What’s the point of the Club if sites are full?

I can’t quite follow your logic there, HG, and I’m not sure how you define 'normal camping'. Surely the people who have booked the site in June are members exactly as you are with the only difference being that they booked earlier. 

Incidentally, you aren't shown as a member in your avatar. Perhaps you didn't rejoin once you found the site was full.🤷🏻‍♂️

No, I was going to rejoin if I was able to book or find a CL but obviously I won’t bother now. I also find the ferry booking less than satisfactory (different topic).

We have used Club sites as previous members because it was convenient but I have always had the same issues. Booking a long way ahead isn't compatible with “touring”. Maybe impulsive holidays in a motorhome or caravan aren’t possible in this country? I think that the Club appeals to a very limited number of people and that’s the problem I have. I look to the Club to be representative of the caravan/Motorhome community but actually it isn’t.

Could you please explain who you think it is representative of.

I would expect in these times as yourself ,want it seems to get special treatment? by expecting pitches to be availabe, ,when the vast majority have done what it is quite possibly the most sensible thing to do by understanding that staycations are Very Popular recently and booking early, to avoid frustrations that a few as yourself are finding to their cost

And as you mention this club is very popular, with members

Ps we have now three long tours booked for this year all visiting  23 all this clubs site , but then we seem are one of the many, who accepted the situation that was unfolding and b looked early before is seems in your case were caught out  when the Cork popped out of the bottle

But as you seem to have found there are sites out there without he's available when you want? Which speaks volumes as to why they have pitches

That's the whole point from the point of view of the club.

We'll manage to have as full a touring year as we can envisage this year without visiting a club site but am still satisfied with my membership.

Seems to me that you are suffering from a misguided expectation of availability this year, and if I may so, that is a bit naïve given the exceptional circumstances that we find ourselves in.

As you have said you have used CLs in the past so why not try them again. There are plenty that are advertising as having pitches available, and as you choose to yourself you could combine a few of them to make up a decent trip. All it takes a little bit of research, if you're willing to go to the trouble, that is!

I think WN has summed it up well, HG.

The club obviously doesn't suit you at present,  although hundreds of thousands of members find the opposite. However, it's no big deal as alternatives exist so you'll have plenty of choice. If I felt like you, I’d just quietly walk away.

Enjoy your touring.

"I look to the Club to be representative of the caravan/Motorhome community but actually it isn’t."

We walked past the club site at Chatsworth earlier this week - looked pretty full so certainly representative of that section of the caravan/Motorhome community. 

I rejoined the club in the hope of making use of temporary holidays sites of more than 4/5 days duration.  Are there any and how do I find them?

You've got replies in the thread created when your post was moved from Stories, SC.

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/shortcircuit/has-club-moved-on