Our committees

David Turner, Club Chair

David became a Club member in 1988 and Club Chair in 2023. He owns a caravan. 

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   Malvern is one of our favourite CAMC sites because it is only 75 minutes drive from home and the walking nearby is great with Worcester, Tewkesbury and the Cotswolds close by for interesting days out.
   
2. What is your first memory of touring?
   My wife and I bought a Knowsley Eros in 1979 for £180 and took our first daughter to Bude. What a disaster! It leaked, we lost a roof light en route and the weather was awful with a 15-month-old in a 10-foot caravan. Gas mantles, cold water and no heating. We loved it and now 40 years later..... PS is the only caravan I've ever sold at a profit.
   
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   We have made a good start with rubbish re-cycling but must go even further. Solar panels on our buildings on-site and usage of recycled water in toilets could be a further step.
   
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   I would like to see the recent surge in membership numbers maintained with new members encouraged to become involved in the Club through their Local Centres to ensure that we remain relevant to a diverse range of interests around our hobby.
   
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   Managing the transition from fossil-based fuel for transport to electric (or a.n.other!) fuel will see big changes to our leisure vehicles and the facilities required on our sites. This may impact how we use our sites with perhaps members travelling to visit without an outfit of their own, choosing to travel by electric car alone and renting accommodation on arrival.
   
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   I enjoy fishing, reading and cycling. I also try to swim a couple of times a week and also try to stay active (rather than fit!) by visiting the gym. Of course, we enjoy our summer holidays but our winter ski holiday in the Alps, with a caravan, of course, is our favourite activity.
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (deceased or living) who would you choose? And why?
   Probably someone like John Lennon or David Bowie to talk music and perhaps play a little. Anyone from politics would be too serious and I enjoy my food too much to think whilst eating!!
   
8. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?
   Past: The 1966 World Cup Final. More recent: The London 2012 Opening and Closing ceremonies. Future: England's 2022 World Cup Victory in Qatar! Here's hoping!
   
9. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   I find it difficult to narrow a choice down to any one person but the choice would be someone who has contributed to science or medicine to help us all.
   
10. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    Join your Local Centre and just try a Rally. They come in all different shapes and sizes, some with no electricity or facilities other than fresh water and chemical disposal but others can be on full-facility sites with electricity, showers and loos. They are in all sorts of interesting places, near and far, and are a great way for newcomers to pick up useful tips. Last but not least they can be so so economical for young families!!

Alison Woodhams, Club Treasurer

Alison currently owns a caravan and joined the Club in 2011. 

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   Don't have a favourite - generally like all of them
2. What is your first memory of touring?
   Going to the National Rally in 1964 at Burghley House in my parents Sprite Musketeer
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   Ensure that environmental issues are centre stage in all our thinking and decision making
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   Good governance and the recognition of the need for change - albeit evolution not revolution
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   No radical changes - just to continue to be one of the best leisure membership organisations reacting positively to change in member needs and aspirations
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?Narrowboating and supporting several organisations as a trustee
7. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   My Dad
8. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
   To buy a caravan sooner than we did

John Lefley, Vice-Chair

John joined the Club in 1985 and currently tows a caravan. 

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   Rookesbury Park - Spacious site, good dog walking, convenient for visiting relations and other local attractions
   
2. What is your first memory of touring?
   Our first caravan was a second-hand and very basic 1979 Lynton Javelin and I particularly remember the large Curver plastic box which doubled as toy storage and baby bath.
   
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   Leave more parts of sites to grow wild, educate members in the ways they can reduce the environmental impact of their ever-growing energy consumption and encourage and work with the leisure vehicle industry to manufacture products that are lighter and suitable for use with alternative-powered vehicles.
   
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   To have a sites network that offers a range of premium pitch and accommodation choices suited to the next, as well as current, generation of members.
   
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   As the next generation looks for experiences when they take a break, the Club will need to offer a range of easily accessible activities and services to meet this desire, there will be a need to accommodate more multi-generational family holidays and some members may not want to tow, but still stay on our sites, so we will need to find ways to meet their needs too.
   
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   I am an Assistant Station Master on the Severn Valley Railway, have an interest in all forms of historic transport and find plenty to do in our garden.
   
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (deceased or living) who would you choose? And why?
   I would like to have a conversation with my long-deceased grandparents to understand more about their lives and my background.
   
8. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?
   On 14th April 1927, the first Volvo rolled off the production line. Thanks to that event I experienced a most interesting and enjoyable career, met my wife and came to appreciate Sweden and the Swedes approach to life and work.
   
9. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   George Orwell and his book Animal Farm, which I read as an 18-year-old, had a profound effect on my political thinking.
10. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    You need a lump hammer to knock in awning pegs on a Club site hardstanding.

Greg Potter, Vice-Chair

Greg joined the Club in 2002 and currently owns a motorhome. 

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   Coniston Park Coppice Club campsite in the Lake District. Lovely site great staff and great walks from the site into what we think is the most beautiful part of the country.
   
2. What is your first memory of touring?
   Had some great rallies as a child from the age of 14 when mum and dad bought their first van with the Suffolk centre and especially remember their country and western rally which I then returned to when I bought my first van!!
   
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   The Club is already working hard on this area with the use of electricity and the issue of tow cars being top of the list of course but as members, we all have a responsibility in doing everything we can to reduce our footprint including cycling and walking when we are visiting our amazing network.
   
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   That’s a difficult one to answer but to shape our great Club so it is as successful in 50 years as it is today.
   
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   Again this is so difficult to predict but what I do know is that we have adapted and changed from the horse-drawn era into motor vehicles and as we move away from combustion engines I have no doubt this pastime will adapt so we can continue doing what we love and enjoying the great outdoors.
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   I am a keen golfer and also a radio presenter with a daily show on actual radio and for my sins an Ipswich town football club supporter.
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (deceased or living) who would you choose? And why?
   It would have to be Bobby Robson such a great man and brilliant football manager for both Ipswich and England as well as the likes of Porto. I could listen to his stories all night and learn so much about managing some strong characters.
8. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?
   I would love to be able to go and see the US Masters golf tournament at Augusta National.
9. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   Probably a bit of a cliche but it would be my mum and dad. Taught me so much and engendered in me a great work ethic and to enjoy life to the full. Oh and introduced me to caravan king as well!! Thanks, mum and dad.
10. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    Fortunately, I was told but my best tip would join your local centre and be brave and go along to enjoy their social events and that way you will maximise everything this great Club has to offer our members.

Mark Sinclair-Watson, Vice-Chair

Mark currently owns a caravan and has been a member of the Club since 1992.

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   The Centenary site in the New Forest because we love the area and Abbey Wood for easy access to London.
   
2. What is your first memory of touring?
   My father-in-law lent us his caravan and took us to Scragged Oak to begin our caravanning adventures.
   
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   Use battery-powered power tools on sites and help develop practical battery-powered or alternative sourced tow cars and motorhomes.
   
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   To help the club to continue in their future developments and particularly encourage young families.
   
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   We have to keep up with alternative energy sources for sites and vehicles for the sake of sustainability!
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   When possible I love cycling, flying and spending time with my family especially my young granddaughter.
   
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (deceased or living) who would you choose? And why?
   Thomas Edison. I would like to talk to him about the early days of electricity.
8. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?
   I would have loved to have been with the Wright brothers when they first flew and I would like to be around when a viable hydrogen-fuelled car or motorhome is developed.
   
9. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   My mum. She has taught me to put others first and be respectful as well as being a hard worker. This is something that I have tried to replicate in everyday life.
   
10. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    Start enjoying yourselves and the great outdoors as early as possible because time flies! And don’t forget your bikes.

Edward Baxter

Having started his working life as a company accountant, Edward has run his own accountancy business for more than 30 years.

He has been a member of The Club since 1983, when he purchased his first caravan, and has served on the Committee of the North Yorkshire Centre as Treasurer, Vice-Chair and then Chair. Edward was also the Centre’s representative on Club Council. He was the Treasurer of the Northern Centres grouping and also Treasurer of the Northern Region from its formation in 1997 until 2010.

He became a Nominated Member of Club Council in 2010 and joined the Executive Committee in 2011. He has served on the Events Committee, and currently serves on the Finance and Management, and Grants Committees.

Edward lives in the north east near Middlesbrough and regularly stays on Club campsites and attends Centre rallies. He is active in his local Methodist church and enjoys dancing.

