When I joined this club some 17 years ago, it seemed to be the norm that every time you passed another camper, male or female, on the way to or from the showers, or wherever, smiles and greetings were exchanged. But, is it my imagination that, over the years, this practice is gradually dying out? On a recent stay at the Brighton Club Site, apart from the odd grunt, "Good Morning" responses were in very short supplyt. Just about all of us must be aware of 'The Friendly Club' and I wonder if ours is in danger of becoming 'The Unfriendly Club?' So next time you're on your way to the showers or wherever, get over last night's hangover, or whatever else may be troubling you, put a smile on your face and voice a big "Good Morning" or "Hello" or whatever may be appropriate at the time.
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And, here are 2-3 suggestions for Management to consider. When refilling those double-toilet roll holders, if replacing an almost completely used roll, don't take it away completely but put on the windowsill or other convenient ledge for 'emergency' use. Also, at Brighton, on an early visit to the toilets, two out of the four cubicles in one block exhibited four empty spool ends sitting on the floor, i.e. causing a 50% non-usability.
Some sites, and again this applies to Brighton, provide us with a dose of Chris Evans from a radio speaker in the shower block. But, although we don't want it booming, at least the sound level should be such that we can hear the banter and, even more usefully, the news and weather. Otherwise, it's more as if being irritated by a noisy neighbour's radio or TV. This is that you can hear it, but you can't hear it, if you see what I mean? Otherwise, consider not offering the service at all.
Lastly, if one goes into a pub or coffee bar offering WiFi, it is always free. If you stay at a campsite in France, where available, it is also free. So Caravan Club, why not offer it as a freebie at your sites as well? Although site fees are reasonable, they are considerably more than they used to be. When I first joined, for one person, they averaged out at about a fiver a night. Now, and obviously inflation contributes to this as well, but has it really trebled in this time period? No, I don't think so. Why not sweeten the pill and avoid these little niggling extras and follow our friends across the Channel's generosity and offer free WiFi? Although, I do agree, they are pretty mean with the toilet paper over there, and you are advised to supply your own. Apart from these little niggles, and otherwise, your wardens do a grand job in general, so please keep up the good work!
