Is it the end of the road for our Caravan & Motorhome Club membership?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 лют 2023
- Something we've been thinking about for a while, we've made a decision!
Thanks for watching, please hit like, comment and consider subscribing
All videos and associated content are the sole opinions of the The Caravan Nut and are for entertainment purposes only.
Martin, Angela & Molly
Follow us on
Facebook - / thecaravannut
Instergram - / thecaravannut
#caravanning
#thecaravannut
#touringcaravan
This vlog has created a bit of discussion. Just to clarify a few things; We are NOT asking people to AGREE or DISAGREE! We are NOT saying the CAMC is no good, we are saying it doesn't work for us anymore. These are our OPINIONS and VIEWS just the same as everyone else's views on any issue. We CAN get better value for our money on independent sites. We DO NOT go to sites that are busy, full of partying people, full of bars and restaurants and rowdy people. Most of the sites we go to are SMALLER than your average CAMC site. We ALWAYS go fully serviced and within walking distance of a town or village. There ARE some great private/independent sites out there, maybe people should try them. If we we're all the same and liked the same things the world would be a very boring place!
Thanks
It seems like you don't like people having opinions that differ from you. So if you don't want people to disagree or agree stop putting your opinions out there
@@andythackeray9190 I was pointing out that they are my opinions and welcome all opinions, an opinion is a view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. I’m not try to persuade people to agree or disagree. If two people who are arguing about something agree to disagree or agree to differ, they decide to stop arguing because neither of them is going to change their opinion which is completely different!
I welcome a healthy debate, I’m not naive in thinking that people won’t have their own opinions.
Cheers
Do you use any particular campsite guides? We continue to use CAMC sites as know what you are getting. But if went elsewhere are concerned they will be busy, full of partying people etc.
Most of our sites come from recommendations from friends or we look very closely at previous reviews. I have just recovered a vlog on what sites we use which should be out next week. Cheers
Totally agree with everything you've said. we've only stayed on 2 sites and both haven't been a patch on independent sites. I'm sure they'll see your vlog and read the comments. It may be a wakeup call. They certainly have lots of areas to improve on. Great vlog Martin. 👍👍👍
Don’t think they’ll be watching me waffling on about their club! 🤣
There are some fantastic independent sites out there with lots more to offer.
Thanks for comments and taking the time to watch, cheers, Martin
Great vlog Martin I’m a motorhomer and a club member I agree with what you say the club are very greedy when it comes to pricing I recently stayed at the York site witch is a car park the price for two nights was astronomical the wardens where totally anal when I was cruising around looking for a pitch one of them came up to me screaming and shouting I was going to fast the blokes an idiot I won’t be renewing my membership again as there is some loverly independent places that have reasonable charges
Sad to here the way you got treated, just goes to show that the club are falling behind the times.
Thanks for watching
I agree, when you consider the membership subscription the club receives I would expect member prices to be noticeably lower than their commercial competitors. In fact, as you rightly say, they are often on a par with, or more expensive, than commercial sites with superior facilities. I've been a member, on and off, since the 1970s but this year will be my last, a decision made before seeing your blog.
In the current climate people are looking for value for money, don’t think they offer that anymore.
Thanks for comments and watching
Have to totally agree with what you have said. Club now relies on members being auto lazy as a default or being so well off just don’t care. It’s ethos under the more recent management has been lost, it’s about business income and spending it on tents, yurts, pods and lodges whilst leaving motorhome and caravan member visitors with quite often dated and long due renewal of the facilities they actually use for they aren’t using the lodges that are more expensive than a good hotel.
Agree, it’s a business that needs to make profit and if part of that company makes more money than another part of it then that’s what they will invest the money.
Not about members but making money!
Thanks for comments and watching 😊
Totally agree with you and another problem we've come across is that some of the wardens think that they are above the law because they can't get wardens they don't even look at your complaint when you report a problem
We've had a similar experience with a warden, people go for a holiday to relax not be dictated to!
Thanks for watching
That's part of the reason we are not renewing. Too many peg police officers
Have to say I agree with much of what has been said. Check in for sites was changed to 1 pm to allow extra cleaning during covid,and this has not been changed back.Site fees seem to have increased significantly, no doubt on the pretext of increased energy costs but not so for the CCC where the fees remain reasonable. Wi-Fi now £30 per year, for one device only, with very poor signal on some sites. We have been members now for 20 years. Someone at the club now needs to take a long,hard look at site charges before even more members jump ship.
That Wi-Fi is expensive, didn't realise that. Most people now have their own internet access, if the club got rid of that alone it should bring prices down!
Thanks for watching
Like you, we bought a caravan and joined the Club, that was way back in 1981. We stayed members for 30+ years and used some services. The overseas insurance helped us considerably after an incident in France. But, it became harder and harder to book the sites - as a teacher and nurse combo we could not book months ahead. Eventually we realised we had not used any sites other than CL’s for five years. The magazine was so predictable it was boring, there were much better mags on the shelves of WH Smith. We decided it was time give up. It was no longer a Club, but a business pretending to be a Club but unwilling to answer to the problems they were creating. Our final straw was a local event which we attended, after booking. We arrived the Friday evening and were ignored. No-one spoke to us until Sunday afternoon, when we were given an official “welcome”. By then it was too little, too late. We left that afternoon having felt like second class citizens. We cancelled our membership later that year.
I've heard the similar story about visits to local events and sites. That in itself is not the clubs fault but it seems like there is a hierarchy and people look down on you. Not a good holiday atmosphere. As for the mag...boring!
