How we came to be members
We are new motorhomers, having been lifelong tent campers. Sadly, age and creaking knees have brought that chapter to an end. On a much brighter note, we are now motorhomers!! We acquired our "Granny" (she's a 2003 Autosleeper) last month (May 2021), and as many of you will know, she was a MAJOR investment. One of the many, many salesmen we talked to in our search for a motorhome had a very sage-like piece of advice...don't just buy one...USE IT!! So we have. Our first trip was somewhat experimental, and had a number of small, but difficult issues. We overcame those and a week later, took ourselves off for our first "proper adventure". It was 'er indoors birthday, so she decided she'd like to "do" the Cotswolds. We did, and were getting along famously, when we discovered that the second gas bottle we hooked up - the first having been depleted - was also empty!! Rookie mistake, but we're on a learning curve, so..it all adds to the experience. No probs, we thought, let’s just find a garage or stockist locally to Stow on the Wold where we happened to be. THAT'S where it started going wrong. Not only did none of the garages stock our type of butane bottle, they said Calor was going through a period of supply issues. Nobody could recommend anywhere else to get gas, and with it being 5.30pm, most places were closing. One kindly garage assistant suggested the “caravan place round the corner”. Turned out to be the Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Moreton in the Marsh. We got there at 5.45pm, and were uncertain of our ground as we weren’t members. However, the very friendly lady on reception was welcoming. Unfortunately, throughout this story, we have to admit to NOT getting any names. But the lady will remember us, I am sure. However, sadly, she had no gas bottles either. She suggested that the site at Bourton on the Water may have some, but because of Covid, no sites were taking direct calls. She gave us numbers and directions to a further 2 additional sites, and we left deflated, but positive. We knew we couldn’t get to Bourton before their reception shut at 6pm, so we decided to drive to Bourton anyhoo, and be there fresh in the morning. We arrived at the Bourton Club site just before 9am. A very welcoming chap (wearing a company shirt) noticed us sitting there, and asked if he could help. We explained our drama. He peeked around the corner from his garden and confirmed that he did, indeed have 2 bottles!! Yay!! He and his partner were also, like the Moreton lady, as helpful and welcoming as could be. In fact so much so, that we signed up as members right there and then. We both thought that this was the sort of welcoming company that we wanted to be a part of. That’s how we have come to be members. Apologies for the lack of names, but we’re sure you will know who you are!! Thanks to you all. We look forward to seeing you again sometime soon.
