There is a lot of very unhappy club members
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Whilst it would be nice to have a bit more imagination shown in the layout of a few sites, most are not that bad. We tend to use a caravan site, rather as others use a hotel. Many of which resemble large blocks of flats.
We use it primarily as a place to stay, not to hang around all day, so it's functionality is more important to us than its looks.
As we get older this may change as may our views, however currently we are happy with what the CAMC provide.
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Not sure it's an age thing.
We like to sit out in the sun (when we get some) with a bottle of something and watch the world go by. Certainly from late afternoon onwards. We tend to get off early to see the local area (we don't EXPLORE because neither of us have pith helmets or strange clothing) then get back to the site to chill out.
Appreciate others use sites differently.
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QUOTE (from MichelleCC, posted on 02/03/2017 14:55 on thread “The same Club, only better”)
“The tone of conversation in this thread is not in the spirit of Club Together and we will be closing this discussion for further comment.
“We have also taken action to moderate and remove derogatory comments towards motorhomers and members of staff…… “
END OF QUOTE
I disagree very strongly with the statement that “The tone of conversation in this thread is not in the spirit of Club Together … “ Whilst a great deal has been critical, I disagree there was more than a handful out of more than 1650 comments that might fit this description.
Also, I would point out that there were very few derogatory comments about motorhomers and far far more saying that people were happy to have them as fellow members.(or similar). I certainly include myself in that latter group.
As far as “derogatory “ comments about staff, I am not aware of ANY (although, whilst I have read most of the posts, I can’t pretend I’ve read them all). Perhaps Rochelle is referring to comments about the Club’s management who, in my view, certainly deserve a few brickbats for the cack-handed way they have handled this whole issue. Speaking for myself, I am more than happy with the performance of all the members of staff with whom I have dealings. Those at East Grinstead with whom I have contact, particularly for overseas travel bookings are always friendly, helpful and competent.
I can’t help but think that locking the thread “The same Club just better” is a convenient move to avoid the question asked by many for details of the budget and anticipated increase in profits/turnover that will result from this change. Are we to get an answer to these questions or will they be buried in the next Club accounts?
So, whilst I am not particularly against the change as such, I think it is wasteful and has been very badly handled by the Club’s management who should hang their heads in shame.Mod comment: If you are unhappy with the way this forum is moderated, or have a question for the Community Manager, please contact community.manager@camc.com
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Criticism of moderation will end up getting this thread closed as well. Complaints should be emailed to the CM.
Bit like a football match the ref is in charge, you might not like the decision, but it is theirs to make and criticism will result in you getting a red card.
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There is no doubt that the CMC has an awful lot of whinging whiners, though I do wonder if it is more than any other comparable club, especially given the membership demographic (old, middle class etc1). I have not met any snobs anywhere, I have only met cheerfulness and warmth with help and assistance often freely offered. The CMC staff I have encountered have all been great, without exception. However, that's my experience, from just over 1 year membership, so perhaps not worth a lot but I am definitely not unhappy being a member!
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I am happy about what has happened and yes I will continue to have a very good life & long may it last 😇
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I do not think there are "whingers"there are a lot of members who are very disappointed even angry at the the way a club has been "re branded" at what must be a very high cost, to satisfy, what is said on other posts, a part of the membership because of "marketing speak" has changed from the real name of Motor Caravan to "Home?" which since 1962 have always been part of the Caravan fraternity
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You will have agreed on signing up to abide by the community guide lines and these are quite clear on this topic.
"At times the staff may need to moderate the community and we ask that you respect the decisions made, as these are not open for debate"
I would interpret this to mean that however measured and reasonable the comments are, they should not be made.
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Excellent observation. CAMC is not like my local tennis or bowls club, it is a large organisation providing a variety of helpful services, including sites.
The reaction to the rebranding is entirely predictable. I have been unlucky enough to be involved in the rebrand (through a more modern logo) of a regional charity and also a complete rebranding of a 100 employee business. Just from doing a bit of research into how other businesses fared it soon became apparent:
a. Nothing stirs up more disproportionate ill-feeling than a new logo. Just like Marmite. Every time.
b. People always complain about the cost. Always. Usually we have the 'I can't believe you paid someone for that' type criticism from people whose experience of graphic design extends to a doodle by the side of a crossword puzzle.
That's life. I think I like the freshening up of the image. It had to happen sometime and is less fusty than the dated old logo.
So well done CAMC. Criticism is good. As Ice-T once observed, "if what you say doesn't offend someone, it ain't worth ****".
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It is nice to see some Members happy like I am with the Club, The name makes no difference to me even though I have been a Member for over 35 years. Their services are excellent Travel Booking, Car and Caravan Insurance Personal Insurance and Red Pennant.
The CL's are excellent as I am sure the Club Sites are (we have not stayed on one for years so cannot comment) If they did not have a bit of regimentation on the latter it could be chaos on larger sites.
DianneT
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We also are not unhappy, if we were we would not keep rejoining year after year.
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I'm sure the Executive Committee and the Club Council and the Club as a whole would really be thankful for any suggestions in order to encourage younger folk into the Club.
After saying that, we have to start with what we have at the moment, the current membership, the current systems, staff etc. Any changes are always made taking these things into consideration and because of this are inevitably going to be slow, at each stage assesing and reflecting on the effect of any changes on the current membership and it's financial impact.
