The same Club, just better...

No, they're going to catch the ferry to France where they can get a pitch almost wherever and whenever they want without booking, (August excepted), and where they can pitch whichever way round they want and, in many cases have a fully serviced pitch at no extra charge.

That's good then, means more pitches for the rest of us

Well, it's certainly got everyone talking, hasn't it?

I'm saddened to think that members with motorcaravans felt they were in any way left out of the club thus necessitating this change. Speaking as a lifelong caravanner (I've caravanned since birth - I'm only 35), I have never felt any animosity towards fellow caravanners of the self-powered persuasion; I can see the benefits and drawbacks of motorcaravanning over trailer caravanning. If/when it comes time to replace my current outfit, I will be putting a great deal of thought into swapping my 4x4 and Swift caravan for a motorcaravan and a small (possibly electric) car for use around town when a bicycle isn't enough.

But that's beside the point of this thread. I understand completely what The Caravan Club have attempted to do; I just don't see the need. I wonder how many of the membership saw the need.

Will it bring in younger members to offset the ageing membership? I doubt it. A change of name and colour won't do that. Frankly I'm amazed that the new-look smaller-print magazine hasn't finished some of them off in fits of apoplexy. I've got young eyes; I'm alright Jack.

Will it make the existing membership think that it is a "forward-thinking organisation" (See, I can do marketing-speak, too)? I doubt it. The typeface, the colouring, the shape of the logo is reminiscent of any other logo designed in the last five years.

Or is it just change for change's sake? Out with the outdoorsy green uniforms and in with the burgundy. Out with the flags and in with the ribbons. Out with the meaningful logo, albeit one steeped in heritage and in with one for which a video has been prepared to explain it. Surely, if a logo must be explained, it is largely pointless.

It looks cleaner and fresher, perhaps, but I for one will mourn the passing of the red pennant; an emblem of the club for so many years. Yes, I know that the horseshoe is included in the new logo. Yes, I know that it could well sell The Club to motorcaravanners more explicitly than the previous name (and moreso than their "friendly" competition). And yes, I agree that including 'nature' and 'inspire' ticks all the hipster marketing boxes.

But when it comes down to it, what will a picture of a derriere, an angular Walls logo, or indeed a pirouetting fox do for The Club's image? Look closely at the logo - I bet you can see one of those. Perhaps a questionnaire should be made - can you do polls on this site? If so, why didn't The Club think of that?

Thanks for the rebranding? NOT

Who is paying for the re branding?

How much will it cost the Club? / each member?

Motorhomes are already integrated within the Club.

If we are to change why haven't we not included Trailer tents? etc.etc.

I am all in favor of progression, but hang on why not put these costs  to reducing the Clubs main site fees, i'ts OK keeping them at last years prices, but pensioners on a fixed budget can't afford to use the Clubs sites as often as they would like.

I am sure I am not the only member with these views.

Been a member for 47 years and thinks it was ok as it was.

The money could have been spent a lot better.

Good to see that someone on this blog knows who the real CAMC is

Nice comment Bakers2. Common sense.

I agree with those who feel this is an unnecessary and doubtless expensive exercise. Caravan is a generic word that includes both motorcaravans and tourers and the fact that "Motorhome" has not been included in the Club title doesn't appear to have deterred an ever increasing number of motorhome owners joining. The British Mountaineering Council changed its name last year with similar claims, that by doing so, it increased its relevance and was more up to date. It also was presented as a fait accompli but the BMC membership complained in sufficient numbers resulting in the name change being reversed. I doubt the same will happen with the Caravan Club, too much money will have already been spent but it does indicate a degree of arrogance by the executive that they should have carried out such a fundamental change without seeking the members' views first.

Have to be honest and say that when we received the email advising us that the club was changing name our first reaction was that of disappointment and sadness.

Whilst we have nothing against motohomes, we feel the change of name has taken away the nostalgia and recognition the name 'The Caravan Club' bought. I'm sure if you mentioned the name to a non-caravaner they would know who you were talking about and also, the name is familiar to people in many countries and feel this recognition has now been taken away! I'm sure the motorhome fraternity would have been more than happy continuing there membership under the old name....If it ain't broke don't mend it!

However, this does not mean we will not be renewing our membership but it will be interesting to see how many members the club loses because of this which will be a shame! 

Regards

Ian & Debbie Wilson

it does indicate a degree of arrogance by the executive that they should have carried out such a fundamental change without seeking the members' views first.

Agreed