A MATE OF MINE CALLS ME A " HARDCORE" CARAVANER BECUSE WE GO AWAY WITH NO ELECTRIC HOOKUP . OR SHOWERS, OR SHOP AND STAY IN A FILED SOMWHERE. ITS GREAT ITS WHAT A CARAVAN IS FOR, WAS ONCE ON A RALLY AND A BLOKE FROM THE SITE NEARBY WALKING HIS DOG SAID HOW DO YOU MANAGE WITHOUT ELECTRIC. WE MANAGED AN 18 DAY HOL WITH NO HOOK UP AND HAD A GREAT TIME . AS FAR AS RALLIES GO ID SAY STAY RESONABLY LOCAL AND ENJOY
We were warmly welcomed by the stewards and escorted to our pitch (This was on an independent site which we'd been to before) It was dark and cold by the time we'd finished setting up so we got tucked up inside and didn't see anyone apart from on our toilet trips.
Next day we walked around the site and took our daughter to the park - there were very few people about. Took a trip to the seaside and then into town. After lunch we strolled again. still no-one about. A "social" was organised for the evening so we went along to join in. Bar prices were very steep and we were a bit miffed at having to fork out for drinks when we'd taken our weekend supplies but we stayed for a couple of hours to appear sociable until our daughter said she was bored so we went into the main complex where she went into the amusements and we got chatting to another couple.
Next day, despite our daughter hanging around outside she still didn't find anyone to pal up with so we went to the playpark again until it was time to go to "Flagpole" There was someone(she looked like a staff member rather than a club member) selling cups of tea etc. We were called to the front to receive an official welcome and a plaque.
Obviously it will take time to get to know people and we are prepared to keep at it. Our next rally with them is a field one so I expect more people will be out and about and as its a Youth Rally I'm hoping our daughter will get to know some of the children so that its more fun for her .
It was a nice experience and we're happy to go again but we'll keep going to C&CC rallies too as our daughter has a good circle of friends there and we know quite a few people to chat to as well.
It is as I said. Different centres have different rallies
Perhaps next time choose a small rally with no electric, showers or play park where member entertain in an awning or gazebo rather than at a commercial clubhouse. I would not call the weekend you attended a true rally!
We used to rally when we had our last caravan and the children were small, and enjoyed some wonderful locations and events thanks to a wonderful social secretary at the time called Fudge Bell. Sadly, he passed away, and since that time the local rallies have never been much more than a group of friends who regularly gather together in a field somewhere for the weekend to enjoy eachothers company and plan their trips in convoy off to more distant lands.
We have only tried one rally since we bought our present caravan, but to be honest it was all very 'us & them' regards where you were allowed to pitch, with the regulars being given the better pitches on hardstanding, and the entire set up looked as though there was a bit of caravan snobbery going on with the caravans lined up dealer fashion in ascending order of price, the best ones being next to the chairman's caravan!
One of the best CC rally centres we ever attended was one of the Yorkshire ones, a real big welcome and everyone treated like an old friend, just a pity they were a fair distance away from us to be just attending the weekend meets,but we had a lovely weeks rally with them up at Cayton Bay one year with a 'Hi-Di-Hi' theme complete with entertainment and kids fun competitions to enter.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Call me a blue plug caravanner! Been there, done that and watched my battery drain, lights go out, etc etc, yes you can take extra battery, buy a gennie, solar panel the list goes on! Much prefer CLs with elec and they are cheaper, there are also a lot of falling out between members and committee members, too many rules, for me caravanning is about chilling out, not feeling you have to join in with competitions meetings etc etc! It's not to everyone's taste and I don't want to offend anyone, just turn up and don't become part of the furniture because that's when trouble starts!
Hi Scott because of your location just have a look at The Compass Club - You will find they are very pleasant and approachable and welcome kids. They have hook ups and non hookups you can join in or just use their cheap prices and do your own thing no pressure.
------------- A barman is just a pharmacist
with a limited inventory
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: cc rallies