Thanks for comments and taking the time to watch.
We are in both clubs. We use Burrs Country park quite a bit through the year. (CMHC). But most club sights are expensive. The C&CC sights are cheaper and Clitheroe is our favourite. As we are over 60 we get age concession rates which can be as little as £18 at some sights. But like you say private sites can also be good value.
In the current climate they need to be competitive but I know they have to make a profit in order to run, however independent sites make money and don’t charge membership for the privilege of staying there.
Thanks for comments and watching
Bin with them for 10 years and if it go’s up again as it has every year since we joined this will be our last year with the caravan and motorhome club . Totally agree with you 100% . Wer 44 years old and when the old people that have loads of cash have gone there going to need us , ether look after us now or lose us later .
Hi Simon, I agree. They are not targeting the younger tourer, they are trying to but also alienating the older users who may not be computer savvy!
Thanks for watching
Interesting vlog Martin 👍. Yes the club have Increased prices and our caravan cover has gone up considerably 😕. We search long and hard for sites with serviced pitches and end up with mix of club sites, CL’s and independent sites. A plus point is the club are including / installing more serviced pitches during site re-developments. Just renewed our membership and we tend to stay at a couple of their sites per year so I suppose we get the membership cost back via the member discount. Agree with you about the magazine, they ought to include more caravan reviews. All the best, Rob
Hi Rob, what we’re finding is that we can get better value for money on sites elsewhere. As for the discounts, most of them not relevant to us and get most things cheaper if you shop around.
Thanks for comments and watching
I totally agree. We took our 2 grandsons to Malvern Hills CAMC last August. Cost us £31 per night. The same dates this year was going to cost £43 per night. Needless to say we will not be booking. Children used to go for £1 per night but this doesn’t seem to be the case any more.
That’s a big increase, I know all things have gone up in price but that’s a lot. Lots of other sites with value for you cash!
Thanks for watching
You do indeed need to be a member of the club to use CL sites. Access to the CL network is my main reason for keeping my membership going.
Yep, I realise that now. But still plenty of private sites to go at.
Cheers
I'm in the camping and caravan club for another month then won't be renewing . But I can tell you we have stayed on several caravan and motorhome CLs they are offered run by farmers and they have said no problem ! Trust me farmers dont turn away money !
Hi Martin,
I agree on the cost they are getting expensive,
We have been CAMC members for 14 yrs and sways enjoyed the sites, the ability to choose your own pitch suits us and you know the standard is the sane across all sites, just our view.
Good luck in all your trips without the club.
Looking forward to your next video.
Cheers Paul and Joanne
Hi Paul & Joanne, there are still things I like about them it’s not all bad but they do need to be more competitive.
Thanks for watching
Totally agree with everything you’ve said, we are pretty sure we are also thinking of cancelling our membership, they are getting ridiculously expensive, and I’ve had problems with the booking app, we use the CCC, especially for the rallies
Happy holidays
Seems a lot of people are thinking the same, thanks for watching.
We cancelled our subscription last yr x
Agree with lots of what you said. The new booking system is so frustrating, not easy to navigate. I raised the issue a while ago about booking specific pitches with a director but the response was they would lose business as people would not go to the site if they could not get their preferred pitch, absolute rubbish, they need to move with technology and the times. Prices at some independent sites are also very high for this year, so not too much difference. Also find that the behaviour of some guests on some independent sites leave a lot to be desired.
There is good and bad on all sites, we tend to go off recommendations from people we know. We have still managed to find independent sites cheaper this year.
Thanks for comments and watching
For me it's worth it for their really good 5-van CL sites. I only use CL's and haven't been on a club site for years (since the children no longer come with us). I've been a member for 36 years and it works for me with competitive insurance and breakdown cover but I understand it's not for everyone.
It’s not a bad club just not value for money anymore.
Thanks for watching
After looking at this, Martin, I would just make the comment that we all look for different things in our caravanning experiences. We're members of both clubs; both have their strengths but by choice we opt for the CAMC sites which suit us down to the ground. We don't want bars and pools. When we do, we use commercial sites...... Totally agree about the AWFUL new app, though.
There's a site and a club out there for everyone, to suit personal needs of everyone. The CAMC have some great sites but they are not necessarily value for money.
Thanks for comments and watching
Thanks for this honest review. I am picking up our first motorhome in May. Everyone keeps telling me we need to join this club and the other one. Lots of offers and discounts. However I am sceptical. Been camping all my life as I am a volunteer with Scouts. Also, we have spent years driving around in a 7.5 tonne horse lorry and am used the the quirks of attending shows and booking on etc. I joined the online forums for CAMC and have been watching youtube videos. I have also been looking at the cost of sites around the UK. Rather than judging by comments I have been evaluating the benefits myself rather than just sending them my £'s. Being retired I have to take a closer look at the costs. You are right about insurance. We have two cars with LV and am thinking I can get a better deal from them. It would seem for an organisation of their size that they havent a clue when it comes to selecting a software package for bookings etc. The trouble people are having is alarming and a real put off. I have been comparing prices between CAMC and private sites in Wales and Scotland where we want to visit in our first year and the private sites seem to be a lot cheaper. Your right as well. a lot of the camc sites are in the middle of nowhere . Not towing a car i want good public transport or be close to facilities. Will see how things pan out but I would like to say thankyou for your video. It has given me more to think about.
