To join - or not to join!

[steffanos]

If you are easily offended or a wee bit stuffy, then please stop reading now.

Ok then thanks, maybe you can help with this decision?

We have been caravanning for over 20 years and up until now have steered away from joining either Caravan/Camping Clubs. The reason quite simply has been that the idea that they both are mainly frequented/run by the 'jolly hockey-stick' brigade and that the school 'M'am' ethos rules!

I know from reading around a lot of literature/websites that such an approach to caravanning does very often prevail, especially within the CC.(Denaial would only prove it for me, I'm afraid! ;0))

So basically then the question: Is it possible to join and use the sites without being pestered by site rangers (or whatever they're called!) and other bods, expecting you to join in with the daisy-chain making, move your caravan three inches to the left, or worse still - iron your curtains!!

We simply want to have the maximum choice of sites available to us, without being treated like school children. I don't mean to sound flippant - but I'm sure you get my drift!!

Thanks for any responses,

Steve.

 

[Dustydog]

Steve

Sounds to me someone wound up your spring 20 years ago.

I first joined the CC in 1978 and to date can say I have never experienced any of the issues you raise.

Both clubs not only have excellent sites but you will also get access to the CLs which usually have places for 5 caravans.

Join up and enjoy. The monthly magazines are worth the subscription alone.

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[JohnStGeorges]

Steve We have been members of the CC for quite a few years. We have never been "pestered" by the wardens to join in with anything. The CC sites are generally quiet. If you want to keep yourself to yourself that's fine. Providing you keep to a decent standard of behaviour, as I am sure you would, there is no problem.

You can have as much contact, or not with other caravanners as you wish. You certainly have no obligation to.

Why not try a CC site which is open to non members and see what you think before making a decision. John W

 

[ValA.]

You can stay on many Caravan Club sites without becoming a member, so why not do that and make up your own mind about joining or not.

I'm not sure whether your post is serious or tongue in cheek, but we're members of the Caravan Club and stay on CC sites, without noticing any of the things you mention. Yes, the jockey wheel has to face a certain direction, and on some sites you must raise your awning groundsheet, but these are for health and safety reasons rather than just 'school Ma'am ethos rules'. They also apply, equally, on some commercial sites that we've stayed on.

I think the issues you've mentioned might be more in relation to some of the rallies we've seen on our local rugby club field, where the 'ralliers' gather under the flag, etc.

Each to his own, and what we get out of caravanning is our own personal choice. We joined the Caravan Club to take advantage of the cheap ferry offers they make - and not to join in with daisy chain making, or curtain ironing!

 

[MikeJE]

Steve - you say "Denial would only prove it"

You have answered your own question.

 

[JTQ]

"So basically then the question: Is it possible to join and use the sites without being pestered by site rangers (or whatever they're called!) and other bods, expecting you to join in with the daisy-chain making, move your caravan three inches to the left, or worse still - iron your curtains!!"

"and that the school 'M'am' ethos rules!"

Well yes but if you want something devoid of basic rules that are solely designed for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all other partakers, then the clubs are not for really for you.

 

[AlexC]

Hi,

We have been vanning for 5 years now with our two kids aged 10 and 6. Never had a Warden on any site have to speak to us, on CC, C&CC or Commercial sites.

Similarly, never had neighbours or ther site attendees have to speak to us about anything. Also never been forced to join in any organised games or events.

We still have a brilliant time and the kids absolutely love it.

From what you've said, I recommend that you join up today, because I haven't experienced any of the things that you reckon will put you off.

Every site that we have stayed on has been of a very high standard too.

Cheers,

Alex.

 

[keith5]

""The reason quite simply has been that the idea that they both are mainly frequented/run by the 'jolly hockey-stick' brigade and that the school 'M'am' ethos rules!""

I think they ARE run for the more well-heeled among the caravan population, PARTICULARLY the ones with newer caravans who never talk to anyone, fence themselves in with windbreaks, and sneer at the owners of older caravans.....(although never to their faces)......!!

Oh...thy get a magazine......yes they do....filled with SAGA ads,insurance, financial planning and ads for rip off merchandise

Not for me. I'm as good as any of them, and I prefer friendly down to earth sites.

Oh for the old days when caravanners didn't have snob values.....

