British Bank Holiday drizzle heralded an impending sense of doom as we loaded the tent into our car. Faces blanched with fear we set off into the gloom; destination Winkleigh Mound.
Arriving in Devon with a few other families on Saturday evening we were greeted with a bright atmosphere and matching weather conditions. That night many of us sampled, and kept down, the delights of the local ‘greasy spoon’, a restaurant catering for just about any type of food, or customer apparently. What it lacked in finishing touches it more than compensated for in warm, friendly service.
Much of Sunday was spent foraging for fire wood, relaxing or visiting the local area, festivities really began in the early evening with the arrival of the last campers. Some of the group had walked to the local Baptist Church to join an evening service and fill up water bottles. On returning they found a roaring camp fire surrounded by a collection of bizarre eccentrics dressed in evening wear and wellies. Part James Bond, part scarecrow the men took up primeval positions, stoking the flames while some of their lady folk (think Vivian Westwood on a bad day) prepared the food. All very Neanderthal.
The evening consisted of a ‘hunt the gnome’ competition for younger members and a fireside quiz for the more well endowed in years. There was a music tent, activities for the children and general fireside banter stretching well into Monday morning. Food and drink formed a key part of the gathering. Traditional activities included marshmallow toasting and the consumption, by those with a hardy constitution, of hot Ţuică (tuica). Ţuică, Romania’s national firewater, also doubles as paint stripper and has a kick on it like a mule in heat; supplies were rationed for that very reason.
Life returned slowly to the mound at around 9 o’clock the following morning. A rousing breakfast of bacon butties was being prepared and was eaten by most. In keeping with the general feel of the event this activity was also carried out with as little regard to health and safety legislation as was reasonably possible.
Gradually, throughout the remainder of the morning, campers said their goodbyes and headed off for their homes. Another year of great weather for The Wellie Ball…somehow it just doesn’t seem right…but I like it.
David and Marianne