Thank you for your comments. I am overwhelmed with the amount of people who have commented and feel the same about the club. It’s a shame as they are supposed to be the market leaders in their field. Will see how things pan out, good luck with travels in your Motorhome. Cheers
Martin that’s absolutely bang on… I’ve been considering this exact same issue, with costs, previous block booking and cancelling at the last min and the new system hasn’t helped there cause ….we’re going seasonal this year at DK, off to torment the addys
They need to move with the times and be competitive. DK will be great, we’ve booked a few weekends in there already so hopefully catch you then.
Thanks for watching
Yes, you do have to be a member of the CAMC to book a CL. I'm a member just for the CL's.
Yep, I realise that now! Cheers
I agree, I chucked in the ccc membership. Also stayed at Beverly Park and bay view very nice sites. fully serviced pitch all the way , I gave up the tent for an easier life !
Fully serviced is the future!
Thanks for watching
We used to be in both the main caravan clubs, It meant we could use both cs&cl sites that way we could afford 4 weeks holidays a year with our 2 sons plus weekends. We used to pay about £2.50/ £3.00 per night when we first started, (the best part of a long time ago) we found some great sites all we looked for was a site with a shower.
Those site prices are long gone! 🤣 You don’t need much on a site as long as it’s clean. Thanks for watching
I think you've nailed it with the CAMC are not competitive enough with price or facilities. Good vlog 👍
Thanks for the feedback. Times are hard for everyone these days, value for money is needed!
Thanks for watching
I have had no problem booking sites, I have already found that I can book weekdays and weekends without having to split sites. Stopping people booking multiple sites often with no firm intention of turning up is the best thing the CMC has done. When I have travelled abroad I have often found you can book individual pitches but these companies are tiny compared to the CMC infrastructure. I also find some locations are pricey but if you want a prime location then market forces will dictate the cost. My two gripes with the CMC are that they invest far too much into cabins and not enough into getting pitches tidy, level and fully serviced.
From a lot of the comments, the club need to get back to basics and remember why they started!
Thanks for comments and watching
Hi Martin. I totally agree with you. It's not good with the app for C&MH it's was told to the people like us that attended the meeting that the deposit system wouldn't come in if it wasn't agreable with the members. We also will be cancelling our membership as we've only used it twice. A lot of private sites have now bought there prices down to be competitive with C&MH sites and C&camping Our holiday that we should have taken over Christmas was £80 cheap on a private site and we got one extra day as well 😀. Anyway great video cheers Paul and Sarah
Hi Paul & Sarah, I’ve heard people having a nightmare with the app. Also sounds like they are not listening to their members views, a big mistake in my opinion. Yes you’re right, independent sites have more to offer and a competitive price. Worth shopping around!
Take care, thanks for watching
Hoya.... great video as ever....we must admit that we have never considered joining any of the so called clubs.....nothing against them directly but just don't like rules and regulations etc etc... everyone has their choice and that's exactly how it should be lol ! Hope to see more of you very soon ... cheers Paolo and Roger aka 'The Camp Caravanners'
Yep, there are plenty of other sites to go at out there!
Thanks for watching
Great blog and agree completely. Don’t use main sites only cls Main sites are poor compared to independent and commercial sites.
Shame really, as I said they need to up their game.
Thanks for watching
Absolutely agree Martin. I only renewed last year as we visited Longleat but otherwise I wouldn’t bother as I don’t believe it is good value.
That seems to be the general consensus. Shame really, thanks for watching
I’m in agreement with what you said as well. We will remain members for the CL network (yes, you have to be members to access them). We’ve been members for 23 years and feel so let down with the way the Club is heading. We pay a membership for benefits and I can’t see the point of paying a membership, to then pay a deposit and fill in so many details to book, it’s like filling in a visa application to holiday in America or Australia! To say we’re disappointed is an understatement! To end on a positive note…I do actually enjoy the magazine! 😂
Yes not menu benefits for you membership money, I found I could get offer products cheaper by searching on the net. Not booked a site for years so only know what other people have said.
Thanks for watching
Hi I agree with you Martin all so the change in the time from 12 to 1 pm before you can get on your pitch and it's a rush to get set up and have lunch at a reasonable time wene you have kids
Wasn’t aware of the time change, yes don’t need to be rushing when you’ve got children to entertain as well.
Thanks for watching
Agree 100%. We left the caravan and motorhome club after 2 years, just found what they offered more expensive than privately owned sites and as for reserving pitches, that would be a good idea and stop people sending there partners or children ahead to stand on a pitch, why they book in. We are members of the camping and caravan club but that is because we get it with our breakdown cover. Again I cannot comment on them as not used any of their sites yet. good vlog, keep it up.
I believe members offer lots of good ideas to the club, not sure they listen!
Booking pitches would be an advantage, but still cancelling our membership! 🤨
Thanks for watching
Interesting to hear your thoughts and read so many comments in agreement. Have been thinking much the same ourselves as we too are only interested in fully serviced facilities and these are few and far between within the CMC sites. Apart from one in Norfolk we have only used independent sites and as you say, the magazine is of little interest so why pay the subs? One point worth considering is the clubs discount agreement with Volvo UK! If you are considering buying a new one it’s worth paying to join the club for a year for that alone. Other than that it’s a not so compelling.
You can also get fully serviced pitches far cheaper on some independent sites. As for the Volvo discount…prices way out of my league!
Thanks for watching
Totally agree we looked at Pembrey Country Park site fully serviced they charge £19.50 for service pitch plus £12.50 per adult yet private site fully serviced few miles up the road £30 a night massive pitches picnic table great facilities it’s a no brainier
Definitely a no brainier, they think they can live on their past reputation, however people are becoming fed up with them.