Selwyn Cooper

Coopted on to the Executive Committee July 2022

1. When did you become a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club?
   1 July 2010
2. Are you a 'caravanner', 'motorhomer', 'campervanner' or other?
   Caravan owner
3. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL and why?
   St Davids Lleithyr Meadow: Access to the smallest (and one of the prettiest) city in the UK, coupled with access to wonderful countryside, coastal walks, amazing wildlife and  one of the best beaches I've visited.
4. What is your first memory of caravanning/touring?
   Rallying as a child with my parents
5. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   Enhance the provision of electric charging points at Club sites, increase the areas laid out to naturalisation within the Clubs estate and, increasingly, work strategically with vehicle manufacturers and their Industry bodies to enhance the focus on improving emission performance of tow cars and motorhomes and campervans.
6. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   To be recognised as a major contributor to future proofing the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
7. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   The impact of CV19 on our holiday plans has meant a significant refocus on UK holiday destinations with a positive uptake in Club membership. This will, I am sure, impact on the range of services and type of holidays our members want and expect. The Club will evolve to satisfy these wants, but not to the detriment of the core of what the Club stands for.
8. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   Outdoor leisure: walking, swimming, cycling, outdoor cooking - all ideal partners to touring.
9. If you could go for dinner with anyone (deceased or living), who would you choose? And why?
   I would choose my Grandparents. Whilst I have vague memories of them it would be fantastic to have "conversations" with them as an adult. It would be great to get a better understanding of my family history, listen to their stories and maybe even get a some "pocket money" from them!
10. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?
    VE Day: it must have been overwhelming to believe that war was finally over. Experience shows peace was short lived, nonetheless the euphoria of the period must have been fantastic
11. If there was one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
    My father: Dad taught my brother and I work ethic, something that has served us well throughout our lives
12. What is the best tip that you could give to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    Create a checklist - there's a lot going on when you depart and it's easy to forget something. If it's good enough for Pilots who do it everyday of their working life, it's good enough for me as an "occasional" caravanner.

Graeme McKenzie

Graeme joined the Club in 1994 and owns a caravan.

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   We don't really have a particular favourite, although Balbirnie Park is special because that's where we joined the Club when we had a trailer tent. More recently Richmond, Hargill House has become a regular stopover point on long journeys.
2. What is your first memory of touring?
   My earliest touring memory is tenting with my brother and parents in the 60s, usually in Yorkshire. The first caravan memory is our first North Scotland Centre Rally in 1995 - a gloriously sunny Bank Holiday where we met people who we're happy to say are still friends today.
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   I think we have made a good start by appointing a Sustainability Manager and developing a Sustainability Statement. Now we have to use that statement to drive and define our policies and practices to deliver on its aims.
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   As a "newbie" on the Executive Committee this question seems a bit premature, but I'd like to think I'd leave a stronger and more vibrant Club then when I started.
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   The move away from fossil fuels is the big change we know is coming in the next 10 years and will obviously affect sites and CLs,  but how it will affect member touring behaviour generally is not clear yet. The one thing I know is that change happens at a faster rate now than at any time in the Club's history and we have to recognise and react to new circumstances and adapt so that we can serve our members.
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   Reading, cooking and riding my motorbike
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (deceased or living) who would you choose? And why?
   Julius Caesar's personal attendant - I really enjoy reading about the Roman Empire and I'm sure his version of events would be much more interesting and entertaining than any official one.
8. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?
   The Last Supper
9. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   Far too many to pick one out. Most of us have well-known heroes we admire, but it's the largely unsung ones, who face challenges, fundraise and help others, without any publicity, that I find most inspirational.
10. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    We were lucky that a friend persuaded us to attend a rally on our second trip in the caravan, so we had a whole community to provide all the tips and advice we could ever need. So my tip to a new member would be to join your local Centre and try a rally with an open mind, you'll get much more back than you could imagine.

Vince Mott

Vince joined joined the Executive Committee in October 2023. Has been a Nominated Member of the Club since 2023 and served on the Grants Committee since 2020. Before these appointments, Vince was a key member of the Central Region.

He joined the Club in 2005 and currently owns a motorhome. 

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   Henley Four Oaks Club Site - a nicely situated site within a 10-15 minute walk into Henley-on-Thames, with river walks, shopping, eateries and pubs galore. You can even catch a train to London.
   
2. What is your first memory of touring?
   As a child rallying with my parents in the West Kent Centre during the 1970's. And then starting it all over again in 2005 with my wife.
   
