Dear All,

Sitting at my office desk writing this letter and looking out of my window at the snow, it is perhaps a little difficult to think about March 1st when the new Season starts. ‘Global Warming’ is beginning to have it’s attractions! A rain-free July and August would be wonderful! It must be our turn? Jayne and Geoff are off to the Canaries in January for the second time this winter – lucky them! Ian is trying vainly to unthaw the handbrake of his car which has remained unmovable for the last ten days! That leaves Richard and I to hold the fort! Don’t you just love a proper old-fashioned British winter!

A big ‘Thank-You’ for supporting us so well last year. One very noticeable feature was the number of people camping in tents; some old hands; some for the first time. All very welcome, but please do not be deceived by cheap offers for a ‘Twelve Man Tent’. They are being sold off cheaply because of their size which requires two pitches – expensive!

We are absolutely thrilled at being given the ‘David Bellamy Conservation Award of Special Distinction’. Only very few Sites have achieved this. The Valley of the Gypsey Race and Thorpe are of great interest to those who appreciate unspoilt countryside and Nature. There is a booklet in the office which details the many species recorded on the Estate. Please ask to look at it. You will be amazed!

Last year, we installed WiFi which has proved very popular. Obviously you do not want to miss a bid on Ebay! Or is it Facebook or Twitter? Perhaps someone will show me how to do it?!

The Nature Walks are still popular and the dates are:-
April 3rd Easter Saturday Walk
May 15th Cowslip Walk(We visit the Chalk Bank which has never been ploughed, sprayed or fertilized since the end of the Ice Age about eleven thousand years ago and has just over thirty Plant Species per square metre)
July 10th Summer Walk and BBQ and the usual Barrel of Wold Gold Summer Beer!

Something new – The Laundry Cottage, adjacent to Thorpe Hall is now available to rent as a Holiday Cottage. It has been done up to a high standard; sleeps six, has WiFi and is very special. Please look it up on the internet or ask Jayne to show you round. (www.thelaundrycottage.co.uk); or go to The Cottage Guide (www.cottageguide.co.uk) where you will find full details, photograph, prices and availability. We have already had people staying from Dorset, London, Lancashire, Cumbria and existing Caravan Site Customers!

You will still find me in the Campsite Office drinking tea first thing in the morning and again in the afternoon most days. Some ’Dear Person’ asked if that was all I ever did! He was probably right – but I do enjoy meeting and talking to you and your families.

Happy New Year

Best wishes, or in Gaelic – ‘Le gach deagh dhurachd’

Ian Macdonald of Sleat
Jayne Chatterton