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It's funny, but camping and caravanning seems to be the one activity that is still 'friendly'.  It was noticeable at the caravan show how people looking in vans chatted to each other, commenting on positives and negatives of the vans being 'visited',  rather than just 'blanking' the others, as sometimes happens in similar circumstances.

I do agree, though, that we have become increasingly suspicious of strangers (for instance) or paranoid about being mugged, or robbed, so much so that we are 'not doing things' in case.  Even on these forums you read about people who won't do a lot of things in case something untoward happens, where I'm old enough to do it and 'damn the consequences'. 

Let's keep caravanning the friendly activity it's always been - and let's also hope that the programme makers have the sense to realise there's a market out there - and that they should show the positive aspects of caravanning in 2009 rather than 1979!!

I enjoyed this programme, taken at face value as a trip down memory lane and an insight into the origins of our hobby - and a chance to reflect on how things have moved on.

Some things don't change, though - even 60 years down the line and in our supposedly emancipated 21st Century - when I have arrived on site towing a caravan (or drivng a large motorhome), with two kids in the car and no man in sight, I am often viewed with suspicion by fellow campers and wardens alike.

I thought the two older ladies were fantastic!  Reminded me of the fantastic spirit my Nana had.

Not surprised, Caz.  When you consider how some men feel about women drivers, you can imagine their distrust when they see a woman towing a caravan.  As with oldies like me, you're not supposed to be able to do that!

Bertie.

Just watched it and quite frankly, as one new to caravanning as an adult, I think the programme portrayed caravanners as either old or complete anoraks!

It was great looking back and it reminded me of the times I spent in the 60s and 70s in my grandparents caravan (a Sprite or two as I remember).  We had fantastic times staying on farms and in the New Forest.

Back to today - I would have preferred it if the programme makers had shown 'normal' families enjoying their caravanning.  From what I have seen so far there are more and more younger people turning to caravanning (and camping) as an alternative to the stress of hotels and delays at airports, etc. 

I think the programme might just put some people off the idea if they were watching with a view to perhaps becoming 'caravanners'.

Well, thanks very much for the tip - caught the programme tonight (Sunday)

Interesting to me and She Who Thinks I Waste Money - but probably only because we are already caravanners.  If we weren't I don't think this programme would see us rushing off to our local caravan dealership tommorrow -;)

Although the glimpses into the past were a fascinating social document, it did start to become rather tedious after a bit - in fact, it seemed more like a programme about particualr holiday reminecesnces, rather than a documentary on the development of caravans.

Like others, I was surprised by the emphasis on old (ancient) caravans - why on earth film an 'historic caravan' rally? - why not visit a club site and get some footage of 'normal' caravaning 2008 style?

although there was a reference to the amenities in modern vans, we were not shown fully fitted shower rooms or fixed island beds - in fact, anyone unfamiliar with caravans since 1970 could be forgiven for thinking that nothing had really changed, and that we all pop outside in the middle of the night to spend a penny in an elsan bucket & toilet tent ;)

Must agree with the lady who commented that people no longer socialise as much on sites, though.  When we began in the early 1980's it was common for people to stroll around in the evening, chatting and generally being friendly

It has been noticeable in the last few years how people do retreat into their vans before dusk - pulling the blinds firmly down and keeping the world at bay until the morning -;)

Quote: Originally posted by Returnee on 01/3/2009

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Must agree with the lady who commented that people no longer socialise as much on sites, though.  When we began in the early 1980's it was common for people to stroll around in the evening, chatting and generally being friendly

It has been noticeable in the last few years how people do retreat into their vans before dusk - pulling the blinds firmly down and keeping the world at bay until the morning -;)

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They are trying to avoid all the nutters who are strolling around and trying to be friendly...

Quote: Originally posted by Viggo on 02/3/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by Returnee on 01/3/2009

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noticeable in the last few years how people do retreat into their vans before dusk - pulling the blinds firmly down and keeping the world at bay until the morning -;)

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They are trying to avoid all the nutters who are strolling around and trying to be friendly...

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ROTFLMAO!!  - the answer to that problem is to bang repeatedly on their caravan door shouting, "Come out and be my friend!!"   That's sure to break the ice....

One useful tip for friendship seekers - it's generally safer if the husband is less than  6' tall and weighs less than 16 stones ;)

Having said that - do you not think that people are, generally, much more suspicious and insular these days?   As we now live in a society where people step over fellow human beings who collapse in the street, it's hardly surprising that the Hi-De-Hi spirit has vanished from camp sites.