Booking Fees for the Honeypots

Bye Spriddler.

Commercial sites have to have an opening date for bookings in some form. I do not know of any though that have the permanently full problem the club has with the clubs honeypot ones.

I suspect commercial sites do not have the big announcement of the opening date for bookings either so as people are not aware of it then no one can rush to book.

I would admit that a Saturday or Sunday start would probably suit more people but even then there will be some for whom it will not work. There is just no answer to this.

My last reply was as much at a number of people / the overwhelming feeling than it was directly at you.

My apologies, I should have split it into different posts - I didn't think that through properly, but I was rather annoyed at the time for obvious reasons - although that's no excuse.

If my posts seem like they don't apply to you, then they probably don't.  I'm heartened to see someone post what you have - obviously not everyone feels the same way.  Many people do indeed have empathy.

I do, however, get the overall feeling that the people posting in this thread enjoy having the benefit of the current system, and are outraged at the idea that it might be changed.  Claiming something is "fair for all" isn't the same as actually being as fair as something can be.

I really hope the club changes, as its by far the best network of sites in the UK, but until the culture changes, I will always feel that I cannot be part of a club that discriminates - my direct debit is cancelled, which I'm sure will make a few people rather happy (and/or smug)

Anyway, that's my last post on the matter. And since another (very good, I might add) poster left behind a rather cryptic quote about clothing, I'll leave my own, something which drives me forwards:

“Beware the irrational, however seductive. Shun the 'transcendent' and all who invite you to subordinate or annihilate yourself. Distrust compassion; prefer dignity for yourself and others. Don't be afraid to be thought arrogant or selfish. Picture all experts as if they were mammals. Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence. Suspect your own motives, and all excuses. Do not live for others any more than you would expect others to live for you.”

Thanks for engaging with me, enjoy your holidays and best wishes,
Peter

I suspect that there are many retired folk that don't want to book peak times such as bank holidays and school holidays etc. As an example I very much doubt if my bookings stop other members on most of the sites that I use. One of the busiest times that I see on sites is September when a lot of oldies make the best of late Summer into Autumn after the school holidays.

As for the honey pot sites they hold no interest for me. I do however like to be able to book for the year but when booking opening date is makes no odds nor what time of day.

Thank you for the apology.

This thread has now covered 16 pages with over 156 comments, so it would appear that it is a bone of contention one way or the other for members. Looking through the posts most (but not all ) seem happy with not having to pay deposits and want the status quo.

I've continually checked the dates we wanted in December but no joy. We will want these dates in 2018 as well, because we meet up with friends every year in York prior to Christmas. For 2018 I'll make sure I hit the keyboard on frenzy day to get what I want. 

You will have no competition from me Fatbelly no matter what dates you want there. 

Thanks Pal 

I have been trying to book a specific site for easter and the following week, it has been showing as fully booked. I have been logging on every day to check availability and now surprise surprise there are pitches available due to cancellations. 

I have also tried to book Rowntree on many occasions and have never been able to get a pitch.

There are many sites that are fully booked for all holiday periods as early as January each year, which then become available due to cancellations. 

i think it would improve matters if a member was allowed 1 cancellation per year or more if they could provide a valid reason such as bereavement, any other cancellations should incur a fee of the first nights pitch fees.