CC membership cost

[Mike B.]

We never use CC clubsites as we think they are very overpriced and far too regimented. However we do use CLs and we do attend a few rallies early and late season.

Overall the cost of £42 membership is easily saved with ferry prices and if you add in Camping Cheques you can really make a saving on the whole trip.

There is also a very good overnight CL nr Dover which suits us perfectly for £4 pn plus others if you check them out

The rallies are usually good value and a chance to socialise with people at a fraction of the cost it would be on a site in the location.

I appreciate not everyone lives in the north and needs an overnight before a ferry or that everyone wants to meet others on a rally but I think just to compare the site fees on CC sites and site fees abroad is not looking at the 'bigger picture' of what membership offers.

As always the facilities and benefits are going to be subjective but for us we definitely get £42 worth.

Mike

[arthur49]

Well we've threatened to stop our membership in the past but (laziness?) it never happened. This year we are cancelling. Reckon we had 10 nights on CC sites in past 12 months, so thats £4/night straight from membership fee.

 

They don't listen. I do participate in the Research Panel but I've had no feedback. Did I miss something - don't think so?

 

About 18 months ago I asked the CC what they were doing to contain costs, particularly since their site leaflets refer to £4m electric bill in 2009. Answer from Director of Marketing (I think she was!?) was vague.

 

So I made some suggestions to her

- headquartered in one of most expensive Regions of UK. With modern technology some jobs could be done from home and in other areas of UK

- look at outsourcing ground maintenance (each site has its own equipment to buy/maintain/replace)

- pitch sizes are huge (100sq m?) so why not have an area with smaller pitches for m/homes for a smaller fee

- reduce the heating in toilet blocks and regulate hot water consumption

.................I could go on to include a 'no electric' or metering option ..........

 

These were just suggestions - I'm not suggesting these are feasible but start MANAGING the business. Its just too cozy and needs to be more 'hard-nosed'.

 

Incidentally, one warden told me earlier this year that 'doggy showers' were being considered. Now I don't want to irritate the dog lovers but give me a break. Is this where the CC tell me they plough all profits back into the sites! But it may just have been a rumour.

 

We were at Maragowan in Killin mid July at the weekend. Site 50% full in middle of Scottish school holidays and a look at late availability on website indicated that was typical in most Scottish CC sites.

 

On other hand why am I bothered as I'm off.........

 

Feel better for that thank you....... :-(

 

Arthur

[Mel B]

We rejoined it this year as we intend to go away more with us both not working now, to date we've stayed at one CL - the current one on the Isle of Wight - it's at Freshwater bay and costs £6 a night (no electric on site) plus £1 extra if you want to put an awning up (we haven't bothered/needed to). It has lovely views, is very quiet and the owners are very pleasant indeed, we can see right across to the Solent (with all the little yatchs bobbing around, and the mainland); the downside is that the camping field is very sloping so levellers are needed and the road to it, being a private one owned by the golf club next door, is quite rough/potholed in places so it makes for an interesting drive in/out! We will have stayed for 5 nights = £30 plus £37.50 (express membership pack) = £67.50, or £13.50 per night. As the year progresses we'll probably use more CLs so the overall cost per night including membership fee will be more evently spread. Oh, I did also manage to get £15 in gift vouchers out of them for our express pack having 'confusing/misleading' info on it, so if I take that into account, it's only cost us the equivalent of £10.50 per night at present!

[Mel B]

ips - 2012-08-14 5:59 PM

 

pepe63 - 2012-08-14 12:41 PM

 

That certainly sounds excellent value Dave... ;-)

 

...We'll have to get ips busy with his digger...(lol)

 

ips!...Are you still listening?..... :D

 

 

T8ley...I always thought that to use CC, CLs (and C&CC, CSs)you were *supposed* to be members...

:-S

 

i aint digging a swimming pool if that is what you mean. Lol

 

Noooooooo, not a swimming pool but a swimming POND - it's the new craze you know. :D

[Colin Leake]

arthur49 - 2012-08-14 8:03 PM

 

Well we've threatened to stop our membership in the past but (laziness?) it never happened. This year we are cancelling. Reckon we had 10 nights on CC sites in past 12 months, so thats £4/night straight from membership fee.

