Availability
Having been a member for 18 years and enjoyed many fabulous family holidays I’m beginning to wonder what I am paying my membership fee for ?
I am constantly unable to book sites ….. does anyone else find this ? I know you can book 12 months in advance but this is not always possible.
It just seems that the caravan club has maybe too many members ? Just wondering if there’s a cap to their membership numbers ?
Perhaps there needs to a different approach to booking ….. I hate to say this but maybe a deposit taken as I’m sure people just book sites in case they fancy it or their other plans don’t come off.
Many thanks
Moderator Comment - I appreciate you have not used Club Together previously but your question has been discussed many times in the discussion area. The Story Section is for Blogs not questions. I have moved to the the UK Sites and Touring Section
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It has been mentioned before by members,
But as you seem not to be aware ? since the the pandemic hit many countries and severe travel were put in place ,many people have been forced? to find another way having holidays hence the very large increases in the sale of LVs and "staycationw members" which when speaking new members is it seems that quite often they had not realised just what a great method of seeing this country ,and for many how much they are looking forward to continuing in this country (and overseas when the situation improves) so most sites with all organisations in this country have been much busier than in the past ,even off peak periods and it seems it will continue for some years yet,
i do not think deposits will make much difference? ,but pitch capacity through out the whole of the uk is something that is not a quick fix
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But then as patesed so many times the south west is as in the past only "busy?" in the peak summer months ,it seems the distances and access ,and as you may not know? the late avalailbility for site may well show just one pitch when looking
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We've been on 4 CAMC sites in peak holiday periods so far in 2021. None have been full as oft reported on CT. We even booked 5 days before arriving on our last outing at the end of August.
We're booked for the next peak, October half term with no difficulty. Expect to see another not full site during our stay.
Although there is ability to book 12 months in advance, we don't always get confirmed school holiday dates that far out; but have not got pitches when we want them. We are tied to school holidays for the next year until our daughter finishes senior school. Perhaps then we can enjoy the off peak empty sites at lower prices many report are common place
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Perhaps then we can enjoy the off peak empty sites at lower prices many report are common
Good luck with that at the moment, we have stopped on 5 CAMC sites this September and they been full / 80% pitch wise. Although as the kids are back at school sites are less busy people wise in the week. The two C&CC sites we have used have been slightly less full, although that is mainly down to the absence of tents, that were in abundance during August.
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I've said it before, and I'll say it again: try a CL. There are over 2000 of them, they range from no facility sites, without EHU, to mini Club sites in facilities and layout. And everything in between. Often you'll have more space around you than on a Club site.
We're also members of the C&CC, and have stayed on 2 of their Certificated Sites this month so far, and are now on our 3rd. They are the equivalent of the CAMC's CLs. One difference is that they can also accommodate up to 10 tents, as well as 5 vans.
We've stayed in an orchard, with just 2 other units, loads of space, the site had EHU, 2 WCs, shower and washing up sink with H&C water. Cost was £20 per night. Currently on a CS in a very small hamlet, peace and quiet, huge pitch, site has EHU, WC and shower, for £15 per night.
Haven't used Club sites since 2019, much prefer CLs, although if we want to be in an area where a Club site is convenient, then we will.
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It would be foolish for a site operator to take bookings in advance for every single pitch on a site because there are so many variables that can affect pitches being available when the time comes. Waterlogging, abuse of surface, maintainance, are well known.
Seeing on a web-site that no pitches are available will not be be reflected in the real world - all it shows is that the figure that has been set for bookings has been reached. I would suggest that will be within the range of 85% to 95% of full physical capacity.
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Certainly before covid plane operators used to overbook the number of seats. That was hardly sensible either. As we have been cancelled, on the last in first out rule, because pitches had to be closed due to heavy rain, I am not sure there is any reserve at peak times.
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From information i have been given on several club sites,there has been an instruction from EGH that the "set aside" pitches to cater for any problems that do arise on sites, ie breakdowns/medical is no longer to be carried on ,and all pitches to be let via the website
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Regarding school holidays, at governors meetings they are always agreed in about January/February for the next academic year. Staff have to know when their legally required190 days will be.
And they have to be given out by the end of that acedemic year in July if not earlier otherwise parents won't when to send their children back. So you will always have at least 13 months notice of the year head, in this case to the end of August 2022.
Provisional dates for 22/23 will exist but usually it's fairly easy to work out children's holiday even then.
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To the OP.... I think it depends on where you want to go, and when to be honest. We are just returning from Cornwall, and September down there has seen Club Sites busy. But there are lots of other options, not least some of the lovely CLs, and small private Sites. The current situation requires a degree of compromise and forward planning if possible. Recognition that things aren’t currently “as usual”, it’s a bit of a different touring world out there at the moment, but no less enjoyable. Hope you get something😁
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A fundamental flaw in your reply, COVID-19
We only knew for sure when this term was starting 3 weeks prior to. It was too late to extend our holiday by a week and a half as we were already away and couldn't give the requisite notice at work. There is currently an advisory that half term could be extended to 2 weeks, but week earlier or later is unknown at this point. So in the real world your stated 13 months is incorrect. In our case that is for all state schools in the county. Prior to C-19 there were more fixed calendars throughout our daughters school life.
Last academic year dates were moved from those published due to C-19 and we had to change booked holidays to suit. Also school start dates were changed at short notice.
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No fundamental flaw at all. I'm not sure what happens in your neck of the woods but as far as I know (as a PT ofsted inspector and governor) no school term dates have been moved or extra 'holidays' added due to covid at all. It would be illegal to do so.
Schools are legally required to be open for 190 days per year. Now open means open to staff being in and paid and teaching available (of course that teaching may not be taken up). Yes the premises may be closed but the terms stated on the set and agreed dates still applies and pupils should have be contacted and be set some form of age appropriate work. If your children haven't then contact the school/Ofsted as there is a serious issue there.
Parents will have been given set dates and a parent should count on those only for planning holidays. Those extra days/weeks at half term are not holidays, on the schools I work with any extra time away school within the 190 must have set work.
I'm not sure how last academic years dates could have been changed as there was a lockdown for most of the second term and such changes would have required union and staff agreement, which may have happened. If it did you should not be complaining but rather happy that your child's education was being looked after so well.
I must say what you state (and I'm not doubting you) is from an Ofsted viewpoint worrying, but I'm sure some other inspector will pick it up.
But hopefully things are back to normal now.
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well not to boast but I'm certainly more in the real world of education I think than most? I'll let my current experience with Ofsted and chair of governors, and my past 35 year of teaching speak for that.
As for other 'real worlds' I think I'm there too?
I'm glad you're happy but if that changes KS let me know your area and I'll get some colleagues to have a look for you.
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Removed by me, double post.
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If you hoover your mouse over a date in the main booking page for the site the 'less than five pitches' will appear, I assume that is when?
I've just tested this idea and it appears right?
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Deposits are coming very soon, Jac. Hang in there.
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Deleted User by TW. It was rubbish😂
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Sorry, more rubbish I didn’t have time to delete.
It's been a funny day….. 🤣
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