Update: The National

RowenaBCAMC

Following recent Government advice regarding the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, we’re really sorry to confirm the National, at Belvoir Castle, will not be going ahead this year.

This decision has been taken following the Government’s announcement to implement increased social distancing, avoid large crowds gathering and to ensure we don’t put further strain on the emergency services.

We know the National is held dear by Club members, volunteers and staff alike, but the safety and wellbeing of our members, volunteers and staff is of paramount importance, so I’m sure you will support this announcement. 

We would ask that you don’t call us while we are working through the process of managing the cancellation of the event, we will begin issuing full refunds as soon as possible.  Please bear with us, this may take up to 28 days to complete.

This decision has not been taken lightly, we appreciate your support and understanding during these difficult times. 

DSB

Sorry to read this Ro, but given the current situation, not surprising - this seems the responsible thing to do.  It's better to be safe.  Thanks for the update.

David

trellis

For all the reasons that the National is being cancelled this year (which I fully agree with ) , shouldn't they be put into motion at the club sites ? . The principles are the same albeit on a much smaller scale .

AlanPort

I agree.  Visitors to Club sites from other parts of the country will potentially and unwittingly bring the virus with them.  They wIll visit local supermarkets and deplete food stocks to the detriment of regular customers.  In Devon as in most parts of the country, visitor attractions, restaurants etc. are closing due to the pandemic.  The government is recommending cancelling unnecessary travel and by ignoring this, I’m afraid the Club is flouting this advice and setting a bad example.

cyberyacht

Keeping sites open whilst cancelling the National seems somewhat inconsistent. If that is hazardous then so are sites.

EasyT

I thought that the national was more of a social thing - no idea but suspected stalls, some entertainment, refreshments etc with folk there to attend rather than as a place to sleep? Am I wrong?

JVB66

Our "past time" I would expect is in most cases quite social 

EasyT

Yours might be but not mine whilst on site. As I said earlier, whilst on site for 15 days over Christmas I probably spoke with a dozen others but we were not in close proximity to any. Same during a hot summer when we were sat outside on the occasions when we had had enough activity and returned to the site in the afternoon to sit in sun or shade. Various folk stopped to natter but none were closer than a few metres. 

I tend not to use site facilities but OH might have a natter whilst using them. Under the present situation she would not be using them

EasyT

In normal times it would be a mixture of fairly isolated walks, in as much as not in great proximity to others and visits to various places of interest. These are not normal times however. 

My post that you responded to was merely to point out that social distancing on site is not a problem for me or many. The problem is what happens off site. In the Lakes for example, If folk are going to flock into towns such as Ambleside, Kendal then that is a problem. Sadly looking at some of the images from crowds in some resort areas and reports of some pubs and cafes and tourist attractions such as amusement arcades being frequented then that also is a problem

bill

All CAMC sites and CLs now closed.

Vincevan

I had an email today to say that the Caravan and Camping Club have now decided to close all their sites.  Presumably the Caravan and Motorhome Club will be doing the same.  Looks like there is very little left now that is open as the National Trust have closed everything down for now as well. 

the bairns fan

Given that corona virus has been progressing rapidly across the world we live in I tried to use the online chat room on Monday 17th March. When I asked a question regarding the Coronavirus the advisor ended the conversation. I then phoned the club the next day enquiring about membership for the coming season and enquired if it would be possible to suspend my membership given This ongoing crisis Which could rule out touring this summer I was told it wasn’t company policy to follow this option. I was informed all sites were now open and I was encouraged to book a break at a site of my choice. In my mind this has not shown a lack of forward thinking and not having the safety of its members on the experts predicted this current situation was envisaged to last beyond the summer season or further. 

AlanPort

Exactly the points I was making in my previous post.  This weekend alone has shown that human nature has let human’s down.  We’ll miss our time out in the van but are relieved that the CAMCc and indeed the CCC have now seen fit to close all sites until we get to happier times.

BrianJosie

Well I for one hope they run  a National in 2021 ,before our break I think we did 5 and thoroughly enjoyed them 👍

Brian & Jo