National rally - why has it sold out so soon?

I think you are right that many long standing members will feel let down.  I know many members who have attended the National for many, many years that feel let down and certainly would never book the National 6 months in advance and within 4 weeks of the booking opening date.  They, like me, felt it was supporting the club who have been bleating for a number of years about the reducing attendances.

Has any one got any places  from the waiting list 

A group of us were going to meet up at the National, as we often do.  Unfortunately only 3 of us got in so these will be cancelled so at least 3 off the waiting list will get a booking.

I'm sorry if anyone thought I gave the impression that the waiting list will quickly go down - I simply said it was worth getting on it as there are always some that find they are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. This may be right up to the last minute and I do think it is way too soon to give up hope of getting a place yet.

Bill, sorry to hear some of your party didn't get in but surely if you all go every year you would know it is best to book early for this special event in a very special place, and the excuse that 'you wouldn't dream of booking six months in advance' is then - at your own risk ? 

The very fact that some members won't book six months in advance usually does rather reinforce my suggestion to get on the waiting list though as some that have may well find they need to cancel nearer the date. 

When it comes down to it, this club has far too many members (and is still growing every day) to be able to give everyone who wishes to attend a place at this event, so perhaps in future it would be prudent to book early rather than risk not getting in at all.

Alison

I think the rally  has been badly organised and it's not just me saying that wene you chat to people in the club about it thay get very up set about it 

I understand what you say Alison and my understanding is that there were over 80 people on the waiting list as at last weekend.  We usually book in January when we receive our Centres rally book along with the other rallies we want to attend so that is under 5 months in advance and have got in for many years.  I also understand that there are over 200 less pitches this year to the previous National at Sandringham due to the increased spacing for safety reasons.   If booking early is so important why do the CC not let you book until 31st October so less than a months window in 2016 and some of my motorhoming friends weren't even in the country during that period. Surely it would be better to let you book from one years event to the next as the venue will have been announced.
Obviously won't bother in future as there is enough support, which is encouraging, but have made plans this year to go to the Feast of Lanterns and a couple of the Warners events to experience large events.

Hi Bill, we always used to book in January too, but then that was when the booking opened, so opening in October is earlier than it used to be, I don't see how opening booking at the end of the National itself benefits anyone other than those who haven't already left. Even if the Events committee were anywhere near ready to take bookings then. They wouldn't have any surveys done on the only just announced venue anyway, it all takes time to sort out, rules have to be followed and even if the venue has been used before there is no guarantee the same amount of space is available, sometimes more space is possible to arrange with the landowner if we can show it would be good (and profitable).

Sparky, how exactly do you & your friends think the event is badly organised? Feedback would be good.

Alison

The really good news is that this year, unlike previous years, they will be spot on budget catering for the planned maximum income.

There is no point in giveing feed back to the club becaus no one cares 

Oh for goodness sake, if no-one bothered to give feedback how would anyone know there are grievances to care about. 

I get that you are disappointed Sparky but moaning about it is pointless, if your name is on the waiting list you may still get a place but why not try and book a CL nearby and visit that way if you really want to go.

Alison