Thanks for comments and watching
Totally agree cancelled mine last year after being a member for 25 years. Was finding it harder and harder to get a pitch unless you want to book twelve months in advance and very expensive now, must say didn’t miss them last year stayed on some nice sites.
We once booked Rowntree Park, did it twelve months in advance. Great location for York but didn't enjoy the site, our van only just fitted on the pitch and it's a single axle!
Some great private sites out there.
Thanks for watching
Totally agree young man. We been thinking about the same as we have booked meathop fell for this Easter an was shocked we had to pay a deposit. We wanted to book another site an they wanted a deposit an some don’t offer discount prices anymore. You can book on there web site for same price none club member, silly really an your right will be loosing me this yr. We have our breakdown cover with auto aid, for me and the wife and any car plus the caravan is about £70 a yr. keep up the good work mate 👍
They are just not competitive anymore and sites done have a great deal on them. Will have a look at that breakdown company 👍😊
Thanks for comments and feedback 😊
I agree with all of your comments, I was a 3rd generation club member in my family having both parents and Grandparents as members of the Caravan Club and I really felt they couldn't care less about their members. I got into a discussion with a CMC staff member at head office after a booking fiasco and he quite rudely suggested the answer to my issues was to go to CL sites as basically you have to be retired with no children to make proper use of the club sites. We also try to book fully serviced pitches and private sites tend to offer more of these, some newer sites are all fully serviced pitches. The pricing policy is designed to discourage taking children by charging per child when most private sites are a flat pitch price (usually two children included), this makes them particularly uncompetitive even against high end sites with fantastic facilities. Like many companies offering loyalty discounts, they do tend to be on overpriced services where similar discounts are available elsewhere i.e. Merlin Entertainment theme parks where a pack of corn flakes would get you the same discount!
It seems the club is not a club anymore but a business which sole purpose is to make money. In years gone by being part of the club was a right of passage, however I feel they are now alienating the very people who made the club what it is today. Surely they can see that they are not competitive in the current climate. From the comments on this vlog even some die hard club fans have had enough, shame really.
Thanks for comments and watching
Hi Martin,we were Irish members of the club for years but after Brexit we could no longer avail of the breakdown insurance
we used going to France.Also we were not getting any ferry deals from Ireland ever !
the magazine was boring and repetitive so alas we left the club also.
Bloody Brexit! Yes not much happening in the magazine.
Thanks for watching
I think if they implemented the changes you mentioned, pre-allocated pitches (like the Camping Club do) and put more entertainment on sites that are also nearer to shops I’d probably cancel my membership…🤓 You can please everyone, but we’d be very unhappy if they changed. (We were Caravan Club members many years ago and they used to allocate pitches then, but it’s not great if you don’t like where you’re pitched…same with Camping Club today)
I'm a member of both major clubs and have been for years. I can sympathise with your reasoning. I think I will not be renewing after this year. Also, I'm dreading using this new app/system to book online and consider myself competent around computers!
A lot of people have mentioned the app, I haven't used it but did try logging in once and couldn't!
Thanks for watching
The main reason i joined CAMC was for discounted tickets for Santa Pod Raceway which pays for itself if you go to enough events (20% each event) and only other times were a CL site near to POD and the Diddly Squat site so far which were fine. I need to cancel my mag too as it goes straight in the bin also
A few people only have it for some offers and CL access.
Thanks for watching
Seems sensible if you’re not using sites or CLs. Probably are some CLs that turn a blind eye but you do need to be a CAMC member to use them and they risk losing their licence by letting non members on.
Hi Rob, yep that’s what I thought. Still lots of great independent sites to go at. Got some cracking sites booked this year and looking forward to them.
Cheers matey 😊
Same here, I booked 2 hols this weekend and found the CAMC far more expensive, also their website keeps telling me the combined length of unit and tow vehicle is too big for their pitches and won't allow me to book, never had that issue before- caravan is 7.2m !!!
Fairly standard caravan size, strange that won’t work.
Thanks for watching
As a motorhome owner we feel that the magazine (which is often in bin before the postie has left our street) and club is biased towards the caravaners. The majority of the articles about places to visit are interesting enough then they tell you that the nearest club site is, 20, 30 or more miles away which is fine when you can drop the caravan off then drive your car to the place or town of interest and get parked relatively easily.
Try parking a motorhome in a car park in a town, many which have height barriers or motorhomes are barred.
Relatively few of the club sites are within easy walking distance of a town or village, otherwise you're paying a lot of money to sit in the middle of a field which could be anywhere, come rain or shine.
When you consider you can, in France, for a lot less money get a fully serviced pitch and often get swimming pools, café's, restaurants and be within walking distance of a beach, village or town.
I'm certain that the inflated prices they are now asking are to pay for expensive pods which none members can rent and will be of no benefit to members like myself.
We will be thinking very carefully about renewing in the autumn when it's due. 😒😒
Some of their sites are fantastic, but not for users like yourself. The Hillhead site I mentioned is in the middle of nowhere in a place where all the towns and villages nearby are remmed over summer. No chance of parking a Motorhome in any of those towns.
Thanks for comments and watching
You are spot on about club site we’re not in any club site and the site we go on are far better with more things to do some of do have a bar and live music that if you want to go to them 👍
Yes better sites with more to do and better value.
