booking for the Swallow Boats meeting.
And please message or email me so I know who to expect, even if you are using a B&B (or perhaps renting a neighbouring Teepee). Don't bother to say if you are NOT coming, I only want to know who is!
An information sheet is attached. Further information is at:
http://twitter.com/NTGondola
http://twitter.com/NTLakescamping
Follow us on facebook:
www.facebook.com/GondolaNT
www.facebook.com/NTLakescampsites
Guess what? Coniston lake is full of deep, cold water! Personally I expect to to have lots of fun but plan to remain upright and dry at all times. All my usual denials of responsibility for participants' physical, financial and emotional safety apply.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Matthew
I've just emailed Craig Wilson to make a reservation for two adults and two kids (aged 7 and 9, both Ransome fans).
Let me know what I owe you for the portaloo.
Everyone looking forward to it, thank you for putting the meet together.
Charlie
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Hi Matthew. Count us in.
That is 2x in a Campervan and a BR17.
Looking forward to a great outing like last year.
I've booked via NT today.
Jim
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Thanks Jim, I look forward to seeing you both at Coniston.
I got a slightly panicky phone call from a National Trust admin person saying they have already 2 booked two campervans which is the limit but i understand they take lots of tents. I'll confirm the exact position this week meanwhile if they have accepted your booking then thats OK. I'll also check out other local campsites for campervans but they may not have direct lake shore access.
Matthew
Gladys BR20
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I've booked!
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Hi Matthew,
Local accommodation booked! As last year we will be staying on after the weekend for some more sailing and walking. Anyone else looking to be there for more than the weekend?
I will contact the campsite ref keeping boat there for longer.
Regards,
Bob & Kim
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I'm delighted you are coming to Coniston in July Bob and Kim.
The NT Hoathwaite campsite is quite restrictive on the number of campervans and cars with trailers (effectively just 6) and The National Trust campsite admin is a bit complicated so I'm now looking at alternative camp sites that are a bit more relaxed - maybe the neighbouring Coniston Old Hall, although they don't take bookings until March. I'll give an update when I have more news, meanwhile if you have already made a booking at Hoathwaite hang onto it for now.
Also the water is apparently shallow for a long way so I contacted The Conniston Boat Centre for advice. They could not be more helpful - here is their response:
1. Launch Ramp (self-launch)
You are able to self-launch/recover, if you feel confident with the vehicle you are using for this there is a daily launch/recovery fee which will be listed below.
Should you need or want it, there is tractor assisted launch/recovery by us, between 0900 – 1700, this fee will be listed below also.
2. Mooring (Overnight/camping on board)
You are able to spend the night on your vessel. At the moment there are no moorings or mooring services, and there is no approved anchorage. Users usually spending the night on the water tend to be fisherman, and so their vessel is always under command. I may have a solution to this for you though.
3. Trailer & Car Parking
We have a car park! There is free parking available around The Bluebird Café however this fills up quickly. Trailers are usually left parked on the beach in front of the café after launch, so they are accessible for recovery without having to tow in and out of the paid car park, as this can be tricky during busy times.
4. Other
There are no limitations on vehicle size.
Vessels longer than 26ft cannot be launched on Coniston Water.
Coniston Boating Centre runs the only non-privately owned pier/jetty on Coniston Water. To use any other pier/jetty you would need to acquire permission from the landowner prior to arrival.
This is the same situation with shore-line access.
If you know where you would like access to I can do my best to find out who owns that pier/jetty and put you in touch with them.
Launching Fees (daily)
Up to 12ft £5.00
12ft to 16ft £8.00
16ft to 20ft £12.00
20ft to 26ft £15.00
Assisted Launch 0900 – 1700
Up to 26ft £15.00
Overnight Storage at Coniston Boating Centre Secure Premises: £10
In terms of booking in advance to avoid queues; I am happy to come down early (before 9am) and launch all the vessels for you, or provide you with the gate combination so you can let yourselves in, so you beat the ‘rush’. You mentioned possibly camping at a local campsite, if you are still wanting to do so I am happy to do this for the 3 days (21.07.92 - 23.07.92). We can store your craft overnight and launch/recover daily as it sounds like you would be wanting to sleep on board if staying overnight.
In terms of cost, I have listed our tariffs above. If this daily launch and recovery is something you would be interested in; as you’ve provided prior notice I can work out a package deal to include all your craft.
To do this I would need to know, exactly:
-How many vessels you would like the package deal to include. Any additional vessels (anyone jumping in last minute, if you follow) would be charged at the regular rates listed above.
-The sizes of the vessels (roughly to the nearest ft. would suffice).
-What time you would like to launch, if assistance is required, as I would need to coordinate the team.
