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David - there is this thing called the 20ft rule which a lot of people say is a guideline not a rule.  It is a rule (at least in the C&CC) whether you are on a CL, rally or whatever.  I queried this at a rally not because I did'nt believe it, but because so many people say it's not a rule.  It was there in black and white in the stewards notes from the C&CC.  It is a sensible rule and 20ft is easily paced out, I always do it.  It is more for safety but also ensures your neighbour does'nt pitch almost in your awning!

Falfa - you should try a rally.  They are'nt always meets where activities are put on, a lot of the rallies we go are just really a few units (perhaps a dozen or so) for a peaceful (and cheap) weekend with the opportunity to socialise if you want to invite people round for a cuppa or glass of wine.  There are a lot of fun rallies too with different activities, horseshoe competitions are a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

By the way, no criticism please regarding my comment about the 20ft rule.  I've seen it in writing and I hope that all you folk out there stick to this whether you regard it as a rule or guideline

Happy camping everyone, despite the awful weather today

Jazzycats.

Whatever you do, don't base your decision on some peoples' preducices. When rallying with an owners' club with my parents in the 60's it was always said that the Caravan Club consisted of posh, snobby, rich, retired military types and I still occasionally hear something along those lines said today. It may possibly have been true then but certainly not now. I've been with the CC for 27 years and the C&CC on and off during that time and I have found little to choose - just different sites in different places and the people are much the same in both. There are people of all sorts - and I mean ALL sorts.

The CC is a very efficient outfit - as it needs to be given its sheer size although not to say I don't have issues occasionally. Their web site is pretty good as well (don't know about C&CC).

Apart from a couple of National's, I have never rallied since those far off days which were hugely enjoyable with fantastic people. I think that's because I have always felt I could never re-create those times but maybe I will give it a go again one day.

We have been members of the CC for 15 years and in fairness have never been members of the CCC so cannot compare.

However with a CC site you do get as near to immaculate as you will probably get consistently across the UK. Pitches are generally big and spacious enough, though that doesn't always apply to those managed under contract (Wood Farm Charmouth for example). Facilities are always warm and pretty much spotless and the wardens are normally very friendly and helpful (we have only ever met one right old misery guts so cannot complain).

Downside. Well none really, the kids complain that they are boring but they are 14 and 16 year old girls so I'll say no more. It must be said though that they don't go overboard with play areas for youngsters they could do a bit more.

The CC also has 'bolt ons' like insurance, European Assistance, etc which appears to be second to none BUT I do have a sneaky suspicion that to some degree it is getting a bit too much of a business and little less a CLUB. I also have concerns about how closely they appear to be tied into companies like Bailey when they should be independent and looking after the member.

I think it is still worth it at this point in time though.

I too have belonged both clubs over the years, My preference without a doubt is the C &CC club although I find this site very good and best of all free!

I have recently had quotes from the Caravan club for insurance and they were the dearest. I had quotes for recent ferry crossings and once again they were the dearest! Like the previous author I wonder how much of a "club "it is or whether the commission etc is going to pay for a staff member at the CC?

I too have had difficulty in booking on their sites recently. They have far too many hard standings etc and not all campers want them. Whilst I acknowledge the need for Rules particuarly the 20 foot rule some are a little over the top with their  "do's and don'ts" . I have found many commercial sites to be just as good (In some cases better) and cheaper too. I will not be renewing my membership next year!

My advice stick to this forum!

Quote: Originally posted by jeanm on 25/8/2008

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I too have belonged both clubs over the years, My preference without a doubt is the C &CC club although I find this site very good and best of all free!

I have recently had quotes from the Caravan club for insurance and they were the dearest. I had quotes for recent ferry crossings and once again they were the dearest! Like the previous author I wonder how much of a "club "it is or whether the commission etc is going to pay for a staff member at the CC?

I too have had difficulty in booking on their sites recently. They have far too many hard standings etc and not all campers want them. Whilst I acknowledge the need for Rules particuarly the 20 foot rule some are a little over the top with their  "do's and don'ts" . I have found many commercial sites to be just as good (In some cases better) and cheaper too. I will not be renewing my membership next year!

My advice stick to this forum!

    

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When ever this subject is discussed the comments always falls into to camps (whoops pun!) It may well reflect how people are in there non camping life. As a long time member of the Caravan Club I perceive it to be a very professional organisation that does everything to a very high standard. Perhaps it is this professionalism that puts some people off? Although I have no real experience of the CC&C I perceive it as not being as professional and also not meeting my needs with such things as deposits for site bookings, pre-allocated pitches and restrictions on booking. That is not a global criticism of the CC&C it is just my personal impression. To me there just seems to many barriers in the way for me wanting to join the CC&C. Perhaps what we need to do is persuade both clubs to allow joint membership for a 3 month period to allow doubting thomas's on both sides, like me, to experience the other club?

David

We are members of both clubs but have only used the C&CC sites before we also became CC members last year. We now only use CLs and CSs, don't do rallies or temporary holiday sites. C&CC club sites are ok but no longer for us, too large, too expensive (even with age concession) and I know I will be shot down in flames but we don't like the 11pm rule, 11.30 would suit us much better, just so we can put the car next to the caravan after being out for the evening.

Anne

Quote: Originally posted by Jazzycats on 17/8/2008

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It depends whether you like big sites, CLs or rallying.  I've been a member of the C&CC for several years and always found plenty of good CLs, which is our preference for sites, through the Big Sites Book.  Also there are loads of rallies in our area which are quite inexpensive and lots of Temporary Holiday Sites around the UK.  We never use big sites so can't comment on how they operate.

However, last year I joined the CC too.  I was looking for more choice of CLs and rallies.  I have to say I was disappointed on both points.  So many of the CLs had a no dogs policy which is no good for us with 3.  We went on only 1 rally where you are regimentally pitched (everything was measured) and you have to go where they say.  We were given a really awful pitch under a tree whose branches banged the roof of the van all the time as it was a windy weekend.  We asked to have another pitch because of the branches but were told no.

It's horses for courses, what suits one might not suit another.  Try one club one year and the other the next or join both and find which suits you best.

Jazzycats.

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Hi

We joined the c&cc site in sep last year as we still had a tt.  We are wondering whether to rejoin this year as only twice have we managed to book on the site we wanted, once we had to go to another site as the one we wanted was fully booked and twice we have not even been able to stay on club sites as every single one in the country was fully booked.  We used this site and found 2 lovely sites for those times.  So we have only managed 8 nights this year on their sites so haven't even had a chance to get any of the promised free nights.  Also i find it very hard to book online as if the site you want is not available you either have to push the nearby sites button or leave the site to put all your details in again and again. 

Jeannie

Quote: Originally posted by jeanm on 25/8/2008

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Absolutely! Has anyone tried the Les Castels sites in France? They know how to run campsites! You don't need to pay a membership either! They are all top notch and run smoothly without the need for rules in the shower blocks, rules on the booking forms, rules at the bin point-rules everywhere! Yep we all acknowledge the need for rules but some of the CC sites I began to wonder- how many times do we need to see the rules?!

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