Having applied to be a warden for 2012 (we use to own a guest house in Keswick).
We need to maybe buy a caravan and awning but as there are 2 of us and a dog would you buy a 2 or 4 berth. as said before we know the weight etc and how much we can afford.
My question is having to live in the caravan for 6 months would you take hoovers etc and normal pots and pans as to compared with melemine.
Is there anything you would take with you that you wouldnt take on a 2 week holiday.
As this would be our home for 6 months and we are use to a 3 bedroom house could it become claustrophobic.
any advise on being a warden would also be helpfull.
Sharon
------------- "People sleep peacefully in their beds at night
because rough men stand ready
to do violence on their behalf."
Definitely go for a 4 berth fixed bed. Making up a bed would become a huge chore if you had to do it every night.
We use normal pans in the caravan anyway. I would probably take crockery instead of melamine. I use china mugs as tea does not taste right out of plastic!
You will almost definitely need an awning for the extra space. Being cooped up in the van for such a long time could become claustrophobic. They can be set up really well on permanent pitches. I have heard of people using pallets with a groundsheet over as flooring to keep the damp out. I have seen domestic fridge freezers and 3 piece suites in some awnings!
Get a van with a fixed bed or one with lounges at front and back so you can drop back to make permanent bed (we did this in our last van) you need a awning for more space or it will drive you mad(we were touring last winter and couldnt put ours up for a while by the end i was going spare ). we have a table top freezer in ours and you need the space for food ,clothes ect, i have a steamer to do veggies and a small electric oven from currys (i dont rate the ovens in vans) i bake cakes ect we have the full roast every sunday no frozen yorkies home made.As for being a warden we are in our 3rd season and still enjoy it ,you meet some very nice folk the odd ones you hope dont come back lol do jobs you dont think about when you stay on a site like washing out dustbins recycle bins walking about picking up rubbish and the toilets well sometimes , but all in all its a great job
------------- avenge yourself live long enough to be a problem to the kids
As this would be our home for 6 months and we are use to a 3 bedroom house could it become claustrophobic.
From what I have seen of wardens working you will be outside, or in the office, so long that you won't have time to be claustrophobic. All the best with your application. Have fun
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Just been out to look at vans at a dealers close by and have decided a 4th berth and fixed bed is the way forward.
Weekend gypsy- you say your in your 3rd year, cleaning toilets etc doesnt bother us as we did have 6 letting rooms in the guest house. Do you do warden work for private oor are you part of the C&CC. and how many months do you do it for. Where have you warden or have you been on the same site.
Sharon
------------- "People sleep peacefully in their beds at night
because rough men stand ready
to do violence on their behalf."
Its private and the only site we have worked on ,we start Easter time till November hubby didnt want to do it as we had both given up work to spend our time touring but i fancied doing it and both love it .We get to tour a bit in winter and fly off to the sun before its time to start work again. Our plan is hopefully do a couple of more years wardening change to a moterhome go off touring again and spend part of the winter abroad
------------- avenge yourself live long enough to be a problem to the kids
Hi. This is my first season working on a campsite.
Definitely get a fixed bed van. Things I've had to sort out for staying longterm on a site as opposed to a fortnight's holiday include changing my mobile phone tariff to one that fits better to my changed phone usage (now that I don't also have access to a landline) and internet access. I've also had to think about the most economical/effective way of washing, drying, airing all the laundry, including big items like bedding.
I have stuck with proper mugs and glasses but melamine plates and bowls as previously.
If I was buying an awning to be up all season then I would only be looking for a full size Isabella or similar. Hope that helps.
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
We worked as Wardens/Managers for 14 years for the C&CC and believe it or not in all that time we had A 2berth Avondale Sandmartin, an Award Brightstar and then back to an Avondale Sandmartin- later model. All were 2 berths and the Brightstar was 15Ft and the Sandmartins 14ft 5in. The main reason for the size is that we live up a very rough steep road with a very bad corner and anything longer than 15ft we wouldn't get home. We retired in 2002 and we are still using the last Sandmartin.
An awning is essential and have the best you can afford. We had a Trio Elegance, an Isabella and then back to a Trio. We did have a wooden floor raised of the concrete base on lengths of wood and covered with an old carpet.
A lot depends on whether you will have an reception office with a place to sit during the day and cook. We also had our own shower, loo and washing machine. A microwave is a must if only for warming up food you have had to leave to book someone in. Also a decent TV.
We enjoyed every minute and made so many friends, I recommend it thoroughly and wish you all the luck in the world in your new venture.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: To previous wardens/wardens
