Membership fees and request by Club to continue

Not sure what you mean or intend to imply when you write 'in a more open way', I don't think I've hidden my thoughts on this matter! The 'more openess' I would like to see is, for example, where our money is going when I look at the large (in pension payments very very large) pro rata discrepancies in wage bills between the 2 organisations. When this club refuses (and I have asked under FOI) for how large these payments are, this has been refused. Sure, it could be modesty in that the DG etc are taking very little, which might explain why he needs 3 other directorships - but I would like to know, after all, this IS 'OUR' club, isn't it?

Alan, you credit me with thoughts and statements that are not mine. Any implications are purely in your own reading of my words.

I'm not surprised using the FOI got you nowhere as the club is outside its scope.

DK is right when he suggests this club is not for you and I believe you've made the right decision to leave as your issues here really aren't worth stressing yourself over.

Although caravanning, on and off since the 1950’s, I’m a relative new comer to the club, only 8/9 years.  I didn’t consider the other club as this one gives me everything I want so there’s no point in paying 2 x membership fees. When the club can no longer do that I will leave quietly and gently shut the door behind me

We have been members of CAMC since we bought our first caravan in 2005. In contrast have only been members of the C&CC for 6 months. Only joined because we switched to a MH and wanted a larger choice of sites close to or within public transport range of where we wanted to visit. That plus the guaranteed hardstanding.

Alan

Perhaps I should have added "open minded". The reason I say that is that you seem to see no advantage in the DG being involved with other organisations which could be of benefit to the Club. Why is it that you don't see any benefit? I am sure those roles were not taken without the agreement, and perhaps encouragement, of the Club's management committee. This is not unusual in organisations like the Club and in fact large public companies. I am not sure we are entitled to know the precise details of a persons wages and pension entitlement? I thought the FOI act only applied to public bodies or has that changed. As far as wages are concerned I imagine these are arrived at by looking at similar roles (as far as that is possible) in the wider commercial world to establish what the market rate for the calibre of person you are looking for. I don't see how this is more than a passing interest to the membership generally? So if you knew these figures how would it be of use to you? Do you feel qualified to make a judgement whether the figures are too high or even too low and what would you base that judgement on? 

David

I have been a member of the CAMC for over 30 years and the C&CC over 20 years. When I bought my first outfit, I joined the Caravan Club as it was then called straight away. It certainly was not for the sites or CLs but more for the support a newcomer to the hobby could get both in terms of learning and travel. My first trip was to a local rally and while I was working, the incidence of ralllying far exceeded other forms of use. Use of Club sites were simply a means to an end as holidays were mainly taken on the Continent.

Over the years my use of Club services has declined and I tend to agree with ET that if I was starting again I almost certainly would not join either Club straight away simply because today there are so many other avenues to get information and help.

I also agree with Alan in that the other Club seems to be making a better job of membership relations in the current climate than the CAMC.

peedee

Surviving this virus is uppermost in my mind at the moment. I shall take stock of memberships if I do. I am going to do some research on what age being a curmudgeon kicks in as well, then try and get the antidote!😁

I think CAMC are making an excellent job in membership relations. They want my continued support and they will get it as long as it supports, and offer the products I want now and in the future.

If or when that finishes, then I'm out. But I won't base that decison on saving a few quid now

👍

I also agree with Alan in that the other Club seems to be making a better job of membership relations in the current climate than the CAMC.

This seems to be based on only one element, ie the deferral of membership fees for the duration of the lockdown? What happens when the lockdown is relaxed for most but not for the vulnerable group of members who seem to make up a large slice of both Clubs membership? Do the C&CC extend the deferral for its older members only? 

Reading a couple of Facebook Groups lots of people seem to be taking advantage of the Club site vouchers with the 20% saving which for many substantially outweigh the modest savings that a deferral would make? 

Perhaps what the lock down has done is just to bring forward the thoughts that some have about the Club and perhaps our hobby in general because they have been forced to face the prospect that partaking in this hobby in the future may be time limited and questions will arise on whether to continue, not just with the Club but more generally. We all might feel differently when things get back to normal.

David