Is it worth renewing
Comments
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I would disagree, the word cater was used (to provide what someone or something needs or wants) and differing which is not the same as different in my view - two identical twins (campers?) can differ in needs? I could give a formal definition if needed.
as they do, I think, cater for two differing types of camper?
I think David's examples show exactly that?
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No I do wriggle, differing and different are.. err different words with different clear meanings. I used differing on purpose. But I suppose we have differing or different ideas on that
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Simple. Because one has the choice whether to or not and one has no need to explain one's reasons.
And that is all there is to it.
Btw, what a superb post from DSB summing up the clubs so succinctly.👏🏻
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yes +1
Yes full marks for that from DSB.
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Thanks for pointing that out LLM... my understanding is that the OP was asking whether we thought it was worthwhile renewing membership because of the expected little use of the Clubs sites and other facilities.
Like all discussions, they tend to develop a little, and there have been various attempts to discuss around this. I had hoped that by pointing the differences between the two Clubs, it might give food for thought to help the original poster be aware of some of the differences in 'facilities', in response to an earlier statement.
It is inevitable that the requirements for tenters/ caravaners/ motorhomers will differ, and each Club must tailor their facilities accordingly, although there are many who are members of both Clubs.
I'm sure both Clubs are experiencing difficulties at this moment of time, so I guess 'every member matters'. Both Clubs are 'not for profit' organisations and 'profits' are ploughed back into both Clubs for the benefit of its members. If folk can possible afford it, try and stick with the CAMC and CCC - I'm sure they will both be here when the pandemic is over and done with so that we can benefit once more from what each Club has to offer.
Hope this helps.
David
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David forgot one other aspect of both Clubs. They both offer a different type of Site altogether, but under a “Club” umbrella. With the CAMC, this is the Affiliated Sites, where it might just be a simple discount if you have Membership. The CCC used to have the “Camping in the Forest” (Forestry Commission Sites), but I think this has now finished? Different strings to the Club’s. We like the AF Sites.
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The C&CC have franchised sites. These are privately owned sites where the owners pay C&CC a hefty sum and, in return, operate under the C&CC banner. The Isle of Skye site is one that springs to mind and Cheddar/Mendip is another.
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I think David has summed up the differences between the two Clubs very well. I suppose at the end of the day the choice of whether you continue membership or relinquish it is down to whether you have an affinity towards the Club. If you do then you would probably remain a member through these difficult times. If not, why remain a member - simple as that really as some see membership as a simple business arrangement?
David
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It was just something that struck me DSB, sometimes they tend to get overlooked, and they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you do want something a bit different, then that little bit off the price is useful.
I just checked the CCC website, they are still offering Camping in the Forest, in fact have a new location for 2021, in Sherwood Forest.
The Morris Leisure Sites always look quite nice to me as well, some good deals outside of peak times.
We are going to buy a membership package for a niece in March. But it won’t be with this Club. They won’t accept her converted Berlingo. It has a proper bed, a small stove/pot wash area. She has lots of friends who can’t afford to run a MH, or run to a car and caravan. But she has paid out for a small camper sized vehicle, has paid out more to have a good conversion unit fitted in the back, and she now has a daily run around that she can comfortably tour in for holidays. This is one area where the CCC is much more accommodating, and I can see it becoming a growing niche option for some, solo tourers, or young couples. She has a tiny loo, but likes to stop on a Sites with showers sometimes as well. Ironically, it’s how we started touring some 35 years plus ago. An easy option with an EV as well.
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Have to confess, I don’t know a great deal about CCC and how it is organised. We see “Listed” Sites, and have stopped on a few, but I don’t think you need to be a Member? I know you have to be a Member on CS Sites. Only CCC Club Site I have ever been on was Haltwhistle
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Yes, checked it out thanks HD. I really fancy some of New Forest Sites. The two we used to use, Beddgelert and Spiers House are mainly cabins now, and very different.
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We have only used Setthorns site , it’s a very basic site with no loo block ,but right in the heart of the Forrest , we usually go about 3 to 4 times a year , last time was January 2020 , we have a booking for March but will have to wait and see !
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Listed sites are privately owned sites which pay to be listed in the C&CC handbook and on the website. I assume they must meet certain standards. I think CAMC allows sites to advertise and be listed in the handbook but it's so long since I looked at the book I can’t be sure.
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I've had mixed experiences of the Morris Leisure sites. Liked the one at Bridgenorth but for some reason was less happy at Shrewsbury - although it's been some years back now. I quite liked 'Love to Stay' in Shrewsbury (an AS) but it wasn't the cheapest place.... and I've heard one or two say they don't like it. Goes to show... we all like something a bit different. 😃
You may be right about the smaller campervan niche. I get the feeling that this is a growing market... surprised if the CAMC don't accept these units...? I'll certainly ask the question about what is and what isn't allowed.
David
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Love To Stay looked interesting when it first opened, but the prices put us off, there’s a lot of extras that don’t really interest us either. But it’s in a nice area to visit. We like Shropshire, full of history and good scenery.
I think Club will have to be a bit more inclusive at some point. We have camped for years in Land Rovers, camper vans, even alongside things like converted Pinzguaers and Ambulances, but never on Club Sites. There’s a very different vibe on Sites that mix units, you tend to see more folks out and about around site.
