"Outstanding Camping Loyalty (30 years)!"

In the summer of 1974 the owners of what was then Leadstone Nurseries decided to open their gates to campers - better bet than growing tomatoes - you a get a new crop every day!

Among the first people through the gates were the Prince's with Snowy and Fluff the cats, and the Cartwright's - little did anyone imagine that they would become firm friends, the Princes becoming adopted grandparents to the Cartwright children as the years rolled by.

Colin and Drena Cartwright (left), Enid and Bill Prince (right) celebrating 30 years of camping at Leadstone. Ian is the "Toastmaster"!

30 years on and they've never missed a year . Bill Prince still kicks a football and enjoys a game of "Shuttlecock" despite having celebrated his 80 th birthday this summer (2003) at the Trade Winds Restaurant, Teignmouth.

Colin Cartwright clearly remembers his first visit to Leadstone with his parents. On that occasion they met the Hawkins' from Accrington and almost unbelievably they are still coming to the Warren. They spotted the "Welcome" banner when passing the site and it triggered the unlikeliest of reunions.

While on holiday the foursome like to visit Dartmoor, stopping at the Tavistock Inn and take a trip on the River Dart. Their favourite local pubs are the Mount Pleasant at Dawlish Warren ant the Pacific Bar in Teignmouth.

The Smugglers is also highly rated and was the venue for Dinner with Jean and Ian Bulpin who have also treated them to a free holiday this year.

When Enid Prince was asked why they came back every year this lovely Birmingham lady confessed to being born at South Zeal in West Devon. So "Leadstone Camping" being such a friendly uncommercialised place was really home from home to them all.

With his father trying his hardest to retire from "half a life time's" work Andrew Bulpin, a partner in the business has taken over the day-to-day management and vows to improve, if necessary, but not alter the operation.

How things have changed in 30 years