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   The Club is working in the right direction with these topics but there is always more that can be done. Solar panels on all buildings. The recycling of water and the use of battery-powered machinery on sites.
   
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   I would like Centres to be continually supported by the Club. Improve advice to members regarding spending quality time off-grid.
   
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   Continue its core values and improve the environmental challenges that we all have.
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   I enjoy keeping fit and attending a gym whenever possible. To relax, I enjoy watercolour painting, reading and listening to music. Not so relaxing is following my beloved West Ham United.
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (deceased or living) who would you choose? And why?
   A difficult question for sure. There are so many people that I could choose but I'll go for Bobby Moore. He seemed to be such a gentleman on and off the pitch and experienced so much until his untimely death from cancer.
8. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?
   Attend the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley to watch England and West Ham United win the World Cup. Something that may not happen again in my lifetime!
9. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   My Dad and I hope that I have done him proud.
10. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    Get in touch with your local Centre and try a rally but don't forget the Club sites, CLs and everything else the Club offers. Check out the website.

Gordon Smart

Gordon currently tows a caravan and joined the Club in 1975.

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   Many different sites for different reasons but Bunree has to be the most outstanding for its location and its ever-changing vista.
2. What is your first memory of touring?
   My parents had a caravan before myself and my younger brother came along but my earliest memory was when I was about 5 when a new caravan arrived and I was excited when Mum said we were going on holiday in it for a week. We went to Loch Ness and at that age a week seemed a long time.
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   To continue to spearhead and develop their already excellent sustainability policies and now that Club has dedicated staff in this field we are going in the right direction.
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   It has been a privilege to be involved with the Caravan & Motorhome Club and I would like to think that my contribution will benefit both the Club and the members well into the future.
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   With the ever-changing vehicle technologies, the Club will need to adapt and develop new ideas to maintain its standing within the future leisure market.
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   Keeping fit, walking and skiing. Enjoying as much time as possible with my dog. Classic cars & period caravans along with a keen interest in the world of caravanning as a whole.
   
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (deceased or living) who would you choose? And why?
   James Martin. He is so full of life and we both have an interest in classic cars. As in his TV programme, we could take one to an interesting location where he could cook wonderful food in the great outdoors and have our dogs with us.
8. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?
   To be on the maiden flight of Concorde.
   
9. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   Many people have inspired me over the years. Prevalent at this time is HRH Prince Philip for his tireless commitment, motivation and encouragement without seeking the limelight.
   
10. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    Never be afraid to ask another member or site staff for help or advice.

Sue Southwell

Sue owns a motorhome and joined the Club in 1984.

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   Dunnet Bay’s beautiful sprawling beach and stunning scenery gives you a sense of freedom and space making it easy to relax and have a great stay but in comparison, my other favourite is Tewkesbury for its accessibility to places further afield which is ideal for a motorhomer such as myself.
2. What is your first memory of touring?
   When I was born my parents were living in a caravan in the village of Moorlynch, Somerset.  When I was 11 years old my parents then sold their boarding house in Sheffield, bought a caravan which they towed with a Bedford Utilabrake and travelled south, we ended up at a small site outside Salisbury where we lived in a large static caravan for two years before the Caravan Club bought the site and it became the Salisbury Hillside Caravan Club site in1965. We then moved to a house in Southampton.
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   To reduce our carbon footprint by tackling the reduction of electricity usage on sites, possibly by using timers in toilet blocks and meters on pitches and to continue to invest in solar energy. Try to educate our members to reduce their use of none essential additional appliances.
   
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   To have been part of the team that continues to give members value for money, keeping sites and accommodation affordable so that our members can continue to enjoy this fantastic hobby. With the benefit of the different styles of accommodation on offer being able to share weekends and holidays with families making lifelong memories at the different locations on the network. Having a policy where sustainable products and materials are our first choice when tackling refurbishments and new acquisitions. To continue to protect the environment of all sites by protecting wildlife and their habitats within our site’s networks.
   
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   The next 10 years will see the Club continue to protect the site’s network by continued investment, refurbishment and adding new acquisitions to its portfolio. The Experience Freedom brand will have grown across the site’s network allowing members to spend quality time with family and friends who will come together to enjoy the diverse experiences the network can give. Continued membership from members who have given up towing or driving a motorhome as they will be able to continue to visit their favourite sites using the sites network and alternative accommodation.
   
