Forest Holidays

[Pelyma1]

We are regular visitors to the Setthorns site in the New Forest. We understand that Forest Holidays is now being run by C&C Club with joint ownership by Forestry Commission. I am amased at the hike in prices. Last year pitches were 4 person and you could have 3 dogs too. Now pitches are 2 person with children costing around £3 pn and dogs £1 each pn, plus a £3 per night extra fee, many sites are now in excess of £20pn off season! Please also bear in mind many of these sites have no facilities except electricity (the way we like them)

Caravaning and camping to my mind has always been a holiday for families of all means and probably the best way of families spending quality time together and probably the most green way too. I feel it very sad that attacks have been made this way as surely many will be priced out of their holidays, what do you all think?

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

We went to the Beddgelert site before the joining with the C&CC and the roadways and some pitches need a lot of maintenance. Saying that we also went to the C&CCs own site at Rhandirmyn and that had as many potholes so the sites should fit in well.

 

[Colinn]

Empathise with you Paul. We too are regular users of Setthorns and like it exactly the way it is. I know there is much concern about the possible interference by the C&CC. Doesn't augur well that they are messing about with prices - particularly as they are putting them up by this sort of stealth. Some of their other proposals to make Setthorns conform with other club sites just won't work at Setthorns. Let's hope common sense prevails...and they let the present excellent wardens get on with their good work as they always have done...

 

[Pelyma1]

Exactly Colinn, to be honest the cost doesn't worry me, but I do feel for those that use the various sites as a cheap family holiday will be priced out to (IMO) societies detriment.

 

[rob_jax]

There are always two sides to a story - and when was the last time any of us voluntarily rejected a pay rise just so that our customers could continue to buy "stuff" at cheap prices?

They probably increased the prices:

1. Because their costs have increased

2. Because the new prices are harmonised with other similar sites in the group

3. Because they can

And I'd guess the biggest reason is because they can.

Robert

 

[Colinn]

Your third point is the nearest to the mark Rob. Bear in mind that Setthorns offers nothing except natural beauty (nil cost!), hardish standings, power (most pitches), water supply and waste disposal and management. All of these have long been installed, and budgeted for, and I don't think people begrudge paying reasonable running costs. The place is nearly always full or close to it, so I cannot believe that the income generated does not cover the expenditure - and more!

Those who visit Setthorns consider it not so much a camp site as a licensed and regulated area to get close to nature in the beautiful New Forest.

Our needs are basic - facilities are basic - that's part of the attraction. The Forestry Commission have been responsible guardians for years - it will be a travesty if a club which purports to act in the interests of users should steam in and alienate customers who in the main are already satisfied with the way things are.

 

[Greg_374242092]

Last year I set up a camping club at my daughters special needs school, so the families could get to gether and swop experiances about bringing up a child with srecial needs, all three trips we had were in the New forest at Hollands wood the aprox price with 20% disibility saving was

 

[Pelyma1]

Greg, that is exactly my point, it would seem the caravan and camping club are trying to price people out of the sites. I dare say they will still be busy as to be honest I will still use the sites (unless I can find a CL nearby that suits as well) but I have met many lovley people who probably won't be able to afford such times together or will say that they will fly to the costas instead - so much for global warming! There has been an interesting piece in the dog papers about the changes, but on the whole this seems to have been completey missed by the general public.

 

[MIB]

I have just tried to book for 7 nights in Holmsley at Whitsun for two adults, three children and elctric. The cost is a staggering