Meet Dave and Steve – who first camped at Hollands Wood Campsite in 1971 – at the tender age of 16. Check out the hair and (the flares you can’t see!) – on trend for that era. Two likely lads from Farnborough allowed to venture into the New Forest for a week camping on their own. Dropped off by Steve’s brother-in-law in his Ford Cortina.
Fast forward 44 years (image 2) and Dave and Steve are still firm friends. Weather permitting, they both still like to get away in their respective motorhome/camper – having upscaled from under the canvas many years ago.
How did they get introduced to Camping
Dave recalls his dad winning a competition that got him 2 weeks camping in the south of France – Dad upgraded from the basic competition package so the whole family could go. On arrival on site the tent and all the goodies from the competition were in wicker baskets that had to be unpacked and assembled. At the end of the two weeks the wicker baskets and the contents accompanied the Ewing family back to Farnborough and a love of camping was born.
Check out the photo of Dave in the middle with his family on his first camping experience.
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How did their first camping trip unsupervised go?
Dave recalls with fondness heating their meat pies on the exhaust before the brother-in-law left them alone in the wilderness.
Running out of cash mid-way through their week BUT making their way to a local pub in Brockenhurst and engaging in a game of 3 card brag which won them sufficient funds to stay the remainder of the week and have enough for beer (tut tut) and food.
Was there a holiday romance?
Dave says he met someone who invited him back to her parent’s caravan for Sunday lunch and yes, he took this opportunity up – Steve however was less than thrilled at being left out (Dave smuggled him some roast potatoes). However, this mini betrayal and abandonment did not end the friendship as the following images demonstrate.
What did they do this trip to Hollands Wood campsite?
They did enjoy a pint or two in the local pub (not the one they won at cards on in case any disgruntled locals recognised them). Using their prized bus passes they ventured out and about from Hollands Wood using local transport (Camping New Forest actively encourages those who stay locally to use local transport and or the bike routes – and even now hires e-bikes). They even got as far as a day trip to Yarmouth. Certainly, packing a lot into this 2-day trip. Check out the ‘Things to Do‘ page on our website to get inspired by some of the wonderful activities waiting for you here in the New Forest!
The Million Dollar question – will they visit Hollands Wood campsite again? – that’s a thumbs up from Dave!
These days, they both prefer electric pitches, which means Hollands Wood – aside from the occasional nostalgic visit – isn’t really an option anymore. However, they’re now considering camping at Setthorns, Long Meadow, or Holmsley campsites. Excitingly, we’re hoping to introduce a limited number of electric pitches in the near future, which would open more opportunities for them to continue enjoying the New Forest, especially at our sites – while creating new memories and, hopefully, sharing their adventures with us year after year.
Do you have a story to share?
Do you have special camping memories from one of our campsites here in the New Forest? We’d love to hear your story! Share your favourite moments and photos with us by email us on: [email protected]
Why do we at CNF like this story?
Friendship is often compared to a forest for its interconnectedness and mutual support. Trees rely on each other for growth and survival, and friendship is built on mutual benefits and support. Trees also remember their friends and can distinguish between them indicating a special bond. Staying on one of our campsites allows you to engage with nature which offers many benefits for mental and emotional health. If you can combine a site visit to a New Forest Campsite, with engaging with nature, making new memories, reminiscing about your past visits, you are sure you be on to a winner.
And Finally…
Do you have a relative or friend who loves camping and has fond memories of the New Forest – even if it was “back in the day”? We’ve got the perfect gift idea! Camping New Forest Gift Vouchers are here! Take the stress out of Christmas shopping with an easy-to-send e-gift voucher. Give the gift of fresh air, forest adventures, and the chance to make new memories.
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