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THE
PANEL CONSISTED OF:
Jackie
Lee - Chairman of the Northern Home Counties Regional Council
Rodney
Lambert - Club Vice Chairman
Amanda
Dunk - Regional Manager for the South East Sites
Emma
McQuillan - Club Executive Secretary
Ellen
Shotts - Commercial Accommodation Manager
Also
attending and available for discussion was
Chris
& Steph Lee - Site Wardens from Henley Four Oaks Club Site
Anne
Hales - a Club volunteer European Tour Host
Q
& A
A Member asked why the Club only e mail the lead member.
It was asked if the Club liaise with caravan makers
regarding quality issues and can these be fed back into the magazine. RL
explained that we do have a Technical Committee who seek to investigate
caravan problems in general and Adrian Hobbs explained that there is a
feedback method via the Clubs website
A Member expressed concerns that the new site and CL
signs are not as prominent as the old Club signs.
It was suggested that where sat nav directions send you
in the wrong direction when close to site a ‘don’t go this way’ sign could be
erected
A member asked if there was an electric car approved by
the Club that was suitable for towing and was the Club providing charge
points at sites. RL explained that there are currently 18 different cars with
5 different plugs. He further explained that Malcolm Groves was currently
evaluating metering on Club sites.
Fuel for motorhomes and tow cars was questioned
as to whether petrol or diesel was best. RL replied that diesel is now
considered the cleanest and that diesel was best served for rural use and
electric best for urban use.
Waste water from motor homes was a concern where
sites still retain metal lids on motor home dump points. It was explained
that there is a shift from lids to metal grating but there is a cost
implication.
A member raised the issue of tungsten light bulbs and
their continued availability. RL explained that most caravans are now
equipped with led’s.
A member advised that they were of the opinion that
site wardens were implying that monies were going into yerts and pods at the
expense of normal pitches. RL advised that 2 further sites were preparing for
them but they are currently only a trial. ES advised that only ground not
suitable for motorhomes or caravans was being used and that bookers were
members or friends of members.
The use of wifi on Clubs sites was expanding and many
members present thought the service should be provided free of charge. RL
advised that a charge was appropriate as the cost of providing the service
and the constant improvements required were expensive. Some Members were
confused as to why they could only connect one device to the interne
A member was concerned that he was not able to book
Club site pitches adjacent to his friends all of which had young family
members. RL advised that the subject had been discussed by various committees
and had decided the demand did not justify changing the booking system. After
a 50/50 show of hands in favour of reserving pitches it was agreed to bring
this to the attention of the Strategy Committee who were meeting in a few
days’ time.
The meeting felt that the rolling year booking facility
for Club sites was a good idea and was working well.
The Chairman mentioned that her caravan insurance
premium had reduced in price this year on renewal from the Club.
The question of vacating sites at 12noon was discussed.
Generally members are allowed to stay until 4.00pm with the permission of the
Site Warden unless the site is full in which case the 12noon rule applies.
A Member asked why he was required to remove everything
from his caravan or motorhome when admitted to a Caravan & Motorhome Club
approved workshop for service as this is not always practical or welcome. RL
was not aware of this requirement and referred the matter to Adrian Hobbs, a
Member of the Clubs Technical Committee to seek clarification. It was thought
to be a security and practical issue with damp checks on side walls inside
cupboards etc.
A Centre Secretary spoke of her concerns that the Club
did not take Centre rallies seriously and did not make land available for
Centre use. It was noted that sites within this Region were generally full
throughout the year and that the list circulated earlier in the year did not
include any sites available to this Regions Centres.
It was reported that some information leaflets provided
on Club sites were not always accurate and further proof reading should be
carried out.
There has been some debate concerning leaving dogs in
cars during periods of hot weather. Some members were concerned that dogs
were being left in caravans and motorhomes.
The Regional Secretary advised the meeting that Members
of some European Caravan Clubs are entitled to use our Club sites as a member
and pay the member fee when staying in the UK. He enquired where he could
find any detail of such a scheme when our members are staying in Europe. He
further advised the meeting he had asked the same question on 3 separate
occasions and still awaits the answer.
RL addressed the meeting to explain the workings of the
Club as many Members were unsure of how all the pieces fitted together.
The Regional Chairman thanked everyone for attending
especially the Panel, myself for organising the Event, Jackie Rickard for
ensuring the safety of the passengers on the boat trips and Ulla Daniels with
Audrey Cadman who ensured everyone was booked into the meeting.
Light refreshments were served on the terrace where the
Panel mingled with Members in a more informal manner. A complimentary visit
to the museum was very popular with many members taking advantage of the
opportunity.
A
final boat trip followed with a further 43 passengers to complete a very
successful and acceptable Event.
The Event closed at 5.45pm.
Dave Rickard
Vice Chairman, Northern Home Counties Region
The Caravan & Motorhome Club
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