   There could be opportunities to increase the Club storage facilities, seasonal pitches and the Experience Freedom brand from residents of new housing estates with limited parking and no room for caravans or motorhomes. This would allow the Club to increase its membership. The move towards electric/ hybrid cars could see significant changes to the site’s network in the future.
   
   The Club will have a diverse membership whose needs and expectations will have to be met by becoming fully inclusive and having products and services that are appropriate. The Club will continue to thrive and appeal to new members.
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   I swim outside every weekday morning at the local David Lloyd Club. I take part in various u3a interest groups such as learning to play the ukulele, walking and learning to play Backgammon but more importantly spending time with my family making memories.
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (deceased or living) who would you choose? And why?
   A very difficult question as there are so many people I would like to have dinner with for lots of various reasons. I have decided to choose a big favourite of mine. I have spent many hours watching the films of Gene Kelly and I would like to ask him all about his life, how he trained, the people he danced with and what his favourite moments were. He gave so much pleasure to so many people through the musical films he made. My all-time favourites are ‘Singing in the Rain’ & Brigadoon.
8. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?
   I would have liked to have been on the quayside in Southampton when the Titanic left on her now-infamous maiden voyage to New York. What a momentous occasion it would have been to see her in all her splendour sailing majestically down the Solent.
9. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   Many people have inspired me, I am inspired every time I see or read about the great things that have been achieved by people who have so much to endure. They only see solutions not problems.
10. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    Make sure you check out the information on the Clubs website, in the site’s directory and Club magazine. Read your manuals and learn how to load your motorhome, caravan and vehicle safely.  Take advantage of the many benefits and services the Club has to offer, don’t be afraid to seek advice from the Club and enjoy your touring.

Philip Aldridge

Joined the Executive Committee in January 2024. Has been a Nominated Member of the Club since 2019 and a member of the Technical Committee.

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   Black Knowl Club Site in The New Forest. It feels as if you are in the heart of the forest, surrounded by nature and excellently located for exploring the area in all directions.
   
2. What is your first memory of caravanning/touring?
   It’s not an early memory, it was in 2013, a year before I became a member of the club. I stayed on a club site with family. As a child, my family used to holiday regularly on the Norfolk Broads, which is a bit like caravanning on water.
   
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   I like seeing areas of sites that are left to grow wild, so more of that. Energy for pitches and site facilities is a huge environmental issue facing the club. This has been recognised with the addition of a sustainability manager for the club, and there is already a lot of good work being done. Rather than focussing on usage, I would like to know what we can do about energy sources, such as solar and other renewables on sites.
   
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   I would like to contribute to helping the club evolve as the world around us changes and moves forward. I want the club to be an inspiration to others in the industry and to influence caravan builders and vehicle manufacturers too.
   
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   One of the biggest changes we are facing is reducing fossil fuel dependency. As vehicle manufacturers look to come away from diesel and petrol fuels, we could see touring behaviours change quite quickly and the club will need to be ready for this, with options to accommodate all types of members and how they wish to use the club’s facilities.
   
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   I enjoy fishing, the countryside, and spending time with my family.  I have always been heavily interested in cars, both classic and modern. I have recently taken up vehicle upholstery too.
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (deceased or living) who would you choose? And why?
   I think Steve Jobs would be interesting. He was a visionary and was able to predict advances in technology and how people would interact with it. It would be interesting to hear how he thinks the world will change in the next 10-20 years.
   
8. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?
   Not a single event, but I would have loved to have taken a flight on Concorde.
   
9. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   I don’t think I can name a single person. I have been inspired by many people over the years for different reasons.
   
10. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    Try staying at Certificated Locations. They are an exclusive benefit of the membership that I wish I had tried sooner.

Helen Drew

Helen joined the Executive Committee in January 2024 and has been a Nominated Member since 2018. She is also a member of the Finance and Management and Strategy committees. Helen retired in 2023 after working as a senior partner in a national chartered accountancy firm. She joined the Club in 1993 and has recently switched to a motorhome. 

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL, and why?
   There are so many great sites, but the one we have gone back to most often over the years is Pembrey Club Campsite. We took our own family there in the late 90s and now take our grandchildren. The site is ideal for cycling, walking and the beach. What more could you want? Now that we have a motorhome (and when we are allowed out without the grandchildren!), we tend to favour sites closer to towns and have recently enjoyed Lady Margaret's Park with its new style facilities block.
   