 

They don't listen. I do participate in the Research Panel but I've had no feedback. Did I miss something - don't think so?

 

About 18 months ago I asked the CC what they were doing to contain costs, particularly since their site leaflets refer to £4m electric bill in 2009. Answer from Director of Marketing (I think she was!?) was vague.

 

So I made some suggestions to her

- headquartered in one of most expensive Regions of UK. With modern technology some jobs could be done from home and in other areas of UK

- look at outsourcing ground maintenance (each site has its own equipment to buy/maintain/replace)

- pitch sizes are huge (100sq m?) so why not have an area with smaller pitches for m/homes for a smaller fee

- reduce the heating in toilet blocks and regulate hot water consumption

.................I could go on to include a 'no electric' or metering option ..........

 

These were just suggestions - I'm not suggesting these are feasible but start MANAGING the business. Its just too cozy and needs to be more 'hard-nosed'.

 

Incidentally, one warden told me earlier this year that 'doggy showers' were being considered. Now I don't want to irritate the dog lovers but give me a break. Is this where the CC tell me they plough all profits back into the sites! But it may just have been a rumour.

 

We were at Maragowan in Killin mid July at the weekend. Site 50% full in middle of Scottish school holidays and a look at late availability on website indicated that was typical in most Scottish CC sites.

 

On other hand why am I bothered as I'm off.........

 

Feel better for that thank you....... :-(

 

Arthur

 

The Scotish sites tend to be full in late April, May and early June with visitors from England trying to avoid the midges which may or may well not be a problem depending on the location of the site. We go for six weeks on alternate years and this year was one we did not go so I've no idea how busy they were this year. When we have gone a high proportion of visitors have been from England or the Continent so I rather tent to suspect that high fuel prices may have affected the occupancy.

[aande83]

Slightly off topic but ive just been to at least 2x C&CC and when ive asked if there is any senior discount they have said no, we are only affiliated to the C&CC. Furthermore on a site this last weekend the owners asked Electric? that will be another £2.50 sir. Awning? (and that includes the one you wind out) that will be another £2.00 sir. I guess they had about 20 vans/caravans parked up and a whole field of tents with 2x toilets and 1 x shower (unless you were prepared to hike up a hill where there were a further 3 x toilets and 2 x showers). It is all becoming a bit of a joke. One CL I visited last month had so many cobwebs around the so called shower door that it was obvious it had not been used for years! (by the way it was locked!).

[colin]

It's only CC&C club sites that give the age discount not CL's

[sshortcircuit]

colin - 2012-08-14 11:01 PM

 

It's only CC&C club sites that give the age discount not CL's

 

And not in peak season either.

[arthur49]

Colin Leake - 2012-08-14 10:52 PM

 

.......... I rather tent to suspect that high fuel prices may have affected the occupancy.

 

I think fuel prices play a part without doubt. I've been a continuous member of CC for 30 years and I am genuinely sad that it no longer meets my needs. I do wish the club well for the future but just checked Late Availability for this Saturday night 18 August on 7 sites and:-

 

New England Bay 88 out of 159 pitches available

 

Braemar 38 out of 97 pitches available

 

Edinburgh full (usually full at weekends most of year)

 

Burrs Country Park full (we like this site and will miss it!)

 

Nunnykirk 39 out of 84 pitches available (easy to get to from Newcastle for a weekend?)

 

Dockray Meadow 26 out of 53 pitches available

 

Cirencester Park 75 out of 219 pitches available (easy to get to from Bristol/Gloucester?) could it be the eye watering £23/night for unit + 2 adults plays a part?

 

Of course occupancy could improve in next 48 hours but by how much?

 

There are lots of sites with little or no availability for this Saturday but if you look at Sunday night occupancy rates tend to fall off a cliff - big reduction in revenue leading to increases again in next years site fees?

 

Most Scottish schools now back but its the middle of English School holidays...........

 

Arthur :'(

 

PS all midge free sites........unless they've moved south!