 

[colin-yorkshire1]

hi steve

so you dont like clubs eh? :O)

well join the club, neither did I. A brief relationship with both of the main clubs when we first started out over 30years ago made us realise the club life was not for us they were very clique orientated and too regimented for us, being young and independant actually resented 6 people turning up to help with the awning erection and no I never wanted to play cricket in the middle of the field on a sunday afternoon.

so we cancalled our subscripions and went it alone quite happily for the next 30years using independant small commercial sites. However things do change both personally and generaly modern life and age changes your outlook and also the clubs they are a very different animal to the days of old the explosion of CLs and CS's means there are literally 1000s of small 5 van sites around for the members to use. their insurance and recovery options are impossible to beat commercially, and the reason we rejoined the CC people are more reserved these days I can just imagine what the response would be to someone trying to organise a cricket game today.

ok so you do get the odd bit of snobbery and curtain twitching as some seem to spend most of their time hiding behind closed blinds and the odd bit of estate building where someone comendeers the end of a field ecompassing half an acre within wind breaks but that happens everywhere not just on club sites.

so no the clubs of today are not run by the "jolly hockey stick brigade" anymore and the positioning of the vans is more to do with the availability of hookups and prepared pitches than regimented rows that look nice.

as for the wardens as with all walks of life there are good'uns and bad'uns but which is which I challenge you to tell me??. the one who hides in the office and just does the booking in and out and is never there when you have a complaint, or the one constantly out and about keeping the site tidy and nipping in the bud any problems that arise because some people do believe it or not act like children.

so in my view yes you can have maximum choice being part of a club its all about using the sites that suit you and your lifestyle and avioding the ones that dont.

as the advert says "you have to be in it to win it" both clubs offer something for everyone even if it is only for the insurance and recovery.

as for the 6 guys who once would come and offer help well I think they all died off as now being over 60 with a disabled wife trying to put up the awning on your own in a howling gale is no longer any fun.

colin

 

[joeby]

I belong to both clubs ,they are not for the well heeled ,they are for ordinary members of the public to use , i say good morning to every body its up to them if they reply even if they dont i will still say good morning until they crack , people put wind breaks up for lots of reasons ,it may be to keep the dog in ,or if they have young children it may be to have a barrier to keep them enclosed for safety , or the obvious reason to keep the wind off ,there is nothing worse than sitting outside trying to hold the pages of the newspaper down , as for the site wardens you never see them only in the reception or cutting the grass ,i must admit that we use cl or cs sites mainly ,we do use the main site now and again , so do as ValA said go and give a try , you cant talk about somethink unless you have experienced it happy caravanning

 

[BedfordGeorge]

I speak with no knowledge of visiting any sites, however we did visit about 14 dealers whilst looking for our van. What I can say without any reservations is that during our visits, me being a chatty type, we got into many conversations with caravanners, both new and old. Without exception they were all extremely friendly, helpful and encouraging in our thoughts, to take up 'thier' hobby. They also came from a wide variety of backgrounds, however they all made the difference in us going ahead with our purchase. In particular, my wife was persuaded that my idea to think about caravanning, was a good one, was reached in no small way by these people.

Only time will tell if we have made a good decision, however from our experiences in the dealers, I cannot see any problems. This has been reinforced by joining in this Forum, although there have been a few threads that I have thought, drop it, get on with life and let the Moderators do the job.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I'm sorry but I still can't make up my mind if this is a wind up or not.

It would have been easier if Steve told all what he expected from a club site and then maybe members could then judge if it was for him or not.

I've never seen anyone making daisy chains, playing cricket, or even 'hockey' on club sites, or private sites for that matter.

I wonder where Steve has caravanned over the last 20 years?

 

[RegandPat]

I have not joined any club just yet as this will be my first time this year so will see how it go's.

Do they really help put up your awning, and if only they could back my caravan up in to the space that would be heaven.

If anyone dose come across me I'm the one after 8 attempts to park and 2 hours to put up the awning in side out as well.

Things can only get better.

Pat and Reg

 

[DavidKlyne]

Steve said "If you are easily offended or a wee bit stuffy, then please stop reading now.

Ok then thanks, maybe you can help with this decision?"

How can you resist a comment like that!