2. What is your first memory caravanning/touring?
   Trying to level the caravan with the steadies! We soon saw the error of our ways.
   
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   The Club is already doing a lot in this area.  Our sites are constantly evolving, and the Estates Development team provides many energy-saving measures for new developments.  Personally,  would love to see more wild flowers.
   
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   Not sure about anything in particular, but I hope that my experience and contribution will have a positive impact.
   
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   This is a difficult question, and the Club is already thinking about as part of its strategy plans. Nothing ever stands still, and the Club must continue to move forward. More choice and inclusivity and expansion of Experience Freedom to attract more families to the outdoor lifestyle we all love is just one example. The move to electric vehicles and the fall in caravan sales is a challenge the Club already has on its agenda - along with many others. The key is to stay relevant to our membership. One thing is for sure - it will change, and it will look different.
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   We are retired, so planning and going on holidays generally. Most importantly, we spend time with our family, and our grandchildren, in particular.
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (deceased or living) who would you choose? And why?
   I struggled with this question - there are so many to choose from. Frank Skinner, I think. Very clever man with a great sense of humour and a fellow Brummie. It would be an entertaining evening.
8. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be and why?
   It would be to see Elvis live in concert at the start of his career. How amazing would that have been?
9. If there is one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   My mother. She was also a working mom and set a great example.
10. What is the best tip that you could pass on to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    Have a good look at the website and see what is available to members - it's not all about the fabulous campsite network; there is so much more on offer.

Deborah Black

Deborah Black was co-opted to the Executive Committee in March 2025 and has been a Nominated Member of the Club since January 2024. Deborah has also been a dedicated member of the Events Committee since February 2008, being heavily involved in the organisation of ClubFest and the National (as it was previously known). She joined the Club in August 1994 and has a caravan.

1. What is your favourite Club Site and/or CL and why?
   We enjoy visiting York Rowntree Park for its fantastic location and being able to enjoy all the city has to offer on foot. At other times we love getting away from everything at Thetford Forest with its excellent walks in an interesting part of the country.
2. What is your first memory of caravanning/touring?
   We always had caravan holidays when I was small, and I can vividly remember going with Dad to purchase a gas fridge to fit into our caravan before our first trip to France. That trip was spent on the northern coast of France from St Malo to the Normandy beaches and was followed by many more.
3. What steps would you like to see the Club take to help the environment and tackle climate change issues?
   The Club has made a great start with on-site measures, embracing new technologies and focusing on sustainability, and it will require ongoing focus. However, we all need to play our part too, and we can include environmental issues when choosing our outfits and how we use them. Every little bit helps!
4. What would you like your Club legacy to be?
   A tricky question, but I would like to be part of the team that leaves the Club in a strong position whilst offering a way for everyone to enjoy their choice of leisure vehicle. Also, to have been a champion for the annual ClubFest and enabling all members to get together for this fantastic weekend.
5. How do you think the Club might change over the next 10 years?
   Advances in vehicle technology and regulation will inevitably have implications for towing and outfit design. The variety of leisure vehicles will develop, and the Club will have to adapt to these changes – as it has since it was first formed.
6. Aside from touring, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
   We use our caravan to visit our children at their homes around the country, often undertaking DIY projects and spending time with our grandchildren. I enjoy reading, crafting and being in the garden when we are at home.
7. If you could go for dinner with anyone (deceased or living), whom would you choose? And why?
   Elizabeth Shrewsbury (Bess of Hardwick), to learn more about her amazing life story of surviving 4 husbands, being mistress of Chatsworth and doing needlework with Mary Queen of Scots in captivity. Finally, building Hardwick Hall and ends up a rich and independent woman in Tudor times.
8. If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?
   The Live Aid Concert at Wembley in 1985. There were so many legendary acts on one bill, but to have seen Freddie Mercury’s final performance with Queen in person would have been amazing.
9. If there was one person that has inspired you in life, who would it be?
   My Gran, who was the only grandparent I can remember, shared her love of being outdoors and nature with me. She showed me how to treat everyone with respect and her belief that you can achieve anything with hard work.
10. What is the best tip that you could give to a new Club member that you wish you had been told?
    Try everything the Club has to offer: campsites, CLs, rallies and ClubFest to find what suits you; don’t rely on other people’s experiences. Nowadays, I would remind new members to follow directions as given in the handbook and not to rely on a Sat-Nav.