I agree with Ray when he suggests that caravanning is not just for the retired and the unemployed. We get away as often as possible, maybe 50-60 nights a year. Most are either 2 or 3 night weekend breaks as my husband only gets 30 something days annual leave plus BHs so until he retires we will have to rely on weekend breaks. I think the CC should take a look at howmany non members are block booking. Members pay a membership fee and should have first call on pitches. Non members like in many clubs should not get access to pitches untill say 3 (max) months before.This would then free up far more pitches for members. Its not just weekends but periods such as Christmas when fewer pitches are open any way. Whats the point of paying a membership fee when you don't get anything for it.
Quote DAVE....
",there should be a system in place were you are only allowed to visit the likes of rowntree park about 4 times a year,save all the pensioners booking 30 weekends a year there".
How often do you use the sites?
Common sense should tell you that pensioners can go anytime so have no need to confine themselves to weekends. The people who do this are those who work or have kids at school. This isn't a fault of their own making though because they have to use their vans to get away sometime.This year I've booked 9 weeks but none are just weekends.
At times there are sites I can't get away for a full week because the sites are full on the weekend but half empty from Sunday to Friday afternoon. I just find another site or local CL. or fit it around our itenary. Live and let live but nil out of ten for observation.
I'm sure some just moan for the sake of moaning by making their assumptions.
",there should be a system in place were you are only allowed to visit the likes of rowntree park about 4 times a year,save all the pensioners booking 30 weekends a year there".
How often do you use the sites?
Common sense should tell you that pensioners can go anytime so have no need to confine themselves to weekends. The people who do this are those who work or have kids at school. This isn't a fault of their own making though because they have to use their vans to get away sometime.This year I've booked 9 weeks but none are just weekends.
At times there are sites I can't get away for a full week because the sites are full on the weekend but half empty from Sunday to Friday afternoon. I just find another site or local CL. or fit it around our itenary. Live and let live but nil out of ten for observation.
I'm sure some just moan for the sake of moaning by making their assumptions.
We are members of the caravan club and have similar problems booking up. This says only one thing to me............They must be popular sites.........Its the same as booking, or trying to book at a favourite private site. They get booked up the same. So please dont try to make out it is only the caravan club sites that do this.
I have tried on many occation to book sites that are privatly owned at a late date and they were fully booked. I dont go rushing of to my nearest forum to slate them off.
There plenty site around the country if you look about. There are alot of CL sites too that members can use. These are very much enjoyed by a lot of members. Sometimes they are more freindly because of the numbers on them and are close to towns.
I have tried on many occation to book sites that are privatly owned at a late date and they were fully booked. I dont go rushing of to my nearest forum to slate them off.
There plenty site around the country if you look about. There are alot of CL sites too that members can use. These are very much enjoyed by a lot of members. Sometimes they are more freindly because of the numbers on them and are close to towns.
Not sure its a case of "slagging off" merely the CC is a victim of its own success, and for anyone to actually try and get specific dates throughout the year in he busy periods, one needs to book early, very early like on the opening day of the new booking season [December] Alas we cannot all do that.
Although in some degree I will agree and say that the caravan club being a members club should be trusting of its members to book and use the pitch they have booked. It is also fair to say that a lot of members can book almost one year in advance and does make it hard for people like myself to get the site we want.
What is needed is that the members who do book and not use the pitches on a regular basis should have to forfeit some sort of favour. Whether it is making them wait a bit longer on the system to book sites or the caravan club use a points system to place members into a league table of trusted members.
I did fill in the survey and hope that any CC members that visit this forum did the same, at which point they could have their say on what to do.
Getting back to pitch booking though, private sites require you to pay a deposit which you dont get back, so why dont the CC. That maney could be used for a charitable donation or site upgrades around the sytem.
I could go on and on but I think my point has been made.
What is needed is that the members who do book and not use the pitches on a regular basis should have to forfeit some sort of favour. Whether it is making them wait a bit longer on the system to book sites or the caravan club use a points system to place members into a league table of trusted members.
I did fill in the survey and hope that any CC members that visit this forum did the same, at which point they could have their say on what to do.
Getting back to pitch booking though, private sites require you to pay a deposit which you dont get back, so why dont the CC. That maney could be used for a charitable donation or site upgrades around the sytem.
I could go on and on but I think my point has been made.
