There is a lot of very unhappy club members

I'm sure the Executive Committee and the Club Council and the Club as a whole would really be thankful for any suggestions in order to encourage younger folk into the Club.  

After saying that, we have to start with what we have at the moment, the current membership, the current systems, staff etc.  Any changes are always made taking these things into consideration and because of this are inevitably going to be slow, at each stage assesing and reflecting on the effect of any changes on the current membership and it's financial impact.  

I know there are many things wrong with the Club but personally I feel we are making progress, although very slowly.  I know, for example, that the Club have invested in a small number of 'Pods' (see HERE).  I could be wrong, but I suspect they are not widely advertised - perhaps they need to be advertised more outside the Club?  There is the 'Tourer Explorer Scheme' and the fact that certain sites have been earmarked as suitable for certain age ranges (see HERE) and, of course, the sites with more 'activites' like Hillhead and Seacroft. There are also the sites where kids go for 1p.

Make what you will of the rebranding of the Club and the buzz words that go with it.  (Incidentally, I heard a caravan/ motorhome retailer, last weekend explain that in their experience, new motorhome units were often purchased by younger couples and families - perhaps this goes someway to justify the Club's change of name.)  For me, the important thing for me is not the change of name, the logo or the buzz words, but more where this leads the Club to in the end of the day - i.e. what actually happens in practice.  For this any suggestion is worth looking at, but personally, I think it has to be within the limitations of my words in paragraph 2 above.  The change of name and the buzz words are just a skeleton on which to hang the flesh.  I think we should try and embrace the change and in particular look forward to the practical changes that we can bring about together. 

Incidentally, all this is not meant to be an official response, but my own personal response.  I think we should go forward in a positive way and offer support.  It is so easy to criticise and so difficult to instigate change that is going to fit with the Club as it is now.  In many walks of life I have heard people extol the importance of looking to the future.  Indeed it is, but the way I look at it is to look at the present with an eye to the future.  Children and possible younger adults are the present and we should try and do what we can to encourage them.  I'm sure we will all make many mistakes on the way.

David

By far the best post I've read since the rebrand took hold. I wasn't aware the Club had already invested in pods, so thank you for that. Evidence the Club is working on its intentions, great to see and what better way to introduce families and couples to the lifestyle than have them stay on a site full of caravans and motorhomes, without first having to make the initial investment. You're right though, the Club need to make more of a fuss about the pods they have purchased, certainly throughout spring and summer school holiday periods, they should be fully booked out.

I've only ever seen a couple of families in motorhomes, I've seen lots of young (parents with babies and toddlers) using campervans but in the main, motorhomes usually only have couples in them. Perhaps this is changing if the dealers are seeing this?

It is clear Harvey has been busy and whilst I think the marketing is slightly OTT, it is better than no fresh marketing at all. Grenvilles strap line of 'we don't know what the next explorers will look like, but we'll be ready for them' is rather awkward at best. More work required in this area but as you say, monitor the changes to see what is working and what isn't. You don't know unless you try.

I think the Directors and Commitee need to be represented by MORE outgoing and younger staff, certainly more women. Currently it does look more like an 'Ol Boys Network'. 

Finally, I hope the Club achieve great things going forward. I'm a member of both the big two and can see where the former Caravan Club were falling behind, the Club will be playing catch up for a little while but it's good to see steps are in place to bring the Club back to life.

The Club has 40+ sites with tent space and 3 sites each with 2 pods. As far as I can read they provide heat and light but not cooking facilities. Priced £45 or £50 per night and seem to sleep 3.

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/uk-holidays/uk-sites/camping-pods/

Maybe sleep 4 as those at Consiston say settee that makes up to a double and two singles??

Our wooden pods are a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while staying cosy and dry. Pods are well-insulated and come equipped with some handy home comforts for a pleasant stay, including lighting, electric sockets, seating and sleeping for two adults. You’ll also have access to the toilet block and washing up facilities as well as a car parking space.

One pod comfortably sleeps two adults. Up to two small children can also be accommodated but we suggest you call the site directly to discuss your requirements.

More images required showing the inside of the pods, then get them on Facebook, not just the odd occasional post, but regular instalments with high quality, inviting images directed via adverts to well chosen demographics (easily done on Facebook)

High profile advertising for the pods is probably pointless Nigel. Club is not there to provide pods and cabins hopefully as a core business and so I would have thought that the 6 pods (particularly Abbey Woods and Brighton) would soon be booked up.

I wonder in fact how far ahead they are booked. I suspect that they are likely to be used mainly by the family of existing caravanners using the site. 

I wonder in fact how far ahead they are booked. I suspect that they are likely to be used mainly by the family of existing caravanners using the site.

Our son did think about it, but in the warmer months and sporting such minimal facilities, they do work out expensive compared to a tent.

I don't know any families who have bought a new motorhome but I do know of many that have bought a second hand caravan. 

As I've said before they don't use club sites. 

Perhaps focussing on who purchases new vehicles is missing a growing market of second hand purchasers. There's a big difference in outlook and spending power between those who spend £45+ on a new motorhome and those who spend £1.5k on a second hand caravan. 

I wonder if by considering the types of units first the club is in danger of forgetting that they are occupied by people with a wide range of interests and aspirations. The new marketing material seems rather narrow in scope to me (and in fact rather off putting and I'm currently a member!)

I suppose still cheap accommodation for Brighton though Steve. Can't see pods viable for everywhere though at the price. At Whitewater for example Friday 7th July a Family Room for two nights is either £76 or £107 for Flexible Booking. When Coniston would be £90 for the pod. If I wanted to be near family on Whitewater and there were pods I think that the adjacent Premier Inn would have more appeal. 

My advice to somebody with not a lot of money and a decent family car would be to get a caravan, join a club and use the CLs mainly. Come to think of it, that was me 35 years ago