By William Coleman
It seems that the love of touring extends further than loving your caravan. After 20 years of history between them one couple have returned to The Orchards holiday park in Newbridge, Isle of White, where they first met as children with a very serious proposal.
Shortly after the couple arrived and pitched up it became very clear that this was not going to be your average caravan holiday with a stroll down memory lane of where it all began.
That’s because Rachel Hughes’ childhood sweetheart, Jonathan Palmer, had brought with him not only a tent and cooking stove, but also a proposal of marriage.
The couple had met as 12-year-olds while on holiday with their families at The Orchards – and it was beside the park’s heated outdoor pool that they had exchanged their first kiss. So this really was love at first (camp) site, sorry I couldn’t help myself with that one.
Jonathan displayed his romantic side as he covered the pool with crimson roses, arranged a pianist and singer and engaged right there where they first kissed. And it was all captured by a professional photographer.
After leading Rachel to the water’s edge – and to the delight of other holiday guests present – he went down on one knee – and received just the answer for which he’d been hoping!
After their first fateful meeting all those years ago Rachel and Jonathan’s families would go on to plan further holidays together. From there on friends, families and futures were made.
Once the young couple were old enough they started to go on holidays of their own. Sticking to the tradition they took camping and caravanning trips together and eventually moved in together in the town of Bedford.
Now both aged 30, their next visit to The Orchards will be as man and wife – thanks to a pool, some petals, and a proposal.
Co-owner of The Orchards Julie Gray said that it was a perfectly executed plan, and one which she and her husband Tim had known about in advance:
“We were thrilled when we heard of Jonathan’s idea and gave him all the help we could – but, of course, we could only cross our fingers that Rachel would say yes,” said Julie.
“We’re so delighted that The Orchards was able to play its part in the couple’s romantic journey, and that the story had such a happy fairy tale ending!” she added.
Julie and Tim acquired the park 15 years ago and have since gathered a raft of awards for its high standards. There is more information about The Orchards at www.orchards-holiday-park.co.uk
This is another fantastic example of why caravan sites really are the best places to take your holidays. They bring a sense of community and belonging to everyone who visits, and here is a prime example of what can happen when you bring like minded people together.
I believe that the caravan holiday is so unique to any other form of holiday, not just because of the tin tent we choose to stay in. I know that whenever me and my better half escape for a few days we come back a lot happier than before. Breaking away from the hustle and bustle of life and making new friends, in this case family, really is what life is all about.