Common sense should tell you that pensioners can go anytime so have no need to confine themselves to weekends.
I do not want ot confine myself to weekends, but i would like to be able to book a site and include the weekend, why should I be unable have to break of 10-14 days because someone has booked two days. ( Friday & Saturday )
Steve W
I do not want ot confine myself to weekends, but i would like to be able to book a site and include the weekend, why should I be unable have to break of 10-14 days because someone has booked two days. ( Friday & Saturday )
Steve W
Unfortunately, this discussion will go on ad infinitum. Once the CC study their survey and decide what action to take, if any, then we may possibly see a resolution. If they do introduce a deposit system and a minimum stay at weekends and lo and behold the weekends suddenly become available, then the answer is clear. If the congestion remains then there are too many people chasing too few pitches, and they will have to think of some other answer. Some form of rationing on the 'hot spot' sites is a possibility but is unlikely to be popular.
Asa fuel prices keep rising then more and more people are going to try and stay close to home, which means congestion. I personally feel that form of economics do not make sense as caravans are not cheap to buy, keep and tow and saving a few quid on a fuel bill does not seem, to me anyway, to make much of a difference. The time factor is another issue and that really could only be solved by installing 'chalets' on sites that can be used for the weekends without the hassle of having your own van. That frees up touring pitches for true tourers. Many will disagree with that one but again the C&CC seem to be ahead of the CC in this area by already offering them, and they are popular. 'Hi de Hi' anyone??
Asa fuel prices keep rising then more and more people are going to try and stay close to home, which means congestion. I personally feel that form of economics do not make sense as caravans are not cheap to buy, keep and tow and saving a few quid on a fuel bill does not seem, to me anyway, to make much of a difference. The time factor is another issue and that really could only be solved by installing 'chalets' on sites that can be used for the weekends without the hassle of having your own van. That frees up touring pitches for true tourers. Many will disagree with that one but again the C&CC seem to be ahead of the CC in this area by already offering them, and they are popular. 'Hi de Hi' anyone??
johnks, take a wee seat and a deep breath and think about the real world out there. i am new to caravanning and am loving it, but when can i go ? you guessed it, the weekends. i still work for a living and hold down a mon - friday job, so weekends are my freedom and time to chill.
going by your post i shouldnt have the facility of going away for a couple of days during my time off so as to allow the likes of yerself some more pitch time, get real buddy, i deserve my time out as much, if not more than the next person.
going by your post i shouldnt have the facility of going away for a couple of days during my time off so as to allow the likes of yerself some more pitch time, get real buddy, i deserve my time out as much, if not more than the next person.
Not wishing to upset anyone the issue comes back to the fact that there has been a large increase in the number of caravanners in recent years, and certain sites have become so popular at weekends that the 'cracks are beginning to show'.
This may resolve itself by some becoming disillusioned with the hassle, and doing something else, or costs will rise and again people will move on. Also if air fares do return to the values of recent years then the climate in the UK will ensure sufficient people vacation in the Costas and that will free up local pitches.
Nobody is wishing to deny anyone anything, if possible. But if demand exceeds supply then something has to give. It is actually easier for somebody working to book dates as they already know they are free at weekends. Many retired people, especially in the recent economic times may be looking after grandchildren during the week or attending hospitals or any other reason where they cannot just drop everything to rush out from Monday to Thursday. That is not an excuse, merely pointing out that things are not as clear cut as may at first be believed. Also said retirees are quite often 'blackmailed' into taking the grandkids at short notice, and of course they always do, and that again screws up many a plan.
While we do a lot of vacationing in Europe it was significant the number of retirees rushing back home for July 'to look after grandkids' as parents were working during the school holidays.
This may resolve itself by some becoming disillusioned with the hassle, and doing something else, or costs will rise and again people will move on. Also if air fares do return to the values of recent years then the climate in the UK will ensure sufficient people vacation in the Costas and that will free up local pitches.
Nobody is wishing to deny anyone anything, if possible. But if demand exceeds supply then something has to give. It is actually easier for somebody working to book dates as they already know they are free at weekends. Many retired people, especially in the recent economic times may be looking after grandchildren during the week or attending hospitals or any other reason where they cannot just drop everything to rush out from Monday to Thursday. That is not an excuse, merely pointing out that things are not as clear cut as may at first be believed. Also said retirees are quite often 'blackmailed' into taking the grandkids at short notice, and of course they always do, and that again screws up many a plan.