[Iain Strachan]

CC fee is due in September, I won't be rejoining! My last trip to their Lochside site in Forfar ended it all for me. On arrival as I had only booked for one night I asked if they were busy, as depending on the weather the next day we might have stayed longer? Answer was yes "at the moment that will be fine". I then had a rather strange conversation where the warden said that there were some very nice grass pitches overlooking the Loch which would be great for our rear lounge. I pointed out that we did not have a rear lounge. The warden then said that these pitches would be of no use then as we had to reverse onto the pitch making sure the number peg was in the middle of the van! Why who knows? He went on to say that if I went on a hard standing pitch, I still had to reverse on but that I could use any part of the pitch as long as all our kit, Awning chairs etc. were kept on the hard standing. The site in general was of the usual CC standard a short walk into the town and a few beers and all was well with the world. Next morning the sun was shining, we got the chairs out and I went to pay for another night. No one there they were cleaning!

At noon I returned and was told I would have to leave as they were know fully booked over night on the internet, to say that I was amazed is an understatement, as there were at least a dozen vacant pitches that I could see. We moved on to Arbroath, to an independent site £3.00 cheaper had indoor pool, restaurant and bar. Just choose your pitch sir. Says it all!

Iain

[bolero boy]

T8LEY - 2012-08-14 12:21 PM

 

Just out interest and for possible future reference, where do all you non-members of 'The Clubs' find current information on CL and CS sites? I am aware many of these sites offer more than just 'club' pitches and must advertise somewhere separately but, AFAIK, not in one publication.

 

I, too, am interested to find the answer to this one. Most of the private sites we have checked out are very expensive and have far too many facilities for us.

 

We have 'got into' the CL/CS thing this year and have stayed on some lovely spots that aren't much more than fields but are in lovely open aspects yet can be fairly close to towns. We have our own shower/cooking/heating so dont need much else apart from sunshine!

 

We have been paying around £10 per night this year although some have been less and a couple were £12. Without the membership of the Clubs we wouldnt be able to make use of these little gems, so we are fine with the subs for the time being.

[Robinhood]

bolero boy - 2012-08-15 5:53 PM

 

T8LEY - 2012-08-14 12:21 PM

 

Just out interest and for possible future reference, where do all you non-members of 'The Clubs' find current information on CL and CS sites? I am aware many of these sites offer more than just 'club' pitches and must advertise somewhere separately but, AFAIK, not in one publication.

 

I, too, am interested to find the answer to this one.

 

....well I may be missing something here, and I don't particularly want to encourage non-members to use CSs and CLs, but the details of all of them are very easily searchable on the respective club's websites, even for non-members.

 

(....and if any of you do try, I hope you get asked for your membership card >:-( )

[Guest pelmetman]

Robinhood - 2012-08-15 6:02 PM

 

(....and if any of you do try, I hope you get asked for your membership card >:-( )

 

Oh silly me............. I must of left it at home >:-)

[Guest 1footinthegrave]

pelmetman - 2012-08-15 6:07 PM

 

Robinhood - 2012-08-15 6:02 PM

 

(....and if any of you do try, I hope you get asked for your membership card >:-( )

 

Oh silly me............. I must of left it at home >:-)

 

I have only ever been asked for it on one occasion over the years, I think most CL / CS sites are just happy to have a little extra revenue, and let's face it, cash is king....................and why not ?

[Robinhood]

1footinthegrave - 2012-08-15 7:14 PM

 

I have only ever been asked for it on one occasion over the years, I think most CL / CS sites are just happy to have a little extra revenue, and let's face it, cash is king....................and why not ?

 

......and I wouldn't be suprised if the people that break that rule (actually, it's a legal constraint, not just a rule) are the same ones that let their dogs roam free, and don't clean up after them. ;-)

 

Funny old world isn't it. B-)

[Guest 1footinthegrave]

Robinhood - 2012-08-15 7:47 PM

 

1footinthegrave - 2012-08-15 7:14 PM

 

I have only ever been asked for it on one occasion over the years, I think most CL / CS sites are just happy to have a little extra revenue, and let's face it, cash is king....................and why not ?