I hope this is of use, if I can provide any additional help please don’t hesitate to contact me either via this email or shaun.atkinson@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Kind Regards,
Shaun Atkinson
Coniston Boating Centre.
If we get a firm idea of numbers before May I'll co-ordinate with Shaun for the "package deal"
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Matthew,
Excellent job! If we have somewhere to launch and recover boats and to park trailers safely, then there is less pressure to find a lakeside campsite, which might broaden the possibilities a bit. Thank you for not in any legal sense organising this.
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Change of campsite venue to Coniston Old Hall!
The National Trust insist group bookings at Hoathwaite are made by one Gruppenführer (not a role I relish) and that we organise our own portaloo rental and restrict the number of campervans to 2 and cars to 12 so I recommend we scrap any bookings there and all book at Coniston Hall Campsite (COH) instead. My apologies to Bob, Graham, Aenbharr, BobT and John who have already booked >:( and will need to cancel and re-book at COH.
Coniston Old Hall Campsite is on the Lake shore within walking distance of Coniston village (and pubs!) and the Coniston Boat Centre (see useful details posted 15th Jan below). I recommend we all launch and park our trailers at Coniston Boat Centre because of the excellent facilities, willing staff and to avoid towing boats down the very narrow twisting lanes to the Coniston Old Hall.
Specific pitches at Coniston Old Hall cannot be reserved, so it will unlikely we can all pitch in one place. However, as we will can pull the boats up and meet up on the campsite beach I don’t think this is a worry.
If you wish to stay at Coniston Old Hall please book directly by phoning 01539 441223. Bookings for Coniston Hall Campsite cannot be made until 1st March, after it is first come, first served, so book early to avoid disappointment :( .
Coniston Old Hall (COH) Campsite 2016 prices (not confirmed for 2017 yet) are:
£8/night/adult
£4/child/night
£2/car/night
£2/boat/night
Campervans welcome but no hook-ups
Here are some extracts from the website at https://conistonhallcampsite.wordpress.com/coniston-camping/
On Site Facilities:
o Hot Water
o Flush Toilets
o Showers
o Shaver Points
o Washing Facilities
o Launderette
o Chemical Toilet Disposal
o Site Shop
o Gas
o Fishing on Site
o Local Shop
o Pets Welcome
o Parking by Unit
"The ground is hard though; without a mallet you’ll be bending a few pegs and swearing a bit no doubt. But the location is lovely. The forest is full of birdsong, and there’s also goats, chicken and peacocks ( not including Matthew Peacock, ;D) that live on the site, so there’s always some natural noises going on. There is no electricity hook up at all on site, but reception will charge anything such as phones, laptops or camera batteries, for 50p an item. Drinking water is piped through 3 or 4 standpipes, and there are several rubbish collection points."
COH is my sort of campsite.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Matthew,
Thanks for doing the leg work, Kim and I are fine with the change of venue and already had Coniston Boat centre on the list of people to contact ref launching later in the week.
I have also emailed Coniston Sailing Club but still waiting to hear back.
Thanks again,
Bob & Kim
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Hi everyone,
This sounds like a great trip. I am still building my Storm 17 kit ! I had to put the build 'on hold ' for four years while I was working in Malaysia.
I am hoping to be ready to launch by the end of March, if all goes well and there is any room left then maybe I could join you guys?
Best wishes
Chris
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You are very welcome Chris and if your Storm 17 is not ready you will be welcome to sail in Gladys and probably the other boats too.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Many thanks for your kind offer Mathew. I'm sure I'll be ready, I'll keep you posted.
Chris
:)
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Been in touch with Coniston Sailing Club ref staying on for the week after the Meet, the important part of their reply is below:
"You would of course be welcome to join us as temporary members at the club during that week. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be possible to keep your boat on our dinghy park due to its size. Temporary membership would give you full use of the club facilities, including launch and use of the club jetty. Boats can't be left unattended on the jetty overnight so unless you were sleeping on the boat it couldn't be moored there and the club doesn't hold any visitor moorings."
This doesn't help me but may be useful if someone is looking to live on-board. They didn't give me any costs. The email was from Grant Spooner, Hon Secretary, Coniston Sailing Club.
Coniston Boat Centre have been very helpful to me ref boat accommodation for the rest of the week.
Regards,
Bob
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Just called Coniston Old Hall campsite, they are now saying they won't be taking bookings until the 25th March
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I can confirm the above that 'Coniston Hall Campsite' are "not open yet". Pity as I was trying to get it all sorted.
I can also confirm that I have now cancelled my booking at NT's 'Hoathwaite Campsite' which I had thought was an unusually early(too early) organisation for me.
