I have recently returned from a holiday in Spain, on the same site was a C & CC Rally "the friendly club"! I was a little perturbed to see the way that the Rally Steward/Marshall treated a spanish family who had arrived for a family weekend at the site. This family had 2 children of about 4 + 6 years old. Now we all know rules are rules but there is also an element of give & take, the children were playing with a ball beside their pitch supervised by their parents said Rally Steward/Marshall made a beeline for the family site map in hand and proceeded to lecture the whole family as to the whereabouts of the playing field (which was some distance from the pitch)in an intimidating manner . The parents obviously didnt want an international incident and stopped the children playing. Now I know we have all spent a lot of time, money & effort on our respective outfits but as far as we could see no damage had been done to any property. Day 2 Same family had erected a washing line to dry towels etc and again said Rally Steward/Marshall rule book in hand marched off to the reception to report this breaking of the rules Said family were duly reprimanded and removed washing (even though there were at least 50 other lines around the site!) Day 3 Said family pack up to go home totally demorilised after what should have been a nice family weekend & which was totally ruined by the represntative of "the Friendly Club" . Once said family had left the site C & CC members went off to the launderette to do their washing & came back to hang it on washing lines that they erected (double standards or what) I have to say I felt embarrassed to be english & just hope that this family don't tar us all with the same brush.
C & CC "The Friendly Club"
- Thread starter oldlummy50
- Start date
Very sad,nosy,cruel man.Im trying to imagine somebody attempt to patronise me in front of my two young boys,what a laugh that would be.
Let's hope an official from the club reads your posting and it would be interesting to see a response.
To be honest, we too have wondered how on earth they came to the idea they are the "friendly club".This is the second year as members and really only joined again as we had booked our first holiday to brittany with the van.But when you read the mags they send you, most people are moaning about children playing (thought thats what they are supposed to do)new caravaners.And its the same on the sites.Our boys are grown up now so we took caravaning up but that hasn't made us turn into boring ,anti kids,people. We wont be joining again.
We go on C &CC rallies in Europe every year and the standard of stewarding has always been excellent(17th year)
We are just back from 5 weeks in Brittany and the stewards there: Peter and Joan Davison are hard working and really friendly and welcoming to all ralliers but stewards do have a reponsibility to all groups and if someone complains about balls etc then they have no option but to act otherwise people post letters about ineffective stewards etc
They welcome children but ball games next to caravans are not really on with repairs being so expensive.Nobody wants a damaged van as then the stewards would have conflict
Surely its not a lot to ask for children to use play areas and parents would be well advised to pick pitches close to play areas just as people who don't want to be disturbed would be well advised to avoid pitching near to them
After all you go on sites for security and peace of mind
We are in both clubs and the amount of moaning in "letters" is no different in either club mag
The site we go to caters for all ages and there are excellent play areas/ swimming facilities as well as quieter areas for those who enjoy more peaceful holidays
I for one have found it to be the friendly club
We are just back from 5 weeks in Brittany and the stewards there: Peter and Joan Davison are hard working and really friendly and welcoming to all ralliers but stewards do have a reponsibility to all groups and if someone complains about balls etc then they have no option but to act otherwise people post letters about ineffective stewards etc
They welcome children but ball games next to caravans are not really on with repairs being so expensive.Nobody wants a damaged van as then the stewards would have conflict
Surely its not a lot to ask for children to use play areas and parents would be well advised to pick pitches close to play areas just as people who don't want to be disturbed would be well advised to avoid pitching near to them
After all you go on sites for security and peace of mind
We are in both clubs and the amount of moaning in "letters" is no different in either club mag
The site we go to caters for all ages and there are excellent play areas/ swimming facilities as well as quieter areas for those who enjoy more peaceful holidays
I for one have found it to be the friendly club
You don't have to go to Spain to see such behaviour from C&CC stewards/managers.....