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The forestry sites were all closed in 2020 due to Covid it will be good to see them open again. C&Cc also have a lot of lodges, either to own or rent so they have a greater variety of holiday choices. CAMC hasn't diversified as much.
Which is why we've been in both clubs all the way, to get the benefits of both.
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I'm surprised CCC are taking 'camping in the forest' bookings atm. Under Tier 4, there should be no over-night away from home and given the current trajectory of the virus, aided and abetted by morons at 'raves', it's anybody's guess when we will be allowed out to play again.
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When we were away in October we had a look around the Love To Stay and there is no doubt that the facilities and pitch sizes are in another league to the CAMC. However, like Ttda, a lot of the facilities we wouldn't use and a number of the facilities are are "over egged" such as the outdoor swimming lake. Over time it will look better but it is currently lacking in mature vegetation although the amount of planting is staggering.
Pricewise it is definitely at the top end and our stay at the lovely non facility CCC site, with a beautiful lake, various levels and countryside all around at an unbelievable £13.50/night ( no VAT reduction) is far more attractive to us in every way.
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I just checked the CCC website, they are still offering Camping in the Forest, in fact have a new location for 2021, in Sherwood Forest.
Yes it's located at the Forestry Commision Sherwood Pines. It would be very convient for any of the musical events they hold there, only about 500 metres walk. It seemed ready to go for 2020 but of course Covid got in the way. Fairly open and unattractive at the moment, although they have planted a lot of trees. I'm not very impressed with the security though, its right alongside existing paths and a low bund isn't going to stop undesirables breaking into your van while your at one of the evening events.
Sorry about the quality, 500k just isn't enough. The campsite is in the open field to the left of the Sherwood Forest and below the Forestry Holdings. The lakes to the right are at Center Parcs.
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Thanks for this Steve. I have been round Center Parcs there many years ago (field study course with work), but don’t know Sherwood as well as Clumber. Might be somewhere to take cycles, it’s not far from us, half an hour. But (knowing Clumber🤨) vehicle security is an important issue.
Off topic, but in news, New Forest stock, ponies and donkeys have taken a big toll sadly this week. Seven killed, so sad. It’s one of the things we notice when staying on Dartmoor, how fast/uncaring some drivers are knowing that stock roam free.😢😡
We have stayed in Forest of Dean, beautiful area. Originally a CL, but long gone from network now, became a larger private Site. High up, overlooking Tintern Abbey, not far from Devil’s Pulpit. Fabulous for walking, but my goodness, the climb back up was a gasper. We shared our pitch with some inquisitive Ostriches. We had to relocate further into Site as they tapped on window each morning and freaked the dogs out😂 Owners little girl sold us fresh eggs each morning, it was her pocket money task. Places like this are just so lovely, the nicest kind of memories.
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Good Morning
I think you'll find ttda that as long as that berlingo is properly converted, ie, fixed seating that can convert as a bed or vice versa, fixed cooking facilities and adequate storage then that would be accepted on any club site. We only turn away the van with a mattress on the floor types nowadays!
JK
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I won't quarrel with you, JK, but you describe in just a few lines the sort of elitist attitude that still exists within this Club - the warden will inspect your van to check that the seats and cooking equipments are fixed, and that the conversion meets CMC standards. I have never come across that attitude on a campsite anywhere else in the world. It doesn't appeal.
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Thanks JK. It’s more innovative than everything being fixed, which is where it’s dual usage provision lies. (Everyday run around/ load carrier v small camper) So no, the cooker isn’t fixed, but slides in or out. The whole “camper” unit can come out, to make it back into a conventional car with back seat provision. But it is a true camper, in camping mode. She even has a tiny portaloo, tucked away hygienically for occasional use.
We had enough grief from this Club thirty years ago with our small camper van. That did have a fixed in cooker, sink, pop top, but we started getting very fed up of being challenged every stop, made to demonstrate how things worked, so we gave up our membership, and stayed on friendlier, more welcoming camp sites.
I did a bit of research on her behalf, it was obvious this Club wasn’t going to happen, but she has already used the odd CCC Site as a none Member, without problems. I don’t disagree about the mattress in the back of a Transit type issues, but this little set up is a few thousand pounds beyond that. It’s in the spirit of the original VW campers, where you had a base vehicle, but bought slide in units to convert to something else. She doesn’t struggle for places to stay.
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I would agree with you on that one. One of our family has an all purpose van, sometimes used for carrying equipment, sometimes as a camping base, sometimes with a tent etc. Luckily they'd never put themselves in the position of being turned away and use small private sites which welcome camping in it's many forms.
I think this year a new van is on the cards and it will continue in it's multi purpose use. There are some camping vans around where everything is removable.
I appreciate JK has to follow the rules.
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Agree, the Wardens aren’t the problem, (although one of two clearly were back in the 1980’s for us)
The Club decision makers and takers are slow to react at certain times. This pandemic is a golden opportunity in one of two ways to tweak what Members can and cannot do. There’s been a lot of innovation this year, the young who cannot afford big outfits alongside an everyday car are thinking differently, some are taking to canvas, others like our niece are getting creative, safely and well thought out. Almost everyone of our extended family has younger adults, camping, podding, touring. But not a single one is a Club Member.
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