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Reading all these posts about people who would be willing to help restores my confidence somewhat for this year's exploits.

Last year, I bought a new tent and successfully practised pitching in my garden several times.  Unfortunately, when we arrived at our campsite it was quite windy.  The tent was uncontrollable.  I am a single parent with a (then) 5 year old so I was trying to entertain her and pitch simultaneously.

The wind kept blowing my tent closer and closer to the next door neighbours and all they could do was mutter comments about 'giving them space'.  I had lost my inhibitions and temper after about an hour of no progress so I cheerily shouted out 'I'm not trying to invade your space I just can't control the tent'. 

Eventually, I packed everything back up in my car and went to reception and asked them to help (very close to tears at this point and quite happy to drive the 3 hours home).  They were very reluctant to help ('It's my break') but one young man did eventually come and the tent was up in 10 minutes.  Felt obliged to give him a large tip so I did.

There were loads of people sitting around drinking tea while I was trying to pitch in the wind.  There was no way I would have been successful without some help but all I got was muttered remarks and people obviously seeing me as the afternoon's entertainment.

I know I shouldn't have to rely on help but surely more hands make light work (and new acquaintances) however experienced you are.

I dont think I could have sat there and not offered help.  Im afraid im the type who goes up to parents struggling to push the trolley and control their small child and offers to push the trolley for them or to carry a bag when I see someone struggling to their car!

Im quite happy to be turned down but just cannot physically sit there and watch someone struggle.

Soft me lol

Sassy

I watched someone struggle with a diablo (there was 4 adults) for about 10 mins but when I realised they didn't have a clue I offered to help and they were so appreiciative.

We got chatting and it turns out we bought our tents from the same camping shop at the same time they were on offer. They were from a near by village but we met up in west wales.

Last Aug it was just me and the kids putting up the Venture 600, within mins I had my outlaws and uncle in laws plus cousins putting up the tent ( one of the many advantages of goinig to a site your outlaws have their van other being their van overlooks the park) I had given the kids orders to help with pegs etc but they disapeared to the park.

I will give anyone a short while before offering help, if I'd been near you (Jogie) and seen you I would have come over. There is no way I would sit and tut

Lol Jogie I think I would have just screamed OH COME ON SOMEONE GIVE ME A HAND WILL YOU!!!!!

 Lol

Sassy

My first ever time camping trip, friends had been before but forgot how to put the tent up, we managed just -  with help from a passing fellow camper, we were  just about to relax with a glass of wine when we saw a couple with 4 kids with what looked like a marque & no idea what to do, turned out they had bought it off ebay with no instructions, so offered to help even though we needed help putting our 4 man tent up & had no idea what we were doing,  using the children as ballast as was very windy we managed to get the tent up - lent tent pegs as they did not have enough & was repaid with 2 bottles of wine - have now converted my hubby to the camping lifestyle - think he is getting more enthuastic than me

Anyone who knows me from this forum...and the trouble I had pitching my TT almost single handed on meets(when I had it) will know how grateful I was of their help and how that offer of help was passed on by me at other gatherings..There are so many people I could thank for their help over the years but it would take too long to do so...Lets just say that even that cuppa or can of beer brought over unbidden while in the midst of awning erection was most welcome....I dont think I could sit by and ignore people who obviously need help...The offer of an extra mallet...a few tent pegs..or even  a hand holding the tent...goes a long way in breaking the Ice with people...who lets face it...are about to be your neighbours for the w/end/week..I have seen folk deliberately turn their chairs to sit and watch the afternoons "entertainment" but Im afraid I aint one of them......

Jelboy

Would like to thank the kind Gentleman from Stoke-on-Trent, never got his name but know he comes here, who helped us put our tent up on Sunday 12/07 at Wyse Farm Malton.  We had done it before and would have done it again but with his help the fly sheet went up in record time.  I am unlikely at present to offer help as totally inexperienced but am more than willing to accept it.

Steve