While we do a lot of vacationing in Europe it was significant the number of retirees rushing back home for July 'to look after grandkids' as parents were working during the school holidays.
Steve W where did I say you shouldn't be able to book a week including the weekend???
I've read my post again and can't find it.
You have quoted from my post so what is so hard to understand?
I simply said that pensioners have no need to confine themselves to weekends hence spoiling a complete week for someone.
What I was also pointing out that before I retired I, like many others working, and to make good use of the van, could only go on weekends except when I was on leave.
Now I'm retired I have no need to confine myself to weekends, I book complete weeks.
I was also trying to point out that at some time in the past those retiree's could only go weekends but due to short self imposed memory loss seem to forget that.
As I have said above, I can now book complete weeks, which I do, and it is very rare I can't get a booking where I want.
If I can't and I'm touring I rearrange the itenary or use a CL.
What we try not to do is book CC sites in the school holidays.
Not only is it dearer I would rather go to a peaceful CL and leave the main sites to those who have children and are limited to when they can go away.
I stand by my above comment. Some aren't happy unless they are whingeing.
Once again, nowhere did I say pensioners shouldn't book complete weeks.
I've read my post again and can't find it.
You have quoted from my post so what is so hard to understand?
I simply said that pensioners have no need to confine themselves to weekends hence spoiling a complete week for someone.
What I was also pointing out that before I retired I, like many others working, and to make good use of the van, could only go on weekends except when I was on leave.
Now I'm retired I have no need to confine myself to weekends, I book complete weeks.
I was also trying to point out that at some time in the past those retiree's could only go weekends but due to short self imposed memory loss seem to forget that.
As I have said above, I can now book complete weeks, which I do, and it is very rare I can't get a booking where I want.
If I can't and I'm touring I rearrange the itenary or use a CL.
What we try not to do is book CC sites in the school holidays.
Not only is it dearer I would rather go to a peaceful CL and leave the main sites to those who have children and are limited to when they can go away.
I stand by my above comment. Some aren't happy unless they are whingeing.
Once again, nowhere did I say pensioners shouldn't book complete weeks.
All this diatribe is worse than who pinched my pencil at primary school.
The reality is that only 4 maybe 5 CC sites get heavily booked. Not one of them is far away from a decent CL or comparable commercial site.
I gave up the adolescent bun fight some years ago.
Look beyond the CC and you will be rewarded!
Cheers
Dustydog
The reality is that only 4 maybe 5 CC sites get heavily booked. Not one of them is far away from a decent CL or comparable commercial site.
I gave up the adolescent bun fight some years ago.
Look beyond the CC and you will be rewarded!
Cheers
Dustydog
I just wonder how many of these bookings are made by non-members? I've never pre-booked a CC site, but if I did and was refused, I'd want to know about non-members on that site. If there were any, then the smelly would hit the fan.
Denise above had a good point. Don't accept bookings from non members until a certain date, March or April for example so as to give members chance to book their main holidays.
I don't think it would totally solve the problem though because the popular sites are probably members only anyway.
I don't think it would totally solve the problem though because the popular sites are probably members only anyway.
I very much doubt that non members are part of the problem, having been a non member in the distance past, it actually cheaper to be in than out, especially with two children.
I* cant believe that the cc dont think this is a problem, we visit quite a few cc sites every year and every year some sites are "full" whilst we are there with 4/5 empty pitches. So it might not be a big problem % wise but how much more money could the cc take and reinvest if this small problem was sorted.
We left a site in Scotland 2 days early last year because of the weather, we moved south to another cc site. The site in Scotland refunded us the 2 nights which we had booked, I wasnt expecting it nor would have I complained if we hadent been given it.
There needs to be a full review of the cc booking system and how the bookings are done along with booked availability at w/e against actual availability, I think they would be suprised at the results.
Im sure that the cc hq dont know the full story as if you go to book a site for a w/e it may state full on the website, but in reality it could have vacancys, if it looks full to us surly it would look full to them?/
Kevin
We left a site in Scotland 2 days early last year because of the weather, we moved south to another cc site. The site in Scotland refunded us the 2 nights which we had booked, I wasnt expecting it nor would have I complained if we hadent been given it.