I've spoken to 'Coniston Boating Centre' to try to book up and was asked just to email my details, and confirm with Matthew P so he can negotiate a Group Booking discount for us all later.
So actually I haven't fixed up anything definitely yet - but the will is there.
Herewith my/our details again to clarify - we wish for..
5 Days/Nights 20/07/17 - 24/07/17(leave 25/07/17) - 1 day extra each end.
Boat is 'Tarika' BR17.
2x Adults in a Campervan.
Looking forward to it now as the arrangements look excellent.
Cheers to Matthew P.
Jim & Lin
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Thanks James and Charlie for your updates.
I was told that Coniston Old Hall campsite office would be open for bookings at the beginning of March and I'm a little surprised they are leaving it so close to the season. I don't think there will be any problems if we individually phone in the first week or so if April - but to be sure, don't leave it much longer.
Let me know how you get on.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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I've received an email from Shaun Atkinson at Coniston Boating Centre.
Shaun very helpfully says:
"Just writing to request an update on a few details of your party so I can work up a price for you and get it all finalised in good time for your event.
I can also produce a sheet of information for your party as it’d be handy if we’re all on the same page, it will help the event move smoother in terms of launch/recovery.
So far I have had a few people contact me directly with requests for ‘extensions’, which is absolutely fine; but everything needs to be finalised soon so I can staff for requirement.
All I require from you for each individual boat is:
-The name of the owner, an email address and/or contact telephone number
-The extreme/overall length of the boat they are bringing
-If they are launching the boat themselves, or if they require assisted launch/recovery. If they are unsure if their vehicle is appropriate or not then they should assume it isn’t, and let myself do it with our tractor unit.
Ideally the sooner I have this information the better, but I understand that when organising a group event such as this there are always a few that make it somewhat difficult!
So far I have information from Bob Todd and James Lowden.
I am more than happy to receive this information from each individual to save you some work, by all means forward this to your party so they can see details I require, and if any others would like to extend their time they need to be contacting me as soon as possible. July is going to be a busy period and I want to make sure you are taken care of as you’ve given me the most notice."
Shaun
Tel: 015394 41366
Email: conistonbc@lakedistrict.gov.uk
So please contact Shaun and let him know who you are and what services you will require.
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Fellow Coniston-ers!
I am intending to be with everyone in July. My plan is to camp at Coniston Hall and keep the boat at the Coniston Boat Club. Hopefully arriving on Wednesday 19th July and leaving on Thursday 27th July - so extending the weekend to a week.
I spoke to Coniston Hall after email-ing them and getting no reply. They do not take bookings except for Bank Holidays, i.e. it is not a question of when bookings are open - they don't take them for the period we are looking at. Not ideal, but there it is.
I also spoke with the Coniston Boat Club (but not Shaun). The man I did talk to indicated that 'just turning up' is fine. They will charge for boat storage and it sounded like £10 per day or £75 per week for a 6m Bay Raider (he accepted the maths didn't make sense!) Car parking at the Boat Club will probably be pay and display as there are only a few free places.
So the Perry-plan is to turn-up Wednesday or Thursday and see what happens! Oh, I have also booked a week of sunshine 8) but that was pricey…
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Thanks John for your useful information on Coniston Boating Centre (referred to by John as Coniston Boat Club - but it's the same outfit)
Shaun (our Coniston Boating Centre contact) has just emailed me the following, which confirms John's information:
Dear All,
I am under instruction from my superior to provide the following information.
Launching fees at Coniston Boating Centre:
Up to 12ft £5
12ft to 16ft £8
16ft to 20ft £12
20ft to 26ft £15
Tractor assisted launch and recovery for all sizes £15
Overnight storage (yard and pier) £10
I have asked for details from all involved and not received them, so our involvement with your event will be as follows.
We can launch and recover between the hours of 0900 and 1700. Launch/recovery/storage rates are as above.
The plan of action per person is simple:
- Arrive at our centre and pay for whatever you need as above, individually.
- If you need assistance launching/recovering we will provide it.
- If you require overnight storage you must inform us when you pay for your daily launch/recovery.
The original intention was to have everyone sorted, paid and booked before the event. I can see that this is going to difficult, so we will operate on a first-come-first-served basis on the morning(s).
We do not need prior notice for storing your craft.
I’m sorry we couldn’t work this out more efficiently, unfortunately my hands are now tied.
Many thanks to all who provided details promptly.
Kind regards,
Shaun Atkinson
Coniston Boating Centre
Lake Rd, Coniston LA21 8EW
Phone: 015394 41366
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Matthew,
I'm Mark Kingsley, a pal of John Perry. I plan to bring BRe44 up to Coniston for the rally. I will be staying for the same period that John is. Looking forward to meeting up with you in July.
