Did anyone go to New Wine this year?

[toobusymum]

and if so, how did you get on?

We felt that we had a fantastic time, God has taught us a lot this year, and the children loved it. Our 7yo ds sobbed when he realised that he couldn't go to Groundbreakers any more (bless).

The weather was appalling though, and it does make a huge difference. I think after 6 years of New Wine we are getting the hang of sticking it out despite the rain!

Would love to know how others got on.

[toobusymum]

Anyone? Can't believe I am the only MNer to brave the elements!

[Cadbury]

We haven't been but are considering it - or at least we were until we saw how much it would cost for the 5 of us. It would be more than we spent camping for 2 weeks this year.

Do you pay extra to camp there?

[Icanseethesea]

No the camping is included in the price. I agree it is not cheap, but I personally think it is worth it - we all get so much out of it, and especially for the dcs as they realise that they are nt the only kids their age who go to church.

DH went as Village host this year - quite hard work on the first day but ok after that, and 50% off the cost for his place, which made it a bit easier on the purse!

[larry5]

Sorry but I have only just seen your message. Which week did you go to - we were there the second week at Bath and West and my dd was one of the young leaders in Groundbreakers. She had a fantastic time even though it was very wet and she loved being with the children.

I went to some very interesting seminars and have come back wanting to be on team myself next year.

[Icanseethesea]

We went week B to Shepton Mallet too! (I was toobusymum btw). I was on team in Our Place so I didn't get to any of the seminars but I did get to a couple of the celebrations, including Ellie Mumford who I think is just lovely! I've bought a few seminar CDs. DH got to a lot more, but I get so much out of being on team that it does not feel like work!

[larry5]

Which part of the site were you on? We were on Purple 4 and we were very lucky as we seemed to be the only part of the site that didn't get extremely muddy.

I will be getting my application in for next year on the 15th October as dd wants to help with Pebbles and I would like to help with Gems - I ran a toddler group for 10 years and sometimes miss the little ones and apparently the team places for the younger groups are filled early.

[Icanseethesea]

Green 7!

The village wasn't too muddy, but he bit around the toilets and showers...

DD is also applying to do Pebbles next year. I shall be in Our Place again. The places for younger ones do get filled quickly because they like a balance beteen having teenagers helping and having older, wiser, more responsible people (like us!)

[larry5]

Dd was asking what your ds name was if you don't mind saying as she was one of the red group leaders and wonders wether he was in her group. She got pied on the last evening, I think that was because she went down to the last session wearing a red cape and red bikini bottom over her jeans to fit in with the super heros theme.

[Icanseethesea]

Don't mind at all. Matthew was in Red F, but he promises me he did not pee on anyone!

[whatawally]

Just found this. We went to new wine this year for the first time. It was also our first time camping.

We took with us our 3 dd's 6, 5 and 2. The older 2 loved groundbreakers and learnt so much, they came back telling everyone about the spiritual armour (v.impressive). Our 2 year old got on fairly well at gems considering she can be quite a clingy child.

The rain didn't stop the girls, they took to camping like you wouldn't believe, enjoyed playing out int he rain in their wellies. So very very good from their point of view.

Now for me and dh. A slightly differnt story. Dh and I had just finished a weeks beach mission with 70 young people. That finished on the saturday and obviously we left for new wine on the sunday. In retrospect it wasn't really good timing. We were shattered from the week before.

Our air beds only stayed inflated for a couple of hours each night and i'm one of those people who need my sleep so found that very hard. And I was suffering with bad morning sickness.

However all that said- We did. We found it a bit difficult to engage for the first few days. And I ended up missing some seminars I really wanted to go to coz I was feeling so awful with my m/s. But we did get to a few and they were very good. We stayed in venue one for the services which we felt were very good. Next year we might try and be a bit more adventurous and try out venue 2. But I will need to see if I can be brave enough to take a 3 month old with me (not sure I can do that).

So bit of a mixed bag for us really, but I think you have to expect it when it's your first ever time camping even, a lot of things to get your head around.

I'm glad you had a really good time.

Larry5, we were in purple 5 on week B.

[larry5]

We were probably walking past you every day.

I went camping with a 3 month old to a Cub Camp and he slept soundly even though I didn't. We went for camp beds this year - I slept better than last year which was my first time camping for 20 years. I go with my dd and 2 families from my church, one of whom were the village host for the week.

I went to Venue 2 as the rest of my group were going there but I went to the family celebration on the last day with dd as I had not worshipped with my daughter at all that week as she was working with groundbreakers all the time.

[MuchLessTiredNow]

I miss NW!!! haven't been able to go for 3 years - planning to make up for it next year. I really miss the worship

[Sezamumtobe]

Hi all

We are going to new wine this year for the first time and I'm 20 wks. Any advice?