Did you know…
Did you know the South West Division of the CAMC organises many caravan and motorhome events which are listed on our website for the whole of the South West?
Events range from a 2 night stay to 14 nights away, in a variety of locations, amongst enviable picturesque scenery and, the majority of the events are cheaper than staying on a Club Site!
These events will appeal to those who prefer to use their own onboard facilities,however, a selection of events are on sites with facilities but importantly they are for those who enjoy the countryside, beaches and pretty villages, a bit of peace and quiet or being social, the choice is yours.
Belonging to one of our Centres in the South West (or UK- wide) is included in your membership so why not visit our list of events and access ‘value for money’ weekends away, or holidays with (or without) children. I’m sure you’ll find an event that intrigues.
Any questions? click the Centre’s website for more info…!
I’ll check in from time to time with some specific events coming up in the South West.
Meanwhile, do let me, and our Club Together friends know when you’ve tried one of our 2025 events….we will look forward to hearing about your experiences 😊
Best Answer
Answers
-
Recently asked a question about rallying with the idea of doing a SWOT analysis. One of the main comments was about how difficult it was to find information about joining a centre and what rallies were about. Many years ago, back in the days of En Route magazine there were lots of write ups and info about rallies. Don't see anything much if anything at all now. Is it complacency by the Centres or the Club not encouraging or publishing reports and any other rallying information? Either way IMO there's a weakness here and a threat to the existence of Rallies and the Centres in the future. For the strengths, those who have experienced rallying tend to enjoy and will continue. Opportunities to provide a caravanning experience at a lower cost than going solo on sites, especially in this current economic climate (cost of living crisis).
1 -
Many thanks for your response
FYI, there is currently an internal CAMC group undertaking a review of Centres and Rallying with a view of getting them back on track because the track and train broke many years ago when it was a steam train and it hasn’t been updated into the likes of TGV (Train á Grande Vitesse) since!
Yes you’re right, those who experience rally events at least twice tend to get hooked, not only due to the lower cost compared to the main sites but also the comradery of caravanning with a group (The whole ethos of Centres and rallying is (or was) the need to belong to a ‘group’, this behaviour is lacking in today’s society).
Youngsters prefer the comforts of a hotel more than a box on wheels. Yes they did try out caravaning around the pandemic, but they’ve now gone back to flying to the sun and luxury! Some are now embracing Top box tents, but only in the sunshine!
Yes as you say, getting the marketing right to promote Centres within the Club is tricky when today there is a much wider offering compared to back in the day of En Route magazine (before my time I’m afraid!).
While we wait for the review group to do their bit, getting the word out to members who haven’t tried a Rally Event is the mission! Here is a list of SW Division Centre Rally Events 2025 to try out!
2 -
@Dig@SWDiv Your comments were interesting about a group looking into all things centres and rallying. Now being retired from active touring I do note that many comments about the other Club and their THS which seem popular. Perhaps the CMC should consider something similar. Will we be made aware of the outcome of this group's deliberations I wonder?
David
0 -
I understand that approximately 65% of the CAMC membership is now motorhomes and campervans and yet the rallies that I attend seem to have at least 2/3rds caravans in attendance. Perhaps rally organisers should look at the structure of rallies and I know that the Camping & Caravan Clubs Temporary Holiday Sites (THS's) are very popular where you just pay for the nights you attend and the rallies where you don't have to book on to which are convenient for last minute decisions and touring stopovers.
2 -
When I was working I used to rally and found it was a great way to unwind and socialise. I did continue to rally after I retired but the inclination to do so was not quiet so great. It hardly seemed worth while dragging out the caravan for just a weekend when you were able to go away for much longer. When I replaced the caravan with a motorhome the inclination was even less because most rallies were on grass, in fact one of the reasons I swapped centres was because the new centre published the availablity of hardstandings in their rally book. I eventually stopped altogether and haven't attended one for some time. The introduction of events was an attempt to boost attendance, I have attended a coule of these and I would probably do so again.
peedee
0 -
yes I am not convinced rally organisations have absorbed the info about numbers of motorhomes. I thank the original poster for their info but again several mentions of caravanning, not motorhoming. They are not necessarily the same.
I have not been to any CAMC rallies but have been to well attended rallies organised by other organisations. I do think location or facilities have some impact on rally numbers. So a rally within 10 mins walk of a market town, or one with an on site swimming pool, both well attended. We are to attend another next month in the grounds of a military museum. None of these were weekend rallies. I appreciate that weekends suit families but THSs allow visits during the week as well as weekends.
I do hope the examination about rallies, regions etc is also engaging with those who don’t attend rallies rather than JUST examining the views of organisers etc.
On a number of occasions and in different official fora the Club has said it wishes to understand motorhomeing and do more for motorhomers. Hopefully this review will be a part of that.
0
