It makes me wonder if there is a "class of distinction" in the world of camping and caravanning these days because I have noticed that in the 'Meeting Up and Getting Together' section, when one of the tenters start a thread there are usually a TINY minority of members that will reply and wish to meet up and make a social gathering amongst the camping community. There has even been talk lately of past events whereby the campers recall happy memories of old times when UKCS members got together at past events. When it comes to the caravanners it's absolutely dead with no interest whatsoever so is it fact that caravan owners have now become a load of middle class toffs that snub the thought of having a social meet with other members.
It makes you wonder if there is any community spirit left at all?
I have to admit one of the things about camping for us is not meeting other campers - or caravanners.
If there is a specialism beyond that basic common ground it's something I may consider albeit rarely. Giddy, alcohol fueled meetings with random strangers is not my theing
Dunno where you are coming from with the toffs remark Tango? I think you have to regard a campsite as you would a residential street. Some folks are friendly & outgoing. Others might want to keep themselves to themselves.
All that really matters is that everybody should respect each other's space & not be too quick to pass judgement. For example before you condemn somebody as unhelpful for not helping to move your caravan consider they might have a bad back.
Tbf, just because we interact on this forum it does not mean that we might want to meet up irl & Ukcs is mostly a resource for hints & tips rather than a social club anyway.
I think the OP is commenting on how things have changed rather than being critical of anybody. There was, in days gone by more of a community, regular get together sort of spirit between members on this site. I guess the change is probably down to how much the membership numbers have grown over the years.
My guess is that it's more about the way that people use the internet changing. Two forums I used have closed in the last year or so and the one which I run is far less active than it used to be. People will still use forums to ask questions and look for hints and tips but the social side of the internet has moved to facebook (for the middle-aged) and whatsap and snapchat for the young.
Quote: Originally posted by SGThomas on 05/9/2016
As one of the middle class toffs that snub the thought of having a social meet with other members. I go camping expressly to avoid the lower classes.
Only middle class Stuart, you do yourself an injustice I do believe old bean!
I say hello / bonjour to my neighbours on campsites, however that is as far as it goes.
I have occasionally shared a few glasses of wine and on one site, the Garangeoire, was invited for supper. However these are the exception.
I am happy to exchanged info here but have no burning desire, regardless of wealth or social status to 'break bread' with any of you.
I am sure you are all wonderful in you way, except perhaps the contributors to the joke section whose humour I mainly find offensive, but we have little in common otherwise. Good luck.
Quote: Originally posted by Sheards on 05/9/2016
I think the OP is commenting on how things have changed rather than being critical of anybody. There was, in days gone by more of a community, regular get together sort of spirit between members on this site. I guess the change is probably down to how much the membership numbers have grown over the years.
Yes, I'm glad at least that someone hasn't misunderstood the question and fully understands where I'm coming from, and the part about the 'middle class toffs' was just a bit of tongue in cheek humour that's all.
Rather than people seeing the thread as being critical in any way, which wasn't the intention, I just thought it was good to receive some feedback. The reason is that last summer, another UKCS member with a touring caravan asked about meeting up for a chat and social get together in the evenings to which I replied and accepted. Apart from myself there were no other replies (but plenty of views) so just the two of us met up for a total of 4 nights and did our own thing during the day time and joined company in the evening which worked well and found it to be more enjoyable than watching the TV which most of us do at home.
We were going to meet up again next week (which was arranged several weeks ago) but unfortunately they can't make it for personal reasons but after having no response last year I considered it would only be a repeat once again gaining no interest.
However, I have noticed that when a tent camper posts about a meet they do at least receive a little acknowledgement in response (even if they are to decline) so out of curiosity I decided to raise the question why the campers and not the caravanners.
It's understandable that some people just prefer to keep themselves to themselves which is fine but I'm not going to stereotype every member on this forum as having the same attitude so there's no harm in asking my original question.
It's pointless having a 'Meeting Up and Getting Together' section if members are reluctant to use it.
No need for me to arrange any meet-ups with you lot
I live in a nice cul-de-sac and there are four families that all go camping together. Its bloomin great. We all get on and now even the grown up kids are joining in. So our own circle of super duper friends.
Oh, and yes I do realise how lucky we are to all get on so well
------------- Snowmen fall to earth in kit form........
Every day is a gift..That's why it's called the present.