 

......and I wouldn't be suprised if the people that break that rule (actually, it's a legal constraint, not just a rule) are the same ones that let their dogs roam free, and don't clean up after them. ;-)

 

Funny old world isn't it. B-)

 

 

???????, you've completely lost me !!!! but I am in the CCC club, but DON'T own a dog. ( as some will know )

[T8LEY]

Robinhood - 2012-08-15 7:02 PM

 

bolero boy - 2012-08-15 5:53 PM

 

T8LEY - 2012-08-14 12:21 PM

 

Just out interest and for possible future reference, where do all you non-members of 'The Clubs' find current information on CL and CS sites? I am aware many of these sites offer more than just 'club' pitches and must advertise somewhere separately but, AFAIK, not in one publication.

 

I, too, am interested to find the answer to this one.

 

....well I may be missing something here, and I don't particularly want to encourage non-members to use CSs and CLs, but the details of all of them are very easily searchable on the respective club's websites, even for non-members.

 

(....and if any of you do try, I hope you get asked for your membership card >:-( )

 

Sorry, I don't think I made my earlier question clear enough.

 

I haven't yet found a CL/CS that only has 5 pitches and have always assumed it's just five that are reserved for club member's use; Possibly why some are not asked for membership details?

 

So, I was wondering if the owners might advertise their additional plots somewhere else, because you can't get the information from the 'clubs'. Could be useful for when I follow the lead and cancel my membership.

[bolero boy]

Robinhood - 2012-08-15 6:02 PM

 

bolero boy - 2012-08-15 5:53 PM

 

T8LEY - 2012-08-14 12:21 PM

 

Just out interest and for possible future reference, where do all you non-members of 'The Clubs' find current information on CL and CS sites? I am aware many of these sites offer more than just 'club' pitches and must advertise somewhere separately but, AFAIK, not in one publication.

 

I, too, am interested to find the answer to this one.

 

....well I may be missing something here, and I don't particularly want to encourage non-members to use CSs and CLs, but the details of all of them are very easily searchable on the respective club's websites, even for non-members.

 

(....and if any of you do try, I hope you get asked for your membership card >:-( )

Robin, a simple list of search results is available to non-members but to interrogate a particular site for contact details, exact location etc requires a login.

[Guest 1footinthegrave]

T8LEY - 2012-08-15 9:14 PM

 

Robinhood - 2012-08-15 7:02 PM

 

bolero boy - 2012-08-15 5:53 PM

 

T8LEY - 2012-08-14 12:21 PM

 

Just out interest and for possible future reference, where do all you non-members of 'The Clubs' find current information on CL and CS sites? I am aware many of these sites offer more than just 'club' pitches and must advertise somewhere separately but, AFAIK, not in one publication.

 

I, too, am interested to find the answer to this one.

 

....well I may be missing something here, and I don't particularly want to encourage non-members to use CSs and CLs, but the details of all of them are very easily searchable on the respective club's websites, even for non-members.

 

(....and if any of you do try, I hope you get asked for your membership card >:-( )

 

Sorry, I don't think I made my earlier question clear enough.

 

I haven't yet found a CL/CS that only has 5 pitches and have always assumed it's just five that are reserved for club member's use; Possibly why some are not asked for membership details?

 

So, I was wondering if the owners might advertise their additional plots somewhere else, because you can't get the information from the 'clubs'. Could be useful for when I follow the lead and cancel my membership.

 

This site is making a start doing exactly that, but of course not all of them are listed as yet, take a look

 

http://www.5van.co.uk/caravan-sites/

 

Also some CLs CS sites listed here....

 

http://www.ukcampsitefinder.co.uk/

[Robinhood]

bolero boy - 2012-08-15 9:37 PM

 

Robinhood - 2012-08-15 6:02 PM

 

bolero boy - 2012-08-15 5:53 PM

 

T8LEY - 2012-08-14 12:21 PM

 

Just out interest and for possible future reference, where do all you non-members of 'The Clubs' find current information on CL and CS sites? I am aware many of these sites offer more than just 'club' pitches and must advertise somewhere separately but, AFAIK, not in one publication.

 

I, too, am interested to find the answer to this one.

 

....well I may be missing something here, and I don't particularly want to encourage non-members to use CSs and CLs, but the details of all of them are very easily searchable on the respective club's websites, even for non-members.