I know there are many things wrong with the Club but personally I feel we are making progress, although very slowly. I know, for example, that the Club have invested in a small number of 'Pods' (see HERE). I could be wrong, but I suspect they are not widely advertised - perhaps they need to be advertised more outside the Club? There is the 'Tourer Explorer Scheme' and the fact that certain sites have been earmarked as suitable for certain age ranges (see HERE) and, of course, the sites with more 'activites' like Hillhead and Seacroft. There are also the sites where kids go for 1p.
Make what you will of the rebranding of the Club and the buzz words that go with it. (Incidentally, I heard a caravan/ motorhome retailer, last weekend explain that in their experience, new motorhome units were often purchased by younger couples and families - perhaps this goes someway to justify the Club's change of name.) For me, the important thing for me is not the change of name, the logo or the buzz words, but more where this leads the Club to in the end of the day - i.e. what actually happens in practice. For this any suggestion is worth looking at, but personally, I think it has to be within the limitations of my words in paragraph 2 above. The change of name and the buzz words are just a skeleton on which to hang the flesh. I think we should try and embrace the change and in particular look forward to the practical changes that we can bring about together.
Incidentally, all this is not meant to be an official response, but my own personal response. I think we should go forward in a positive way and offer support. It is so easy to criticise and so difficult to instigate change that is going to fit with the Club as it is now. In many walks of life I have heard people extol the importance of looking to the future. Indeed it is, but the way I look at it is to look at the present with an eye to the future. Children and possible younger adults are the present and we should try and do what we can to encourage them. I'm sure we will all make many mistakes on the way.
David
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By far the best post I've read since the rebrand took hold. I wasn't aware the Club had already invested in pods, so thank you for that. Evidence the Club is working on its intentions, great to see and what better way to introduce families and couples to the lifestyle than have them stay on a site full of caravans and motorhomes, without first having to make the initial investment. You're right though, the Club need to make more of a fuss about the pods they have purchased, certainly throughout spring and summer school holiday periods, they should be fully booked out.
I've only ever seen a couple of families in motorhomes, I've seen lots of young (parents with babies and toddlers) using campervans but in the main, motorhomes usually only have couples in them. Perhaps this is changing if the dealers are seeing this?
It is clear Harvey has been busy and whilst I think the marketing is slightly OTT, it is better than no fresh marketing at all. Grenvilles strap line of 'we don't know what the next explorers will look like, but we'll be ready for them' is rather awkward at best. More work required in this area but as you say, monitor the changes to see what is working and what isn't. You don't know unless you try.
I think the Directors and Commitee need to be represented by MORE outgoing and younger staff, certainly more women. Currently it does look more like an 'Ol Boys Network'.
Finally, I hope the Club achieve great things going forward. I'm a member of both the big two and can see where the former Caravan Club were falling behind, the Club will be playing catch up for a little while but it's good to see steps are in place to bring the Club back to life.
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The Club has 40+ sites with tent space and 3 sites each with 2 pods. As far as I can read they provide heat and light but not cooking facilities. Priced £45 or £50 per night and seem to sleep 3.
https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/uk-holidays/uk-sites/camping-pods/
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Maybe sleep 4 as those at Consiston say settee that makes up to a double and two singles??
Our wooden pods are a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while staying cosy and dry. Pods are well-insulated and come equipped with some handy home comforts for a pleasant stay, including lighting, electric sockets, seating and sleeping for two adults. You’ll also have access to the toilet block and washing up facilities as well as a car parking space.
One pod comfortably sleeps two adults. Up to two small children can also be accommodated but we suggest you call the site directly to discuss your requirements.
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More images required showing the inside of the pods, then get them on Facebook, not just the odd occasional post, but regular instalments with high quality, inviting images directed via adverts to well chosen demographics (easily done on Facebook)
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High profile advertising for the pods is probably pointless Nigel. Club is not there to provide pods and cabins hopefully as a core business and so I would have thought that the 6 pods (particularly Abbey Woods and Brighton) would soon be booked up.
I wonder in fact how far ahead they are booked. I suspect that they are likely to be used mainly by the family of existing caravanners using the site.
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I wonder in fact how far ahead they are booked. I suspect that they are likely to be used mainly by the family of existing caravanners using the site.
Our son did think about it, but in the warmer months and sporting such minimal facilities, they do work out expensive compared to a tent.
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I don't know any families who have bought a new motorhome but I do know of many that have bought a second hand caravan.
As I've said before they don't use club sites.
Perhaps focussing on who purchases new vehicles is missing a growing market of second hand purchasers. There's a big difference in outlook and spending power between those who spend £45+ on a new motorhome and those who spend £1.5k on a second hand caravan.
I wonder if by considering the types of units first the club is in danger of forgetting that they are occupied by people with a wide range of interests and aspirations. The new marketing material seems rather narrow in scope to me (and in fact rather off putting and I'm currently a member!)
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I suppose still cheap accommodation for Brighton though Steve. Can't see pods viable for everywhere though at the price. At Whitewater for example Friday 7th July a Family Room for two nights is either £76 or £107 for Flexible Booking. When Coniston would be £90 for the pod. If I wanted to be near family on Whitewater and there were pods I think that the adjacent Premier Inn would have more appeal.
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and I have been a member for quite some years.