Thanks for watching
I agree absolutely. The Club was formed as a touring club but it is now impossible to be spontaneous because there are insufficient pitches for demand. We cannot book months or even weeks in advance so for us it is useless even though we previously enjoyed our membership. It is not the issue of deposits, it is lack of availability with increased membership. They take our money but are not investing in new sites to keep up.
Valid points which a few people have mentioned!
Thanks for watching
Agree with everything. We have never used any of the sites, mainly because most have only 4 night vacancies due to motorhome owners only booking on average 3 nights, this stops those like us having a full week. The magazine is solely aimed at new buyers/owners and owners full of adverts for very expensive accessories, and how many of us travel to CAnada and Europe with a caravan?!!. There is no provision for owners of older caravans. I think this will also be my last year with them.
They need to cater for everyone and move with the times. It’s a big business now and money making seems to be the priority!
Think many people are thinking the same as better value to be found elsewhere.
Thanks for comments and watching
Totally agree with everything you’ve said, we are cancelling our membership as well
Yep think that’s what a lot of people will do.
Thanks for watching
For me, it works they are a good standard, I use CLs for weekends and club sites for anything from a week or two weeks. It may be that the club is run by older people and older people don't like change. I know what you mean about pricing, I am sometimes stunned by the charges, but then everything now seems to be dearer and caravanning is not cheap anymore.
Yes everything has increased in price, however they are not competitive in relation to independent sites.
Thanks for watching 😊
The elected committee is same as previous as no one else to vote for and if voted against online ignored as no other option to vote for the post! They are driving the business into huge expense and time of lodges, yurts, pods and tents that have power, water and drainage also put in to them diverting the caravan and motorhome income into facilities such members are not interested in or using whilst leaving those we do use out of date. Excuses those old people on committee gave was to create further accessibility and memories for older people and friends without mobile home but they are simply diverting resources into setting-up for future EV transport and decline as they see it of caravan m/h business so they are just another big holiday company chasing anyone though silly prices will keep people away. Ethos of decades is long dead. So flawed in their assessment alienating many as is their inept unfit for purpose bought in iT.
Well said and hit the nail on the head. Not the friendly club anymore!
I’ve been thinking exactly the same thing, when the magazines come they usually sit on the coffee table and never get read. In fact I have just moved a years worth onto the floor, meaning to read them at some point but doubt it will. There sites do tend to be more expensive and not as well run either.
A years worth of CAMC magazines to get through, that will take an hour! 🤣
Thanks for watching
Hi Martin The Club and I need to go to Marriage Guidance Counselling, we aren’t getting on. I think I may go down the Unreasonable Behaviour route. The Apps a nightmare, you know I’m not great with Tech at best of times. I like the May Day cover and the Insurance product for the van. Bumpy times ahead. I like the freedom to choose my pitch tbh. Take care matey 👍
Hi Colin, great reply from you 🤣 yes have been told about their new app…
Will find another breakdown cover,
Thanks for comments and watching, good luck with the injunction 🤣
Totally agree, the site are becoming to expensive taking into account it’s just a patch of gravel with EHU. They should price it like the caravan and camping club DA meets one fixed price per unit (2 adults 2 children) EHU if you want it not.
Definitely needs to be more competitive! 😊
Hi Martin, we use cl sites, adult only. The club doesn't have many but they are crazy expensive. Re your changing rescue; we were very badly let down by the RAC Sept 22, so much so we joined Green Flag earlier this year.
Not been to an adult only site, it’s on my list of must do’s though. Will keep the breakdown info in mind, cheers
I agree with most of what you were saying. We will be staying with the club until our membership is up, and then make a decision.We might stay with them for another yearto see if things improve. Their new booking system is dire. I would love to know what breakdown service you intend to use, as Mayday is ideal for us.
Still researching the breakdown cover but will report back!
Thanks for watching
@The Caravan Nut you can still be a member of mayday, even if not a member of the club anymore you just have to keep renewing every year, not been members of the cmc for 4 years but still a member of mayday 👍
Horses for courses, I joined pretty much exclusively for CLs so while I'm a new member, just to get access to that network is worth every penny for me. If I was taking family etc. I'd probably have a different view.
It has its good points and bad points, all depends how you use them.
Thanks for watching
Totally agree Martin
4yrs only used 1 time though when tried booking site was told full
Cancelled last year
Going to phone rac. As never thought about breakdown for caravan I know some people use breakdown with car but independent breakdown means not waiting for caravan to be towed if car breaks down
Though hope it doesn't with new kuga though never know
You can get breakdown cover from most breakdown companies, generally their standard cover will cover caravans up to 7m in length.
Thanks for watching
Totally agree about the magazine, boring, I still haven’t looked at the last one that arrived. Definitely very expensive to stay on the club sites too. Will be thinking seriously about my renewal.
Yep, a lot of people thinking the same way, shame really!
Great Club, we use the CL sites all the time, if you want to stay on crowded commercial sites, full of noise then good luck 😉
We haven't been on a crowded commercial site which is full of noise, most of the sites we use have less pitches than your average CAMC site. We always go fully serviced and within walking distance of a town or village. Maybe you should try stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing what's out there. Think you might be surprised!
I think you are spot on Martin, maybe going the same way.
Think we won’t be the only ones 🤔
Thanks for watching
A very good appraisal. I personally resigned from the club this month after 20 years continuous membership. It's sad to see the new T&C's and has no flexibility no more.
Yes, a lot of people have come to the same conclusion. Shame really.
I think you have hit the nail on the head, they have got too expensive.
