Easter at Hillhead – 1997
A Tamar DA Throwback to 1997
Easter has always been a special time for Tamar DA, and looking back, it’s clear that some traditions never change. This year’s meet saw numbers nudging the 90‑unit mark, with one of the biggest gatherings of Tamar members in quite some time. Familiar faces mixed with first‑timers, creating that lovely blend of community spirit that makes our DA what it is.
But rewind the clock to Good Friday, 1997, and you’ll find a story that still raises a smile.
Good Friday arrived right on schedule, even if the campers weren’t quite as ready. After weeks of long hours and very little leisure time, the decision was made: they were going camping anyway. A frantic list was scribbled down, jobs were shared out, and after five hours of shopping, baking, packing and cleaning, the caravan was finally ready to roll.
The journey to Brixham was blissfully uneventful, and Hillhead welcomed them just after 2pm. As anyone who’s ever tried to set up at a DA meet knows, the job takes twice as long when friends keep stopping by for a chat. With gossip to catch up on and plenty of friendly interruptions, pitching the unit took a leisurely five hours. But once settled, it was straight into the evening entertainment. Roger Rayner kept the music flowing, the alcopops were going down nicely, and the hall was full of laughter. A perfect Tamar start to the weekend.
Saturday dawned bright and sunny, and the day was spent walking the cliff path from Goodrington to Torquay – a route not trodden for more than 20 years. It hadn’t changed a bit, and the joy of rediscovering it was worth every step. A quick “ten‑minute rest” back at the caravan turned into a two‑hour nap, but by evening everyone was refreshed and ready for Kay Summers’ disco. A ploughman’s supper halfway through kept spirits high, and the night wrapped up just after 11pm.
Easter Sunday crept in quietly, and soon it was time for the traditional Tamar walk. Led by Ken Rendle, the group set off for Kingswear… only to discover they’d taken the wrong route. In true DA fashion, the “shortcut” added a mile and a half, but no one seemed to mind. The scenery was spectacular: dramatic cliffs, shingle beaches, gulls wheeling overhead, and the scent of pine drifting on the breeze. Mother Nature was showing off.
A well‑earned pub lunch followed, complete with local ale and views over the old GWR station. After the return climb to the cars, the day was rounded off with a carvery and a glass or two of wine. The evening entertainment featured “Hi Jack”, a country and western band, and plenty of enthusiastic line dancing, even if some felt they’d suddenly grown two left feet.
Monday arrived far too soon. After the closing ceremony and raffle, it was time to pack up, say goodbyes, and head home. But the feeling was unanimous then, just as it is now: Easter at Hillhead was something special.
And so, just as the campers of ’97 did, Tamar DA would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the Easter Meet such a success. The faces may change over the years, but the spirit remains the same – warm, welcoming, and wonderfully Tamar.