Hi there I'm looking to camping today any singles about who wish to join me at a campsite I have a campervan, I love in Essex but willing to travel to Kent within a 90 mile radius.
Who in their right mind would sign up to a forum, and then immediately suggest a meet up with total and utter strangers?
Who in their right mind would spend a year or more joining in with this fine forum of ours, and then agree to meet up with someone who has literally just joined?
How can anybody agree to a meet up if there is no mention of areas/regions/sites etc? I know it's UKCS, but UK is a pretty big place, when all said and done!
I agree we all have to start somewhere, but walking in and immediately start looking to form friendships seems a little odd to me? Maybe it's just me?
I concede, we never actually know each other, until we do actually meet. I've been on here for over 5 years now... and on a very regular basis... and there are certain posters who I'd be happy to meet up with (read "I'd risk it!"), and some I'd want to stay well clear of.
Of course, I could be well off the mark, but after 5 years, I like to think I have a good idea who is nice and friendly, I have an inkling of who would be total bores, and I'm fairly certain which ones are the psychos!
Indeed, I'll be meeting up with some fellow UKCS members myself next year... But I've at least been in touch with most of them, albeit only via these forums, for the bulk of those 5 years.
All have a common denominator of the tent we own, and the meet up is arranged via the tent seller, by invitation only... so if one of us proves to be a mass murderer, at least any survivors will know who to blame!!
But for individuals, going it alone, wouldn't it be wiser to "get to know" folk on here first, and indeed get to be known, even if it is only via an on-line forum.
Of the three newcomers that have initiated proceedings on this particular thread, none have yet to go on to contribute to any other threads/subjects/topics. No mention of wider interests, hobbies etc. No hint at their likes, dislikes, their sense of humour, their approach to camping etc.
I appreciate I haven't worded the above very well, and for that I apologise. I accept the above will put me at the bottom of the list, when it comes to these newcomers compiling their list of "UKCS members I would like to meet".
In fairness, that probably goes for those who have actually "got to know me" over the past 5 years too!
But like I say, it's quiet on here, and I couldn't help thinking out loud!
What Mucker is trying to say basically is you don't know who you can and can't trust and anyone attempting to arrange a meet up that's not officially organised by a club could possibly lead to disasterous concequences.
I once knew someone a few years ago who arranged a camping/fishing trip with strangers only to find that the next morning all their fishing tackle had disappeared and no trace of the other so called friends which their departure must have had a professional background in terms of silence and undetection. We don't know if any new friends have had a history of petty crime or even spent time in prison for theft etc. so it's a very risky to say the least trying to arrange a meet with strangers and requires some serious thought and common sense.
There's nothing wrong with creating friendship with the right people as genuine frienship is priceless but I can truly understand where Mucker is coming from on this issue and have to agree.
If you want to meet people with the same interests then the best advice is to join a club that runs rallies around the UK which aims to promote frienship which is exactly the aim as the original posting by the OP.
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 02/11/2017
What Mucker is trying to say basically is you don't know who you can and can't trust and anyone attempting to arrange a meet up that's not officially organised by a club could possibly lead to disasterous concequences.
Now why couldn't I have put it like that!!
That's exactly my point. Thank you, Tango!
Certainly no offence meant to anyone who puts these posts up, and apologies to any of them, including Fozy28, if my post caused either offence or confusion.
These forums are a mine of information, and a little entertainment can be had too, if you're lucky!
Over time, I guess you do pick up on those who appear to have similar interests/outlook (on camping/life/other), and indeed it can become known whether they camp in a similar location to you, or like the same sort of sites etc.
Have a nosy around, Fozy28, and join in the odd discussion or two, if it takes your fancy. You're more than welcome... despite first impressions! (Sorry!)
Some years ago meets were held quite regularly organised by UKCS members but it doesn't seem to happen now...unless it's all done via Facebook and I don't have an account.
It seems particularly difficult for solo/single campers to meet up.
I tried on a couple of occasions to organise meets, even reserving pitches at one site before it all gradually fell through as individuals dropped out. I had to go cap in hand to the campsite owner and apologise. Thankfully no money had been paid out and she was able to re-book the pitches.
I am aware of one solo meet arranged by somebody else and only two of us turned up.
I have been to a couple of large family meets but didn't feel particularly made welcome. That could be due to my own 'shyness' within large groups but the 'regulars' all seemed to stick together in little sub groups or went off and did their own things which made meeting up rather pointless in my view.
So, I would imagine anyone coming in here for the first time looking for meet ups isn't going to get much joy. I wonder how many campers who post in the solo thread actually get to meet anyone?
Best way folks, decide where and when you want to go, then post it. you could end up on your own or have company. Remember solo is not always for singles, I have a partner but camp solo, but do meet up with people I know. Recently some posts sounds like a dating agency and maybe putting people off. I agree with the above, I've been a member of this forum for years. I've gone on to camp with members, however, even though I hadn't met them, I knew who they are like a friend.
At the end of the day we all like camping and like minded. Good luck
Post last edited on 21/11/2017 13:20:46
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