We only stay members for the CL network, have to be a member to use.
The club seems to be more focused on glamping pods, yerts and the like than their core business of caravans and motor homes.
Think they have lost their vision and concentrating of making profit!
Thanks for watching
We’re retired, our pensions can’t stretch to the high cost of CAMH club sites, we mainly use cl sites. I did try to price up a CAMH club site in Cornwall but the booking system was a nightmare so I gave up!
Hi Martin I totally agree with you your paying membership fees and not getting anything back total waste of money I cancelled 2years ago nice little earner for someone take care 👍
We should have cancelled years ago but you keep it thinking, just in case! Not used it so it’s going.
Thanks for watching
Hi just for reference we were able to keep our mayday cover as we took it out when we were a camc member. We left the club for the same reasons lack of use and found it a bit pricey. Also I tend to find the sites a bit impersonal. I use independent sites and c&cc depending on where we want to go.
I few people have mentioned the breakdown cover being still valid. Our cover is due months before our CAMC cancel date so will hopefully keep it running.
Thanks for comments and watching
Well put and really valid points. It almost feels since the name change 4 or so years ago that everything started feeling odd. It lacks leadership and vision. The magazine as you say is a total waste of time with the odd article worth reading. The website / app has been a total disaster and there appears little comment from the club leadership about how they intended to fix the problem. The prices now are in some cases more than independent ones. As an example, we are away next week in the half term in Norfolk, fully serviced for £110 for 4 nights and the facilities including restaurant are great. This is a half term special. The nearest open club site was double the price. It’s a no brainier.
Keep up the good work!👍
Some good points there, I don’t understand how they can’t see what’s happening. Can they not see that they are not competitive. As the the magazine, not about caravans or Motorhomes!
Thanks for comments and watching
Once a pitch costs more than a b&b would that tells me something is wrong. Club sites are full of high end motorhomes, people with more money than sense.
I’m only a member for access to CLs. And no you can’t use CLs unless you’re a member.
Hi David, Thought as much. There are still lots of great independent sites that have a lot to offer. Thanks for watching
Completely agree with you. Will be cancelling my membership too.
Seems a lot have said that!
Thanks for watching
The only reason we are with the CAMC is for the CL sites now. We have always used the sites but now with the booking system and the cost we are only using CLs. You do have to be a member to go on a CL site.
But do you? Have you every asked a CL site? We have and have been surprised that a few have said we could stay anyway.
There are some great CL’s out there but we think some of the independent sites are just as good. Thanks for comments and watching 😊
I feel the same been a member 23years gone back to my old way booking private sites use to book CAMC sites 8 time a year now down to one my reason is peice when they started prices per person now private site still do that price per couples usually £60 to £120 cheaper
Been caravaning nearly 50 years back then was pitch per pitch
They need to look at the market and see they are not the market leaders or competitive anymore. Sad to see.
Thanks for watching
Totally agree. I think they’ve got too big for their boots. The new booking system is crap. We had to cancel a site because our Motorhome broke down, they wouldn’t refund our deposit, even though we’ve been members for 17 years (and it’s our club). We joined the camping and caravan club, much easier booking and the sites we’ve stayed at recently have been great. We won’t renewing our membership, they’re not interested anymore,
It’s sad to see really, they were supposed to be the market leaders, the professionals but other independent sites are keeping their customers happier with more to offer and competitive rates.
Thanks for watching
We had the same from a private company and as you have to pay the whole price up front we lost the lot, so disagree with you on that.
I agree with you but by cancelling your membership you lose access to the cl network, you have to be a member to use them.
Don’t use the CL’s so not that bothered.
Thanks for watching
We are leaving as well. The price has just got far too expensive.
Booking is hard work, yes the sites are lovely but if you look at sites like Rowntree in York it's just astronomical!
We are with camping and Caravanning Club for the rallys as they are cheap 😁.
That will be reviewed next year also though.
These days you want value for money, if you can get better value elsewhere then…
I am thinking the same got to admit hillhead is a nice site I use to go there as a child when the farmer owned it and it was fantastic. But unfortunately CAMC seem very expensive now.
Hillhead would have been a great site years ago, but profit and money take over!
Thanks for watching
@@TheCaravanNut always watch your videos yes they want around £60 a night in august there is better value for money like you said in video.
I also agree I have been in correspondence with the CMC about there app not working. The young lady helping has been brilliant but the issue is I still cannot log into the site app, so I've said that my membership is due at the end of this month and I will not be rejoining.
When it's all centralised it creates a problem, what would be easier if every site controls their own booking system, that way they can amend/change any details and have a better picture of what's going on.
Thanks for watching
Still a camc member at moment can't say I will when renewal arrives website is awful so many complaints and they do nothing about it starting to use private sites now ...tried rowntree never ever again worst club site we stayed on complete madness..
Yes Rowntree is an interesting site…if you can get on! 🤣
Thanks for watching
We only use the club for Mayday cover as our van is 8m and we can't find anything that is comparable ( if you know of any let us know )The RAC do Arrival but is far more expensive. But like your vids very informative.
If I find a cover will let you know. Thanks for the feedback on the vlogs.
Cheers
Pretty much agree with everything too. I'm not renewing when my membership expires, as I like to book a certain pitch, knowing its mine and then have no worries of arrival times, and not having to fret about pitching in a part of the site where I don't wish to spend my holiday. I too, have looked back and book more independent sites than i do through the club. I must say though, there caravan insurance is first class when I did need to put in a claim.
