The C&MC and use of electricity.

[Fisherman]

Before joining the ranks of Motorhome owners I had other pastimes where bodies and organisations helped to organise things, influence politicians, and generally seen themselves as guardians of there pastime.

When I started out in 2016 I was shocked to find that we were more or less regarded by much of the public as lepers, whose primary function was to travel from place to place, abuse what facilities were in situ, contribute nothing to local economies whilst being abusive to anyone who confronted us. But what really shocked was, the main organisations who more or less controlled our pastime basically opposed their own members, tacitly supporting those who would do us harm. Before CAMpRA no one stood up for us, and the media to this day have a field day with negative reports of our behaviour, whilst conveniently ignoring all the good that we have done.

I am not saying that we are all good folks, but then every group you can name from cyclists, motorists, hill walkers, to dog walkers have plenty amongst their ranks who's behaviour leaves much to be desired. Yet they are not portrayed as we are, and the organisations who support them are not in concert with those who wish to portray them in negative terms.

The two big organisations really have to wake up and smell the coffee. I agree that the ccc have done more, and I suspect that they are minded to change. But as for the C&MC they still reckon that they are immune to what’s developing within and around them. The world is changing, but they seem oblivious. They are governed by people who really despise us, but are happy to take our £55 a year. What other organisation creates a massive membership then decides to ignore half of their members needs. The old guard have to go, and we have to be part of their management and be more involved. I hope that one day some within CAMpRA will do exactly this and fight for us like any other organisation which is supposed to be there for the benefit of its members should do.

 

[Fisherman]

That is disgraceful. And people wonder why they dont offer a choice on many places. It’s basically no different to shop lifting.

Barry I make no bones about this. If it was my CL I would before heading off to bed take a look. Anyone caught would be asked to leave. I can hear their claims, oh I was going to pay you in the morning crap. Sorry get off my land, you are no longer welcome. My next step would be to report them to whichever organisation they were members of, asking for their membership to be ceased. It’s stupid idiots like this who give us a bad name, and as you rightly say they are no better than shoplifters.

 

[barryd]

Barry I make no bones about this. If it was my CL I would before heading off to bed take a look. Anyone caught would be asked to leave. I can hear their claims, oh I was going to pay you in the morning crap. Sorry get off my land, you are no longer welcome. My next step would be to report them to whichever organisation they were members of, asking for their membership to be ceased. It’s stupid idiots like this who give us a bad name, and as you rightly say they are no better than shoplifters.

CL owners generally rely on a bit of honesty though. I dont think they will want to be bothered with checking and any altercations that might lead to so thats why it will generally remain as it is. When we have stayed up on the rally field and CL up on Flamborough head over the years they get all sorts of chancers. Quite often people will pull on and use the facilities and then just clear off. Seen it happen a couple of times and the owner reckons its quite common. He's just dead trusting though. I tell him we are coming then weeks or sometimes months later ill just go and pay him. He has no idea how long we have been there so ill have to tell him. He always then gives me a chunk of money back as a discount.

A few CL sites we visit we never even see the owners. Just bank transfer what we owe them at the end. I am sure most people play fair but there is always one!