Bugger - no Bell Tents left

[Needanewname]

Damn damn damn!

I've finally talked DH into a Bell Tent (5m with zig) although he said next year I was hoping to talk him round for this year but they've sold out!!!! So I'm going to sulk now!

When ours gets here and we have had a chance to look at it, will try and work out how the mesh door will work - will let you know how it goes if you like? the woman at soulpad was very helpful - maybe call them and see what they suggest.

It is very extravagant, especially when you then start buying mats, and bunting, and cushions, and a camp kitchen, and a roofbox for it all to go in (halfords have a sale on!) BUT..we think we will hopefully use it for years to come, and in the garden when DD is old enough, she can have friends over for sleep overs, it can be used for parties etc - so will even out the cost over a few years.

But then if you really want omething there ae always ways to justify it that sound very sensible!

Yes thats true-I am now thinking how great it would be for sleepovers when my dds are teens!

Haha,that is a good idea.I am trying out a new wasp trap in my garden,nothing in it yet as they are still insect foraging,but hopefully once they move into foraging for sweet things they will get caught by the trap.It is such a pain having a sting allergy isn't it? You have no control over it whatsoever.

Its a definite no for the Bell Tent from DH for this year - booooooo, however I can have one next year - yaaaaay! I wonder if he realises I will be buying on Jan 1st 2011!!!!!!

Wasp trap - good idea, thanks

Sorry for the slow response, I had to run away to Germany and have a picnic on a motorway

MrsWobbleTheWaitress The difference between the Malu awning and the bell tent porch is basically shape. Like most awnings, the Malu is designed to deflect a breeze under the awning. The porch is designed to cover the entrance and provide additional shelter.

hellymelly - Most bell tents are either 385 or 320g cotton so will stand up to a good amount of use each year. Just be aware of which ones need retreating and which ones don't. 285g will withstand pretty much anything if pitched right (we've been in 285g tents in Force 8 gales and lashing rain with no problem before). The problem isn't usually the material but the pole, pegs or guy ropes which anchor and tension the tent but all these can be replaced with heavy duty versions if required.

Needanewname Check all the pricing in December and call the various companies and try and make a deal. Nearly everyone puts their prices up on Jan 1st so if you get in early you could get either old price or a better deal. Especially as VAT goes up on Jan 1st too.

With regards to bug protection. It's very easy to either sew some mesh/gauze/net curtain material into the door way but you might be better off sewing velcro to the edges of the tent and attaching the mesh that way - we sent a tent to Gambia with velcro'd groundsheet and doors and it kept out everything including snakes

I noticed that the soulpads need re-proofing every once in a while. Can anyone recommend how ofetn this needs to be done? I think we will be using ours approx 3 times per year.

TheButterflyEffect I noticed the cleaning stuff and re-proofing stuff together cost about £50, crikey!
That seems quite expensive each year ....

Many thanks Tortuga - I will keep an eye out!

This www.waspbane.com/thetrap.asp is the trap I have this year,I have high hopes for it,but at the moment they are not after sweet things,that will change though as the summer progresses.We just had to despatch a nest in a flower border,DH poured boiling water down into it,did kill most of them but there were still about 20 grubs and one poor worker trying to feed them.(nest was melon sized).i hated killing them,I sort of admire them actually,and the nest was so beautiful,but it was right next to the main path down to our garden and it was just a matter of time before they started stinging everyone who walked by according to the pest man.

After much humming and hawing have just bought soulepad 5m with a SIG

Wanted something I could get up fast, and camping where I am the likelihood of me getting to roll up the sides is pretty minimal. Am much more worried about rain.

I am very soon off to sew some bunting

Tortuga thanks for all the helpful advice,I am going to look at your website later.