The same views as a lot of people, nothing worse than turning up at a site and finding you have to pitch that nobody wants!
We use Cover4caravans for our insurance, best price and service I’ve had.
Thanks for comments and watching
@@TheCaravanNut thanks. I’ll look into the insurance. Enjoy watching your vlogs. 👍
Thanks for the feedback 😊
It’s horses for courses surely. If it no longer suits your needs then fine but some of your points don’t stack up. Commercial sites tend to want deposits -same as the CAMC - and normally want full payment in advance - unlike the CAMC. Whilst the booking system has taken some getting used to its not that bad.
Doesn’t suit us, my points stack up. I mentioned the fact that you have to pay a deposit, I didn’t say I disagreed with it. I always pay a deposit for independent sites as that’s the norm. As for the booking and app, I said I believe there are issues as I have noticed people complaining endlessly about it, I also said I couldn’t comment as I haven’t used it.
Cheers
You joined UA-cam yesterday and your first comment is on this vlog supporting the app 😂. Come on, you guys can do better.
If you book a pitch then don’t turn up because you haven’t paid a deposit and it’s not cost you anything it blocks that pitch for someone who wants it.
Like booking four or five tables at different restaurants and only turning up at one of them.
Have to agree with.. just had the same conversation today!
Shame but when there is better choice out there…
Thanks for watching
I like to pick my own pitch on arrival, would not like it to be allocated. They have far better toilet/shower facilities, than any other nonee CAMC site we have been to. And am happy they don't have bars etc on site. The costs have increased but I think you get what you pay for.
I suppose it depends on where you go, there’s a site out there for everyone.
Thanks for watching
Hi Martin. I agree with what you have said. Cancelled camping & caravan membership last year. And now going to cancel caravan and motorhome membership. We also have mayday cover with them so I will have to look for alternatives. Lots of examples of not getting value for money. And site's in out of the way places. Whent to Cromer last year was going to book caravan and motorhome site but found one half a mile away closer to the beach and £98.00 cheaper for a fully serviced pich for a 14 night stay. In most cases I think independent sites can offer much more and value for money. Would be interested to know if you find a similar breakdown cover. Thanks for sharing 👍
Hi Paul, yes lots of alternative sites out there that are better value with more facilities. Cromer is a lovely place, went there a few years ago. A few people have mentioned I can stay with Mayday as I’m still with CAMC until August. Will see what happens l.
Thanks for comments and watching
The one thing that I’ve noticed Martin, is most club sites are mainly off narrow lines hard to get to.
Thinking it’s because land cheaper?
I’ve cancelled my subscription this year, just because it’s worked out twice now to book France are self, and booked earlier.
Won’t pay stupid prices for black horse farm just for a few hrs stop over.👍
We stayed on the port at Poole when we went to France, far cheaper than a site!
Thanks for watching
Totally agree. When our membership runs out we are not renewing. The C&M club are pricing themselves out of the market GREED. It should be fixed pitch price regardless how many in party or towing a car etc and yes the magazine is a waste of money it's almost same in every mag.
A few people have mentioned the magazine, I never found it interesting, I would expect more about caravans or motorhomes. They need to try to attract the younger generation coming into touring, they are not going to do that with the mag in its current format!
Thanks for watching
We are members of both CMHC and C&CC. As we are both over 60 we tend to use C&CC sites but also use CL sites. My son purchased a caravan a couple of years ago, he has 4 children and joined the CMHC. They booked a few nights away last year and because he has 4 children they sited them away from everyone else......they didn't feel welcome at all and were on tender hooks for the rest of the stay. Suffice to say they will not use CMHC sites again!
Sad to hear, thought it was a friendly club for all!
Thanks for comments and watching
For £1 a week I’m staying in CMC you know the standard of the site will be good the location of some of there sites are great
They have some great sites and some good locations, however are they value for money!
Totally in agreement on this,it's not as if you can't book onto one of their sites if you really like it as a non member.on our last visit to one we pitched into a secluded pitch as we have 2 very excitable staffies,I took them out of the car and secured them to a post while I got their stuff looked out,the warden had came from nowhere and sternly told me I couldn't do that for which I said I'd be 2 minutes his reply was again to tell me off.our membership is up in July and ours will be cancelled aswell.tbh I just don't feel relaxed on their sites as I'm waiting to be told off for something lol,it's quite off putting
You go on holiday to relax and not be told what to do. I understand sites need rules but it’s how they go about Policing them. It’s supposed to be the friendly club.
Thanks for comments and watching
@@TheCaravanNut Sorry to be a pedant but it's the C&CC that is called "The Friendly Club". We have also decided to cancel our membership of the CAMC due to cost and constantly finding wardens that range from aloof to downright rude and officious. We like to do a 2-3 week tour each year and mainly use independent sites with a club site at the end to use the MH Service Point to easily drain all the tanks before returning the MH to storage. More independent sites are providing such facilities so may not need to do even this small amount soon.
We’ve cancelled ours as well. All sites are exactly the same, always burn myself on the exposed hot water pipe on the shower, the magazines are boring and we’re cutting back on how much we go away.
A few people have said the same!
Thanks for watching
I have been saying for years they are too expensive and people have a go. Now those people on twitter are starting to see my way of thinking. When we met you in Norfolk sites for us with kids 45 a night and just had park and toilets. CL near by 15 quid. They charge as much a night here as in France where you get bars, restraunts, several parks, pools water slides, tennis courts etc. They are going to have lots of empty pitches this season I feel. As their older clientelle may not be able to go the club will die as not doing anything to attract younger people and families in.
