Late cancellation call
Although appreciating that nobody can control the weather we were called this morning after 10.00am and told we would not be able to come into the site due to risen water levels, it seems a very late call as we would have thought there be some prior anticipation of what the situation would be earlier than on the day at 10.00am, we were also half way to the destination and to be told at such late notice really was not good, we could not arrange any alternative camps as they were fully booked out, so obviously had to turn around and head back home, well over 150 mile round trip !! The site itself and the location are superb and we have stayed several times in the past so were very much looking forward to our Easter break which has now not happened, an earlier call would have been a good idea as this situation has happened to us in the past but we were informed much sooner, in fact a few days so had time to rearrange. Great site but be wary that you may not always get in, we're certainly not happy on this occasion with the late notice !!!
Comment from the Club:
Many thanks for your review and we are sorry to hear that you are disappointed that you were unable to stay. Due to how wet the autumn and winter has been, the ground around Tewkesbury Abbey Club Campsite has remained quite waterlogged and hasn't had a chance to drain. This has meant that the flood waters encroach onto site much faster than it has in the past and recede much more slowly as the ground can't soak it up as quickly as it has over previous occasions. It is likely that this pattern will continue until the weather improves and the ground is allowed to drain and dry out.
The site team monitor the flood alert/warning graphs that the Environment Agency put out online. The location they watch for Tewkesbury Abbey Club campsite is Mythe Bridge. On Wednesday 27th March, the graph was showing a lower risk of flood but, after the rainfall then experienced, by early Thursday morning, the graph had changed to a flood warning which meant the river was going to flood again. Many site guests had been moved to pitches on higher ground on site but sadly, the site had to be fully evacuated.
The site team has to ensure the safety and (where necessary) evacuation of those already on the site (often including themselves) but will make the calls to arrivals (or a buddy site will do this on their behalf) as soon as they see that flooding is definitely going to occur.
The site team tries to balance the not wanting to cancel members' stays (as they fully appreciate the disappointment this causes) against the risk of flooding which can be difficult, particularly at wetter times of year. The local residents of Tewkesbury have commented to the site staff that they have never known the flooding to have been quite so bad, persistent or as fast as it has been over this winter.
We hope this helps address your concerns and that you are able to stay with us in the near future.
