Flashing flag/light poles
Comments
-
This was an answer on a post in Facebook when someone was looking to buy these flag pole flashing lights: "Personally if anyone was camped near me with one of those, I would have to up pitch and move. Flashing lights affect my eyes, give me visual migraines and people who have epilepsy would be affected badly. We, as most people, go away for peace and quiet and would be really upset if we had to contend with flashing light sticks etc in the quiet and dark of the countryside, or any other pitch for that matter. Please re-think, as although you may believe it is a "bit of fun" and a "talking point", you may not be as popular as those who are respectful of others rest and relaxation on holiday."
IT HAPPENED!! We stayed in Tredegar last night and the person opposite had these massive, awful lights flashing directly opposite us just a few feet away! They were inside watching television, so I have no idea what use they were to them, other than "look at me, aren't we clever (not)" lights. We were not able to sit outside as flashing lights give me migraine, so we had to go inside and close our blinds. There were many people talking about the lights the next morning, but not in a positive way. The warden was really upset with the complaints she got too, but she said there was nothing she could do about it. These nuisance lights are so inconsiderate and very, very annoying. Ruined our stay in what is usually a lovely peaceful campsite. I am not a spoilsport, nor an old moaner, but I feel really strongly about this.
If I wanted to go to the Blackpool illuminations, I would go there, I just don't choose to do that when I travel in my caravan for peace and quiet and to sit outside and enjoy a drink in the evenings. If you agree with this, please let the Caravan Club know your views, or it may be that we end up in campsites resembling fairgrounds in the near future.
7 -
Did you not explain to your neighbour the effect the lights have on you? A polite request and a bit of friendly conversation may well have resulted in them turning the lights off. They probably had no idea of the problem they were causing.
0 -
I think these flagpole lights are simply childish - if they float your boat that is fine, just don’t expect everyone to enjoy your personal ego driven Blackpool illuminations. Given some of the clubs petty rules, it amazes me such displays are allowed.
3 -
We have a couple on site that have a flagpole with lights on (not flashing). They're both 92, they're probably wishing they were childish
. They asked beforehand if it would be ok as it brings them joy looking at them of an evening. I don't think there's any ego involved. Should we make a "petty" rule to spoil that joy it brings them? To the op, I think a friendly word with the neighbour would have worked or failing that the site staff could help.
JK
3 -
I came across these for the first time a few years ago on an Isle of Wight site. We have a pop-top caravan and the flashing continued well into the night reflecting of every conceivable surface.
Next day I politely drew attention to this and received an apology and lights out from there on at a sensible bedtime. But I should not have to have asked.
Why are they allowed. I could go into a rant about them being tacky, like others reminding me of cheap seafront or fairground illuminations that have no place on a campsite. They are a form of light pollution and stop your reasonable enjoyment. If you want them then fine, stick them in your blacked out awning so you can enjoy them and let the rest of the campsite enjoy there holiday.
Colin
0 -
See, it pays to talk. People don’t realise the annoyance they can cause to others. That applies not just to lights but to numerous aspects of behaviour. Most folk will react well to a polite friendly approach.
0 -
+1 although the OP was four years ago and it was Zigga who restarted the thread just yesterday.
Since then (2019) it's not really become such a great problem on sites that deserves people to write into the club, I can probably recall just a handful since the original OP. I don't mind them, I think they're colourful and I haven't seen any really powerful ones, just LEDs, but if it's causing anyone discomfort or annoyance talk to the owners.
Also from what I recall only 2-4% of people with epilepsy have photosensitive attacks and the lights have to flash at quite a high rate, something like between 5 and 50 flashes per second.
0 -
The OP has obviously never been away on a Club site at Christmas. We have those flashing / chaser lights on a 6m pole - so I'm guilty - but we only ever use them as part of our Christmas decorations when we're away. It would be a sad step if they were banned completely. We were at Sandringham a few years ago when the Wardens had put lights all around the site (and on their tractor!) and most van owners did the same with their units, and it looked magical.
0 -
I think originally these poles were used at the big caravan shows and rallies as a means of marking where your van was so you could find your way back to it amongst the thousands of others. Trouble was there were so many identical flags, folk started adding other things to their poles as a means of distinguishing their outfits. Along came kites then led lights and the craze was born and has spread elsewhere. I cannot imagine anyone begrudging lights at Christmas.
peedee
0 -
Re your last sentence. I can
JK
2 -
No not me peedee but I know several who would. I've worked a couple of winter sites where we held a competition for the best decorated van, things like tat bring people together
JK
2