There needs to be a full review of the cc booking system and how the bookings are done along with booked availability at w/e against actual availability, I think they would be suprised at the results.
Im sure that the cc hq dont know the full story as if you go to book a site for a w/e it may state full on the website, but in reality it could have vacancys, if it looks full to us surly it would look full to them?/
Kevin
Why would the CC think its a problem?
Look at it from their financial point.
Membership is thriving so are bookings!and services offered.
Why would they think there is a problem? the coffers are full,and any type of business would be more than happy to be in their shoes.
Look at it from their financial point.
Membership is thriving so are bookings!and services offered.
Why would they think there is a problem? the coffers are full,and any type of business would be more than happy to be in their shoes.
I don't see how making people pay a deposit is going to help matters. I am a member of both clubs and find the deposit charged by the C&CC is a major drawback as I don't usually have a couple of hundred pounds at the start of the year in order to make all the bookings I want for the season, but if I leave it too late our favourite site is usually booked up regardless of the fact they charge a deposit.
Whilst I understand how frustrating it is if you want to book a week away to find the weekends are busy, imagine how frustrating it is for those of us who can only get away at weekends. Working full time and shifts means its near impossible for us to get more than one whole week away each year so the majority of our stays are at weekends. If sites are booked at weekends we cannot go away full stop, we don't have the option of going during the week. Does that make us not worthy of owning a caravan?
Whilst I understand how frustrating it is if you want to book a week away to find the weekends are busy, imagine how frustrating it is for those of us who can only get away at weekends. Working full time and shifts means its near impossible for us to get more than one whole week away each year so the majority of our stays are at weekends. If sites are booked at weekends we cannot go away full stop, we don't have the option of going during the week. Does that make us not worthy of owning a caravan?
Hi Sarah
See my last post . There really is a wonderful caravanning life out there beyond the CC and for people like you who can only go away at weekends.
Cheers
Dustydog
main problem with the CC system is members making multiple bookings on the same dates for different sites. Most of the sites are fully booked by early January . These members then decide which site they fancy and cancel the others at short notice, which is why you can always get a late availability.
On a trip to Loosehill CC at Castleton 2 weeks ago, we managed to get a late availability. On arrival i fired up my laptop and checked the site, it showed as fully booked yet on walking around the site there were 16 empty pitches.Even on Saturday morning the website showed the site as fully booked.
I now tend to look for CL's which do not have the same facilities as CC site but there a lots of them , they are quiet and inexpensive.
In my caravan i have a shower, hot water, a sink and a loo.. whats the point in these things if you dont use them.... go and buy a tent.
On a trip to Loosehill CC at Castleton 2 weeks ago, we managed to get a late availability. On arrival i fired up my laptop and checked the site, it showed as fully booked yet on walking around the site there were 16 empty pitches.Even on Saturday morning the website showed the site as fully booked.
I now tend to look for CL's which do not have the same facilities as CC site but there a lots of them , they are quiet and inexpensive.
In my caravan i have a shower, hot water, a sink and a loo.. whats the point in these things if you dont use them.... go and buy a tent.
Phil said:- "main problem with the CC system is members making multiple bookings on the same dates for different sites. Most of the sites are fully booked by early January . These members then decide which site they fancy and cancel the others at short notice, which is why you can always get a late availability."
Sorry Phil this is not possible, the online system will only allow you to book one site for a particular date. Even if you try and bypass the system and ring the site direct the warden should check the system first and should ask you to cancel any outstanding booking for the same date before allowing you to book his site.
David
Sorry Phil this is not possible, the online system will only allow you to book one site for a particular date. Even if you try and bypass the system and ring the site direct the warden should check the system first and should ask you to cancel any outstanding booking for the same date before allowing you to book his site.
David
Vote with your feet. Last year we were unable to book any CC sites in Scotland even with months of notice. Solution don't try. We booked with CCC, no problems and their web site is much better. We also use CL and CS, rallies and temporary holiday sites. To emphasise the benefits the average night bill was
We were at Chatsworth 3 weeks ago according to the web fully booked, their were several paces on the Friday and at least 4 on the Saturday, in fact we did a recky the week before to the site and asked if their was any service pitches available and got one, admittedly their weren't many spaces but their were some over that weekend.
It may have been that those that didn't turn up had valid reasons.
NigelH
It may have been that those that didn't turn up had valid reasons.
NigelH
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