Posted on 25/11/2021 11:54
The Club have released more details of the new Booking System here
There are still finer details still to be arrived but the link (thanks Harry) sets out how the new system will work.
I have closed the previous thread on when we will get details of the new booking system and opened this one to allow comments specifically on the new system rather than discussing what they might be.
David
2 people like this
Posted on 05/12/2021 11:39
I can see that the new method of booking by pitch type will be welcomed by some but may well cause some difficulties until it’s bedded in.
When I read that covid could be with us for the next 5 to 10 years I feel that the new deposit’s system will have to be very sensitively implemented. We don’t want to get into the situation where someone who gets “Pinged” a few days before their holiday ends up having to choose between breaking the law or losing their deposit.
2 people like this
Posted on 05/12/2021 11:39 by ErnieJHI can see that the new method of booking by pitch type will be welcomed by some but may well cause some difficulties until it’s bedded in.
When I read that covid could be with us for the next 5 to 10 years I feel that the new deposit’s system will have to be very sensitively implemented. We don’t want to get into the situation where someone who gets “Pinged” a few days before their holiday ends up having to choose between breaking the law or losing their deposit.
Posted on 05/12/2021 12:10
Whilst I am looking forward to being able to book a hardstanding it will be interesting to see how it pans out in reality. Obviously all the demand has been for people to be able to book a hardstanding but what we don't know is what sort of demand there will be for grass pitches on those sites which have a choice of both. OK this demand may depend on the time of year. If the Club see that grass pitches are under utilised they will either have to consider more hardstandings or perhaps widening the price gap between hardstanding and grass beyond the currently proposed £1?
On your second point we will have to wait and see if there will be a no cost option to amend a booking between the 21 days and arrival on site? I would hope the Club would be sympathetic to such emergency changes but until we see the new rules its all a bit up in the air.
David
Posted on 05/12/2021 11:39 by ErnieJHI can see that the new method of booking by pitch type will be welcomed by some but may well cause some difficulties until it’s bedded in.
When I read that covid could be with us for the next 5 to 10 years I feel that the new deposit’s system will have to be very sensitively implemented. We don’t want to get into the situation where someone who gets “Pinged” a few days before their holiday ends up having to choose between breaking the law or losing their deposit.
Posted on 26/11/2021 11:09 by ThehappycaravannersDisagree with this idea of being able to book a pitch type, many a time we don't know what pitch we want till on site, it all depends on space, surroundings, light, views, weather, convenience etc, should leave it at first come first served
Posted on 05/12/2021 12:35
I can see that those people who prefer to pitch on grass, except in bad weather, might be frustrated by this change in system. But otherwise, I cannot see that there are many who would view factors such as light, views, space etc., as trumping the issue of whether one pitches on grass or hard standing. In any case, it is hard to think you won't get plenty of choice even if you are confined to one pitch type or the other. On these other factors, it remains first come first served, so I do not see the above as much of an argument.
For me it is quite simple; I will not pitch on grass. However, as a counter argument, I must admit that, I cannot ever recall being forced to take a grass pitch as the only pitch type left available (except on all grass sites, obviously, which I now avoid). Judging by other comments here, from people who imply having to go on grass against their will, I appear to have been lucky.
As others have stated, for me, the absolutely ideal system would be to be able to book a specific pitch in advance. Now I see this would stymie Thehappycaravanners, but with that, and payment in advance, it would enable one to be much more relaxed about avoiding unseemly rushes at 1 o-clock and much less in the way of queues. It is clearly not beyond the wit of software developers to have a system like that.
Posted on 05/12/2021 11:39 by ErnieJHI can see that the new method of booking by pitch type will be welcomed by some but may well cause some difficulties until it’s bedded in.
When I read that covid could be with us for the next 5 to 10 years I feel that the new deposit’s system will have to be very sensitively implemented. We don’t want to get into the situation where someone who gets “Pinged” a few days before their holiday ends up having to choose between breaking the law or losing their deposit.
Posted on 05/12/2021 12:40
Untill all the tweaking of the system that it seems is still going on? is up and running then I do not think even with all the "marketing speak" that is being banded about from HO , there will be a smooth transition ? So I am sure there will be many calls to the contact centre with queries 
Posted on 05/12/2021 12:35 by Graydjames
I can see that those people who prefer to pitch on grass, except in bad weather, might be frustrated by this change in system. But otherwise, I cannot see that there are many who would view factors such as light, views, space etc., as trumping the issue of whether one pitches on grass or hard standing. In any case, it is hard to think you won't get plenty of choice even if you are confined to one pitch type or the other. On these other factors, it remains first come first served, so I do not see the above as much of an argument.
For me I will simply not pitch on grass; however, as a counter argument, I must admit that, I cannot ever recall being forced to take a grass pitch as the only pitch type left available (except on all grass sites, obviously, which I now avoid). Judging by other comments here, from people who imply having to go on grass against their will, I appear to have been lucky.
As others have stated, for me, the absolutely ideal system would be to be able to book a specific pitch in advance. Now I see this would stymie Thehappycaravanners, but with that, and payment in advance, it would enable one to be much more relaxed about avoiding unseemly rushes at 1 o-clock and much less in the way of queues. It is clearly not beyond the wit of software developers to have a system like that.
Posted on 05/12/2021 12:35 by Graydjames
I can see that those people who prefer to pitch on grass, except in bad weather, might be frustrated by this change in system. But otherwise, I cannot see that there are many who would view factors such as light, views, space etc., as trumping the issue of whether one pitches on grass or hard standing. In any case, it is hard to think you won't get plenty of choice even if you are confined to one pitch type or the other. On these other factors, it remains first come first served, so I do not see the above as much of an argument.
For me it is quite simple; I will not pitch on grass. However, as a counter argument, I must admit that, I cannot ever recall being forced to take a grass pitch as the only pitch type left available (except on all grass sites, obviously, which I now avoid). Judging by other comments here, from people who imply having to go on grass against their will, I appear to have been lucky.
As others have stated, for me, the absolutely ideal system would be to be able to book a specific pitch in advance. Now I see this would stymie Thehappycaravanners, but with that, and payment in advance, it would enable one to be much more relaxed about avoiding unseemly rushes at 1 o-clock and much less in the way of queues. It is clearly not beyond the wit of software developers to have a system like that.
Posted on 05/12/2021 12:52 byGraydjames
It is not beyond the wit of software systems to manage pitch booking .We have until covid intervened been reserving a specific pitch a year in advance and paying a modest fee €23 for the privilege nothing more to pay until we left . That is a fee not a deposit but we thought it worthwhile knowing our favourite spot was awaiting us at the end of a long journey. The deal was turn up within 24 hours or possibly lose it to someone else. I even know of sites where pitches can be booked without deposit,fee or payment of any kind.
Posted on 05/12/2021 12:58 by TinwheelerIf Orkney Council can host such a system for booking their sites, so can the club. Whether it would be beneficial overall, is debatable.
DavidKlyne
Motorhomer from Buckinghamshire