Club Blog

One of the challenges of writing for the magazine is the need to put things together well ahead of publication date. As a result, I’m putting the final rather-later-than-they-should-be touches to a Gear Guide on picnics today, which is scheduled for March’s issue.

We had a successful test of a Stainless Steel Lunchbox from Bush Gear (pictured) a couple of weeks ago, though the contents were consumed inside school rather than sitting on a picnic mat.

Its sturdy design and two compartments (keeping the pasta away from the salad, so the salad remained crisp) was a great success. The Lunchbox's big brother, the three-part Tiffin Carrier, will be appearing in March’s Gear Guide.

It’s fair to say that even though 2013 is only a few weeks old, it’s done little to curb the enthusiasm of those looking to enjoy a touring holiday in a tent or caravan.

Having travelled to The Caravan Show in Manchester with my colleague Stuart Almond from the Communications Team, (amid lingering fears of snow and potential traffic disruption), I’m pleased to report that the crowds flocked to the event and clearly it will take more than a little chilly weather to deter those looking to enjoy a great holiday over the coming weeks and months.

And what a great time we had meeting new members who joined the Club at the show. It was an absolute pleasure to say hello to new faces and readers of the magazine and of course it’s lovely to see familiar ones as well.

As we sit here surrounded by snow, and the usual British chaos ensues outside, I’m reminded of events of about 12 months ago, when the magazine reported on the British Services Antarctic Expedition (BSAE).

We may think we have it bad here at the moment but spare a thought for these 24 brave ladies and gentlemen, who volunteered to visit the coldest place on the planet for two months (January and February) to commemorate our former Club President and national hero, Captain Robert Falcon Scott – or Scott of the Antarctic to give him his popularised nickname.

Last year, 2012, marked 100 years since Scott stood at the South Pole, somewhat deflated having realised that Norwegian Roald Amundsen had led the first team there just five weeks earlier.