Weston Park. The 2016 CC National.

Before we went there were a few sceptical questions regarding the National from my spouse, mostly along the lines of "why are we going?" But any doubts were unfounded as we both enjoyed the whole event. Since we are both keen gardeners having a few days amongst some beautiful gardens was a real bonus.

On arrival we had a good welcome from the stewards, our 5 am start resulted in a 8.30am greeting. We found the site virtually full already but there was plenty of room on the allocated pitches. A few minutes of setting up, including the newly purchased flag pole and flying penguin and then collecting the welcome pack and ready for the off. Being pitched near the band marquee meant we had some good background music to accompany are stay and we later enjoyed a Last Night of the Proms event with the band and singers in full swing.

Our time at the National flew by, there was plenty to do around the main arena, enough trade stands to visit, especially some of the latest vans, even time for a chat with the chaps on the RSPB stand. We enjoyed a very good roast at the carvery, we bought local cheese at the food and craft fair and had a nice meal at the estate deli-grill.

All this mixed in with beautiful walks around the gardens and lakes, a ride on the miniature railway through the same gardens but full steam ahead and viewing the Van Dykes in Weston Park house itself.

The photos tell only part of the story, the South West and Scotland alongside each other on site, the house, the gardens, some classic vans and the COTY winner's van.

Many thanks to everyone involved and the weather too, which didn't let us down!