I've been on a few and some of them are brilliant. Some have social skills that would make Mussolini seem friendly. Most disappointing. What makes me REALLY cross is that when you mention this to the C&CC, they seem to take absolutely NO notice whatsoever!
I think their moniker should be 'The Sometimes But Not Guaranteed Friendly Club'
I wonder if they monitor this forum?
They ought to.
Mac
I've been on a few and some of them are brilliant. Some have social skills that would make Mussolini seem friendly. Most disappointing. What makes me REALLY cross is that when you mention this to the C&CC, they seem to take absolutely NO notice whatsoever!
I think their moniker should be 'The Sometimes But Not Guaranteed Friendly Club'
I wonder if they monitor this forum?
They ought to.
Mac
I have always thought the term 'Friendly Club' something of a misnomer and likely to be shot down at every opportunity!
David
David
Whilst I cant comment on 'The Friendly Club', have a look at the letter on Page 64 of the CC club (July issue) written by a Warden. It really is the same line as your report, it is just that this is a more formal endorsement of attitude.
I love the way people make sweeping generalisations about people's tones and attitudes in these circumstances and also make comments such as "Said family pack up to go home totally demorilised after what should have been a nice family weekend & which was totally ruined by the represntative of "the Friendly Club"". How do you know - did you ask them?? Glad that the kids were stopped before they had time to do any damage - way too late once it is done. There are areas for kids to play in. I think the C & CC is great. Sadly, not everyone is as perfect as you are David.
I'm sure you have had occasion to observe similar situations as this. These children were at least 2 pitches away from from C & CC Rally being supervised by their parents. I totally agree that no one wants their outfits damaged we all have worked hard to enable us to enjoy this pastime of which children are part I would suggest if C & CC prefer children to be seen & not heard perhaps they should rally on adult only sites . As far as I am aware there was only ever one perfect person and they crucified him!!!!
It is thier country, imagine a spanish steward throwing his weight about in the UK.
Thier culture of late nights does clash with ours but we try to find a quiet spot and otherwise tolerate the weekends when most locals come.
Speaking as a miserable devil who would prefer children to play somewhere else I find Spanish families a pain but young couples in tents with car radio's are much the worst problem to us.
The one thing that would cause my heart to sink to the lowest point would be arriving anywhere and finding a rally particularly British. I look closely at the foreign rallies advertised in the caravan club mag and any time they actually name the site to be used we cross that off our list. Why does anyone want to be directed by a marshall on thier holiday anyway, I have actually seen ralliers being told where to sit on the ferry and generally being bossed about usually by someone in tinted classes.
If I couldnt do my own thing I would stop at home
Dave
Thier culture of late nights does clash with ours but we try to find a quiet spot and otherwise tolerate the weekends when most locals come.
Speaking as a miserable devil who would prefer children to play somewhere else I find Spanish families a pain but young couples in tents with car radio's are much the worst problem to us.
The one thing that would cause my heart to sink to the lowest point would be arriving anywhere and finding a rally particularly British. I look closely at the foreign rallies advertised in the caravan club mag and any time they actually name the site to be used we cross that off our list. Why does anyone want to be directed by a marshall on thier holiday anyway, I have actually seen ralliers being told where to sit on the ferry and generally being bossed about usually by someone in tinted classes.
If I couldnt do my own thing I would stop at home
Dave
The best thing to do if it doesn't suit you but thousands of C & CC members do enjoy rallies and its better for them if those who don't keep away.
Every rally I have been on is different so generalisation is difficult and you aren't forced to join in anything or even be C & CC members !!