Seriously, I have been visiting Caravan Club sites for 28 years, with the kids when they were younger and now just the two of us. Perhaps your comments are tongue in cheek but where does this nonsense come from? Never seen a warden in Jack Boots, only wellies generally trying to clear some blocked drain. OK Club sites have rules but only so the majority can enjoy a stay on site and you could even subsitute the word rules for suggestion on thinking of others. As has already been suggested why not try a couple of of Club sites that allow non members? That should give you good idea of what they are like with out any financial committeement, apart for the extra

 

[RogerL]

You may be confusing club sites with caravan rallies - I've never wanted to go on a rally but I doubt even they are as stuffy as the stereotype.

If you're a member - you don't have to go on club sites - both CC and C&CC authorise 5-van sites called CL and CS, about 4,000 in total.

As far as CC goes, you don't have to use every single service they provide - club sites, CL sites, rallies, insurance, breakdown cover, foreign booking etc - just pick and choose the bits that YOU want. I imagine the C&CC is the same in this respect.

 

[Guest]

We are members of the Caravan club, for our 30 odd notes we get a decent monthly mag, a members only caravan insurance that seems decent enough and breakdown through there mayday cover,again on paper it seems decent enough. Been to a few sites and at least you know what sort of amenities you will be getting as the standard is high and so far all the sites we have used have been to this high standard.

Really would like to put people off joining, and maybe a fair few from renewing as popularity is its own judge of how good or bad it is.

 

[DeliDave]

As Dusty dog says try a CL we got to Webbs Farm at Overstone and have never even seen the owner book it pick up a key post the fee when you go,no daisy chains or jockey wheel positioning just pitch where you like within reason.

 

[Heethers]

Steve seems to me you've made your own mind up already, so why make this post. Surely for 37 quid a year you could join and see for your self and if its what you have believed for the last 20 years all you have lost is few quid.

Can't believe you have caravanned for that amount of time and not taken advantage of both clubs on ear say, l am big believer in try something before you make judgement, at least then its your own judgement not some one else's.

NigelH

 

[joeby]

Steve seems to me you've made your own mind up already, so why make this post. Surely for 37 quid a year you could join and see for your self and if its what you have believed for the last 20 years all you have lost is few quid.

Can't believe you have caravanned for that amount of time and not taken advantage of both clubs on ear say, l am big believer in try something before you make judgement, at least then its your own judgement not some one else's.

NigelH

I dont think any one could have put it better than that NGH

 

[emmerson2]

Steve, with your obviously pre-conceived ideas and attitude, perhaps the clubs won't want you as a member! I'd certainly not want to pitch next to you.

 

[xtrailman]

steve

just don't upset them by walking through there territory, sorry pitch.

 

[emmerson2]

RAY, can I come and walk through your garden?

 

[xtrailman]

No i have it walled of, and don't RENT it. I own it.

 

[butler1]

I'm getting a bit fed up with all the nonsense and misconceptions about CC sites. It's really rather comforting to know you are going to a site where the pitches are of a decent size and reasonably well spaced apart. The toilets and showers are of a high standard and the wardens are friendly and helpful. Also, I was very glad of all the willing help and advice that was offered when we started caravanning. In return if we now see fellow caravanners struggling we will always help. In summary I think it is a well run professional organisation and I for one, will remain a member for a long time yet. (God willing) Now then, that should be good for a few free nights.......... Best wishes, Butler

 

[steffanos]

I'm getting a bit fed up with all the nonsense and misconceptions about CC sites. It's really rather comforting to know you are going to a site where the pitches are of a decent size and reasonably well spaced apart. The toilets and showers are of a high standard and the wardens are friendly and helpful. Also, I was very glad of all the willing help and advice that was offered when we started caravanning. In return if we now see fellow caravanners struggling we will always help. In summary I think it is a well run professional organisation and I for one, will remain a member for a long time yet. (God willing) Now then, that should be good for a few free nights.......... Best wishes, Butler

Thank you all for your responses (even the bad-mannered one - that helped demonstrate the attitude to which I was alluding).

It would appear that my misgivings, were unfounded and that the clubs, and therefore the sites are largely apposite, in particular the CLs; there is a lovely one at the foot of Cadair Idris on the Dolgellau side that I have always wanted to try. Indeed perhaps my ideas were based on rallies rather than the sites, as some of you suggested?

We shall join both and hopefully enjoy exploring the myriad sites dotted all over the country.

Thanks again for all of you who took the time to respond, I am grateful.

Regards,

Steve.