Awnings
Just noticed something this evening. When you click on “Find a UK Campsite”, a green banner right at the top of the page comes up. Up to today, that banner has read “Children under Five, Dogs and Awnings no charge on Club Sites”. Tonight, the mention of awnings has disappeared. Not certain this is the only place I have seen this banner, but wherever it was, there was a definite mention of awnings being free.
I do know that charging for awnings is currently under review, this is in the FAQS section, right at the top of the page. Just wondering if the review results are imminent.
Comments
-
Perhaps we're going to see a price differential between awning and non awning pitches as well as between grass and HS surfaces. And some folk think the pricing structure is already over complicated😂
1 -
Yes, I think that might be the next stage. Charging for awnings isn’t uncommon on some private sites, and indeed some CLs.
There’s some serious erosion of unique selling points happening nowadays.
I am viewing the dog suspiciously tonight, he might have to earn his keep a bit more if this continues🤣
3 -
Could it be that it implies you can use an awning on any pitch, which you can't only on some pitches? Dogs and Children under five are welcome on all pitches?
David
0 -
I am sure it said either “free” or “no charge” DK. But….. I have been known to get things wrong😁
0 -
You're right ttda, I too remember seeing the awnings included in that green banner. Hadn't seen the banner since without the mention of awnings, it would imply that there will be a charge for awnings in the not too distant future.......then how long before the word "dogs" disappears; quite a few sites charge for dogs as well as for awnings.
1 -
As I asked, what would be the justification, the reasoning not to allow? The firebreaks are maintained. I see more like this on sites these days including Swift Basecamps. Even an Eriba and awning could fit sideways and maintain firebreaks on many a blue peg pitch. I bet no one on here could give a logical reason as to why not!😉
0 -
But, Micky, it's always been allowed providing the warden agrees.
0 -
Are you sure they are not allowed on a non awning pitch. Even with the single peg system, in that configuration the awning wouldn’t be outside the bounds of a normal width caravan. Has anyone knowledge of someone asking and being refused.
0 -
Yes, so have trailertents, but it would be helpful to have a network wide and membership understanding so no messing about at booking, it’s those grey areas which can cause issues. Some believe the justification is canvas, it isn’t! No one wants that difficult conversation on arrival. Clearly these can fit (see previous photo) so why not a blanket acceptance of that fact and enjoy the benefits of online booking without the interference of phone calls to busy enough staff.
0 -
Could being the operative word. As TW said, you have always been able to ask the Site Manager. However, for a pound extra probably best to book an awning pitch. It will normally give you more choice and you won’t have to ask the warden.
0 -
My point really was if we have a two peg system which allows full use between then what would be the justification for not being allowed to use full use between? Surely it’s just the fire breaks that determine this. My second point is clarity and logical reasoning. Whenever grey, misunderstood or rules which allow different interpretations are in place then this is when issues occur. As many of us know, CT has been littered with the likes ever since it’s inception, and still is!
0 -
What is the CMC definition of "awning". I am seeing many caravans now (including mine) just using a motorhome style rollout sun(rain) shade. Much easier to roll out and away, no damage to the pitch, and more space efficient, no need to break your back and spend hours pegging out an awning that is often larger than the caravan.
Since the grandkids stopped coming with us, we have no need for an awning. If its too cold to sit outside, we sit inside.
1 -
So glad it wasn’t just me that spotted it InaD👍
Personally, the argument around what constitutes an awning, or how an awning is used, or erected isn’t the basis of me starting this thread. It’s more around yet another imminent/possible hike in price.
2 -
That’s true, and the clarity of wording and logical reasoning becomes even more pertinent. What constitutes an awning? Now if it was usable size of pitch that determined price then that would be fully understood with the two peg system. The blue pitches would be appreciably smaller, but would still allow for full use between those pegs, even if an awning could be deployed within.
1 -
Not given anywhere I think NH but a wind-out awning on a caravan needs an awning pitch to maintain the 3m spacing between any part of your outfit and the next, however MH can/may use a wind out awning on a non awning pitch but may have to be rolled in at night.
0 -
I suspect there cannot be a 'blanket' statement covering this, Micky, because the size and spacing of non awning pitches varies so much. The old,adage of talk to the,warden is always going to bring the definitive answer.
1 -
And that was my very point, Steve! So, what reasons or justifications other than firebreaks are used not to allow? I can’t think of any ever being discussed or explained.
That has never been explained logically or otherwise. If they start charging for awnings then I’m sure they will start charging this on white peg pitches even regardless of whether you erect one or not..
0 -
But if available space is governed by those two pegs, be they white or blue, then what conversation is to be had? Surely all the staff can say is yes, you are occupying the space between the pegs and therefore not entering the firebreaks. That’s what the pegs are for! Don’t see what you put in that space matters as long as it fits! Or, of course, if you spill over then no, it doesn’t fit!
1