Its a good thing that we are all different and the C & CC caters for a wide range of interests
If people feel strongly enough to resign that can only be good news for those left who often find club sites full when trying to book
Rallying is so different depending on the steward in charge and so generalisation is difficult
We don't rally in England but many people do even every weekend and it gives them great pleasure
We were in Brittany on a CC small holiday rally when invited to join in on trips, meals etc by the steward on a C & CC rally
We enjoyed its so much we joined the C & CC club and have been every year since for the last 17 years sometimes 3 times a year to France and Spain etc
The stewards work hard to organise events that you may join in if you wish and are on hand to offer help and assistance if trouble arises be it mechanical or medical
The C & CC Carefree travel service is excellent and is also there to help if needed
We have made several close friends on rallies and look forward to seeing old faces each year if they have survivbed the winter
It may not be everyone's cup of tea but then its not compulsory
If people feel strongly enough to resign that can only be good news for those left who often find club sites full when trying to book
Rallying is so different depending on the steward in charge and so generalisation is difficult
We don't rally in England but many people do even every weekend and it gives them great pleasure
We were in Brittany on a CC small holiday rally when invited to join in on trips, meals etc by the steward on a C & CC rally
We enjoyed its so much we joined the C & CC club and have been every year since for the last 17 years sometimes 3 times a year to France and Spain etc
The stewards work hard to organise events that you may join in if you wish and are on hand to offer help and assistance if trouble arises be it mechanical or medical
The C & CC Carefree travel service is excellent and is also there to help if needed
We have made several close friends on rallies and look forward to seeing old faces each year if they have survivbed the winter
It may not be everyone's cup of tea but then its not compulsory
I'm probably going to upset the apple cart here but what the heck!!
I don't belong to eithe cc or c&cc clubs anymore. Why?
Because I don't need any temporary promoted jobs worths marching over and trying to tell me my hook up cable isn't straight or the van is 6 inches out of line.
People need to live and let live, and show respect for eachother after all your on holiday supposedly resting from the stress of working life etc.
I can quite easily live within common sense guide lines on a camp site even despite living in our van full time. Nobody on our site can tell that we are full timing as we keep our van and awning just as tidy as the rest on our 5 star park.
Trust me if some "clip board charlie" came over telling me where to pitch just because of kids or stop me from using a suitable washing line while his compardray's did as they please, he would probably be wearing his clipboard where it would make his eyes water.
There are too many "clip board charlies" and self appointed "jobs worths" in the world already.
What ever happened to Mr & Mrs Happy go lucky?
Steve L.
I don't belong to eithe cc or c&cc clubs anymore. Why?
Because I don't need any temporary promoted jobs worths marching over and trying to tell me my hook up cable isn't straight or the van is 6 inches out of line.
People need to live and let live, and show respect for eachother after all your on holiday supposedly resting from the stress of working life etc.
I can quite easily live within common sense guide lines on a camp site even despite living in our van full time. Nobody on our site can tell that we are full timing as we keep our van and awning just as tidy as the rest on our 5 star park.
Trust me if some "clip board charlie" came over telling me where to pitch just because of kids or stop me from using a suitable washing line while his compardray's did as they please, he would probably be wearing his clipboard where it would make his eyes water.
There are too many "clip board charlies" and self appointed "jobs worths" in the world already.
What ever happened to Mr & Mrs Happy go lucky?
Steve L.
Hi Steve
We would miss the use of both club sites if we left the 2 clubs
but that's just how we like it
With mobility problems we now like to go on sites with a good surface for walking after a broken ankle on grass
But we did use CLs for years at
We would miss the use of both club sites if we left the 2 clubs
but that's just how we like it
With mobility problems we now like to go on sites with a good surface for walking after a broken ankle on grass
But we did use CLs for years at
Parksy
Moderator
I was on a Camping and Caravanning Club rally last weekend and I will be on another one next weekend. Our rallies are UK based so I can't comment on what David has posted.
What I will say is that we didn't go on rallies until earlier this year even though we'd been C&CC members for about 9 years.
This is mainly because we believed the stories about being told exactly where to pitch, how to do this that and the other and being made to 'participate' in activities which we wouldn't be interested in by the self same 'clip board Charlies' and Jobsworths as described.
We were completely misled by the tales!
Our experience is that we can pretty much pitch where and how we want to so long as we don't compromise the safety and privacy of others and if there are any clip board Charlies around we haven't met them, quite the opposite in fact.