Mark
BRe44 Lorikeet
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Hello Mark. We look forward to meeting you with your BRe Lorikeet at Coniston.
Regards
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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John & Mark,
Kim and I are looking to be up 21-28 Jul with our BRe "Escape" so hopefully we can arrange some sailing together outside of the weekend. We are self catering at a local cottage and will also be keeping Escape at Coniston Boating Centre.
Regards,
Bob
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Hi Mathew
I'm sorry to say that I cant make the trip as I had hoped , I'm so close now to finishing my storm 17 build that I am going to push through with it and I will be working on the boat while you are at Coniston.
Hope you all have a great time , I'll join you on some future get together.
Regards
Chris
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Hi Mathew
I'm sorry to say that I cant make the trip as I had hoped , I'm so close now to finishing my storm 17 build that I am going to push through with it and I will be working on the boat while you are at Coniston.
Hope you all have a great time , I'll join you on some future get together.
Regards
Chris
No Problem Chris, good luck with your Storm 17 completion
Matthew
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CONISTON 21st - 23rd July Update:
LAUNCHING
Coniston Boating Centre
Lake Rd, Coniston LA21 8EW
Phone: 015394 41366
See my post below (31st March ) for Coniston Boating Centre details.
CAMPING
Please phone Coniston Old Hall Campsite to book a place but note will not reserve a specific place on the campsite. Telephone 015394 41223 or see https://conistonhallcampsite.wordpress.com/
So far I am expecting:
Bob & Kim BRe Escape
Graham BR20 Turaco II
John BRe Moirach
Mark BRe Lorrikeet
Jim & Lin BR17 Tarika
Charliea BRe ?
and maybe Andrew SR23 Craic + others
Matthew
BR20 Gladys
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Matthew,
10 days or so and counting down. Looking forward to catching up with all, especially as we could not make Mylor this year.
We are aiming to get there Friday afternoon is there a suggested pub (or other suitable venue) to meet at in the evening to discuss plans for the Weekend?
Cheers,
Bob
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Bob sensibly suggested meeting in a local pub Friday evening.
I've not been there for a while, but The Ship Inn (https://www.robinsonsbrewery.com/shipinnconiston) is appropriately named and local so we could meet there if you like, say about 8.30pm Friday 21st July?
Cheers
Matthew
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Sounds great. Kim & I may well be at the pub earlier as we may eat there depending on the trip up from Kent.
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The pub it is! Due to arrive Thursday am and will be leaving first thing the following Wednesday. Camping at Coniston Hall. See y'all soon :-)
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Bob, yes!
John & Mark,
Kim and I are looking to be up 21-28 Jul with our BRe "Escape" so hopefully we can arrange some sailing together outside of the weekend. We are self catering at a local cottage and will also be keeping Escape at Coniston Boating Centre.
Regards,
Bob
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Back from our Coniston adventure - thanks Matthew for not organising it! My rapidly fading memories of an excellent few days are captured on the Moireach blog: http://moireach.perryweb.me.uk
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Thanks to all who came for making it a fun few days and a big thanks to Matthew for his fine non organising of a great event.
See some of you soon,
Bob & Kim
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A big thanks for the non organiser Mathew and the group great of fellow Swallows attending. Turned out nice in the end, after totally conflicting weather reports. Great 'cakes on the beach' and entertainment watching hardy soles trying to climb probably the only shear rock face on Peel Island aka 'Wild Cat Island' of Swallows and Amazons. Long fight getting to grips with Dropbox where all the pics are now. Hopefully available to all soon!.
Great camping sailing and socials.
Jim & Lin
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Great photos, all. Particularly the cliff-climbing ones.
I have now received four notices of unpaid parking charges from the national park (£120 in all), presumably because they failed to enter my car details in the computer when I paid my original fees. I've appealed, of course, but did anyone else have this problem or was it just that I was unlucky with a dozy kiosk attendant?
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Graham,
Not so far but we have not been at home!! Do hope you get it sorted.
Bob
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Spoke too soon. Arrived home to 5 letters ref non payment of parking fees for Sat, Mon, Tue, Wed & Thu! Needless to say will be appealing. Shame their admin has slipped up.
Bob
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I am sorry not to have come to Coniston partly due to the adverse weather forecast for Saturday. I am also sorry to hear that Graham, Bob, and possibly others had a 'fine time' !
Kind regards, Andrew
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Bob and I obviously had the same dozy kiosk attendant. My penalty notices have been cancelled on appeal, according to an apologetic email from the national park today.
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Graham,
Good to hear just sent off my appeal this morning.
Bob
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All 6 penalty notices cancelled no problem.