Teston 2020 dates now confirmed

[malcolmf]

Following a meeting with KCC new contact person, to-day, at Teston Bridge Country, Iam now able to confirm the dates for next year as Saturday/Sunday 8/9th August with campers being able to arrive from Friday morning and stay until mid-day on the following Monday. More information to follow.

Just to point out, normally by now I would have dates confirmed for our regular events, but they are all awaiting decisions from others at the moment. I will publish provisional dates within Windjammer Autumn Edition.

[malcolmf]

There have been some changes in the management of Teston Country Park within Kent County Council. The one that affects the weekend for all attending as campers/or day visitors is the APNR system in place which covers all vehicles entering through the main barrier. The past couple of years it has been on trial and for most of the vehicles coming onto the field there seems to have been an ability to switch it off at times. I know some people did get a parking charge from the APNR operator last year, but all the ones I knew about were rescinded. The system is now permanently in operation, and cannot be turned off and on willy nilly. I have negotiated for the Teston Kite weekend vehicles both campers and day visitors to have freedom of movement for up to 40 vehicles, for this I have had to agree an increase in the fee paid to Kent County Council for use of the park (which was not the case in the days when organised by Ron and Pat Dell of Kiteability).

This in turn means a small adjustment in the donation for camping having to be increased to a minimum of £12 per pitch of up to 4 persons. Kent Kite Flyers are not allowed to charge day visitors who are mainly our members anymore than the same as the main car park fee. This a contribution to the costs of putting on the weekend. Kent Kite Flyers cover all other costs including insurance for the event.

Vehicle numbers will need to be registered with me on arrival or during the weekend especially any day visitors who may join you. If I am given an incorrect vehicle number or not one at all then the owner/driver is responsible for any parking charge imposed by the APNR operator

As usual it is the same format, with vehicles not being allowed to move on or off the field after 10.30am and before 5pm Saturday -Sunday, except in an emergency, if so an escort from KKF in hi viz will be required for the vehicle to move.

Kent Kite Flyers wish to keep this weekend going for as long as possibly we can afford to do so.

Just to add on a brighter note, as it worked so well last year, a fish and chip supper will be organised for the Saturday night at a cost of £5 per person. We shall provided soft drinks and condiments.