We have been made very welcome but without any intrusion into what we might want to do and our fellow ralliers from different district associations have been helpful and friendly.
You pay your money and you take your choice but I would urge anyone who wishes to get away a bit more often in their caravan either as a couple or as a family and at no great expense to at least give it a try so that they can make up their own minds.
It's a sad fact that there seems to be a lot of sniping at the C&CC in particular on various forums, often by those who are not members of the C&CC.
Neither of the two main clubs are perfect and the CC comes in for a lot of criticism mainly from it's own members for various reasons but no one is forced to join either club.
As for the mags containing letters 'moaning about children playing' and being 'boring anti kids people' a quick read through every and any caravan forum on the internet will prove that this is not confined to the C&CC members and at least they have a youth section.
If a club doesn't suit then don't join but then don't snipe and post sweeping generalisations about a club that you are not members of.
Rant over!
What I will say is that we didn't go on rallies until earlier this year even though we'd been C&CC members for about 9 years.
This is mainly because we believed the stories about being told exactly where to pitch, how to do this that and the other and being made to 'participate' in activities which we wouldn't be interested in by the self same 'clip board Charlies' and Jobsworths as described.
We were completely misled by the tales!
Our experience is that we can pretty much pitch where and how we want to so long as we don't compromise the safety and privacy of others and if there are any clip board Charlies around we haven't met them, quite the opposite in fact.
We have been made very welcome but without any intrusion into what we might want to do and our fellow ralliers from different district associations have been helpful and friendly.
You pay your money and you take your choice but I would urge anyone who wishes to get away a bit more often in their caravan either as a couple or as a family and at no great expense to at least give it a try so that they can make up their own minds.
It's a sad fact that there seems to be a lot of sniping at the C&CC in particular on various forums, often by those who are not members of the C&CC.
Neither of the two main clubs are perfect and the CC comes in for a lot of criticism mainly from it's own members for various reasons but no one is forced to join either club.
As for the mags containing letters 'moaning about children playing' and being 'boring anti kids people' a quick read through every and any caravan forum on the internet will prove that this is not confined to the C&CC members and at least they have a youth section.
If a club doesn't suit then don't join but then don't snipe and post sweeping generalisations about a club that you are not members of.
Rant over!
If we decide to go to Vienna caravanning we'll work out the route and sites we want to stay at ourselves. Half the fun is being free to take the choices and explore routes and learn on your own terms.
The idea of strangers who may be overly friendly along with any sort of 'jolly jolly' socialising and organised trips is not at all appealing to us. So we only belong to the CC for info and booking and insurance, trying to get a pitch is a waste of time.
Advice on what is the best route and sites is a waste of time as far as we have found. A site can be good one week and not the next, being tied to a group of strangers or Stewards and Marshall's. No Thanks.
Each to their own.
The idea of strangers who may be overly friendly along with any sort of 'jolly jolly' socialising and organised trips is not at all appealing to us. So we only belong to the CC for info and booking and insurance, trying to get a pitch is a waste of time.
Advice on what is the best route and sites is a waste of time as far as we have found. A site can be good one week and not the next, being tied to a group of strangers or Stewards and Marshall's. No Thanks.
Each to their own.
I agree with the last comment entirely, I have been on sites in Germany and parked next members of the CC who have booked through the club, ie ferry, site, insurance and recovery and on comparing prices doing it yourself is alot cheaper. In fact they were paying at least
One C & CC rally was enough to put us off rallies for life however we ended up going on a UKcampsite meet and enjoyed that one. In addition, we also been on a T & T rally and had a great time.
Recently we organised a mini rally for some ukcampsite members and every one enjoyed themselves because on all the rallies there was no one telling you what to do and what not to do!
Recently we organised a mini rally for some ukcampsite members and every one enjoyed themselves because on all the rallies there was no one telling you what to do and what not to do!
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