Peter’s Pizza Party – Monday 29th December
Although it was cold outside, there was a very warm welcome at Peter’s Pizza Party.
We arrived just before 5pm and was quickly joined by others, making 11 of us in total. It was lovely to have 4 couples in attendance
Drinks flowed and plenty of conversations took place.
Pizzas had been pre-ordered and just needed cooking. I helped Gillian with these, cooking two pizzas at a time, until we’d all been fed.
Peter had a couple of Music quizzes on DVD which we played. They certainly tested our 80’s music knowledge!
This prompted discussion on musical skills and talents and it transpires that several outreach members play instruments, prompting the possibility of an open mic session at some point.
Yet another successful and very enjoyable party.
Many thanks to Peter and Gillian for hosting.
Sally & Brian
Outreach goes to France again – August
August saw Outreach in France once again, this time with visits to two fabulous Naturist campsites. First up, Simon, Liz and David B joined David M for a week at his number one favourite Naturist place of all, Camping Naturiste Verdon Provence. It was a week of swimming and paddle-boarding in the amazing lake, walks around the huge site and a bit of sight-seeing, all under the endless blue Provencal skies.
Following that, David B unfortunately had to return home but the remaining three of us headed to Domaine de la Taillade in the Auvergne region where we were joined by Geoff and Elaine. This is a pretty unique place. Perched above a deep gorge, it is also a working cattle farm where you can have a steak in the restaurant that the owner, a dedicated Naturist, has raised, butchered and cooked himself. No air miles here!
Peter’s Summer Pizza and Garden Party. Leyland – Saturday June 28th
Geoff and I had a mixed drive down from Carlisle to Peter’s Pizza party, encountering thick fog and heavy traffic, so we were pleased to arrive to a very warm welcome and see lots of familiar faces.
Peter and Gillian were perfect hosts, with bespoke pizzas and strawberries and so much thought to cater for my gluten free needs 🥰 The weather was very kind to us and we were able to stay outside until the evening. The time passed very quickly because we were all immersed in plenty of chatter with laughter mixed in. A truly enjoyable Day.
A big thank you from Elaine and Geoff
Outreach Group Annual Dinner – Friday to Sunday, 20th to 22nd June. Masked ball and carvery, 3 course meal and disco at Ribble Valley Club.
What can I say….we had an absolutely fantastic time!
Brian and I arrived early afternoon on the Saturday, as usual there is a warm welcome by everyone at RV. We met up with several of the outreach members, some recognised by wearing their wristbands, others were introduced. We sat chatting for a while before moving out of the clubhouse whilst the tables were being prepared for the evening.
The weather was rather drizzly and thunderstorms were forecast, in between showers Peter and Gillian showed us their newly acquired chalet, we had a walk around the site before sitting in the pool/jaccuzi area. Then the sun came out…what a difference. People appeared from their hiding places, some sat enjoying the rays , whilst others played boule, myself included: pleased to say I was on the winning team!
Time was ticking by and people started to gather on the patio area. Clothes were optional, some ladies chose to wear dresses, some men dressed with just a bow tie, others chose to remain naked.
Finally we were told to take our seats. At each place setting there was a mask and a table gift. Our compère told us not to open our gift or to start eating until everyone had been served their starters.
There was much excitement and anticipation. Starters were distributed, prawn cocktail, garlic mushrooms or pate. Once told, we opened our gifts, these had been handmade and contained sweets, a torch and party popper. Secreted in five of the table gifts was a “winner” ticket, one of which I was recipient of, permitting the “winner” to a free drink. Thank you!
It was then onto the main course, the RV ladies had worked exceptionally hard and provided us with a choice of roast pork, lamb or beef and an array of vegetables: roast and boiled potato, peas, carrots, cauliflower cheese, pigs in blankets and yorkshire pudding plus all the accompanying sauces and gravy…a feast indeed.
There was a good gap following our meal, allowing time to digest and chat with our companions and for people to go out and get some cooler air, as it was very humid indoors.
Finally the desserts were put out. Some delicious looking fruit sponges, fruit salad and trifles, even gluten free options were available.
Sadly, after this we had to leave, so we missed the remainder of the evenings entertainment. However I can assure you all that we had the most enjoyable time, met some lovely people and can’t thank those enough at RV for all the hard work put into organising such and event. Hats off to them!
Sally & Brian
Geoff & Elaine’s BBQ – Friday 30th May
A group of four couples and 3 singles attended a BBQ event run by Geoff and Elaine from Carlisle. I travelled from Scotland by car and my partner travelled to Carlisle from the south, by train. We were to meet in the centre of Carlisle, as he loves to visit second-hand bookshops!
After missing a turning, I arrived at the end of the street, but he was at the other end. The street was blocked in the middle, so I parked, and he walked up the street to join me. Just as well we had mobile phones, otherwise I may be still looking for him LOL.
We arrived at the house at between 1200 noon and 1 pm for the BBQ. Their back garden is secluded and a sun trap. The weather was warm for the end of May and the sun shone with a gentle swirling breeze. The event is BYOB, the excellent chef, cooked rib-eye steaks to order, and we had a lovely salad with it. Then fresh fruit and ice cream/cream to follow. After the excellent meal we sat in the sunshine, and all had a good ‘Blether’ (Glaswegian for chat – Translation)
At tea time, a tasty round of sandwiches and tea/coffee/drink was had. After the usual quiz we left to go to a nearby Premier Inn for the night. Everyone had a great time.
Gillian