You might be a bit confused about the age concession after reading these posts. This is how it works - once you are over 55 the first C&CC site you go to you show them proof of your age and they stamp your membership card "Age Concession" and the fact gets recorded on the system. Future membership cards then have "Age Concession" printed on them. Although the system "knows" you're over 55 you still have to specifically ask for the Age Concession rate when you book (if using the online booking you have to remember to specify number of age concessions as well as the number of adults). The age concession does apply to individuals - i.e if one of you is over 55 and one under then the older one will get the age concession rate and the younger one will pay the normal adult rate.
That applies to Club sites. Forest Holiday sites are different. Unless things have changed in the last couple of years you don't need to provide any proof of age, just ask for the over 55s discount and in my experience only one of you needs to be over 55 to get it.
We joined the C&CC specifically for the Certified Sites as we love back to basic camping. I disagree that these are not suitable for families, it depends on your preference. We go camping for walking and cycling and the whole family are usually up early and tucked up in bed by 10pm.
We find that C&CC certified sites are generally small, remote and peaceful. The facilities are often better than you are expecting and the prices are less than elsewhere. If you are into clubhouses and swimming pools then its not going to be your thing but thats the beauty of camping, each to their own.
I like the magazine too, have never taken advantage of other discounts but for just over £3 a month its worth it for me.
It is nice to know the wardens are around at night making sure there is no noise after 10pm but I bet they aren't there at 6am collaring those noisy b****'s that rattle frying pans and slam caravan doors when I am trying to have a lie in
We joined this year after lapsing for a few years, at the time we were disgruntled at the bias towards caravans.
However my parents have discovered the joys of temporary sites and since we are happy to go to sites with little or no facilities this appeals to us and the 'get back to basic' camping.
So we rejoined and planned to have weekends / weeks away with the tent and a portapottie. Not quite sure how our 12 year old daughter is going to feel about this though, but sure she will be happy as long as we can keep her Ipod charged!
I got a years free membership a year or so back, as part of a promotion, the magazine was fine, but to be fair our main camping is in the South of France, I sort all my own bookings out and ferrys etc, at below anything the C&CC could offer.
So for me it would be a waste of money to be a member.
This question comes up time and again, and as usual a variety of responses.
We've been members for 7 years. Some great sites, although I use them mainly when camping on my own with my dog rather than with the family. Then they offer good value for money and usually good facilities. Plus most of the people I've met on site have been friendly, whether caravaners or tenters.
Everyone has their own opinion, but would recommend membership.
As a singleton who is also a carer, I won't be renewing after 10 years' membership, as the membership (£39 from next month, regardless of whether you're single, a couple or a family of two adults and up to four children under 18) is not worth it when you cannot get away frequently. I've also been getting increasingly disillusioned by an increasing emphasis on caravans and motorhomes creeping in. The sites are great though if you don't want loads of noise and I'm told the CS ones are good - sadly so many unsuitable for tenters with no "own san ess". However, each to his/her own and I'd not wish to put folks off with my experience.