New Site Booking System

 TW. Not so much listening to members but listening to accountants?! However that is partly said in jest as we just don't know the real reason but it makes sense to me, even though I've got to pay up at some point. 

As many have said in this thread, one would be less than sensible to book a grass pitch many months in advance as the weather is variable.  So, in a year or two's time, The Club will be able to say that the pre-booking of pitch type has shown that most members do not want to use grass pitches.

This will then be used as the justification for doing away with many of them, perhaps even as draconian a move as retreating from sites where lease or planning conditions do not allow for development of hard pitches.

I would guess that those who want to visit an all grass site and make sure they have their dates fixed will do so, whether it's deposit based or not. Places like St Agnes and Godrevy in Cornwall are very popular in the main season. We wouldn't hesitate to book grass sites if we wanted to secure the dates. The main risk is early in the season where prolonged rain can delay openings, but most accept this risk. These are places that won't ever have hardstandings, they're in AONBs etc and planning won't allow such developments. In winter they successfully meld back into the landscape.

Sorry misunderstood , many sites with grass pitches do not release them when season starts , is that going to still  show as full with grass untill you can release them as they become available to let ? at the later part of the season will it be your input  that will also be listened to? when well worn pitches will need to reduce your capacity? even if all are booked?

 Yes, Yes, who knows and no.

Nail on head 👍

i don't really care what the reason is. (there is probably more than one) as long as availability is improved.

peedee

But the problem is the current system  hasn't worked for many. With the ever growing number of motorhomers in the Club there is a demand for hardstanding pitches. There are also many caravanners that also prefer hardstandings. Grass pitches are often situated away from the site roads so even more likelihood at best the grass will be damaged and at worst someone will be stuck in the mud. I think it will be a great idea to book a hardstanding. If on any site the choice is only grass I will go elsewhere. Being able to book a particular pitch surface is the industry standard these days and to that end the Club, until the changes happen, are behind the times. They have clearly recognised this otherwise I imagine they wouldn't be changing it. I suspect there has been more customer feedback on this compared to deposits?

David

If the club was suffering a lack of bookings I would agree with you but it's the opposite it's busier than ever, I would also prefer a hardstanding in poor weather or when the grass pitches are in a poor state as many would but I am also happy to use grass in good weather so the present flexibility of the system suits me, as for customer feedback all the club has stated is "you said" well it wasn't me I would appreciate a little more information such as who said and how many.

"It will be the same the back end of the season, online activity will drive what's in the pot."

...not condition of the offering?