Good points Paul, for you and your family in order to make is affordable you need value for money. The club don’t offer that anymore, shame really. As you say, younger people won’t join, more competitive options out there. As for Twitter, don’t use it anymore!
Thanks for comments and watching mate 😊
I went to a camhc meeting in scotland earlier this year,2024,members of the club put questions to the panel.
one question was about the pricing structure for instance charging per adult and each child £4,the answer was that they had to cover costs each year,it was then put to them they won’t cover costs if people don’t go due to the expensive prices.no answer was given to that one.
Interesting, they also seem to be putting offers on recently. Maybe the penny has dropped! 🤔
We came out of the club 11 years ago as we found we only used clumber park, but like you stated, you drive round and round looking for a suitable pitch. One of our favourite independent sites ( Dornafield) in Newton abbot has sold out to the camc, and already people are cancelling because the club will not honour the requested pitch. I thought about rejoining several years ago until I watched the TV show, what an embarrassing advertisement for the club, especially when it's chairman ripped the back panel off the van he was towing up the hill.
I remember watching that programme! Not a great advert. There are loads of independent sites offering a better deal with better facilities.
Thanks for comments and watching 😊
We booked Beechwood Grange for New Year ,when we arrived were told the men's toilets were shut, so ladies was now unisex ? really poor that I was not told this when I booked ! and no reduction on the site fee for the inconvenience
That’s not on. The toilet block there is really nice from what I remember.
Thanks for watching
We're in mainly for the CLs 👍
Some good CL’s out there 😊
I agree with a lot of what you said we have been a member for 35 years
And now think the club has lost the plot, to expensive to many daft rules and we now go to alot of private sites which are as good if not better than the club sites and better value to.
It's the value for money for us Ian, you can get better sites with more facilities in the same area you are looking. They need to look at their competitors!
Thanks for watching
Great vid clip we to are planning to give up our membership this year
Think a lot of people are thinking the same thing, for us not value for your money!
Thanks for watching
100% was going to book a site for 3 nights over £100.00 from CMC. Got an all serviced pitch not that much farther away for just over £60.00 , will be looking to cancel if prices do not change.
That's exactly what I was saying, better value can be found elsewhere!
I’ve been caravanning for 51yrs and joined the club then only had a 4yr break in membership since then due to being fleeced by the ex wife, the magazine then was called En-route and it did have some useful tips in back then but still heavy on adverts. Now we’re free from kids and grandkids as well as being a tight-fisted Yorkshireman we only use CL’s mainly because we enjoy the peace and quiet but also the fact that I recently bought my first brand new van and if I’ve paid for something then it gets used, in fact the wife says the shower is better than the one at home. We will continue with membership because I don’t want the hassle of almost having to beg if we can use a particular CL it’s just have they got vacancy’s, as for CL’s with toilets the first one we ever went on my wife asked about toilet facilities as back then it was still bucket and chuck it in caravans and the farmer pointed to the field behind us and told her “anywhere in there if you’ve got a spade just cover it back up”we sometimes wish they bring back that attitude.
We always use our own facilities in the van, that’s what it’s there for. Think the mag needs a overhaul, not much in there of interest really.
CL network is good, maybe they should brake away and start their own network 🤔
Thanks for comments and watching
You beat us to it, we have a video about this subject, which we will be releasing soon. Keep safe
Looking forward to seeing your views on the subject, cheers
We prefer to choose our own pitch on arrival and always will.On the new website, which I agree is a total nightmare, I believe you have to specify grass or hardstanding which I am totally against.We do occasionally use sites without facilities and could use cheaper cl's if we did more research. Deposits are good idea ,being forced upon us by the multi bookers who very often prevent you booking whole weeks only to cancel a lot of them at short notice. We find it easier now to phone to book first thing in a morning and speak to a real person like a lot more people are now doing. What was wrong with the very easy to use previous website !!
We always pay a deposit when booking independent or private sites, I also like the fact that I can phone and speak to someone at the site and more often than not request a pitch. Not used the CAMC booking system for about 3 years, no idea why they have changed stuff but believe people are not happy with it. Will sit back and watch!
Thanks for watching
I use the clubs sites quite a bit but definitely hate the new site for booking . Having a 9 metre MH I have always telephoned the sites to make a booking .
This is now discouraged but most sites are limited to 8 5 metres and there is no flexibility with a website - over length equals no booking .
To solve this my MH is now 8.49 myrs long
Just hope the wardens aren’t stood there with a tape measure when you get there! 🤣
Madness!
We've been a member for the last 5 years and in that time we've used 1 site and 1 CL ( neither of which were great or cheap ) but the missus does like doing the crossword in the club magazine 🤓
Buy her a crossword book, will be cheaper!
👍😁
I have tried to book some sites but the new system is so hard I gave up s9 who do you book with
Yes I believe it’s not great to book on the app. We’ve used Haven, Morris Leisure, Donkey Creek, Lake District Estates and Holgates. I usually just look and google maps for sites.
Thanks for watching
Totally agree with all your comments. We cancelled both the Camping and Caravan site, and the Caravan and Motorhome site clubs. Saved a small fortune, and found independent sites far better both in cost and locations. As for the special discount offers, they are normally dearer than buying on the internet. Also we did not like the Wardens attitude on most sites, far too officious.
Your comments basic put it in a nut shell, lots of people are thinking the same!
Thanks for watching
i dont mind wardens, better that than the free for all sites.