Awning and non-awning pitches
When will the C&MC policy makers do something about the pricing structure for these types of pitches?
I am on a site at present on a non-awning pitch because I could not book an awning one. I wanted to erect a Outdoor Revolution Tech Canopy and was told by the warden that I could not because I of the pitch type that I was on, even though there was plenty of room to do so. On some other sites I have been told that providing there is no front enclosure on the canopy then I can erect it.
There are many units on this site, caravans and motorhome, occupying awning pitches that do not have an awning erected. They are occupying a awning pitch because they want the extra space for sitting out etc and who can blame them. Why pay the same price for a smaller pitch.
If the price of a non-awning pitch was £3 or £4 pounds per night less than an awning pitch then maybe those that do not intend to erect an awning or canopy will book a non-awning pitch.
Comments
-
I agree with you about CAMC introducing a pricing structure. As far as awnings go on non awning pitches it's all about safe spacing so it's unfortunate if you can't use the awning on this occasion but that's the way it goes for all of us.
0 -
£3-£4 p/n for a with awning pitch? Strewth😵
Some folk want the club to charge extra for HS pitches as well.
0 -
Those that say book earlier are missing the point of my discussion.
My discussion is about pricing policy and paying the same price for awning and non-awning pitches. In effect paying the same price for less space, and in effect less privacy and flexibility.
0 -
Chris
You currently only pay more if you book a service pitch. The Club would have to allow the booking of specific pitch type to do as you suggest. Personally I would like the Club to go down that route. I don't even mind a very modest difference in price between pitch types but nowhere near what you suggest. I think a £1 difference would be enough. It is always useful to have a look at the site plan before booking to get a feel for where the different types of pitches are. One site I looked at only had four non awning pitches and even if I didn't want to use an awning I would be reluctant to select a non awning pitch on a site with so little choice.
Non awning pitches are not necessarily smaller but as Brue pointed out what it is more likely is that the Club can't maintain the spacing between units on some pitches so designate them non-awning pitches.
David
1 -
As has been pointed out, it’s not necessarily about pitch size but can be about the amount of space between pitches.
Booking early is actually a very valid point and a price differential probably wouldn’t alter that.
0 -
Chris, unless the non-awning pitches attract a better view (or other reason) many folk don't choose them as the perception (not always right) is that they feel they are getting a bit more for the same money with an awning pitch...
i agree there should be a small differential, just to focus the mind and make the decision not automatic...
im with some others, too, in that there should be a small difference in HS and grass, where applicable...
0 -
you mean because grass pitches cost (in money and effort) more to maintain they should cost more? Yes I agree.
0 -
I mainly choose an Awning pitch (although we only have a wind out canopy) simply because they give you more choice of pitches, not for more pitch area, there are nearly always more Awning pitches on sites than non- awning, indeed some have very few non- awning pitches. For me its all about free choice...not space. As for charges I think that CMC are getting to a tipping point of simply being too expensive for their Membership. Any increases ( and any change WOULD be an increase). Would just push some to shun club sites altogether. And stick to CLs. Be careful what you wish for.
2 -
obviously I (didn't) mean that
i thought all CC prices were linked to demand (the majority of the year attracting some premium price level) and as awning pitches and SPs according to some, are in such high demand (even when folk don't actually want an awning pitch, bought for more space, or an SP, bought for the HS surface) they should attract higher prices
which of course, leaves the rubbish old grass non-awning pitches that nobody wants.....a serious price reduction required to add incentive...
lovely
0 -
works for us too, Brue...
taking a non-EHU, non-awning, grass pitch with the Age Concession can make a huge difference per night over the CC std 'one size' (other than SP) fits all option.
and, considering the word 'choice' is bandied about here on a regular basis, what's not to like about the other clubs different 'pitch choices'?
0 -
Mainly because its usually 'Hobsons choice' or whatever else the 'site assistant' is called on a C&CC site, thats my experience over 3 years of C&CC membership anyway. If you ask for a different choice of pitch its usually a large sigh of annoyance and reluctance or a straightfoward ' all taken' which later proves to be patently untrue.
No the CMC system...as it is. Suits us fine.
2 -
Whatever the pros and cons of the two club's different strategies, the big hope must be that this club actually maintains its different pitch surfaces. Because if it ever goes down the route of "keeping up with" the newer commercial sites it'll be "bye, bye, grass" I'm afraid which would be a crying shame, IMHO.
4 -
Although I too like the club system, I've not had the same experience on C&CC sites as you, Ray. In fact, and I've mentioned this before, when we went to Kingsbury Water Park C&CC site last year we'd booked HS but on arrival we saw a huge grass area with hardly anyone on it. So we asked if we could change - yes, not only was it perfectly OK, but if we popped back to the office at our convenience we'd gate a refund on what we'd paid!
0 -
I think there should be a price differential to discourage the VW type camper van, no awning, parked up in the middle of a huge awning pitch while those of us caravaners who want to errect an awning are left with a choice of 1 or 2 awning pitches ..... been there a few times.
CLs are the future 😊
1 -
I think one of the reasons that awning pitches seem to fill up quickly is the fact they are the first pitches that come up when you open up the check availability page ,and also throws some if the are all full and they then rant about the sites being full
,when by scrolling down the page will then show other pitch types,
0 -
No more bureaucratic I would imagine that changing a pair of trousers at M&S
When we were at Buxton last week I had two bookings for two days each. Combining them for the new staff on site was a useful training aid! I did ask what should be done in such circumstances and the lady in charge said that it was best to phone the site in advance. Now a couple of times we have changed type of pitch on Club sites from the one originally booked and it is just a procedure on their computer. OK it takes a second or two more but hardly likely to delay anyone.David
0 -
Hi
Interesting points raised on this thread. Not sure what the future holds when the new booking system comes in, you'll all know before us anyway!
So, the maintenance of grass pitches is done by us, so apart from the labour hours (and back ache!!) there's the cost of materials ie, topsoil, seed feed etc, so not a great deal. The biggest cost is if a pitch has to be withdrawn from sale. However the cost of installing a hardstanding pitch is eyewatering, more so if it involves putting tarmac to it. Maintenance is minimal apart from redressing the surface with gravel periodically.
JK
3 -
thanks for the reply
so best if we get rid of grass then
0 -
I will continue to agree with you DSB, not because I want hardstandings but because like other holiday accommodation if I'm offered the worst room because the hotel is full I don't expect to pay the same as others in the better rooms.
0 -
Just been to Cherry Hinton, Cambridge and it didn't seem to matter where you were regarding canopies, cars and gazebos.
The non-awning pitches near the toilet block were a site to behold. Motorhome with canopy fully out and windbreak around edges had the car parked on the grass at the side. A caravan had a gazebo set up on the hard standing and car again parked on the grass.
Wardens didn't seem bothered. They must have noticed. I certainly did when passing.
0 -
Agree with you JK and planning permission for each hardstanding each time they are installed a lot of work goes into installing hardstandings had a short winter seasonal at Hunter's Moon a few years ago and watched as the contractors installing the hardstandings as they were in front of the caravan at the time.
Also agree with folk with a different price for awning and non awning pitches.
0 -
agreed, M, we like the choice at different times of the year..but I do feel that some pitche types are 'worth more' (or less) than others and a small price differential is a fair system...
0