 

(....and if any of you do try, I hope you get asked for your membership card >:-( )

Robin, a simple list of search results is available to non-members but to interrogate a particular site for contact details, exact location etc requires a login.

 

....for the CC CLs that is true (but a Google search on the thereby acquired name or location, or more productively on certain well known campsite review sites will more often than not give full details). The C&CC CSs are fully accessible by the website, even to "guests".

[Robinhood]

T8LEY - 2012-08-15 9:14 PM

 

Sorry, I don't think I made my earlier question clear enough.

 

I haven't yet found a CL/CS that only has 5 pitches and have always assumed it's just five that are reserved for club member's use; Possibly why some are not asked for membership details?

 

So, I was wondering if the owners might advertise their additional plots somewhere else, because you can't get the information from the 'clubs'. Could be useful for when I follow the lead and cancel my membership.

 

....then I think you are labouring under a misapprehension.

 

CLs and CSs have to, by law (not C&CC or CC rule), allow no more than 5 vans.

 

The "C" in the acronym stands for "certified" or "certificated" and denotes that they have been allowed to take advantage of a concession in planning law, (specifically The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960) whereby exempted organisations may issue annual certificates for sites, stating that the land has been approved by the organisation for the use of its members for the purposes of recreation. Various conditions apply, but the two most relevant for the purposes of this debate are that the exemption only applies to use by members of the exempted organisation issuing the certificate, and there must be no more than 5 vans on site at any one time.

 

There are roughly 200 exempted organisations in the UK who can provide such certification, but the CC and the C&CC are by far the largest.

 

(Exempted organisations also have the ability to run shorter duration "meets" and avoid certain planning restrictions - the arrangements under which most rallies and THSs are held).

 

So - any site that holds more than 5 'vans cannot (legally) be a CL/CS.

 

I acknowledge (and know of) some sites running a separate area of a fully Licensed Site as a CS/CL (probably to increase the number of potential customers above that allowed under the planning-controlled license). Presumably, if they want business for their non-CL/CS area they advertise in the normal commercial way.

 

I also know that some CLs/CSs break the terms of their certificate, either by accepting more 'vans, accepting non-members, or both. As any of these actions could lead to close scrutiny by the planning authorities, and/or the certificate issuing organisation (leading to withdrawal of the same) I think any advertising of the above practice(s) is likely to be very difficult to find.

 

Blatant disregard of the conditions is likely to result in the removal of the certification, and the clubs are quite prescriptive if they find out, since they are wary of losing their ability to certify.

 

[T8LEY]

1footinthegrave - 2012-08-15 10:53 PM

 

This site is making a start doing exactly that, but of course not all of them are listed as yet, take a look

 

http://www.5van.co.uk/caravan-sites/

 

Also some CLs CS sites listed here....

 

http://www.ukcampsitefinder.co.uk/

 

Many thanks for the links Mike; just the type of information I'd hoped was available.

Cheers,

Trevor.

 

 

 

[Robinhood]

1footinthegrave - 2012-08-15 9:05 PM

 

Robinhood - 2012-08-15 7:47 PM

 

1footinthegrave - 2012-08-15 7:14 PM

 

I have only ever been asked for it on one occasion over the years, I think most CL / CS sites are just happy to have a little extra revenue, and let's face it, cash is king....................and why not ?

 

......and I wouldn't be suprised if the people that break that rule (actually, it's a legal constraint, not just a rule) are the same ones that let their dogs roam free, and don't clean up after them. ;-)

 

Funny old world isn't it. B-)

 

 

???????, you've completely lost me !!!! but I am in the CCC club, but DON'T own a dog. ( as some will know )

 

....yes, I know, and I'm aware that you don't like people breaking "the rules" with their dogs.

 

However, you seem to be quite happy that people break "the rules" regarding CL/CS use.

 

We can all be quite selective, can't we. ;-)

 

Frankly, I don't like people doing either. :-S

 

One of the advantages of the clubs is access to the 5 van sites. Their existence arises from concessions in planning law fought for by the clubs, and the setting up of legal and review processes that they, amongst others, run for their members benefit.

 

As such, you should be a member to use the relevant certified/certificated sites, and very much count it as a benefit of your membership. If you don't want to pay, don't expect to get the benefits.

