Inali replied on 09/05/2012 18:34
Posted on 09/05/2012 18:34
If you have used Cambridge Cherry Hinton site you will know that it is a one-off - it is a former quarry, with pitches in cul-de-sacs (culs-de-sac?) at different levels - because of the access difficulties once on site, since the site was refurbished a couple of years ago, the earliest arrival time has been changed to 1.00pm, which is enforced. Also, when you arrive, if there is a queue, you have to wait on the late arrivals area so that you do not block people already on site coming or going with their vehicles.
The procedure is that the person/people in the outfit at the entry barrier can enter the office, and book in/pay. The barrier is raised, (s)he/they move the outfit past the barrier, the barrier lowers, the next outfit moves up to the barrier. The owner(s) of the outfit that has been checked in then walk around the site, with a site plan, choose their pitch (hopefully as quickly as possible!) - return to the office, report their choice, then drive to the pitch. This is necessary as car/caravan outfits and longer motorhomes cannot manoeuvre from some areas to others without returning beyond the barrier, turning around and trying again, which can cause chaos.
Why am I giving you this information? Well, firstly to help you understand what goes on, if you haven't been to Cherry Hinton and plan to go there in future.
Secondly, as a person who caravans on his own, obviously when a warden tells me to stay with my car, I do so. Unfortunately, on three occasions in the last twelve months, as I have sat in my car waiting to move forward to the barrier, etc, couples in outfits behind mine seem to think that 'stay with your car' just means the driver- the OH of the driver has happily stepped out of their vehicle, and gone into the office. When the person being processed leaves to choose their pitch, the hapless warden at the desk is approached by the OH, who says (s)he is next, the warden knows no different, and processes them.
Yes, you've noticed the snag! Their outfit is behind mine, and until I can move forward to the barrier, and then go into the office, they are stuck! They walk into the site to choose their pitch, the reward of their queue jumping, but can't get on site!
I am putting this on the site basically to get it off my chest, as I doubt whether many of the super-anxious to get into the office people will see this and then act upon it- but as it is happening every time I arrive at Cherry Hinton, it is getting on my nerves!
PLEASE if you are further back in the queue to register at Cherry Hinton, only leave your vehicle to stretch your legs, go to the loo, or admire the view! Do NOT go into the office until your outfit is at the barrier- as if you do, you will mess up the system, and also raise my blood pressure if I am the person you are attempting to queue jump!
Inali
Motorhomer