Glen Innes was host to the Retreat Caravan Owners Club over the last week. A total of 31 caravans and 61 visitors from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and even WA, gathered at the Showground for a week of social activities and exploration of the area.
The group meet on a regular basis, usually three times per year, with a preference to spend their time in small country towns and rural areas. One member commented to a GIN journalist how impressed they were with the terrific facilities offered by the showground. Whilst many of the vans are fully equipped with all modern conveniences an important requirement was to have an undercover space where the group could meet for breakfast, plan their day and hold social functions such as ‘happy hour’ and Melbourne Cup Day festivities.
“The beautiful shady trees and the large undercover area near the Tea Room were perfect for us” said a representative of the group. Showground caretaker, Julie, was very complementary about how the group was so respectful for others using the grounds during their stay and that they are “welcome back anytime, just a lot of fun” she said.
The group consciously use their numbers to make a significant financial impact on the areas they visit. Time was spent at Glen Gowrie Distillery at Furracabad as well as enjoying a healthy dose of retail therapy in the Main Street, barefoot bowls at the Bowling Club, meals and drinks at the Services Club, a wander around the Standing Stones and a well earned milkshake from The Super Strawberry. The Open Garden held on the Tuesday was a real bonus for several of the visitors.
This week long event did not preclude the visitation of other campers and caravaners.