 

There is nothing to stop individuals setting up their own "exemption organisation" and attempting to (legally) compete with the major organisations with such certification - but I suspect it would not be a simple or easy process. (Look up ACCEO for details)

 

Much of my response is not aimed personally at you, but the flavour of the thread is pretty depressing.

 

I have no problem with people deciding that a club is not for them, particularly if they feel they are not getting value from it, and under those circumstances I would expect them to leave. I find it sheer hipocrisy, however, to say there is no value in being a member, and then expecting to continue to use some of the members-only facilities having resigned.

 

My expectations of the respondents on this forum are (with some exceptions) generally quite low, but even then they quite often fail to be met. :-S B-)

[Tracker]

Robinhood - 2012-08-15 10:47 PM

 

I have no problem with people deciding that a club is not for them, particularly if they feel they are not getting value from it, and under those circumstances I would expect them to leave. I find it sheer hipocrisy, however, to say there is no value in being a member, and then expecting to continue to use some of the members-only facilities having resigned.

 

 

I do have to agree entirely with that philosophy but I fail to see what the earlier re-introduction the dog issue has to do with anything CS/CL related in this context - unless being deliberately provocative was the intent?

 

When we left the CC years ago we threw away the sites book and have not felt the need to go near a CL ever since!

 

Shame really because law or no law CL site owners need revenue if they are to continue and as long as they do not exceed the statutory five van limit and keeps a spare space for any unbooked arrivals.

 

I don't see what difference being a club member or not should make? It's not as if the club provides or pays for anything site related other than an 'umbrella' organisation with a small entry in the sites book?

 

Perhaps the law should be relaxed to enable CL/CS owners to be more given more flexibility in whom they may rent a pitch to?

[Robinhood]

Tracker - 2012-08-15 11:04 PM

 

I do have to agree entirely with that philosophy but I fail to see what the earlier re-introduction the dog issue has to do with anything CS/CL related in this context - unless being deliberately provocative was the intent?

 

 

..... a rather heavy-handed attempt to introduce some "humour". Maybe your familiarity with the same has bred contempt. ;-)

 

I apologise.

 

Tracker - 2012-08-15 11:04 PM

 

When we left the CC years ago we threw away the sites book and have not felt the need to go near a CL ever since!

 

Shame really because law or no law CL site owners need revenue if they are to continue and as long as they do not exceed the statutory five van limit and keeps a spare space for any unbooked arrivals.

 

I don't see what difference being a club member or not should make? It's not as if the club provides or pays for anything site related other than an 'umbrella' organisation with a small entry in the sites book?

 

Perhaps the law should be relaxed to enable CL/CS owners to be more given more flexibility in whom they may rent a pitch to?

 

I couldn't disagree more!

 

I happen to like the existence of planning laws in this country (though maybe not every interpretation of them), and think an element of control on the proliferation of campsites is essential.

 

The method of "exempting" organisations from those laws, in order to find a "lighter weight" means of planning control seems to me to be an admirable compromise.

 

Your view on what the responsibilities of an exempted organsiation are (in arranging and managing certification) are both over-simplistic and an understatement; many of the defined reponsibilities are really only practically dischargeable (properly) in a "membership" situation.

 

So, if a relaxation of the membership rule is what you desire, then by all means call for it, but be aware that a re-assessment of the concessions for exemption is probably a pre-requisite. This would be (under the circumstances) likely to lead to a much greater local and central authority (and Quango) involvement, and (IMO) inevitably lead to the loss of the small 5 'van site as we know it. (with a process more akin to that involving licensing and full planning permission, as now for the more conventional site).

 

Now, the use of such sites for me is much more aligned with location and "ambience", than it is with price, but an annual membership to enable you to use them is hardly going to be the greatest item in a caravanning or motorcaravanning annual budget, and is, IMO, a major condition of their existence anyway. If you want to use them, become a member, If you don't want to become a member, don't bemoan the restrictions. If you object to the size of the membership fee, then start your own exempt organisation (but don't underestimate the workload!)

 

To slightly paraphrase my current favourite, Oscar Wilde, there are too many people around who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.